Coffee With The Lord

How many times have I relived the various aspects of the story found in Luke 8.22-25 in the Bible?! …

“One day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side of the lake.’ So, they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’ He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ‘Where is your faith?’ he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, ‘Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.’”

So, here’s my story that is in so many ways similar…

At what I believed to be His direction, I was going places, doing things – my “life-boat” was rocking along quietly, gently… things seemed to be going alright …

Then suddenly, something went terribly wrong!! A life-squall swept down upon me!! I was in great danger!! If things didn’t change – if help didn’t come, I thought I’d perish!! …And I panicked!!

I cried out to Jesus!! Lord help me!! I’m going to perish!!

What happened?! He heard!! He helped!! He acted and rescued!! Then I believe I heard him ask the probing question… “Where is your faith?”

So what is the great challenge I face in life’s storms? … Will I trust Him? Will I depend on Him? Will I recognize that with Him in my life…NOTHING is out of control!!

Gotta tell you, He’s ok with me coming to Him with my concerns!!! How do I know? The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in EVERY SITUATION, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4.6-7 NIV)

Yes, I’ve experienced the various aspects of this miracle story in my life personally many times!! And each time, I’m amazed… “Who is this?! He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!”

AN EXCLAMATION MARK – You know how an exclamation mark functions… Something is said that builds emotionally for emphasis, other things may be said that add and contribute dynamically, and then at the end of the statement, sentence or passage – there it is, AN EXCLAMATION MARK!  This morning I read a passage during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” that I believe functions as an exclamation mark at the end of the first part of Ephesians – Ephesians 3:14-19!

In the first part of Ephesians, Paul emphasized God’s provision “in Christ!”  He reminded believers of who they were, and what they had “in Christ.”  He informed them of what Christ had accomplished, what He had done, what He would do in their lives.  He systematically pumped into their spiritual awareness a reminder of “every spiritual blessing”  that was theirs “in Christ.”  It builds, and builds, and builds… Then an “apostolic prayer” – Ephesians 3:14-19 – that functions like a fanfare at the end of a musical movement in a symphony… The trumpets blare!  The cymbals crash!  The drums pound and roll!  A LITERARY EXCLAMATION MARK – NO, MULTIPLE EXCLAMATION MARKS!!!

Apostle Paul pours out his heart in prayer – BELIEVERS NEED EVERYTHING GOD PROVIDES “IN CHRIST!”  They need 4 things…

1. Believers need to be strengthened within by the Holy Spirit! (Vs. 16)

2. Believers need Christ to be “at home” in their hearts! (Vs. 17)

3. Believers need a deeper knowledge and awareness of Christ’s love! (Vss. 17-19a)

4. Believers need to be “filled with God’s fulness in Christ!” (Vs. 19b)

Com’on, read it for yourself today – Ephesians 3: 14-19 (and be sure to include verses 20-21 too)!  Let it sink in!  Let it impact you!  Let Paul’s prayer become your fervent prayer!  Let it be/become for you a “SPIRITUAL EXCLAMATION MARK!”  Hey, that prayer can change your life!

I’m with Apostle Paul… A high and holy honor and trust: “OF THIS GOSPEL I WAS MADE A MINISTER according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of His power…to preach [proclaim] to the Gentiles [all people/all nations] THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST and to bring to light for everyone the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, SO THAT THROUGH THE CHURCH THE MANIFOLD WISDOM OF GOD MIGHT NOW BE MADE KNOWN!” (Ephesians 3:7-10 ESV)