Coffee With The Lord

The Old Testament prophetic passage that Jesus fulfilled with His death, burial and resurrection [Isaiah 53:4-6] declared… “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all!” So Apostle Peter said, “We were straying like sheep” but then adds “but we have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls!” Oh, praise the Lord… He sought me, and found me, forgave me, healed me and brought me “home” to Himself!!! (Check out John 10:11-15 and Luke 15:3-6)

I’m forever grateful! … Thanksgiving week (and Thanksgiving Day) is special to me! Thank you, Jesus, for what you accomplished through your death, burial and resurrection! How did the old worship song put it? “After all He’s done for me! After all He’s done for me!! How could I do less than give Him my best, and live for Him completely?… After all He’s done for me!!!)

I was thinking about that – and my responsibilities as a citizen – when I read the following this morning during my time of devotions (I call it “coffee with the Lord”)…

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles [the unconverted – in this passage it refers to those who are not yet followers of Jesus – those who have not yet experienced “new birth”] honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (from I Peter 2:11-12 ESV)

You see, I have a citizenship that “trumps” my earthly citizenship – by the grace of God I’m a citizen of “the Kingdom of Heaven” or “the Kingdom of God!” I live my life here on earth as a “heavenly ambassador” (check out II Corinthians 5:17-20). I want to live in such a way that I am an attractive, winsome, representative for my Heavenly homeland and kingdom. I live in America, but I want the values that guide my life to be Heavenly values – God’s values! Believe me, I want I Peter 2:11-12 to be fulfilled in my life! And if you’re a citizen of the “Kingdom of Heaven” through “new birth” I bet you want to live that way as well!

Thought about that today when I met Him for my time of “coffee with the Lord!” You see, “salvation” is our Heavenly Father’s idea – His wonderful plan – His provision through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ!

Please read over the following words from Peter’s letter to scattered refugees who had experienced persecution and all kinds of trials in the 1st century and relish the truth they express as it applies to you!

“All praise be to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you,… pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay! And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine… Your faith is far more precious than mere gold! So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world… The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about it… And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit… It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.”

(From 1 Peter 1:3-12 New Living Translation)

What a wonderful legacy – what a wonderful inheritance – what a wonderful gift our Heavenly Father has provided and left us! “He’s a good, good father! That’s who He is! – And I’m loved by Him, that’s who I am” – And that’s who you are! Gotta tell you… I’m starting Thanksgiving early… and enjoying an early Christmas too! His plan and provision are incredible!!!