Coffee With The Lord

There’s an old… and I mean OLD children’s worship song that I sang in “children’s church” as a small boy that seems appropriate today.  Let’s see if any of you remember it…

“The birdies in the treetops sing their song
The angels chant the chorus all day long
The flowers in the garden blend their hue
So why shouldn’t I, why shouldn’t you
Praise him too!”

Listen, I don’t just want to hear His praise through ear buds on my device… I’m going to take ’em off and hear his praise all around me in what He has made!…

Here’s the passage from the Bible that prompted that reflection…

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him… All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.  Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!  Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!  With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!  Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!  Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord!” (From Psalm 98)

Hey, IT’S SPRING!  The birds, the brook, the breeze, even the buds are bursting with His praise!!!  So “WHY SHOULDN’T I, WHY SHOULDN’T YOU, PRAISE HIM TOO?”

Here’s a link of sweet song birds so you can enjoy their song… even all day!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CppmXLEWzEs

A number of years ago, when I served as National Director of the Division of Christian Education for the Assemblies of God, we observed a migration away from what was traditionally called “Sunday School.” Concerned about this and its impact on discipleship and Biblical/doctrinal literacy our team developed a document entitled “Sunday School: The Functional Equivalent.” Attached find a copy of that document. It may be of help to some of you who are seeking to address these issues in your church. Blessings!

Just let me say, I’m concerned about Christians who flaunt their freedom!  In the exercise of their personal freedom they sometimes trample on the sensitive consciences of newer Christians and do things that lead “babes in Christ” back into the bondages they have just escaped.  Shame on them!  

This morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read this important principle and exhortation from Apostle Paul…!

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery! … You were called to freedom, brothers (and sisters).  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh [the inclinations of the natural, sinful self], but through love serve one another.”  (From Galatians 5:1-15 ESV)

So here’s the principle:  I AM free in Christ Jesus!  I cannot be right with God and gain righteousness by simply keeping a list of rules.  But, on the other hand, I must be willing to limit my personal freedom out of love for fellow Christians!