Glad you could join us for some coffee with Jesus. I hope and pray that today's "coffee" is a blessing to you. May the good Lord provide you with the much needed grace for the day. Amen!
"A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” Luke 13:6-9
Here we see, a fig tree master getting disappointed with no yield from his tree and in his anger wants it cut down. But the gardener pleads for the tree and buys some more time. Do you think the gardener then just left the tree to itself? No; he took special care to prune it, trim it, feed it and water it more often. He toiled hard to make it live. Let's pause right there.
Don't you see a similarity of Christ our Savior pleading our case to the Father God here? Yes, that is correct. Every time we anger Holy God who cannot look at sin, and whenever He is ready to punish us according to our sins, Jesus Christ comes in between asking God to give us another chance. Then He takes special care of us, giving us more and more opportunities to improve. Do we appreciate His efforts and try to make it or do we neglect it and remain the same without much fruits in our lives? Hope we improved!
Let's ponder over these thoughts as we kick off the weekend...
* Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 * I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. John 6:51
As much as we need physical food for survival we need the spiritual bread for survival too. Even in the Lord's prayer we pray "Give us this day our daily bread". Of course it stands for the daily providence for our physical needs; at the same time it also denotes the dependency on the "Word of God" for the survival through the day.
Can we skip food altogether for a day, two days, a week, a month? I don't think so. However many of us (including me) skip on the Word of God for days without much realizing the consequences of it. Just as how we will grow physically weak if we skip meals for days at once, we will grow weary spiritually when we skip "meals" for days at once.
Here's just a reminder to get back to our regular feeding on the Word of God - which is the Holy Bible! If there is anyone here who does not have a Bible of their own but would like to have one, please contact me at starlh at hotmail.com with your mailing address. I will send you one FREE of charge! I don't want you to go hungry you see... :)
Verse of the day: "For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord,and he examines all his paths. " 5:21
There is nothing hidden from the Lord. Even our deepest thoughts, our fondest desire, our sincere prayer are all in FULL view of the Lord. Sure, why not?! It is all good.
But how about the Lord knowing all about our secret sins, the perverse heart, the gossipping tongue, etc. ? Definitely not good.
In Hebrews 4:13 we read, Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Indeed we are uncovered and laid bare before the Lord. Would it be a pretty sight or are there things we need to take care of first? Let us make a commitment today and pray as King David did below:
* See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24 * How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Psalm 19:12 (NLT)
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:20-23
It is interesting how the disciples of Jesus Christ, who were once common fishermen, developed such wisdom and insight about all things supernatural and eternal. It is the wisdom that comes from knowing the Lord. It is the insight from being led by the Holy Spirit.
Here Apostle Jude calls us to persevere in our faith, staying focused on eternal life. It is as though he knew the current times. He warns us about the scoffers & false preachers in earlier verses, and insists us to safeguard our faith amidst it all.
It is important to hold on to our faith first. Then we could help out those who are in doubt and those on the verge of eternal fire. In doing so, we will stand before God without fault and with great joy! Hallelujah!
Let us heed to the call this morning: by building ourselves up in our faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keeping ourselves in God’s love as we wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring us to eternal life. Amen!
“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny you, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. Proverbs 3:7-9 Agur (the author of Proverbs 3rd chapter) wisely prayed for a middle state, that he might be kept at a distance from temptations. He asked daily bread suited to his station, his family, and his real good. There is a remarkable similarity between this prayer and several clauses of the Lord's prayer such as 'Give us this day our daily bread, lead us not into temptations' etc.
If we are removed from vanity and lies; if we are interested in the pardoning love of Christ, and have him for our portion; if we walk with God, then we shall have all we can ask or think, as to spiritual things.
When we consider how those who have abundance are prone to abuse the gift, and what it is to suffer want, Agur's prayer will ever be found a wise one, though seldom offered.
Food convenient; what is so for one, may not be so for another; but we may be sure that our heavenly Father will supply all our need, and not suffer us to want anything good for us; and why should we wish for more? (Excerpt from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary)
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." Revelation 22:12
Today we are a day closer to His return than we were yesterday. Tomorrow we will be a day closer than we are today. Next week we will be a week closer, and in the coming months we will be a lot closer; no denying that.
