Coffee With The Lord

Just wondering… Would you accept food from a raven?

Here’s the story in the Bible that prompted that question…

“Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.’ And the word of the Lord came to him: ‘Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.’ So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.” (1 Kings 17:1–6 ESV)

After all, where did the ravens get that food? You know ravens… carrion, road kill, dead rotting meat and stuff! In the natural stuff to be avoided! It could kill you or make you very sick! Ick!!!

But it was God’s provision for the prophet that obeyed. I know, when you obey the Lord and do His will (even when it’s difficult), you’re supposed to get the good stuff… prosperity, blessing, beef steak and caviar. But not Elijah… brook water and stuff a raven brought. Elijah delivered God’s message! It put his life at great risk! Ahab was out to get him and Jezebel wanted his head. God told him where to go hide and then sent the caterer to care for his meals… Ravens with meat in their beaks! Offer thanks and eat it prophet!!

Whoever said serving the Lord and obeying him would be easy – a walk in the park? Reminds me of a few verses of Scripture elsewhere…

“Peter began to say to him, ‘See, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, WITH PERSECUTIONS, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:28–30)

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted! (2 Timothy 3:12)

“It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake.” (Philippians 1:29)

Big Announcement! Wonderful day for those who follow “Coffee with the Lord”! In partnership with Eurasia Coffee and Tea, a wonderful missions-minded roaster and missionary, Chad Germany, “Coffee with the Lord” now has its own blend! Here’s the deal… all proceeds from the sale of the “Coffee with the Lord Blend” will help fund missionary enterprises – especially a Bible school in North India. (No monies from the sale of the coffee… that’s right NONE, go to your’s truly!) So I urge you to go to the link below, visit the website, and order some coffee (as a personal favor 🙂

http://eurasiacafe.org/shop/custom-label/coffee-with-the-lord/

A great “Coffee with the Lord” ceramic  mug coming… just around the corner.  You’ll want one!!

This morning during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” I read just a wonderful greeting in the Bible… I read it from several Bible versions (they were all good) but finally decided that the old Tyndale Living Bible just said it best…

“I always thank God when I am praying for you, dear friend, because I keep hearing of your love and trust in the Lord Jesus and in his people. I pray that as you share your faith with others it will grip their lives, as they see the wealth of good things in you that come from Christ Jesus. I myself have gained so much joy and comfort from your love, because your kindness has so often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.” (adapted from Philemon 4-7 in the Living Bible)

Just let me say, there are some people who come to mind that just “fit the bill” when you think about what this greeting expresses (I’ve got a “short list”)… People who love the Lord and His people passionately! People who demonstrate trust in the Lord in every situation! People who graciously and lovingly share their faith with others continually! People whose lives just exemplify the goodness and overflowing grace that comes to a person who puts their trust in the Lord! Dear, dear people who have shared their love and kindness with Sharon and me in so many ways! The very thought of them is refreshing … like a cool breeze on very hot day or a deep drink of water from a sparkling mountain stream. I could start naming them… but I might leave someone out inadvertently… But let me tell you several names have come to mind this morning and I’ve paused to thank the Lord for you!

Who is on your “short list”? Why not express you gratitude to God for them today (and tell them personally what they mean to you when you get a chance).