Coffee With The Lord

Imagine it … the leader (the king) of the greatest nation on earth at the time writes and publishes through his “media outlets” and “OPEN LETTER” to all in his entire kingdom! You really need to read it in Daniel 4 – quite a letter!

Now an “OPEN LETTER” is designed for maximum communication and coverage! And in this “OPEN LETTER” Nebuchadnezzar is being very vulnerable! He tells the whole story of a supernatural experience he had – a weird dream actually, that had the “feel” of a God-encounter! All his wise “consultants” were dumbfounded – they did not have a clue to its significance! Only an Israelite alien, a God fearing man who had demonstrated earlier incredible God-given wisdom in these kinds of situations – Daniel – was eventually consulted.

The message from Daniel [Belteshazzar – his Babylonian name] was a frightening one – risky to deliver! It addressed pride, self-sufficiency, and arrogance of power! Daniel predicted a season of insanity for Nebuchadnezzar – seven years actually – in which he would be incapable of ruling “till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will,,, your kingdom will be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules! Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.” (Vss. 25-27)

And it happened to Nebuchadnezzar just as Daniel predicted and prophesied! (Read it for yourself – vss. 28-33)

The result – the outcome? Here it is in Nebuchadnezzar’s own words in the “OPEN LETTER”…

“AT the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?” Then my reason returned to me, and the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. NOW I, NEBUCHADNEZZAR, PRAISE AND EXTOL AND HONOR THE KING OF HEAVEN, FOR ALL HIS WORKS ARE RIGHT AND HIS WAYS ARE JUST; AND THOSE WHO WALK IN PRIDE HE IS ABLE TO HUMBLE.’” (Vss. 34–37)

Quite an “OPEN LETTER” from the leader of the greatest nation on earth at the time wouldn’t you say? Quite an acknowledgement and admission! There’s an old saying in America – “No one is above the law!” … Here’s a better one – one that is more accurate… “NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LORD!” Me thinks there are some leaders, some celebrities, some people of influence who need to learn what Nebuchadnezzar learned!

A “repost” devotional reflection based upon my Bible reading today…

I’m impressed with the power of a brand new believer’s testimony!

I’ve seen it over and over again. A person hears the gospel – the story of Jesus – and responds to it with trust and commitment. Their lives are powerfully transformed! And then they begin enthusiastically sharing with anyone who will listen what has happened to them – the wonderful things they’ve discovered in Christ! Their network of friends – those they shop with, work with, or live nearby… their “neighbors” are positively impacted by the change in their lives and their words. Often even family members – those who know them best – cannot escape the power of their testimony and come to Christ! One life-transforming testimony leads to another! Ultimately a whole neighborhood – a whole network of friends and family come to Christ! It’s exciting!

There’s a story like that in the Bible…

A Samaritan woman with a string of messed up marriages and empty life discovers Jesus … the “Living Water”! What an impact His words made on her life – a life-transforming encounter! She leaves her water jar at the well and immediately goes back into town and tells everyone she meets, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did! Can this be the Christ?!” And then the Bible says this…

“Many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony… And many more believed because of HIS WORD. They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for WE HAVE HEARD FOR OURSELVES, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world!” (from John 4:1-42)

So I guess the lesson is this… Never, never, never, “put down” or underestimate the power of the testimony of a brand new follower of Jesus! They may not have all the esoteric theology down, but the personal story of a transformed life is a powerful thing! Their testimony oozes excitement, conviction, and authenticity! And if you’ve known the Lord for awhile… Never lose the wonder, the excitement and deep appreciation about what the Lord has done for you! Keep your personal story alive! Share it every time you get an opportunity! The Lord will use it! People will be attracted to it! Point people to Jesus – He the One who transforms lives!

Hope I have an opportunity to share my story with someone today!

Thought of A PHRASE I WANT TO HEAR FROM THE ONE THAT MATTERS MOST TO ME this morning as I read the following passage during my time of “Coffee with the Lord”…

“WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!”

Matthew 25:21, 23

If you do these things… “YOU WILL BE A GOOD SERVANT OF CHRIST JESUS, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; ⁸ for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

“Command and teach these things.  Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers!  (From 1 Timothy 4:6–16 ESV)

God helping me (and the Holy Spirit reminding me), I will!!!  I want to hear it more than anything!!!