Coffee With The Lord

What’s on the “back cover” of a good book?”

You just got a new book… Its topic has piqued your interest – You’ve heard about the author – so you pick the book up, look at the cover, turn it over, and read what the publisher has to say about the author and its contents.  You know what I’m talking about – those brief comments and summary on the back of the cover.

Well today I encountered something like that as I read the first two verses of the “book” (“epistle” actually) of Ephesians – “Apostle Paul” (you’ve heard of him), the human writer, had quite a reputation – He’s written quite a bit of stuff in the New Testament!  In some ways his first couple of verses of the epistle are a lot like the comments on the back cover of many books we read.

What do they say?  What do they tell us?  Let me help you there…

First of all who is the human writer?  “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.”  This guy has quite a resume!  Former persecutor of Christians … Dramatic, powerful encounter (i.e. revelation) with the risen Jesus Christ… Divine appointment as an “apostle” – “apostle to the Gentiles” actually, (while being a Jew)… Church planter and missionary par excellence!… The church in Ephesus is in fact a church he planted (quite a story – all of ancient Asia was impacted with the gospel in less than three years while he was there – Acts 19)!  Paul is the human writer (inspired by the Holy Spirit) of this epistle!

And who was Apostle Paul writing to (and about) in Ephesians?  

For the most part, Paul writes to Gentiles (not God’s covenant people Israel).  The way he refers to them is remarkable – “Saints” (Holy Ones) – made holy, considered holy by the grace of God in Christ… and “holy” (righteous) while living in a pagan city (Ephesus!).  On top of that they are referred to as “faithful in Christ Jesus.”  Apostle Paul’s epistle – Ephesians – gives hope to Gentile believers everywhere!

And the blessing he confers upon these redeemed and transformed gentiles?  “Grace” and “peace!”  Grace – the unmerited favor and provision of God, but more than that – everything they need to do God’s will and fulfill His purposes for their lives!  And “Peace” – the equivalent ancient Hebrew blessing (“Shalom”). He assures them of the divinely conferred welfare and provision of the risen Lord in a troubled world with all its challenges!

Now after reading those words at the outset of this little book, I’m guessing you’ll want to read Ephesians carefully, reflect on its contents, and apply its message to your life!  I don’t know of a publisher who could have done it better (or more succinctly) at selling its content and message on “the back cover” of a modern book!  Take it from someone who has read and studied it carefully – its message can change your life!  That’s my “two bits!”

Two really well-known and popular Psalms… Psalm 100 and 103!  But sandwiched between them, a Psalm that caught my attention in a powerful way today in my Bible reading during “Coffee with the Lord” – Psalm 102!  A Psalm that focuses on the fervent prayer of an afflicted person and his reflection on God’s faithfulness!

I don’t know what you may be going through today, but my prayer is you will allow the words from this Psalm to prompt your fervent prayer and encourage your faith!  Here is some of what the Psalm declares…  May it be an encouragement to you!!!

Psalm102

A Prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord!

^“Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you!

Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress!

Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!

“But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever;

You are remembered throughout all generations

You will arise and have pity!

You regard the prayer of the destitute and do not despise their prayer!

“Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord:

He looked down from his holy height; from heaven the Lord looked at the earth,

To hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die,

That they may declare the name of the Lord, when peoples gather together, to worship the Lord.

“O my God,” I say, “take me not away in the midst of my days—

       You whose years endure throughout all generations!”

“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

They will perish, but You will remain;

They will all wear out like a garment.

You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end!

The children of Your servants shall dwell secure; their offspring shall be established before you!

(From Psalm 102 ESV)

I just felt I should share this story at the beginning of “Church Camping Season”…

THE STORY OF “MY CALL TO MINISTRY” … Dedicated to the Lord shortly after birth and raised in a devoted Christian home, I was taught and embraced the conviction that “the will of God” was the highest goal and objective in a person’s life!

As a young boy, I had the privilege of attending a “KID’S KAMP” at Glacier Bible Camp in Hungry Horse, Montana (just outside the entrance of Glacier National Park). Each evening and morning an “evangelist” (in this case a lady speaker) challenged the children to “commit their lives to Jesus Christ” and follow Him wholeheartedly, wherever He would lead them!

On a particular evening of the camp the message impacted my heart powerfully! I went to the prayer room (located behind the stage) bowed my knees and with deep sincerity and tears said “YES!” to the Lord! In those moments “HE CALLED ME TO MINISTRY!”  And the only way I have to describe that encounter with the Lord was, I heard His voice – His call – and saw a mental picture of myself, later in life, TEACHING GOD’S WORD TO GROUPS OF PEOPLE!

The next morning at the chapel service an opportunity was given for “testimonies” about what had happened in childhood lives the night before.  I knew what I had to do… This “farm lad” stood reluctantly and fearfully to his feet (mouth dry and knees trembling) and blurted out: “Last night I think the Lord called me into the ministry!” … I immediately sat back down, embarrassed that I couldn’t say anything else!  The director of the camp – a Montana cowboy preacher – stepped to the edge of the stage, pointed his finger out at me, and said, “Son, last night God told me he was calling you into the ministry!”

I’ll never forget it as long as I live!  As I write this it is as vivid in my mind as though it happened yesterday!!

I am now 78 years of age… I have pastored several churches with God’s blessing and fruitfulness… I’ve been honored to serve my denomination, the Assemblies of God, in both district and national offices… BUT THE CALLING THAT I’VE NEVER LOST SIGHT OF AND IS MOST FULFILLING TO ME IS TEACHING THE BIBLE!  I’ve never lost sight of that “vision” and call!  In fact, I’m convinced when I finally stand before the Lord, the call to “TEACH GOD’S WORD” will be what I am most held accountable for (and for which I am rewarded)!  It is my love and passion!

So… Many years of being a “teaching  pastor” and over 35 years of fruitful teaching ministry at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU, now Nelson University) as well as many conferences, seminars and teaching missions abroad.

… AND IT ALL BEGAN IN A PRAYER ROOM AT A KID’S CAMP!