COFFEE ON THE DOCK

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” Philippians 3:16 ESV. This passage points us to reality. Instead, we often say: “I can handle it!” Brazen pride leads to tragic endings. To bulldoze through fears with unreasonable self-confidence is foolish and dangerous, but to run from fears leaves us in a state of relentless anxiety. So, what do we do? We must run to God with our terrors, face our fears and allow Him to destroy them. When the cares of this world hit us hard, we must cast them upon “the One who cares for us”1 Peter 5:7. His Promises and Presence transform doubts into dominion and fears into faith. So, in fact, I CAN handle it if I get the order straight: Run to God, Confess my fears, Believe His Word, Run and toward the Fight! Lord God, You are my Glory and the Lifter of my head! You, O Lord are my shield and deliverer, in You I put my trust and on You I cast my cares. 

“There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us, therefore, strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience,” Hebrews 4:9-11 (ESV). Rest and comfort seem similar but are actually quite different. Rest prepares me for what is next; comfort settles me into what has been. Everyone needs a little comfort, but too much of it feeds selfishness and feelings of entitlement, leaving us maladjusted for personal sacrifice. Rest stops are for those going somewhere but comfort zones are for the dying. Our culture defines rest as relaxation, but Biblical rest is rooted in trust in God and is His gift to us for our journey ahead. Father teach me to enter Your rest and to esteem your Spirit’s comfort above all other comforts. 

“There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us, therefore, strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience,” Hebrews 4:9-11 (ESV). Rest and comfort seem similar but are actually quite different. Rest prepares me for what is next; comfort settles me into what has been. Everyone needs a little comfort, but too much of it feeds selfishness and feelings of entitlement, leaving us maladjusted for personal sacrifice. Rest stops are for those going somewhere but comfort zones are for the dying. Our culture defines rest as relaxation, but Biblical rest is rooted in trust in God and is His gift to us for our journey ahead. Father teach me to enter Your rest and to esteem your Spirit’s comfort above all other comforts. 

Today is NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL DAY. The Vietnam War emerged from the First Indochinese War. The French had enough after many years of war and pulled their forces out of Vietnam in 1954, the year I was born. The U.S. became the principal financial, strategic and military leader of South Vietnam at that time. The U.S. involvement lasted until 1975. It is no exaggeration to say the Vietnam War impacted my formation as a man, my family, my friends, and their families, my generation, and the soul of our nation for two decades. Our nation has fought many wars before Vietnam and since. There will likely be new wars in the future. That is why days of remembrance like this are so important. The lessons of years past prepare us for today and tomorrow. LORD, thank you for those who have sacrificed so much for this nation. May this generation and future generations never forget the debt we owe. 

“A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool,” Proverbs 17:10 ESV. Even when offered with mixed motives, criticism is a huge motivator for my self-examination and for making the needed changes it exposes. I do not like to be critiqued, but I have learned that my personal development has been propelled by it and that criticism and unsolicited advice are vital components of my growth process. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future,” Proverbs 19:20 ESV. When I am criticized, my first instinct is to criticize the critic, but there is no benefit by going down that path. In fact, criticism is more often than not, a glimpse into reality. It may sting, but it is actually a kind gift. Father, I welcome Your transforming power, delivered by whatever means You choose. I am earnestly thankful for the stripping away of every weakness or flaw that I may fully reflect Your Glory. 

“I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken,” Psalm 16:8 ESV. There are a lot of questions about what is ahead right now across the globe, but the psalmist got it right. He stated, “I’ve set the LORD   ALWAYS BEFORE ME ”. Based on this passage, I conclude, if the LORD is “always before you” it immediately accomplishes several things. First, it predicts what is ahead. Secondly, if the LORD is “always before you” it puts You in a “right hand” partnership with the Almighty. And thirdly, if the LORD is “always before you” it stabilizes you while everything around you is shaken! With those things settled I can stop asking “what does the future hold” and start proclaiming, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!” Father, with You before me, at my side and as my foundation, I’m all good. Help me lift others. 

