“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God!” (1 Corinthians 1:8 cp. Romans 1:16) The “Gospel” – a powerful, life transforming message to those who are experiencing “Salvation!” (and all it involves/includes)! Not an offense! Never!
It’s frankly inspiring to watch a loving parent care for a small child! Eyes constantly on them – watching, providing, protecting, assisting, warning, advising, training, nurturing – and even disciplining them in love!
That imagery filled my mind this morning as I read Isaiah 43 during my time of “coffee with the Lord!” OUR “HEAVENLY FATHER” is a wonderful “DIVINE PARENT!” He does all the things listed above – and MORE! We are “birthed” by Him (our natural physical life and our “new birth”). He protects us, delivers us from danger, teaches us, warns us, nurtures us, sustains us, defends us, heals us… and I could go on! He does it for us collectively as His people; but it is also true for us personally as His children!
The entire chapter (Isaiah 43) expresses all these things; but verses 1-4 especially captured my attention…
“But now thus says the Lord, He who created you… He who formed you… ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you! When you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you! For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of God … your Savior! … Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you!'”
Now the imagery of “Divine Parent” – “Heavenly Father” is what captured my attention today… He is that to me! But in this passage he is really MORE than that – He is MY GOD – My Savior and Lord! I love Him – I want to serve Him – I worship Him!!!
Whenever I read Matthew 13.1-9 (the parable of the farmer scattering seed and the various soil types) and its explanation (vss. 18-23) I usually pay attention to various types of soil Jesus identified and the difference they make in fruitfulness. Today, however, during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I was impressed by THE ENEMIES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND FRUITFULNESS JESUS IDENTIFIED… I want to be especially alert to them in my life!!
1) The “evil one” himself, who if he has his way, will find a way to snatch away the good seed planted in a person’s heart. (vs. 19)
2) My own lack of “deep roots” so that problems or persecution keep me from bearing fruit. (vs.21)
3) The “thorns” – i.e. the worries of this life and the lure of wealth and materialism which choke out spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
I WANT TO BE ALERT TO THESE ENEMIES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND FRUITFULNESS IN MY LIFE! I want to hear the message of the Kingdom, understand it, believe it, embrace it, and produce a bountiful harvest for my Lord!! (After all, it’s His field, isn’t it!!)
Coffee With The Lord 