Coffee With The Lord

The “NEW REALITY” and “TRANSFORMED VALUE SYSTEM” for a Christian – one who is “in Christ”… “If then you have been raised with Christ SEEK the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God!  SET YOUR MIND on things that are above, not on the things that are on earth!  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”  (From Colossians 3:1-4 ESV)

Sometimes in Scripture you come across a description that captures the distilled essence of a concept – potent, descriptive, and brief. I believe I experienced that today in my Bible reading during my time of “coffee with the Lord” in Colossians 2:6-7… A wonderful description and summary of “DISCIPLESHIP” by Apostle Paul! Here it is…

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving!”

Let me unpack that description just a bit…

As you received Christ Jesus the Lord… That is where “discipleship” begins – embracing Christ Jesus as “Lord” and “Savior” – a full and complete reception of Him by faith!

That reception leads to a “walk”… This is Apostle Paul’s favorite word to describe a life of “discipleship” – not a “ride,” a “flight,” or even primarily a “run” (and if a “run” it is done “with patience” cp. Hebrews 12:1)! It is a daily “walk” in/with Him!

Then growth and maturation are described: “rooted” (an agricultural term), “built up” (a construction term) and finally, “established in the faith” (terminology that reflects strength and stability)!

And then a favorite of mine… “just as you were TAUGHT” (Greek – didasko – a word derived from the Greek word “disciple”) … Not simply listening to a lecture or a “podcast! Rather a word that emphasizes the relational dimension of teaching ministry – “Just as you were ‘discipled!’ (or mentored).

And finally? Soak – saturate – everything with thanksgiving – “abounding in thanksgiving!”

There you have it “THE DISTILLED ESSENCE OF DISCIPLESHIP” – Now let’s be sure we’re doing it! After all JESUS COMMANDED, “GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS!” (Matthew 28:19-20 – “the Great Commission!”)

I’ve been reading Psalm 119 as part of my Bible reading here in Western Montana on vacation and I’ve fallen in love with it all over again!

Psalm 119 is like a beautiful, multi-faceted precious diamond! God’s word is held up under the light of inspection and as you slowly turn it every incredible facet, every color, every surface is allowed to display the beauty, power and clarity of God’s word! 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 119:153–160…

There’s a repeated refrain in verses 154, 156, and 159 that captured my attention: “GIVE ME LIFE ACCORDING TO…”

· “Give me life ACCORDING TO YOUR PROMISE!

· “Give me life ACCORDING TO YOUR RULES! [Your principles and guidelines]

· “Give me life ACCORDING TO YOUR STEADFAST LOVE! [Hebrew – “Hesed” … Your “covenant keeping, faithful love!]

Then the Psalmist ends with this wonderful conclusion… “The sum of Your word is truth! Every one of your righteous rules endures forever!” [My advice? Embrace the Psalmists conclusion as your own… You won’t be disappointed!]

I urge you to do what I’ve been doing as I READ Psalm 119 slowly… REFLECT on God’s word and then let it lead you to a life-transforming RESPONSE!