In Psalm 23:5 , we read: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Nothing beats a family dinner or a meal with close friends, but God sometimes places us in close proximity to those who don’t like us or openly revile us. And then, in seemingly awkward circumstances, He sets a table of blessing before us for all to see. King David was clearly an example of this. Many things happen within this scenario. For one thing, God often lavishly blesses upon us to provoke others to jealousy and to activate their hunger for God. Sometimes, the purpose is to deal with our own pride issues or strengthen our resolve to live our faith out loud despite circumstances. Other times, we are merely learning to only see a crowd of one. The One. Father in Heaven, Your ways are mysterious, yet beautiful.

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful,” 1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV. Why am I still surprised how quickly things deteriorate since I know everything of this world does? As is true with most people, much of my personal interest is focused on what is new, fresh and cutting-edge, but I am often negligent to what I already have. I don’t really care very much about possessing new material things. What captures my attention is new experiences, fresh understanding, and ground-breaking effectiveness. However, just like physical things, neglected relationships or unapplied knowledge will also deteriorate. Spiritual ground gain long ago can be lost. Father forgive my tendency to neglect what is already within my assigned stewardship. You rightly require me to be a good steward. Help me be more faithful to what I already have been given.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps,” Proverbs 16:0 ESV. As a child growing up near the ocean one of my delights was to walk in other people’s footsteps imprinted in the sand. I learned that every person’s stride and pace is unique. But at some point in life, we must give up the childhood game of attempting to walk in someone else’s footprints. It does me no good to compare my steps with those of others. Instead, I must obediently fulfill my God-appointed destiny and trust that His path for me is the very best one. In the final analysis, each stride taken in pursuit of His will is a step forward. Isaiah 31:21 states: “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Dearest Father, may each footstep I take this day lead me deeper into Your will and take me to Your highest and best. 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” Isaiah 41:10 NIV. In 1960, Hurricane Donna slammed into North Florida with all its fury. The power went out and our only occasional light was a flash of lightning. The wind howled and tore at our home, the rain pounded, sounding like a speeding train! As a 5-year-old, I was terrified, but each flash of lightning revealed my Daddy’s  silhouette as he stood the watch. I fell asleep, assured all was well. Over a lifetime I have come to trust my Heavenly Father through the storms of life. I sometimes lose sight of Him, but in a momentary flash of light I see His powerful Presence and I rest. Precious Father, one glimpse of You Presence sends fear scampering away. 

“ For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,   so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another,” Romans 12;4-5 ESV.   God designs and imprints uniqueness within each person He creates, however, autonomy is not a part of the divine architecture. Our necessary dependence upon God and subsequent interdependence upon others is wired-in at the deepest level of our being. I can build towering walls around my heart, pull in the drawbridge and consider all others as intruders, but to do so is to condemn myself to a self-imposed prison where I would remain in solitary confinement. More importantly, in that condition, I would cease to fulfill my eternal purpose and the voice of God to me, and through me to others would be silenced. Lord of Love, please forgive my useless efforts to go it alone and provoke my heart to openness and love.

“He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness; and the light dwells with Him,” Daniel 2:22 ESV. Things are never quite as they seem on the surface; they are actually better or worse than we perceive. Our situation in this world is comparable to a quiet, pond. While the sky and surrounding scenery reflect serenely on its surface, underneath it is a different world. One fish is tragically becoming a “happy meal” for another while others are hiding in terror or stalking their next prey while still others sleep. For us, in this world, there are moments of love and happiness, joy and sorrow, prosperity, and poverty. But what we see is not all there is. 1 Corinthians 15:19 reveals, “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” My hope and happiness are not derived from what I see, but from “The Light” God has for me now and forever. Open my eyes, LORD , to see Your Glory at all times.

“Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there,   and   the face cloth, which had been on Jesus'   head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself,” John 20:7 ESV. I do not pretend to understand what the folded napkin means, but I know what it means to me. I see that through His through His death, burial, and resurrection removes my shame, and I will see God face to face! I see in that folded napkin that God pays attention to every detail. I see in that folded napkin Jesus “spiking the ball” at Lucifer’s feet; only the Lamb has the power of eternal life! Theological arguments remain as to whether the original Greek words read, “neatly folded’ or “thrown aside’. I like both possibilities! I either case, Satan is defeated, and I will face God as a son of the Living God! Gracious Father, thank You for our glorious salvation.

