Coffee With The Lord

Here I am in my office this morning with my Bible enjoying “coffee with the Lord” and another “Hymn of Praise” (this morning Psalm 148) … It starts with “PRAISE THE LORD!” (Verse 1) and ends with “PRAISE THE LORD!” (Verse 14) Each of the “Hymns of Praise” (Psalm 146-150) start and end that way! What a challenge the Psalmist gives us to simply “DO IT!” – “PRAISE THE LORD!”

You should read this Psalm for yourself today… All creation is viewed as “Praising the Lord” – I mean EVERYTHING!! Think about it… look out of the widow – take a walk – EVERYTHING VIEWED AS PRAISING THE LORD! – Nothing excepted!! Then EVERYONE viewed as PRAISING THE LORD (the only sad exception would be where the human will is involved and someone refuses to “PRAISE THE LORD!” … And let me say, what a tragedy!)

What a mind-boggling picture! Here’s just a taste of it:

PRAISE THE LORD! PRAISE THE LORD from the heavens; PRAISE HIM in the heights! PRAISE HIM, all his angels; PRAISE HIM, all his hosts! PRAISE HIM, sun and moon, PRAISE HIM, all you shining stars! PRAISE HIM, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! LET THEM PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD!For he commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. PRAISE THE LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children! LET THEM PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD, FOR HIS NAME ALONE IS EXALTED; his majesty is above earth and heaven…. [Com’on YOU] PRAISE THE LORD!”(From Psalm 148 ESV)

Over the next several days I’m reading in one of my favorite parts of the Bible – Psalms 146-150 – HYMNS OF PRAISE… they all have a strong vertical orientation focusing on God, His character, His worthiness of praise! (Just a sidelight for those who lead worship in a local church… My recommendation: Always begin with worship music that points people upward and leads them to focus on awesome character of God. Reason? It prepares them to respond appropriately to Him later on as the worship experience develops… for what it’s worth from an ol’ pastor and prof)

I used to tell my students when they were studying a passage… Always begin by identifying the central truth of a passage (and as much as is possible identify it in the very words of the Biblical writer). Sometimes repetition reveals it (as in this passage), other times the logic of the passage points to it, at other times the writer just comes out and says it. So what about Psalm 146…

KEY IDEA? MAIN FOCUS? “PRAISE THE LORD! PRAISE THE LORD, O MY SOUL! (verses 1 and 10 – a bracketed emphasis!)

The reasons? Verses 6–10… “He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever – your God … for all generations!” What a wonderful, awesome God, eh?!!

Then the resulting exhortation?… “Do not put your trust in princes – in human being who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground – on that very day their plans come to nothing!” (verses 3-4)

Then back to the key idea! … PRAISE THE LORD! (vs. 10b)

Ya know, after I wrote this, I thought to myself … Sounds too much like an ol’ prof!! … Aw phooey! Once in a while it’s ok I guess… 

“PALAVER” – 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 are raised, conflict ensues, accusations are leveled at others, 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 seeks out opportunities and issues like that, and brings them up in conversations whenever he gets a chance. What really is troubling to me is that those discussions are over religious practices, the work of the church, Biblical interpretation and theology. I wish he’d stop it!! Oh, you know this guy? Not the same guy? Another one just like him? Lord, help us!! More than one?!!!

Interestingly I read a passage from the Bible this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” that addresses this issue (and problem)…

Apostle Paul had 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…

Apostle Paul warned “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 NIV)

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 provisions, 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’M TIRED OF “PALAVER” – ESPECIALLY “RELIGIOUS PALAVER!”