COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Hatred held in the heart can't hide forever. Like underground molten lava its pressure builds and seeks release on the surface. No matter how hardened we become on the exterior bitterness will eventually break through unannounced with devastating results. We sometimes believe hatred is justified but its tyranny cannot be contained nor equitably distributed; it must be expunged entirely from our soul. Ephesians warns: "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the devil a  foothold."  Anger, if left to hang around will multiply and turn to hatred, but  Spiritual freedom and unbounded joy belong to the one delivered from hatred’s grasp.  Blessed Father, heal every wound of offense within me and uproot every trace of acrimony. Fill my heart with Your unfailing love and make my soul a no hatred zone.

Material things and personal benefits are easily taken for granted. I know this because when something to which I am accustomed is no longer is available, I always feel surprised and disappointed. Presumption, it seems, is a constant nemesis and is sad result of exaggerated self-importance. So what is God’s answer to the constant tendency to be presumptuous? Shifting sand, inconstant circumstances, tidal changes, bizarre weather; in other words, nothing in this world endures exactly the way it is right now and this is by divine design. In this way He keeps us constantly reminded and forewarned, this world is not our home. Merciful God, upon You the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. O LORD Eternal, You Alone are the forever constant. Thank You for the reminders.  

To think that God uses any of us for His divine purposes in the earth is stunning. Yet, our Heavenly Father chooses to utilize each of His children to display His glory to others. It is simple, what I do reflects His Image and Light or instead, what I do clouds His Image and Light. As intimidating as this may seem, my life may be the only source of the image of God the people I interact with each day may have.     While I have no appreciable brilliance in and of myself, the Glorious One shines so brightly that when He reflects Himself upon us, His Beauty is as dazzling as a full moon rising over a calm sea on a clear night. Father, shine upon me in Your full splendor. May every flaw be hidden by Your brilliance and may others see You reflected in all I say and do.  

Another day is at hand. Family, work, sick friends, urgent needs, the future, world news, weather, past mistakes, a dirty car; my mind is already racing down the straightaway at full throttle. The human soul can be more crowded than the Los Angeles freeway. King David found it necessary to command his own soul to “Bless the Lord.” Seeking God the first thing in the morning and listening to His voice throughout the day lifts the anxiety of constant pressures and sets my heart on the right path. Father, infiltrate every thought that passes through my mind today. LORD, I am Your child and servant, Father, You are the authorized interruption in every moment. May Your Presence percolate through me without restriction.  

I’m awake in the shroud of darkness, yet light swiftly approaches. Whether I know it or not, whether I believe it or not, daybreak is marching toward me. Soon the world around me will be bathed in brilliance, a new day is dawning. Blessings are already arrayed waiting for my arrival. Divine wisdom has been released into my pathway and the needed resources for this new day are already deployed. Angels are present and assigned to their work putting the forces of darkness on alert, this is the day the LORD has made I will rejoice and be glad in it! Lord, help me to recognize Your approach in my darkest moments. May I seize new beginnings, divine opportunities; a fresh start. Awaken my heart with readiness and fervor and use me for your bidding.  

AFTER THREE WEEKS OF BEING LOCKED OUT MY GOOGLE ACCOUNT IS FINALLY WORKING!!!! YAY!!!

There are no limits to our passion for greater convenience. The consequence of a culture that so highly esteems personal comfort is unrestricted aversion to sacrificial living. People of faith are uniquely harmed by this obsession with constant, immediate gratification because the desire for convenience is the enemy of sacrificial obedience. The nature of faith requires acting upon the unseen regardless of the circumstances, and we must do this while patiently waiting for God’s timing and methods. Acts of faith are inherently very inconvenient. Lord of Promise, cut me loose from my impatient impulses and careless disregard of Your chosen ways and means. Teach me to toss convenience aside and passionately live out the faith walk in steady obedience.  

I must hear from God daily. Thankfully His voice of wisdom, knowledge and discretion cries out by many means. Everything I hear with my ears, behold with my eyes, touch with my hands or think in my mind can be used by the Ancient of Days to bring greater understanding. Enlightenment is always available to the attentive heart but we must remain alert to His constant presence and promptings to receive the full benefits He offers. Daily input of His Word and a commitment to both seek and obey His Will are critical components to spiritual growth. Lord God Almighty, blessed is the man who listens for Your voice, watching daily and camping at Your feet. Help me make good choices and in Your mercy grant me grace when I fail.

What are the signs of a hardening heart? There are many such as indifference to spiritual issues, prayerlessness and refusal to listen to God or obey His promptings. A heart beginning to crust over is far more comfortable around people with spiritual cynicism than with those of spiritual hunger. Spiritual minimalism becomes the habit of those slipping away, choosing the least confronting forms of worship. The most ominous sign of hardening is when we cut ourselves off from fellowship with passionate believers, seeking rather to constantly associate with those of little or no genuine faith. O Lord My Creator, You formed me for Your will. Keep me stirred and pliable; work me over like moldable clay. Thank you for the power of fellowship and the witness of burning hearts.    

After a lifetime of the dealings of God there still remains so much more to be fully transformed within me. Even when acting with the best of intentions a mixture of selfish desires and vain conceit continues to pop up. This is very disappointing but provides daily motivation to continue the process of full surrender. Though I have been made a “new man” by Yeshua’s death, burial and resurrection, this unholy mixture of old and new remains in my soul. I cannot promote the best interest of others while in hot pursuit of my own. Omnipotent Lord of the Universe, You hold the worlds in Your hand, yet You bend low to bring loving care to Your creation. I know that if I am to love as You do I must do so with the humility and purity You have.  

How do you get back on track after going the wrong direction? Many places have sections of the city that consists of nothing but one-way streets. A quick turn around can be difficult in these situations, but three right turns will get you back to where you started. Life-itself is even more complicated once lost, but still, three right turns will get you back on track. Turn one? Turn to God’s Word. Turn two? Turn your heart over to God’s Will. Turn three? Turn your decision-making over to God’s Ways and Means. Now you are back on track. How many times will these simple steps work? Every-single-time. LORD, deliver me from seeking any direction for my life apart from Your divine guidance and keep me on track with You Perfect plan.