"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good,”  1 Peter 2:2-3 ESV. My Sharon breastfed all four of our children. It was a marvel to me as a young man to see the deep connection she had with them and they with her. Sharon needed and valued those moments as much as our infants did. The apostle Peter opened the “pearl-oyster” for us in this passage as He describes God’s Word as “pure spiritual milk” and calls us to like newborn infants. To understand the value of God’s Word and the deep connection God’s Word and Spirit” have with us, and us with Him is truly “A Pearl of Great Price”. Here I must pause to ponder, “does God also enjoy a spiritual connection with His children as much as His children need and enjoy them?” Father in Heaven, thank you for Your constant care and intimate Presence. Feed my soul with faith, hope and love through the milk of Your Word. 

“For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard,” Isiah 52:12 (ESV).  Each and every day is front-loaded. God has already stocked your day with valuable lessons, new opportunities, unique challenges, unexpected blessings, experiences, and spiritual insights. Today is another needed chance to leave lawlessness behind and to firmly embrace redeeming grace. Today will provide a unique and powerful pathway to higher life that is divinely orchestrated from beginning to end. He’s even got your back as your “rear guard.” Dearest Alpha and Omega, thank You for today. It is holy, for You made it, placed me in it and have already brushed Your fingers across it. I am ready. Lead me to what is right and good. 

“I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me  and   set me  in a broad place. The Lord  is  on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Psalm 118;5-6 NKJV.  Mankind's  fallen nature, inherited from Adam’s sin, made us enemies of God. But the redemptive work of our Savior opened the way for us to become His sons and daughters. I would have remained in darkness and utterly lost forever had not  the LORD been on my side!  My attempts to follow His will or pursue His call would be entirely impossible, and my hopes would be  vanquished  forever had not  the LORD been on my side.  When I struggle to muster strength and  valor  to fight this earthly battle, I know I will finish strong for  the LORD is on my side ! Glorious Adonai, Captain of Our Salvation, Eternal Father, all glory to You now and forever! I march ahead in victory and abiding peace along with all who are Yours, for  You O LORD are on my side .

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread,” Psalms 37:25 KJV. Having been born and raised in a city by the sea with a multitude of tidal rivers and creeks, tide cycles fascinate me; the shorelines are constantly advancing or receding. The rise and fall of each new tide cycle are very subtle and easily missed, but it happens without our permission and is beyond our control. Frankly the same could be said of everything in this life. As one friendship dwindles, another strengthens. Youthful strength eventually turns into retreating health, all the while, youthful foolishness shrinks away, and wisdom takes its place. Treasured things deteriorate, and unimagined new things emerge. So goes the tides of life. Father, You are the Eternal Constant. With every falling tide, You provide a tidal deposit as a parting gift; I truly marvel at Your wisdom. I love Your ways. 

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” Colossians 3:12 ESV. This passage is wise instruction for any time, but now that we face a worldwide pandemic, these words are absolutely critical. Defining moments like this reveal the true depth of our faith and love for God and the people He made. Since our eternal future is already secured through salvation, now is the time for believers to shine brightly. Instead of joining those whose only hope is this life, our confession of faith and works of love should be on full display.   ‘ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails," I Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV. Yes LORD, I

“These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage,” Jude 1:16 (ESV). I’m not comfortable reading this verse. Not that it isn’t true, I don’t feel comfortable because it is. And even worse, even as a sincere believer I have repeatedly done each of the things it points out. Sometimes, I still do before I even notice I’m doing it! But seeking truth is not a One-and-Done, it is a daily journey. So, I must again face the mirror of God’s Word this new day. “The one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing,” James 1:25 (ESV). Lying to ourselves about our own spiritual conditions only makes it worse. Father, in Your abundant Mercy please forgive me. Awaken my heart to truth and cleanse my ways. 

“Blessed  be  the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. This is the model for fulfilling our purpose. As recipients of God’s goodness, we must pass along what we receive. Most Christians do not get this, therefore, stunting their own spiritual growth. What God makes happen for you, equips you to make things happen for others, assuring your own spiritual growth. Our lives are to be channels of blessing, not reservoirs where only spillover is offered! AN old hymn states it well: “Make me a channel of blessing today, make me a channel of blessing I pray; My life possessing, my service blessing, Make me a channel of blessing today.” LORD thank You for making me both Your son and Your partner. Help me be a free-flowing river of Your mercies and grace. 

