Coffee With The Lord

There may be some that think I’ve “gone off the deep end” … that I’m just a little weird… but I can truthfully say I LOVE THE BIBLE!!  I don’t just like the Bible or appreciate the Bible… I LOVE THE BIBLE! 

I’ve been reading Psalm 119 as part of my Bible reading here in Western Montana on vacation and I think I’ve fallen in love with it all over again… In Psalm 119 it is like the Psalmist holds a beautiful, multi-faceted precious diamond – God’s word – up under the light of inspection and slowly turns it so that every incredible facet, every color, every surface is allowed to display its beauty, power and clarity.  I’ve been savoring it…relishing it…delighting in it every day.  In the next days of my reading I’ll share some of the verses that especially impacted me (sometimes with a comment or two).

Today was no exception… From Psalm 119:44-48 – “Free Indeed!”

“I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place [FREEDOM!], for I have sought your precepts! [Where REAL FREEDOM is found!] … For I find my delight in your commandments, which I love… I will meditate on your statutes!

I urge you to do what I’m doing as I READ through Psalm 119 … REFLECT on each verse and let it lead you to a life-transforming RESPONSE!

There may be some that think I’ve “gone off the deep end” … that I’m just a little weird… but I can truthfully say I LOVE THE BIBLE!!  I don’t just like the Bible or appreciate the Bible… I LOVE THE BIBLE! 

I’ve been reading Psalm 119 as part of my Bible reading here in Western Montana on vacation and I think I’ve fallen in love with it all over again… In Psalm 119 it is like the Psalmist holds a beautiful, multi-faceted precious diamond – God’s word – up under the light of inspection and slowly turns it so that every incredible facet, every color, every surface is allowed to display its beauty, power and clarity.  I’ve been savoring it…relishing it…delighting in it every day.  In the next days of my reading I’ll share some of the verses that especially impacted me (sometimes with a comment or two).

Today was no exception… From Psalm 119:33–40 – A PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING LEADING TO OBEDIENCE

“Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes; and I will keep them to the end!

“Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law and observe it with my whole heart!

“Lead me in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in them!

“Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!

“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways!

“Behold, I long for Your precepts; in Your righteousness give me life!“

I urge you to do what I’m doing… REFLECT on each verse and let it lead you to a life-transforming RESPONSE!

I just finished reading Philippians 1:18b-21 this morning during my time of “Coffee with the Lord”… This section of Philippians in many translations is introduced with the last clause of verse 18: “YES, AND I WILL CONTINUE TO REJOICE!” It sets the tone for this entire section that emphasizes Paul’s resolve to rejoice even in the face of an uncertain future! It becomes abundantly clear in this section that Paul knew that his imprisonment could end in death. But that did not steal his joy. Here is a man who couldn’t care less what happened to him, what people said about him, or even if he lived or died. All he wanted was for Christ to be glorified in his life:

“I rejoice… Yes, and I will rejoice! For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance! It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN.”

Reading Paul’s words today reminded me of this event in my pastoral ministry: It was early Monday morning and the sirens wailed in our small town. It was an ambulance and somehow I felt within that someone in our church was involved. A few moments later the telephone rang. It was the hospital – Carl, a young businessman from our community had died unexpectedly. I arrived at the hospital to find Linda, his wife, in shock, facing and uncertain future. Linda had one small child, was expecting another, and now her husband and the father of her children was gone. Linda told me, “Pastor, I can’t explain the peace and joy I feel! I’m just going to trust Jesus!” And she did. With grace and dignity she faced the coming months. God sustained her, provided for her, and helped her through. She is happily married again today. She kept the joy of the Lord and a sweet spirit. She proved you can rejoice in the face of an uncertain future.

What a way to live! What a way to deal with an uncertain future! You can put your present and your future in the hands of God! You can determine that regardless of the outcome of events God will be glorified. You can live a life of “Rejoicing in the Lord!” regardless of circumstances! The purpose of life is not to make money, not to settle into some comfortable existence, not to make a name for yourself. Our purpose is to serve Christ! Declare it today (and mean it)… “FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST!”