Coffee With The Lord

Todays “coffee with the Lord” post is a sequel to yesterday’s post…

So, if reflecting on God as He has revealed Himself (in creation, in Scripture, and personally) as Apostle Paul did (Romans 1-11) has the ability to produce a “powerful experience of personal worship” as it did in Paul’s life (Romans 11:33-36… read it again today!) … The question arises, is that “the highest form of praise and worship?”  Romans 11:33-36 is certainly powerful!  In fact, most Bible scholars acknowledge it as an incredible expression of personal worship – a “doxology” of the highest order!  But the question remains… Would Apostle Paul have considered it the “highest praise?”

I think not!  My belief is that Paul would have argued that Romans 12:1-2 was his expression of “the highest praise!”  All the contextual clues point that direction!  Here is what he had to say…

“I appeal to you [a very powerful Greek word – “parakaleo”] therefore by the mercies of God [which points back to everything he had to say in chapters 1-11, especially ending with 11:33-36] TO PRESENT YOUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY AND ACCEPTABLE TO GOD, WHICH IS YOUR SPIRITUAL WORSHIP!” (12:1)

A full, complete commitment (a worshipful sacrifice, if your please, of all that you are and have) Paul declares is “THE HIGHEST PRAISE!” … “All in” – “top to bottom” – “inside – out” is “The highest praise, the rational, Spiritual response to God, who has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ through the Gospel!

WOW!  And how does that play itself out every day of our lives?  The next verse: “Do not be conformed to this world [i.e. don’t allow “this world” to press you into its mold!] but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect!” (12:2)

There’s an old worship song that expresses my desire today…

“After all He’s done for me…

After all He’s done for me!

How could I do less than give Him my best…

And live for Him completely! After all He’s done for me!”

Powerful experiences in personal worship… anyone who has developed the habit of time alone daily with the Lord has had them! I call mine “coffee with the Lord!” I rise early in the morning, get my Bible, make a cup of coffee, go to “my place” in the house for devotions, pause to become aware of God’s presence, read Scripture, reflect, worship, pray and do some journaling. Somewhere in “there” the presence of the Lord becomes very real and I often experience a “powerful time in personal worship!” (Some experiences are more powerful than others – but the fact is God always makes Himself real in a personal way!)

The passage of Scripture I read today during “coffee with the Lord” (Romans 11:33-36) I believe describes (and records) such an experience enjoyed by Apostle Paul! He had been reflecting on the sad state of humanity (“all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”) and also God’s wonderful revealed plan and provision to “save” them through faith in Christ! (Romans 1-4)…He then thought of all the amazing benefits of being made “right with God “ by faith (i.e. “justification”) and how God planned and provided it! (Romans 5-6) Then he thought about our human struggle with “self” (Romans 7) but also rejoiced in the wonderful victory provided through Jesus Christ and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit at work within us (never separated from God’s love)! (Romans  Finally, Paul wrestled with how God has worked all of this out on behalf of both Jew and Gentile (Romans 9-11)…

And as he reflected on God’s wonderful, incredible plan – God’s revelation – suddenly it “hit him!” … And Apostle Paul had one of those “powerful, overwhelming, experiences in personal worship!” He fairly EXPLODED IN WORSHIP!

Here are his words…

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways! [Then Old Testament words that Paul had reflected upon in other devotional times came to mind…] ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?’ [From Isaiah 40:13] ‘Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?’ [From Job 41:11] For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things! To Him be glory forever! AMEN!!!” (Romans 11:33-36 ESV)

Let me tell you… I’ve had experiences like that during my time of devotions – “coffee with the Lord!” Powerful, powerful episodes of worship as I reflected on God as He has revealed Himself, His word, His presence, His love! Other Scripture that I had read and studied began popping into my mind, and I was overwhelmed with the presence, the majesty, the provision, and love of God. Hey, I’m urging you… make “daily devotions” a part of your life! You won’t regret it! And you’ll have the joy of experiencing some of your own “powerful experiences of personal worship!”

Hey, let’s take this seriously – real seriously! … “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them!” (Matthew 7:12)