Coffee With The Lord

This morning I read a very encouraging passage of Scripture (and I think you may be surprised that I found it encouraging)! 

This morning I read Revelation 17 that speaks of “Babylon” or “the great prostitute that sits on many waters” at the end of time.  Leon Morris, in his commentary on Revelation identifies the “Babylon” imagery as “humanity in organized opposition to God.” This chapter describes the incredible evil and the terrible persecution against God’s people unleashed at the end of time by what is referred to as “Babylon” (“In her hand she held a gold goblet full of obscenities and the impurities of her immorality… she was drunk – drunk with the blood of God’s holy people who were witnesses of Jesus.” Vss. 7-10). 

As I read this chapter I could only imagine how wicked human culture will become and how vicious persecution will become for Christians before Jesus returns!  Not a pretty picture!

But then I read these encouraging words in the passage… “God has put a plan into their minds – a plan that will carry out His purposes… and so the word of God will be fulfilled!” (vs. 17).  Although this verse predicts escalating evil at the end of time and increasing persecution, NOTHING that happens will be outside of God’s control…  NOTHING!!  Ultimately God’s plan and purposes will be fulfilled!!  The world may seem to be spinning out of control!  Culture may be in decay!  Evil may seem to be escalating and winning the battle for human hearts.  Righteous people may increasingly be the object of derision and persecution.  All may seem hopeless… BUT GOD IS IN CONTROL!!  In the end He will make the very “wrath of man to praise Him!” (Psalm 76.7-10)

So, at this Christmas season the words of this old carol come to mind…

 I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY :

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on earth goodwill to men

I thought how as the day had come
the belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along unbroken song
of peace on earth goodwill to men

And in despair I bowed my head
“there is no peace on earth” I said
For hate is strong that mocks the song
of peace on earth goodwill to men

(Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead nor does he sleep
The wrong shall fail the right prevail
with peace on earth goodwill to men)

Till ringin’ singin’ on its way
the world revolves from night to day
A voice a chime a chant sublime
of peace on earth goodwill to men

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead nor does he sleep
The wrong shall fail the right prevail
with peace on earth goodwill to men

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on earth goodwill to men

Here I am this morning sitting with my Bible in my  thinking about some wonderful godly friends and family that have slipped away into heaven…  Some from accidents, others from disease, others for a variety of reasons.  Sweet memories!!  Wonderful, wonderful people!!  So dear to me!!

I’m sure some of you have memories of dear ones to you – sons, daughters, parents, other family members and dear friends who have died and are now with the Lord!  We miss them so much! But, nevertheless, sweet memories!!

Here are some verses I read this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” that prompted these thoughts… I send them your way this morning…

“Then I heard a voice from heaven say… ‘Blessed are the dead in the Lord!’  ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.’” (Revelation 14:13)

May these word from the Bible bring you comfort today!  May your memories be sweet and precious!!  More than that, may the hope of a wonderful reunion one day fill your heart and mind!!

So… here I am – along with you – this Christmas season savoring sweet memories of wonderful Christians who have gone on ahead of us – wonderful followers of Jesus – who have left us a godly legacy and reliable path to follow into the eternal life and incredible destiny the God has prepared for those who love Him.  ‘Blessed! … Yes blessed!  Their deeds follow them!”

Looking for an interesting, uplifting, and NEW Bible reading plan for the coming year?  The “NECESSARY FOOD” BIBLE READING PLAN is for you!

Perhaps in previous years you’ve gotten bogged down in the “genealogies” of the Bible and given up reading the Bible through.  With “NECESSARY FOOD” you have a “balanced Spiritual diet” – you read a passage from each of the following parts of the Bible daily…

• The Old Testament historical books
• Bible Poetry (Psalms, Proverbs, etc.)
• The prophetic books (in the Old Testament and Revelation)
• The New Testament historical books (the gospels and Acts)
• And the epistles 

Not only that, the reading plan is “passage driven” – focusing on the natural divisions of Scripture – NOT just a pre-determined number of verses.

The plan’s name is based upon Job 23:12 in the Bible:  Job said, “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my NECESSARY FOOD!”  And the “good news” is… following the “NECESSARY FOOD” Bible reading plan you complete the entire Bible in a year!

I’ve attached a “pdf” copy of the most recent edition of the Bible reading plan for your convenience (you can download her and print it)… BUT IT’S ALSO AVAILABLE NOW ONLINE TO ANYONE WITH A FREE FAITHLIFE APP or a LOGOS BIBLE STUDY ACCOUNT.  You can download the app, access it, and read it on your smartphone, your tablet or computer.  My grandson, Noah Dresselhaus, has worked with me to help make this available to you.  Attached find the instructions for accessing the plan and reading it online via FAITHLIFE/LOGOS below…