Coffee With The Lord

“A sports enthusiast” – I don’t know what images come to your mind when you hear that term? These people really get into their chosen sports team! They buy the franchised cloths, the expensive seats, for some of them it even includes costumes and makeup for the day of the game… they’ll travel halfway around the country for their team!  A victory and they’re as high as a kite… a defeat and you’d have thought the world was on the brink of disaster. They love their team! They are devoted to, and enthusiastic about their team!

I read a proverb with an association to that idea this morning… it was really thought provoking… Here it is…

“Carrying out a wicked scheme is ENJOYABLE to a fool… and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.” (Proverbs 10:23 the NET Bible)

So the issue is, what do we find enjoyable? The NET Bible has this added note on the word “enjoyable”: “Like sport – the noun is used elsewhere to refer to what is exhilarating and pleasurable. For the fool evil bring such enjoyment; for the discerning wisdom does.”

I know what side of that issue I want to come down on – I want to be a “wisdom enthusiast!” Reverencing the Lord (i.e. “the fear of the Lord”) is the key! I don’t want evil things to be what brings me enjoyment – I want to “hate evil” and all that term implies (cp. Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 8:13) On the other hand, I want to “be all into” wisdom!” – as into getting it, cheering for it, and advocating it as any “sports enthusiastic,” don’t you?

Oh how I desire the Lord’s blessing! Nothing is better this side of heaven (and “heaven” is the ultimate blessing and place of blessing)! But the good news is, we can also enjoy the blessing of the Lord “this side of heaven!” I want it, don’t you?!

Here’s what I read on the subject of “the Lord’s blessing” this morning in the Bible during my time of “coffee with the Lord”…

“The blessing from the Lord makes a person rich (or enriches a person)! And He adds no sorrow to it!” (Proverbs 10:22 – the NET Bible)

God blesses us in so many ways! We would do well to consider them – the things He provides that enrich our lives… Not just material blessings, or physical blessings, or the blessings all around us in the created world (although those are his blessings to)! But relational blessings, emotional blessings, and most of all spiritual blessings through Christ Jesus, our Lord! Many, many blessings – a rich variety – too numerous to count! … Oh com’on, let’s try to count ‘em! (as the old gospel song says… “Count your many blessings!” Oh how His blessings enrich our lives!

And then that last phrase of Proverbs 10:22… “And He adds no sorrow to it!” – a phrase in the Bible with rich nuances… Here’s just a few: “God’s blessing is pure and untarnished – it does not bring physical pain or emotional sorrow” (Note in the NET Bible); “He does not give it grudgingly or with condemnation but freely and with joy!” (Note from the NIV study Bible); or as the NIV translates: “without painfully toiling for it!” And I’ve only cited a few of the rich nuances capable Bible scholars have identified!

Wow… The rich, varied, profuse, abundant blessing of the Lord! I want to be aware of it! I want to live in such a way that I can be it’s recipient! I don’t want to do anything that would rob me of its benefits! How to live to enjoy them you ask? Matthew 5:3-12, the Beatitudes, might be a good place to start… Gonna review and reflect on them today!

I read the story of the man who was born blind in John 9:1-12 and his healing this morning… it’s a great account of the compassion and healing power of Jesus!

I have to admit, I never cease to be amazed at our human tendency to assign blame for the bad things that happen to people. “Who committed the sin that caused him to be born blind – this man or his parents?” his disciples asked. “If only his parents would have…” – “Too bad he didn’t…” – “I tell you, the communities at fault for not…” Our inclination is to always try to determine who is to blame, rather than consider the redemptive opportunity in a sad situation – what God may want to accomplish that is positive (even miraculous) in an unfortunate circumstance! When will we learn that every tragedy, every disaster, every disappointment, every unfortunate situation has a redemptive possibility if God is involved?

What was Jesus’ answer? “Neither this man nor his parents sinned! He was born blind so that the acts (or “deeds” or “work”) of God might be revealed through what happens to him! We must perform the deeds of the one who sent Me as long as it daytime. Night is coming when no one can work.” (from John 9:3-4 the NET Bible)

Divine possibilities! Redemptive opportunities! God at work in our world with our cooperation transforms disaster, disease, disappointments, even death itself into Divine opportunities! Oh Lord help me to see the opportunities! Help me learn to recognize the sweet whisper of your Spirit teaching me what you want to do in sad situations! Help me to act, doing what I can in Your Name, and expect your power and glory to be revealed! Lord, nothing is impossible when You’re involved!