Coffee With The Lord

Interestingly, the Bible reading plan I authored, “Necessary Food,” has the “passion narrative” of Jesus as one of the passages those that follow it read over Holy Week (in fact the crucifixion and resurrection are read “Good Friday through Easter Sunday)! It doesn’t often happen that way, but it did this year.

As I read the story of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus today (Matthew 27) I was deeply moved and reminded of what Jesus went through on our behalf!! In fact, I was AMAZED as I recalled these verses of Scripture:

“Jesus, who FOR THE JOY THAT WAS SET BEFORE HIM, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God! CONSIDER HIM who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (From Hebrews 12:2-4 ESV)

Wow! What a “Good Friday” message and focus for reflection!!!

I’ve got to admit it… watching the evening news does not leave me in a positive frame of mind!  In fact, sometimes it leaves me in despair – even anger!!  And then I get up on Wednesday morning, have my time of “coffee with the Lord,” and read a passage that clearly seems to be God speaking to me, reassuring me, challenging me to trust Him, letting me know He’s still in control…

The passage from God’s word that did all of that?  Well, here it is (I think it will help you too)…

^“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.  Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:  He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.  Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.  Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.  For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.  A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.  But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” (Psalm 37.1-11)

Thanks Lord!  I needed to hear that!!

So much in the Bible is taught by stark contrast! This morning during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” I read such a passage… Psalm 36. Verses 1-4 describe the “wicked” person – not a pretty picture! And then the end of the psalm comes back to that theme… But from verses 5-10 the Lord, and His “steadfast love” is the focus… You really ought to read the entire psalm!

But I don’t want to lose focus… I don’t want to sully the incredible description of our Lord, His perfection and the picture painted of His steadfast love! So here’s verses 5-10 for you inspiration, thanks and praise today!!!

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.

Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart!”