Coffee With The Lord

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!”

There are some things that Christians do during “Holy Week” that are incredibly special and meaningful!! One of those, to me, is the celebration of “Lord’s Supper” or “Communion.” Especially during this time of the year, Holy Week, with Good Friday and Easter closing it out, it becomes even more meaningful. I’ve got to tell you, I’m looking forward to celebrating it with family, friends, and fellow Christians this year!! Here’s why…

According to Jesus in Matthew 26:26-30 and Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11.23-34 this is what it provides an opportunity for us to do…

1. For remembering. Recalling what Jesus went through, what he did on our behalf at the cross. We need to remember that and never forget it!

2. For reflecting on its significance. It isn’t simply what he did – it is the incredible things His death, burial and resurrection (and ascension) accomplished on our behalf! … Salvation from sin, access to God in prayer, bright hope for the future, empowerment for the present… and I could go on and on!!

3. For rehearsing (or “proclaiming”) what He did – what He accomplished – to others (a world that tends to marginalize and forget about Him)! The Lord’s supper gives me an opportunity to say, “Hey, this is important! This is what Easter is all about! Let me tell you about it!!”

4. Finally, for realizing my relationship with fellow Christians – what Paul called “the body of Christ”! It is because of what Jesus Christ accomplished that I have a spiritual and organic relationship with other Christians…They’re family – a Spiritual family! This relationship is more than sociological … It is a “blood bond” because of what Jesus did – a spiritual connection too deep for words “in Christ Jesus”!

Yes, I’m looking forward to doing what 1 Corinthians 11.23-34 talks about during this holy week! Jesus Himself is the one who instituted it!! Why don’t you take your Bible today and read the passage, and savor the words … then “REMEMBER, REFLECT, REHEARSE IT AND FINALLY REALIZE” what it’s all about one more time… “As often as you do this, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” is what Apostle Paul said.