Coffee With The Lord

Christians… Christ followers, are called to live counter-intuitive lives in a corrupt world!  Try this one on for size…

Jesus said, “But I say to you who hear, ‘Love your enemies, do good to those who hate, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you… If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.  And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same… But love your enemies and do good… and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.  Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (I read this during “coffee with the Lord” this morning in Luke 6:27-36)

Believe me, I know it’s difficult!  It doesn’t come naturally!  It is counter-intuitive!  But it is the very thing that makes Christ-followers distinctive and gives their life and witness impact in our world! 

O Lord, help me live this way!  Help me move beyond what comes naturally and display your very character!  I want to make a difference in my world!  Help me! … Give me the grace I need to reveal Your character and values in my world!  Heavenly Father, I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen!

Ever hear someone say something uplifting, even profound, and find yourself saying under your breath or quietly within… “That’s for me!  That’s good!  Me too!  Count me in on that one!”

Well that happened to me this morning as I read these words from Psalm 101 in the Bible…

“I WILL WALK WITH INTEGRITY OF HEART WITHIN MY HOUSE; I WILL NOT SET BEFORE MY EYES ANYTHING THAT IS WORTHLESS!  I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me!  A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil” (From Psalm 101:1-4 ESV)

What a life commitment to live by in our culture!  My heart is drawn to these words!  I want to make them my own.  How about you?

Proper protocol is important when entering the presence of a king or the president of a country!  Wise people check to see what is required – what is considered proper – upon entering their presence.  Failure to follow the expected decorum can result in embarrassment, loss of favor, and disappointment.  I thought of that as I read Psalm 100 this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord.”

It seems to me that Psalm 100 addresses this issue on two levels:  1) The corporate level – when we gather together for worship in places dedicated to that cause (houses of worship), and 2) On the personal level – when I “enter His presence” in times of personal devotion.

In both cases these things apply…

Joy and gladness are always appropriate – a “joyful song” is proper protocol for corporate worship (and private worship as well (can you think of one right now that you would use?)

A deep awareness of who God is, what He is like – His character is essential – Silent, meditative, recall and reflection of His character sets the stage for entering His, divine presence.  It builds faith and sets the stage for effectively presenting our needs and request.  Our God-focus, in part at least, needs to be upon what verse 5 expresses:  “For the Lord is good, and His love endure forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations (a core expression found repeatedly in Scripture to describe God’s character)!”

On the other hand, it is important for me to have a deep inner awareness of who I am… His creation, one of “His people” – one of the “sheep in His pasture – His flock” (and He is the “good Shepherd” – the Lord is “my Shepherd” – our Shepherd, if you please)

Heartfelt thanksgiving and praise should be the FIRST thing out of our mouths when we enter His presence personally and the FIRST thing we do in corporate worship gatherings.  It is pleasing to the Lord, it orients our hearts correctly, and it postures our heart appropriately for “asking and receiving “ anything we need from the Lord!

This morning, I’m standing at the door of His divine presence, ready, I believe, to enter!!  I’m tingling with excitement and anticipation… The Holy Spirit is right here beside me to help me do this right (He is “the Helper you know).  Here we go…