Coffee With The Lord

How old are you?  (I know that is a personal question – you don’t have to answer it.) 😉  Perhaps today is your birthday – I don’t know.

I was dedicated to the Lord by my parents when I was days old… In a couple of weeks I’ll celebrate my 70^th birthday.  I dedicated my life to Christ personally as a small child during family devotions in our home in Western Montana and have rededicated my life to Him many times since… Don’t know how many years the Lord will give me but I intend to live every day of my life for His honor and glory!

Today I read a passage of Scripture during my time of “coffee with the Lord” that reminded me of the privilege I’ve had of living my life for the Lord and His faithfulness to me… In fact, I jotted these words in the margin of my Bible after reading those words… “The Lord is good and faithful – cradle to grave!”  I hope that expresses your sentiments and testimony! – I know it does mine!  Here’s the passage from Isaiah 46…

“Listen to me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, you who have been borne by Me from before your  birth, carried from the womb!  Even to your old age I am He!  And to gray hairs I will carry you!  I have made, and I will bear – I will carry and I will save!” (Isaiah 46:3-4 ESV)

And to that I say, “Thank you Lord!  I’m depending on it!  You are faithful… cradle to grave!”

She had become kind of a pain, troubling the disciples with her cries on behalf of her deeply troubled daughter. After all, she wasn’t a Jew, just a marginalized Canaanite woman. She was not only continually bothering them – she also was desperately trying to get through to Jesus. His disciples begged Him, “Send here away, for she is continually crying out after us!”

I think Jesus knew what was happening here… a little social superiority, some racism, and the disciples probably felt there were perhaps more important people for Jesus to spend his time and energy on…

Jesus played along (I believe He knew what was in her heart). He answered her, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (I can almost see the disciples nodding their enthusiastic support for that one!)

But she persisted, kneeling before Him she cried out, “Lord help me!” Again He played along, almost baiting the disciples… He told her, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the ‘dogs.”” (I can hear their mumbled agreement at that remark toward this gentile woman’s persistence!)

But she pressed on anyway, she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the ‘dogs’ eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table!”

Then Jesus fairly exploded with affirmation! He exclaimed to her, “Oh woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire!” And the Bible says her daughter was healed of her demonic oppression instantly! (From Matthew 15:21-28)
God honors persistent, patient faith! Faith that presses through obstacles and discouragement! O Lord, help me to have that kind of faith!