Coffee With The Lord

“Just a Sip” from my Bible reading this morning… From Psalm 111 in celebration of the Lord’s “WORKS” (all He has done, is doing and will do!)… Think about it!

“Praise the Lord!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,

in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

Great are THE WORKS OF THE LORD,

studied by all who delight in them.

Full of splendor and majesty is HIS WORK,

and His righteousness endures forever.

He has caused HIS WONDROUS WORKS to be remembered;

The Lord is gracious and merciful.

He provides food for those who fear Him;

He remembers His covenant forever.

He has shown His people THE POWER OF HIS WORKS,

in giving them the inheritance of the nations.

THE WORKS OF HIS HANDS are faithful and just;

all His precepts are trustworthy;

They are established forever and ever,

to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.”

– From Psalm 111 ESV

Here’s an incredibly important couple of verses for followers of Jesus – a part of my Bible reading today during “coffee with the Lord” (first the verses – then a few comments)…

“Be imitators of God as beloved children! And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV)

Gotta say… “IMITATING GOD IS A ‘TALL ORDER!’”  Talk about totally intimidating! I feel completely unqualified and incapable!

But as an early “dad” I had a great illustration of its incredible truth and beauty (taught me SO much!”  Our daughter, Shari, was an “infant/toddler.”  One morning at breakfast, I had picked up my spoon and was eating cereal… Something caught my eye!  I noticed Shari in the highchair, trying to hold her spoon “just like Daddy!”  It was easy, and she wasn’t doing very well, but she was sure trying!  Imitating Daddy!!  I was so moved by watching her I had to wipe away the tears – my “beloved daughter!”  And in that moment the Lord reminded me of this verse… “IMITATE GOD AS BELOVED CHILDREN!

But what, in particular, should we imitate – what pleasures Him most?  When we “WALK IN LOVE AS CHRIST LOVED US!”  Now the Greek word “walk” used here is Apostle Paul’s favorite word for “discipleship!”  He does not say “fly” or “ride” (in fact he does not even resort to “run” here) – it’s the most basic, fundamental, ancient word for movement, travel and progress – “WALK!”  It’s how we should live our lives day by day, moment by moment, event by event, opportunity by opportunity – “IMITATING HIM – LIVING OUT HIS LOVE!

And what kind of “love” of His is it that we should express – simply “Gushy, syrupy” love – sweet sentimental emotional love?  NO, far beyond merely that kind of love! Instead, the kind expressed by Christ, “WHO LOVED US AND GAVE HIMSELF UP FOR US!” … Self-sacrificing love – for Him, first of all, and then for others!

And the result – the impact of that IMITATION – THAT KIND OF LOVE, UPON GOD?  It will be “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God!”  It will be most pleasing and acceptable to God! … Oh help me Lord – I want to live that way!!!

Perhaps you’re a part of a congregation being torn apart by conflict.  There are accusations and counter accusations.  Bitterness fills the air.  Guests who visit the church, quickly sense the atmosphere of conflict, and then leave.  No one is coming to Christ and experiencing salvation.  Young people and children are caught in the middle of the fights.  Genuine disciple-making is “stalled out!”  It seems like it’s every person for themselves… I could go on…

What to do in a situation like that?!!

Well, I read a wonderful passage this morning that provides some wonderful “apostolic help”!!!  The Apostle Paul wrote these words to some churches that were being torn apart by conflict… (read the context carefully and you’ll see Paul’s emphasis on unity! 🙂  Here’s his advice…

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received!  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace…” (Ephesians 4.1-3)

Then, he goes on in the verses that follow, if I might paraphrase… “Recognize, affirm and focus on what you have in common (rather than the things that divide you) – vss. 4-6! 

He encourages each of their gifted leaders to use their gifts “so that the body of Christ might be built up until together they reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, becoming more and more mature, until they attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (i.e. more and more like Jesus – personally and collectively).  (Verses 11-16).

Wow!!  What incredible apostolic pastoral advice!!

Listen!!  I don’t know if conflict characterizes the congregation that you’re a part of, BUT YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE THERE!  You can be an agent God uses in your congregation to help bring reconciliation, healing and spiritual health.  THE LORD WANTS EVERY CONGREGATION TO BE “THE BODY OF CHRIST” IN THEIR COMMUNITY … TO BE HIS HANDS, HIS FEET, HIS VOICE, HIS HEALING PRESENCE THERE, REPRESENTING HIM WITHOUT DISTORTION IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!