Coffee With The Lord

School has started for many students … It won’t be long before they will be taking exams. I’m an “ol’ prof” – spent many years teaching at SAGU (Southwestern Assemblies of God University)… I guess you’d expect me to think in terms of test questions. My Bible reading today brought a potential “test question” to mind… J

Here it is based upon 1 Timothy 3.16 in your Bible: See if you can identify who is being spoken of in this verse… “Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great! He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up into glory.”

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If you guessed “the Lord Jesus Christ” you’d be exactly right!

Now, having answered that question, the truth behind it is important – even critical. Self-righteousness – righteousness that we seek to produce by our own efforts won’t cut it! In fact it actually becomes sin, because it is based upon prideful self-effort! Jesus is the only true source of all true godliness and righteousness! Check out the following Scriptures… Romans 3.21-24; 10.5; 1 Corinthians 1.330-31; 2 Corinthians 5.21; Philippians 1.9-11 and 3.9. Really! Take the time to check them out… Here’s just one of them: “God made Him (Jesus), who had no sin to be sin for us, so that IN HIM we might become the righteousness of God in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5.21)

Now, I want to be sure to get the answer to that test question right! Don’t you?!

A wonderful “Sip” emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s help in a crisis…

“Then Daniel went into his house and made the matter known to…his companions. He told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning the mystery… Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven… ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to Whom belong wisdom and might! … He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; He reveals deep and hidden things! … To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise! You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You!’” (From Daniel 2:17-23)

Proverbs 3:1-12, Is a wonderful passage in the Bible! It expresses several key life-principles that have guided my life over the years. I read them again this morning with relish. I would have to say these are core concepts that I have personally embraced – they have made all the difference in the quality of my daily life. Each comes with a wonderful promise or assurance. I highly recommend them! Here is a fresh personal statement of those principles…

1. Don’t forget the reliable life-lessons you been taught by the key influencers in your life! What they have invested in you will adorn and distinguish your life.

2. Embrace and live out your covenant relationships! God will honor you for it… and so will others.

3. Trust in the Lord completely – don’t try to run your own life. The Lord will smooth out your path and help work out all of the troubling details.

4. Reverence the Lord and live out that reverence humbly every day. It is the healthy way to live and you’ll discover fresh vitality in your life.

5. Honor the Lord with your money and possessions. He promises to prosper you!

6. Accept your Heavenly Father’s discipline. It is a sign that He cares about you – that he deeply loves you and you’re his child.

Take it from me… this passage is worth reflecting on deeply (and committing to memory)!