Coffee With The Lord

Psalm 112… Read it – reflect on it – respond to it… then give it a title!

On one hand it’s an extended “Beatitude to the Righteous Life” (I mean consider these words in verse 1: “Blessed is the person who fears [reverences] the Lord – who greatly delights in His commandments!”)… Sounds like a “beatitude” to me! “NIV Study Bible calls it “a eulogy to the godly.” I’d call it another song in honor of those who love/delight in God’s word (like Psalm 1 in that regard). Perhaps another title could be “A Hymn in Honor of the Righteous Life!”

You really ought to read and reflect on it today… I did! And I’m still enjoying the afterglow!! Here’s a taste…

“Praise the Lord! BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO FEAR THE LORD, WHO FIND GREAT DELIGHT IN HIS COMMANDS. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and THEIR RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER! Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous… Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 8 Their hearts are secure… They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, THEIR RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER!” (from Psalm 112 NIV)

Gotta tell you… I want to live my life like that – a righteous life! I want God’s blessing on my life, on my children (and grandchildren), and on all I’m involved in, as long as I live (and even after I’m gone) don’t you?

Just a few words to summarize and anchor in my mind and heart what I read in the Bible this morning during “coffee with the Lord”… Psalm 111

WORSHIP!… WORD!… WORKS!…WONDER!

“Praise the Lord. I WILL EXTOL THE LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are THE WORKS OF THE LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are HIS DEEDS, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused HIS WONDERS to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate… He has shown his people the power of HIS WORKS… THE WORKS OF HIS HANDS are faithful and just; all HIS PRECEPTS are trustworthy. They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow HIS PRECEPTS have good understanding. TO HIM BELONGS ETERNAL PRAISE.” (From Psalm 111 NIV)

Good stuff, eh? He’s worthy!!

I’m sure you’ve heard this figure of speech used to describe something challenging … “That’s a tall order!” Well this exhortation in Scripture is “a tall order!” … “BE IMITATORS OF GOD, as beloved children!” Thankfully the next verse provides an example (and the encouragement) that helps define it and make it possible! … “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offer and sacrifice to God!” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV) The secret? Simply share with others what you’ve received from the Lord!