Coffee With The Lord

REPENT! REPENTANCE!! How do those words strike you – positively or negatively?

Don’t know why it is, but for most people those words have a negative connotation! That’s tragic, because the core meaning of the words are not negative at all … in fact, at the beginning of this new year, they are really positive! In fact the words “resolution” or “a fresh start” would be terms that are close cousins.

In my Bible reading today, John the Baptist’s message was, “REPENT, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Now, believe me, “the kingdom of heaven” is certainly not a bad thing! In fact it is the sphere of God’s reign… it is characterized by righteousness, God’s exhibited power and blessing, peace and wholeness. Where the Living God reigns things are good and right – not marred by evil and sin! However, to live uninhibited in that domain things do have to change!

That’s why John’s challenge was… “REPENT”! … Prepare the way for the Lord!”

“Repentance, however, is not merely a change of mind, but a radical change in one’s life as a whole! It involves forsaking sin and turning or returning to God.” Now that’s not negative – a “downer” – it’s really positive!! It prepares a person for living in the sphere where God reigns, leads, and blesses!

Just take it from me… I want to live in that sphere – that domain!! With God’s help, I’m going to seek to allow the Holy Spirit to identify anything in my life this year that hinders that sphere of power and blessing to be realized and CHANGE!! In other word’s … I’m going to REPENT! Hey, it’ll be good!! How about you?

None of us knows what will come our way by way of circumstances this year! I know that I don’t. The Bible says “no one knows what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27.1) I was so impressed this morning by the example of Job in Job 1.13-22 in his response to horrific circumstances that came his way.

Job’s family was enjoying a time of celebration. Suddenly one messenger after another appeared with terrible news (four in all). By the time the last had arrived Job had lost everything … even his beloved children!! Job’s response to this terrible situation was exemplary… He first of all poured out his heart in an authentic expression of grief! Then he fell to the ground in worship saying, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!”

Then what follows is this telling commentary: “In all of this Job did not sin by blaming God!”

Here is my prayer at the beginning of this year: If difficult and terrible circumstances come my way, O Lord, please give me the grace to express my grief sincerely, to worship you authentically, and the wisdom to not blame you bitterly in what I am experiencing!

Requests have been pouring in for the Bible reading plan I developed a number of years ago – “Necessary Food” based upon Job 23:12. I think I’ve gotten all requests for the plan cared for, but if you have requested it and have not received it yet, just message me (972-921-9317) or send an e-mail (leroybartel@gmail.com). Be sure to include your preferred e-mail address.