Coffee With The Lord

“PALAVER” – Your word for the day…

Webster defines it as “a long parlay between persons of different levels of culture or sophistication; idle talk; to talk profusely or idly.”  You might refer to it as a lot of “hot air” – a long and extended argument that produces a lot more heat than it does light.

I have a friend (who will remain unnamed) who never saw an animated argument he didn’t like.  He seems to gravitate to discussions filled with controversy.  He likes it when voices raise, conflict ensues, accusations are leveled at one another, people are called names and things are said that wound and hurt others… I mean the guy really seems to enjoy it!  He likes it so much he looks for opportunities and issues like that and brings them up in a conversation whenever he gets a chance.  What really is troubling is that those discussions are often over religious practices, the work of the church and theology.  I wish he’d stop it!!  I’ve told him so… but he doesn’t seem to listen!  Oh, you know this guy?  Not the same guy?  Another just like him?  Lord, help us!!   More than one?!!!

I read a passage from the Bible this morning that addresses this issue (and problem)…

Apostle Paul urged Timothy to “stay in Ephesus so that you can command certain people” not to engage in those kinds of discussions.  Here is what he said about them…

“Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work – which is by faith.  The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  Some have departed from these and turned to meaningless talk… they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.” (from 1 Timothy 1.3-7)

Don’t know about you, but I’m a little edgy about hanging around someone who always wants a good argument!  I feel much more at home in a sincere conversation with someone characterized by “love, a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith.”  I want to talk about the Lord, his provision, Christian living and the cause of the Gospel in that kind of way, don’t you?!  I’m praying for my friend… (and looking for the right opportunity to talk to him lovingly about his problem.)  I ADMIT, I’M TIRED OF “PALAVER!”

“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of the godly! Let [God’s people] be glad in their Maker; let them rejoice in their King! Let them praise His name with dancing, making melody to Him with tambourine and lyre! For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation. Let the godly exult in glory! … Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands! … O Praise the Lord!” (From Psalm 149:1–9 ESV)

WHEN “HEARTBURN” IS GOOD!!!

Many have experienced “heartburn that is bad” – unpleasant, painful, usually caused by something spicy or acidy… often treated by an antiacid or other medication.

But there is a case of “heartburn” that is GOOD!!! I read about it this morning in the Bible – a worth read – Luke 24:13-27…

It’s right after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus… Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James had witnessed to an empty tomb and its explanation – Jesus was risen! The response? Unbelief!!!

Two disciples of Jesus have heard the incredible story. They are walking to a nearby village and discussing what they had heard. It was incredible – unbelievable!!! The risen Jesus shows up – He walks along with them and listens to their conversation. “Their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.” Jesus listens to their explanation of what had happened and then chimes in…

“’Oh foolish ones and slow of hear to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?’ And then beginning with Moses and all of the prophets He interpreted to them in all the Scripture the things concerning Himself.’” (Vss. 25-27)

What a Bible study that must have been!!! In fact, I jotted this in the margin of my Bible this morning: “As a Christian and student of Scripture I would have loved to have sat in on that teaching – that conversation!!!” Imagine it – an absolutely awesome Bible study led by our Savior, the Risen Lord – Jesus Christ!!!

So they invite Him to “hang out” with them a while. Dinner is served and Jesus takes the initiative… “He took the bread, blessed it, and broke it and gave it to them… And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him!” (Vss. 30-31) And then He vanished!

So then they begin to reflect on their experience… “They said to each other, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?!” (Vs. 32) There, you’ve got it… A GOOD CASE OF HEARTBURN!

Hey, I’ve experienced it – and perhaps you have as well! You’re reading or studying the Bible, or participating in an “anointed” Bible study, or hearing a message that explains and applies God’s wonderful word… The Holy Spirit shows up and makes the truth incredibly real and personal to you… AND YOUR HEART BURNS!!! (in a good way) and your life is transformed!!!

Believe me I want more of that kind of “heartburn!” Here’s a prayer Apostle Paul prayed:

“I do not cease to pray for you, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.’ (Ephesians 1:16–21 ESV)

Oh Lord do it – answer that prayer! Do it again – give me a “GOOD CASE OF HEARTBURN!”