"For we walk by faith, not by sight,"  2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV. Fog can change a trip through otherwise familiar territory into a netherworld of trepidation. While engulfed in a ground cloud we must strain to see details that could easily be seen in normal conditions. Foggy surroundings force us to focus our attention away from what we would LIKE to see to what we NEED to see. In those moments, less important things fade into the background, but urgent needs are amplified. There is a valuable principle for our entire life that can be learned from moving through fog; we must stay laser-focused on what really matters. Holy Spirit, help me today to focus more carefully on what You want me to see each moment. Cause the non-essentials whirling by to drift into the background. Open my eyes LORD to discern what truly matters. 

“So, give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:9 ESV. Even as a young man Solomon recognized his priority was his heart. For many people, life is about grabbing all you can and canning what you get and poisoning the rest. This person’s life is measured by how much they are able to collect, control and keep for themselves. But the true “good life” is living to give, living to lift, living to bless and living to love. When my attention is on what I lack my heart shrinks, but when my eyes are on what I can do for others my heart is enlarged, faith is released, and joy abounds. Once love takes over amazing things happen. Like a pilot who must continue to be re-certified each year for the sake of everyone’s safety, my heart must be re-certified continually by generosity. LORD God, keep my heart cleansed and filled with love. All that I am and all that I steward is Y

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you,” Matthew 6:6 ESV. Prayer requires genuineness, openness, thoughtfulness, humility, faith, and sincerity. These things don’t always come easily to me in the necessary proportions. Thankfully, prayers recorded in Scripture along with both ancient and contemporary prayers written by others provide guidance. I find written prayers helpful and enlightening, but God is never taken in by mere words. Then again, why would I need pretense? He knew me before I was born, He knitted me together in my mother’s womb, and He knows my deepest thoughts, needs, and desires. In His great mercy, My LORD redeems me in spite of my constant failings. Father forgive wanderings. Draw me deep within Your Secret Place. To behold You in prayer and praise transforms my soul. 

As the firstborn son of Isaac, Esau would have received the inheritance and authority of his father at his passing. But he showed contempt for his birthright when he traded it away to his brother for a bowl of soup. How shortsighted and foolish! Yet, we too, show contempt for our Heavenly Father each time we shrug off our inheritance as children of God in exchange for temporary things. In Genesis 3:6 we see the worst trade ever: “ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise,   she took of its fruit   and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her,   and he ate.”   I must continuously remind myself that over-attachment to momentary needs or desires can plunder my spiritual inheritance and corrupt my sense of purpose and destiny. Blessed Lord,. Forgive my inclinations to trade-off heavenly heritage for makeshift satisfaction. Preserve my heart for You Alone. 

“Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.” Proverbs 11:22 ESV. Discretion is a precious gift from God. If I ignore its protections, I will surely suffer the consequences. Even though I have the freedom to can say or do something doesn’t mean that I should. The lack of discretion in modern American culture harms us all and is responsible for so much unnecessary pain, suffering, and death. Time spent with thoughtful, discreet people increases my tendency to make responsible decisions and guards me against inappropriate recklessness. Good judgment does not lock us away from the world around us, it empowers us to walk boldly and safely in every circumstance. Giver of All Wisdom, grant me foresight and good sense today. Guard my mouth and actions by Your Spirit and Word. Help me be a faithful witness to others. 

“ But 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. Most people would like to make an impact on the world around them, but it seems so overwhelming. Is it really? An avalanche begins with the movement of one single object; your next move may be the ignition point of something amazing. Inspired ideas launched by passionate commitment and followed by steady advances can change the trajectory of your entire future. I’ve had the privilege of being around quite a few world changers over a lifetime. Some are truly natural stars, but frankly, most are amazingly ordinary; it is their stubborn relentlessness to make something special happen that is the difference. Jesus’ disciples were simple men and women that changed their world. His true disciples still are. Lord, in Your Mercy, move my heart that I may be used to move others. 

“ Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days,” Psalm 90:14 ESV.   The Peace of God fills a surrendered heart, so prioritizing His Word and seeking His Will at the beginning of each new day gives us the right launch. Listening to God’s voice is central to keeping my heart on the right path. I am easily distracted, so there must be a daily renewal of commitment to hear and obey. Inward quietness can be difficult to come by in such a busy world, so an early start filled with the Word and personal repentance moves my heart in the right direction. Will I trudge through on my own or will I take hold of the horns of the altar? I choose the latter. Father, I rejoice in the hope of entering Your Glory. I stretch my hands to You in joyful praise this new day. LORD, draw me nearer and deeper.

“Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,” Revelation 5:11 (ESV). Even a casual peek through the biblical window into the Heavenly City reveals a miraculous place. There will be no sorrow, crying, or pain; only unbounded joy and unbroken praise. Things considered so precious here on earth will be no more than pavement and building material in the New Jerusalem. It will be a city resplendent with the Light of Our Savior. There is a Sea of Glass, a heavenly host beyond counting and angels more numerous than grains of sand. Is it any wonder that God sends miracles into this world to proclaim the nature of the world to come! Lord God of Beauty and Power beyond description, I welcome Your marvels and mighty works in this world that announce a miraculous eternity in the next. Come quickly, LORD. 

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.” Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV. This passage is loaded from start to finish, but I’m most taken today by the straightforward clarity and power of the phrase: “The Lord your God is God”. He alone is God. I am not God, no one else is God, money is not God, my family is not God, my time is not God, my possessions are not God, my pursuits are not God, my ministry is not God…GOD IS GOD. Well, that pretty much sums it up. While good stewardship of our time, talents, and treasures is necessary, my primary goal must always be the same; to honor, glorify, please, serve, obey, worship, and proclaim to others the LORD God Almighty. Father, glorify Yourself in me and help me proclaim Your Glory to the world around me. 

“ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the  Lord  your God is WITH YOU wherever you go,” Joshua 1:9 ESV. Joshua had received a direct command by God, but he still didn’t feel up to the challenges ahead.  I must confess that I often feel inadequate for the tasks and unworthy of the roles God places me in. I have many reasons to doubt myself, but I have no reason to doubt that “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13! Doubting God’s ability to work through me is foolish and faithless. In Genesis 1, we see the earth “void and without form” until God’s hovering Spirit and Spoken words changed everything, and they still do! LORD, forgive my doubts, bring order and peace to my chaos that I may fulfill Your perfect will. 

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand," Psalm 40:2 NIV. Our family was blessed to have quite a few pets over the years; a Pekinese named Reina was with us the longest. She was, without a doubt, the sweetest and dumbest pet we ever had. Whenever we asked her if she wanted to go out, she ran to the wrong door...EVERY TIME for 17 years! One day, she tried to stand up, but her back legs wouldn't work. Reina just sat there staring at me, shaking and bewildered. I've seen that “help me, I don’t know what’s going on here” look before. I've HAD that look before. God  sees  that  look  every day on His children’s faces around the world. LORD, You lift me and comfort me in my bewildering trials.  You grant me assurance when I am weak. You place my feet on higher ground. We are “more than conquerors” in Your mighty grasp.    

“And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise, go on your journey at the head of the people, so that they may go in and possess the land, which I swore to their fathers to give them,’” Deuteronomy 19:11 ESV. Their journey lasted forty years! What distance must I travel to be made whole? How wide is the chasm between my transgressions and God’s forgiveness? How high must I climb to ascend to the heights of heaven’s treasures? The blessings we seek can appear far away, but they are much closer than we think. The ascent to my healing is merely the distance between My Savior’s pierced feet to a crown of thorns. The journey from my sin to forgiveness is merely the expanse between the nails in each of my Redeemer’s hands. The final step is as close as a drop to my knees. LORD, my mind struggles with the simplicity of Your grace. Grant me childlike humility to believe what You have already accomplished. 

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field,  you are  God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). While life can feel pretty mundane at times, by God’s design our daily vocation coincides with His. That we may behold His work is wondrous enough, but that the Creator of the Universe and Ruler of All Things grants us partnership in His earthly activities is breathtaking. To be a craftsman at the Lord’s side fills me with delight day after day. Though I am never allowed more than a peek at the blueprints, from time to time I catch a glimpse of what He is doing and am always amazed. The intricacy and purposefulness with which He works are breathtaking. Lord, I rejoice to do Your bidding. May my work this day and every day thereafter be synchronized with Yours. Guide my hands and give me laser-focus in my assigned work. Let’s roll.