For most, this very idea seems foolish and they go on living their life like there is no end. For some the thought causes certain panic attack, confusion and a lot of uncertainty. They begin to doubt if they are ready because mostly they depend on their ability rather than on His grace.
But for those of us who are saved by His grace, it is indeed an exciting news! Amen!
The question is, what are we going to do about it?
Each one of us has a circle of influence that only we can reach out to. Not our pastors, or any evangelists, as they may never encounter them. But we do. They are our friends, our family, our neighbors, our coworkers. Only we can minister to them. We are the messengers of the Good News - the great news that salvation is near, freely given to those who believe in Jesus Christ.
As we anticipate His return each day, can we get involved in building His kingdom? Can we start this very day, before it gets a day closer for His return??
At the very least could you share a link of this blog? Please do. God bless you!
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. Luke 2:21
Jesus! Say it with me, Jesus! You will agree it is the most popular name ever, of all ages and times. It is the name above all names! Jesus!
For those who still think Jesus was just human, here's something to think about. Only for about 3 1/2 years Jesus was publicly preaching, doing miracles and the like. There was no TV or Internet to broadcast His messages across the universe at that time. How do you suppose His name has stood the test over thousands of years?! Can you change a life by telling someone about any other person who have lived on this earth - past & present? good and bad? How is it that the name Jesus is still changing lives? Still working wonders?
Philippians 2:5-11 has the answer. It says, Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Amen! Jesus is the name above every name. We are so privileged to have such a personal relationship with Him. Not only that. He knows us by our name and loves us the best. Isn't that something?!
And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there. Ezekiel 48: 35
Jehovah Shammah - the Lord is there - is how Prophet Ezekiel ends his book in the Bible.
Interesting. Very interesting indeed! Isn't that how exactly Matthew ends his book, recorded as Jesus's own words?!
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20
Indeed! Jehovah Shammah! God with us! To the very ends of the earth! Hallelujah!
All through the scriptures we have seen repeated evidences of God being with us - with His people - with Abraham - with Moses - with the Israelites - in the pillar of fire and pillar of cloud as He Himself led them through the desert...
The same God is with us today. With us. Underscore both words, with & us - with us! Praise the Lord!
This is His very promise to us - that the Comforter will abide with us for ever. (John 14:16).
For those who say amen, I will leave you with the same question Apostle Paul asks in his letters to the Romans:
If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Romans 8:31-34
If God is for us, with us, who can be against us? Further, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:35
Jehovah Shammah! The Lord with us. The Lord with you! Amen!
Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen... Isaiah 44:2
Jeshurun here means Israel. It is interesting to know that 'Jeshurun' is used as a name called lovingly to express fondness, like we call our children sweety pie, munchkins, pumpkins etc. :) Throughout the Scriptures we see many references to 'Fear Not' but today's verse comes across as extra special because Our Lord calls us with a father-like fondness and tells us not to be afraid.
In the following verses He also explains why we should not be afraid. He says, "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. " Isaiah 44:3-4
It is like He knows the very reasons that cause us fear and provides a solution for each. He will flourish us with water or abundance. He will pour His Spirit on our children, He will bless our descendants.
Is there really anymore reasons for us to fear when He so clearly assures us a flourishing present and a promising future? No; Not at all! Can you say amen!
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. Genesis 17:1
Then God said, "I am El-Shaddai--'God Almighty.' Be fruitful and multiply. You will become a great nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your descendants! Genesis 35:11
I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai--'God Almighty'--but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them. Exodus 6:3
El-Shaddai - God Almighty! An often used phrase in our prayers and worship and sermon etc. But have we given much thought to it's meaning?
Dictionary defines the word 'Almighty' as "having complete power or control"; with synonyms such as: absolute, all-powerful,invincible, mighty, omnipotent, supreme, unlimited, etc.
So when we pray to our El Shaddai - our God Almighty - we are in fact standing in the presence of Omnipotent, Supreme, All-Powerful, God. He is the very same God who created the whole earth and all that is in it by His mere words.
