Coffee With The Lord

January, in many evangelical churches, is a month dedicated to fasting at different levels… to gain a godly perspective, deepen ones relationship with the Lord, seek His direction, and pray for “revival!” All noble and worthy reasons to seek God’s face!

Matthew 6:16-18, from the mouth of our Savior and Lord Himself, (I urge you to read it!) urges us not to make a public display of our fasting, but instead meet with our Heavenly Father “in the secret place” – seek Him there – and He will answer and reward us openly!

So, in our way of expressing it, “Get up, shower, shave, or bathe, fix your hair and put on your makeup – get your Bible, have devotions, and the time you would usually spend eating, devote to sincere, believing prayer.” But don’t put on a dour expression, look pathetic and pained, and act like you’re fasting…

Who sez so? Jesus says so!

This morning part of my Bible reading included Genesis 19.

I find this chapter very difficult to read… It certainly is not uplifting!

The Lord mercifully sends heavenly emissaries to Lot (I believe, in response to Abraham’s intercession – Genesis 18:22-33).

It is clear that “SPIRITUAL DRIFT” had set into Lot’s life and family. He, and his family, had enculturated to Sodom more than they recognized or even wanted to admit… and it showed!!! Sodom had influenced Lot’s family and it is only a merciful act of God that Lot and his family were spared the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah!

Genesis 19 is a sad, sad chapter in the Bible and a warning to all of us who live in a wicked time and sinful culture! BEWARE OF “SPIRITUAL DRIFT” and inappropriate accommodation with cultural values that reject righteous living.

I read Matthew 5:27-32 during my devotions. Reflecting on it gave rise to to the following prayer for sexual purity and marriage’s sacredness!

“Oh Lord, help us as your people never to embrace or give into the loose sexual standards of our culture and abandon the sacredness of marriage! May we exhibit and contend for moral purity and marriage fidelity!!!”