Coffee With The Lord

Whenever I read Matthew 13.1-9 (the parable of the farmer scattering seed and the various soil types) and its explanation (vss. 18-23) I usually pay attention to various types of soil Jesus identified and the difference they make in fruitfulness.  Today, however, during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I was impressed by THE ENEMIES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND FRUITFULNESS JESUS IDENTIFIED… I want to be especially alert to them in my life!!

1) The “evil one” himself, who if he has his way,  will find a way to snatch away the good seed planted in a person’s heart. (vs. 19)

2) My own lack of “deep roots” so that problems or persecution keep me from bearing fruit. (vs.21)

3) The “thorns” – i.e. the worries of this life and the lure of wealth and materialism which choke out spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

I WANT TO BE ALERT TO THESE ENEMIES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND FRUITFULNESS IN MY LIFE!  I want to hear the message of the Kingdom, understand it, believe it, embrace it, and produce a bountiful harvest for my Lord!! (After all, it’s His field, isn’t it!!)

It doesn’t get much worse than the situation referred to in the introductory comment of Psalm 3: “A psalm of David when he fled from his son Absalom.” (Check out the story in 2 Samuel 15.13 – 17.22)  I mean, as a parent can you imagine the sense of rejection and failure!  Betrayed!  Plotted against by your own son!  Forced to run for your life because your own flesh and blood has attempted a coup against you!  Doesn’t get much worse than that!  And that is the background for what David cries out for and confesses in Psalm 3.

“Lord, how many are my foes!  How many rise up against me!  Many are saying, ‘God will not deliver him!’  But You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts up my head!  I call out to the Lord, and He answers me… I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me!  I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side!  Arise, Lord!  Deliver me my God! … From the Lord comes deliverance!”

I’ve learned something over the years… Most of the “greats” of the Bible have experienced the kinds of things that we struggle with today!  When things are bad!… When they’re just terrible!… When there are feelings of rejection, failure or betrayal that just overwhelm you… inspired words like those of David’s can be of great help!  Make them your own!  Pray them!  Confess them to God!  It’s great therapy… AND the Lord hears and answers those prayers… Ask David!!

THE KIND OF PERSON THE LORD BLESSES… Psalm 1

1) They don’t conduct their daily lives by ungodly counsel

2) You won’t find them on the same pathway as sinners

3) They don’t hang around with those who scorn righteous values and eternal truth

But they DO find delight in God’s word and allow it to fill and transform their mind and heart!

And they remain vibrant, flourish and bear fruit – prospering in all they do!

Hey, it’s NOT AT ALL LIKE THAT FOR THE UNGODLY – the wicked!

They’re like chaff, blown here and there by every wind (I’m a farm boy and I can tell you that image is vivid for me!)

I can tell you on which side of those two images I want to be on!!!