King David acknowledges Him by singing, "He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm." in Psalm 33:9
Knowing our Lord as God Almighty will give us a new perspective when we pray. There is nothing He cannot do. There is nothing impossible for Him. He is Almighty! Our El-Shaddai! Amen!
She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." Genesis 16:13
El-Roi! "I have seen Him!", was Hagar's excited statement when she encountered God while running away from Sarai.
How many of us would love to encounter our Lord face to face like Hagar did?! I know I would!
King David was hopeful of seeing the goodness of the Lord in his life time; he has written in Psalm 27:13, "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." We know for a fact he did see the goodness of the Lord just as he had hoped.
Job was looking forward to seeing the Lord in his life after; he assured: "I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" Job 19:27
Some of us like King David want to see Him now; the rest of us would be okay to wait till our life after. But the fact is, whether we are looking forward to seeing Him or not, every one (from past/ present/future - which includes you and me) is going to see Him face to face one day!
The Scripture says in Revelation 1:7, "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen."
The question today is: Are you ready to meet El-Roi - the God who sees? Won't you love to say, "I have seen the One who sees me!"?
Because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the Lord, “You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived. So the spring was called En Hakkore, and it is still there in Lehi. Judges 15-18-19
Book of Judges records this incident of Judge Samson who once killed 1000 enemies with a donkey's jaw bone. Soon after the battle was extremely thirsty and called out to the Lord. Lord makes a fresh spring water for him in that desert place which Samson names En Hakkore - Spring of the caller, which remains to this day.
Praise the Lord! Spring of the Caller!
What is your need this morning? What are you calling on the Lord for? Be assured He hears your call. Not only He hears you, He will answer you. He is opening up new streams for you - streams of fresh water. To replenish you. To revive your spirit. To give you life. Life eternal.
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:
* haughty eyes,
* a lying tongue,
* hands that shed innocent blood,
* a heart that devises wicked schemes,
* feet that are quick to rush into evil,
* a false witness who pours out lies, and
* a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19
I am sure we are familiar with this list of things that are detestabe (odious - abhorrent - loathsome - abominable - hateful) to the Lord.
If we think deeper most of us are guilty of atleast one of these!
It is a shocking realization for us "grown" Christians that we could even be part of the "rest of them" out there.
We have never arrived until our last breath or until the Lord returns whichever occurs first. Till then it takes a constant effort to walk in faith, staying clear of things that are detestable to the Lord.
He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. Song of Solomon 2:4
Let us visualize a banquet hall. A feast has been prepared to celebrate a bride by her groom. All nobles who were invited are seated. There is merriment among the young and the old there. All are rejoicing over the wedding that has just taken place or soon to be taking place, it doesn't really matter. It is a joyous occasion for sure.
Now the groom presents a banner over the bride. I sometimes imagine it like a sash worn by beauty pageants with the words "MY LOVE" written across. Or it could be a flag like banner of fine ruby red linen with golden words "MY BELOVED" embroidered on it in big bold letters that hangs just above the throne where the bride is seated! It is indeed a beautiful sight.
Now imagine, it is all for you - the bride! Isn't that special? Does it not make our hearts swell for Him who has redeemed us from a miry pit and elevated us to such a honorable state known as His bride?!
King David sings in Psalm 23:5 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
Surely He will prepare a table for you and me in the presence of our enemies and will anoint our heads with oil and fill our cups to the rim and will fly His banner over us, which reads: "My Beloved"! Let us never ever doubt that. Amen! God bless you all.
Happy Valentines Day! Rejoice in the Lord who is our only true Valentine!
As you would agree this is a beautiful Psalm and almost always calms my anxieties. I strongly advise you to memorize it if you haven't already. This way, we can recollect it from memory any number of times during any situation. Trust me, the help won't be too long!
Be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Throughout history, the plea remains constant - Fear the Lord and serve Him with all your heart!
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! Psalm 14:7
Amen! I praise God for these wonderful promises this morning!
It does not say, "If the Lord restores.." but says with assurance "When the Lord restores...". So there is absolutely no room for doubt here. If any of you experience even the slightest trace of doubt, you must rebuke it in the name of the Lord.
