Coffee With The Lord

At the risk of being labeled “negative” I have to say I am NOT a fan of Halloween and what it features and commemorates… the “dark side” of spirituality, demons, death, and “ghosts.” As an Evangelical, Bible-believing Christian, however, I am enthusiastic about another commemoration on October 31 – “Reformation Day” that celebrates Martin Luther and the other “reformers” who insisted on following the Bible’s guidance on how a person can be “made right with God!”

Today, during my time of “coffee with the Lord” on October 31 another “Spirit event” that has changed the world was celebrated in my Bible reading… The “Outpouring of the Holy Spirit” on the day of Pentecost!”

Here’s what I read (and a bit more)…

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV) And…

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance!” (Acts 2:1–4 ESV)

THAT, MY FRIEND, IS WHAT I CHOOSE TO CELEBRATE ON OCTOBER 31!

Here’s a wonderful, Divine promise and provision to help us fulfill a grand vision!!! …

“On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit… YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES ON YOU; AND YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES IN JERUSALEM, AND IN ALL JUDEA AND SAMARIA, AND TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!’” (From Acts 1:4–8 NIV)

I read a verse this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” that was pretty intimidating. I can recall that on a few occasions this was an accurate assessment of my own failures. Here it is… Proverbs 24.10 – “IF YOU FAIL UNDER PRESSURE, YOUR STRENGTH IS SMALL.”

As I read it, I thought “What is the answer to this dilemma?” I’d like to suggest a few answers… (This may not be a complete list, but it’s a Sunday morning start… 

1. Always give your very best effort! Reach deep within and draw on the resources that you have! Never allow a half-hearted effort lead you to defeat!
2. Cry out to the Lord for help and strength! Depend on Him to help you… He will!!
3. How did Jude say it… “Build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 20) Here is where “spiritual conditioning” comes in – the practice of spiritual disciplines that strengthen us in the Lord.
4. Recruit the help of godly friends you can trust! Ask them for counsel and prayer!
5. “Wait for the Lord” (Isaiah 40.31)! I know this one seems counter-intuitive… to do (Our inclination is to take situations into our own hands!) …But if we’ll “wait” and trust, giving time for God to act we’ll actually experience His strength and salvation.

This is not a complete list by any means, but they’re a few things that came to my mind as I thought and prayed this morning…