Coffee With The Lord

I’ve been thinking about it all day… The Gospel, powerfully experienced and practically applied would solve all the problems that surround and have led to the terrible incident we grieve about that transpired in Dallas yesterday evening…

• The profound transformation of the evil in the human heart
• Love for others in the place of hatred
• Justice in the place of injustice
• Reconciliation in the place of Enmity
• Forgiveness instead of harbored bitterness
• Acceptance in the place of intolerance
• Kindness instead of vengeance
• Blessing instead of cursing
• Humility instead of arrogance
• Peace-making instead of violence
• Redemptive Love that embraces all humanity, regardless of differences, rather than bigotry

I could go on… this is NOT a complete list!  But as a Christian and devoted follower of Jesus, why don’t we make the Gospel with all its power and redemptive potential, our one grand cause in the world… I think Apostle Paul had it right; he said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, it is the power of salvation to all who believe!” (Romans 1:16)  Don’t know about you, but I’m going to accept the challenge of taking it, sharing it, and living it wherever I go!

I don’t know, perhaps I was unusual, I sought my dad’s approval. It was important to me. After I became a follower of Jesus, experienced “new birth,” and became really aware of a Heavenly Father and established a relationship with Him, having and seeking His approval became even more important to me than any earthly, human approval. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate human approval, but the Heavenly Father’s approval trumps any human “pat on the back” or approbation! I’m with Apostle Paul on that issue, His “well done good and faithful servant” will mean everything one day!
My Bible reading today in Psalm 119 captured how I feel about pleasing Him…
“The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words! I entreat your favor with all my heart! Be gracious to me according to your promise. When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments… At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules. I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!” (From Psalm 119:57–64 ESV)
Hey, I think it’s a true test of whether or not you have been born again and carry the Heavenly Father’s spiritual DNA and are anything like His Son (and your spiritual brother, Jesus Christ) … You desire to please your Heavenly Father! Take it from me, a rebellious, self-pleasing, attitude, just proves there is some serious Spiritual work inside that needs to take place! Just say’n… I want to please the Lord! Hope you do as well!

Half-hearted anything is almost always dissatisfying!  The stories of discontent and disappointment that are the result of a divided heart or unresolved commitment are numerous.  It’s important to make up your mind about which direction you’re going to go – which road you’re going to take – how you’re going to live your life.

That’s especially true when it comes to your relationship to God!  I had to face it one day – was I going to live for the Lord with all my heart and follow His word or divide up my loyalties between self, sin and parttime Christianity?  Would I be a follower of Jesus and try to live my own way at the same time?  Would I follow the teaching of Scripture or the latest, ego-driven, self-satisfying, self-help manual.  I had to decide… and I’m glad I did!

I thought about that today as I read these words from Psalm 119 during “coffee with the Lord” …

“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.  I cling to your testimonies, O Lord.  Let me not be put to shame!” (from Psalm 119:30-31)

I remember the day I decided!  I told the Lord and myself, “Here goes!  I am going to live for God with all my heart!  No turning back!  ‘Let me not be put to shame!’”

It’s been worth it!  One of the best and wisest decisions I ever made.  No regrets!