His promises are yes and amen! 2 Corinthians 1:20
Why then it is hard for us to still trust in Him completely? Why are we holding on to our heavy burden? Why not cast it all at His feet and walk free?! Why does our faith fluctuate so much?
"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." Matthew 8:25
He commands the winds and water and they obey Him! Is it hard for Him to solve our needs? Is it difficult for Him to restore our fortunes? Is it beyond His abilities to make us rejoice and be glad?
Repeat this verse after me and claim it as your own this morning: Oh, my salvation would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores my fortunes, I will rejoice and be glad! Amen!
"How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord." Psalm 116:12,13
King David asks a very interesting question that often crosses our mind - how will he(we) ever repay the Lord - and he also has an interesting answer - that he will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I visualize it as King David giving a toast (with his drink/cup) in honor of the Lord.
"Cup" could very well mean our hearts here or it could be the different roles we play. He fills it with His grace to the point it overflows... So, let's get back to the question which is the focus of our discussion for today: How can we repay the Lord for all his goodness to us? Ready to toast like King David?
"LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure." (Psalm: 16:5)
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Psalm 23:5
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 7:6
He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised. Deuteronomy 26:19
Amen! What a special anointing we can sense this morning! To be known as the Lord's chosen people, His royal priesthood, God's treasured possession, is truly special.
These are not mere words, but He means it. If not for that, He wouldn't have ransomed His only Son on the cross to redeem us.
From time to time we experience a certain dullness in our Spirit. We begin to doubt His words. We reason. We look up the context of the Scripture Promises like these and say it was spoken some time in history for certain group of people. We do not believe it is meant for us.
Today's message is to awaken our Spirits. To strengthen us once again that we are indeed the chosen people of God Almighty. He has redeemed us. He has bought us with a price. We are His. His treasured possessions. Amen!
Let us keep that in mind the rest of the day. Let us declare the praises of our Lord who has called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. Amen!
* "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs" (Psalm 100:2) * "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28) * "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." (Jeremiah 31:25)
A quick reminder as we get ready to go worship the Lord today! Let's do it with gladness; and let's come before Him with joyful songs.
Some of us may not be in a mood for joyful songs. But remember when the burden gets heavy there is only one solace, the foot of the cross.
The weary and burdened find rest at His presence as He refreshes the weary and satisfies the faint. Come let us sing a song, a song declaring we belong to Jesus!
Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the hall and seated them at the head of those who were invited—about thirty in number. Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the piece of meat I gave you, the one I told you to lay aside.”
So the cook took up the leg with what was on it and set it in front of Saul. Samuel said, “Here is what has been kept for you. Eat, because it was set aside for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited guests.’” And Saul dined with Samuel that day. 1 Samuel 9:22-24
It is an interesting incident how Saul comes to Prophet Samuel looking for his father's donkeys and gets to know that he is to be king over all Israelites. The Lord had already revealed it to Samuel that Saul would be coming to meet him.
What amazes me most is that Saul had no clue of what was going on about his matters to the very last minute. All that time he was looking for the lost donkeys, preparations were going on at the town of Zuph where Samuel was preparing the festive meal for Saul - a choice portion of the sacrifice!
These very thoughts had encouraged me many years ago while I was looking for a job. The Holy Spirit had assured me that my choice portion was awaiting me, while I was worried looking for "some lost donkeys"!
I used these very verses in my prayers asking God to bless me with my choice meat that was already set aside for me. Within days I had received my blessing!
Today the Holy Spirit is sharing the very same message to all of you joined here at the coffee table. Your portion awaits you this morning. It is a great feast and you are among the invited! Stop worrying about the lost donkeys and start praising the Lord for His mercies. Amen!
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Isaiah 55:2
Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. John 6:27
On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine - the best of meats and the finest of wines. Isaiah 25:6
I (Jesus) am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. John 6:51
We all run after things bigger, better, designer wear, gourmet meal, exotic vacations - but do these ever satisfy us? Sadly, never! We are only broke and exhausted at the end of the day.
There is however one thing that is truly satisfying - which is the joy of His salvation; and the only source it comes from is our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!
* My lover is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies. Song of Solomon 2:16 * I am my lover's and my lover is mine; he browses among the lilies. Song of Solomon 6:3 * I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me. Song of Solomon 7:10
No doubt the couple depicted in Song of Solomon is head over heals in love with one another; repeatedly they reassure their love for each other.
