Coffee With The Lord

“Com’on use your imagination!” … “Picture with me…! … “Step into this situation!”

Capable communicators use IMAGERY! So did the inspired Biblical writer of Psalm 103! Those who study the Psalms in the Bible speak of “emblematic parallelism” (An emblem or image is used to emphasize or teach a powerful, profound truth).

I read three of them today during my time of “coffee with the Lord” … They’re found in Psalm 103:11-13. Gotta tell you every time I read and reflect on this “emblematic parallelism” I have a powerful spiritual experience.

My challenge for you today… READ each of the verses, identify the imagery used, REFLECT on the spiritual truth the Psalmist used it to teach, and then RESPOND (let it become real, vivid, powerful and life-changing for you)!

OK… Here we go – are you ready? (I’ll highlight the imagery in bold font)…

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth” … (Think about it!)

… So great is His steadfast love toward those who fear (reverence) Him!”

“As far as the east is from the west”… (Do you know how many miles that is?!)

…So far has He removed our transgressions (sins) from us!”

“As a father shows compassion to his children” (Ever experience that from a parent?)

…So the Lord shows compassion to those who fear (reverence) Him!”

Wow!!! Let those truths sink in today! Com’on use your imagination! Savor the truth the imagery teaches! That should be enough to keep you going today! Enjoy!!!

A “sip” that is healthy for life in today’s world… “I will ponder the way that is blameless… I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless! … A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil… I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me;; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me!” (From Psalm 101 ESV)

I grieve every time I read or hear of a high-profile Christian leader who falls morally or is under accusation for ethical missteps! The “cause of Christ” is severely damaged by such accusations and failures and the “Enemy” has a “heyday” of criticism and cynicism.

I’m also always concerned when criticism from the Christian community becomes vicious and unrelenting, rather than redemptive. Interestingly, I know a little bit about some of the most vocal in this regard, and am aware sometimes of “rats in their closet.”

This morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read a healthy word of correction and caution in such situations… Here it is:

“If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted! Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.” (From Galatians 6:1–4 ESV)

In reading those verses this morning 3 words worthy of remembrance came to mind in such situations…

• Critical – Don’t allow this attitude to control you – avoid it! (instead, be prayerful!)
• Cocky – Be alert to an attitude of cynical arrogance!
• Careful! – “Keep watch on yourself, lest you also be tempted”

Thank you, Apostle Paul! Point well taken!