Hopefully it is the same with our love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When was the last time we told Him we are His and He is ours? When was the last time we heard Him speak in His slow still voice? Are we sure of our love? Then why aren't we spending time with Him whenever possible?
His love remains constant; it is us who waver from time to time. Let us see what we can do to rekindle our love for our Lord today. At least once tell Him how much you love Him today; it won't be long before you hear Him say the same and more to you.
Let's enjoy His loving presence rest of the day. Never doubt God's love for you.
Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land:
“May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:25-28
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” Daniel 3:28-29
The Book of Daniel is full of exciting incidents that took place in the life of Prophet Daniel and how he found favor in the eyes of great kings such as King Nebuchadnezzar, King Darius, King Belshazzar etc.
Some of the most miraculous events we have heard as Bible stories since childhood such as the fiery furnace incident, the lion's den incident, interpretations of dreams occurred in Daniel's life. He has ministered to many kings of different kingdoms. Yet one thing remained constant throughout his life - His prayer life!
The Scriptures above are in fact testimonies of Daniel shared by the kings who had witnessed these incidents first hand.
In Daniel 6:10 we read, "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
Imagine us in Daniel's place, we would reason, waver, fear the ridicule of not going with the flow. We would try to fit in. We are afraid to stand up and out for our beliefs.
I believe Daniel's courage that defied the kings' orders to honor God was an effect of the power of his prayers. We waver because we lack prayer. We have ridden too long on others' prayer for us; it is time we get started on our own seeking after the perfect will of God in our lives. After all it is the same God we serve - the God of Daniel! He is able and mighty to save us from our fiery furnace and lions dens like situations. Amen!
"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." I Kings 18:21
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Life can get weary sometime. The routine toil day after day could easily overwhelm us. Where will we go then? What will we do? How will we find solace? Only by taking it all to God Almighty and hear Him say these very words: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest".
Interstingly the invitation is forever open, it is us finding time to attend to it that prevents us from enjoying it's benefits.
In Matthew 6:33 we read: "Seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Often times our burden gets heavier because we have not sought after God first. Let us set aside a regular prayer time and list all our needs at His feet and see if His invitation stands true in our case.
I am 100% positive it is! Tested & true! Would you like to try it yourself?
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6
Amen! What a great promise for us this morning. In fact, I believe this is a direct message for me as much as for the rest of you around the coffee table.
The world around us is tough. It speaks foul language. It hates the godly. It ridicules the righteous and deny justice to their cause. On the other hand, it supports the ungodly, goes hand in hand with the foul mouthed and loves their ways. It is difficult to survive such a world on a daily basis - almost impossible on our own!
That's when promises like these encourage our spirits and speaks directly to our souls. It is an assurance that the Lord support our righteous cause; and bring us justice like the bight sun. Just as bright and powerful the sun is at noon, everyone will see us shine through!
However, it all starts with a commitment on our side - to commit to His ways and trust in Him. Which then brings us to our today's discussion: How to commit our ways to the Lord?
When Moses summoned all Israelites and gave them the ten commandments from the Lord, he had given an important instruction which holds true for us even to this day:
Be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Deuteronomy 5:32
King Solomon shares a wise word: Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3.
He repeats in Proverbs 3:6, In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Yet again He says, in Proverbs 4:27, Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
The Bible is full of instructions on how we can continually commit our ways to the Lord. We only need to read it and apply it in our lives - with a conscious effort.
Then the Lord will bring forth our justice as bright as the noonday sun and our righteousness will shine like the dawn!.
May God bless each one you. Love you all in Christ. Thank you for joining me for coffee with Jesus.
Welcome!As you sit down to enjoy your steaming cup of coffee or tea or chocolate or whatever, let us also enjoy the communion with Jesus one-on-one. Imagine He has joined you across your kitchen table and having a little chit-chat with you...
Remember more than you, Jesus is looking forward to this time alone with you... My prayer is that each one of you find your moment enjoyable with the Lord.
It's not just coffee time; It's coffee with Jesus time! Enjoy and God bless!
