COFFEE ON THE DOCK

“They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him,” Genesis 37:18 ESV. Young Joseph’s own bragging lips incited the hatred of his brothers. His life was radically changed as he went from his father’s favorite son to a pit, then to slavery, into a prison, to being abandoned, and finally, to a seat second only to the king of a powerful empire. His folly led downward to darkness, but His Lord raised him up beyond his wildest dreams. He would learn humility and forgiveness along the way. Our own foolishness is often the source of our troubles, yet we blame God or others instead. We each need God’s help to crawl out of our self-generated pits and prisons. But as it was for Joseph, God turns what looks like a death spiral into a stairway to the throne. The path to God’s blessings is rarely a cakewalk! Father, how pleasant it is to learn Your ways. Help me embrace Your will, Your way. 

“From the end of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” Psalm 61:2 ESV. In the early 1900s, Irvin Berlin taught America to sing together. “God Bless America” is practically a second National Anthem. One of my favorite Berlin songs cheerily declares: “Blue skies Smiling at me Nothing but blue skies, Do I see.” Many of my travels have begun in nasty weather at ground level, yet I have learned that if you climb hi gh enough, the sky is always blue and clear. The same is true for the soul. Living in the squalor of human deficiencies can make us feel there is nothing more. But that is not the end of the story. King David cried out: “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I." As my heart moves higher in prayer and praise, I begin to see from heaven’s perspective. Yes Lord, lead me to blue skies!

“ I f serving the   Lord   seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites,   in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household,   we will serve the   Lord .”   Joshua 24:15 NIV. Joshua challenged the Hebrews to choose their future. A made-up mind should not be confused with a closed mind or stubborn pride. Firm decisions should be rooted in the moral clarity that comes from God’s influence on our decision-making process. The most crucial step is to accept that God is in charge, so the only right choice is His choice. The decision to obey is a powerful, power-filled choice. Once a decision is made it unleashes the power to adjust to anything that comes along, while simultaneously transforming everything that must change. LORD, I choose to obey Your will. Open wide the floodgates of grace and wisdom that I may faithfully and ...

“For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,” Psalm 116:8 ESV. While raising our children we became quite accustomed to tears; each day offered many. Most of the tearful moments were a result of minor disappointments or injuries, but occasionally there was genuine heartache. While “the wailing show” was more easily dismissed, a single, silent tear poised on the cheek of a sorrowful little face was riveting. Everything else stopped while full household attention was given to that one anguished soul. It is the same with God and His children. Lord of All Comfort, one small teardrop of true repentance, one tiny tear of heartbreak, unleashes angels, archangels, and the whole company of heaven to my troubles. You turn my mourning into dancing and my tears of sorrow to tears of joy! 

“Judge not, that you be not judged.   For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you,” Matthew 7:1-2 ESV. A heart that understands the unmerited grace God offers will not fall victim to a superiority complex toward others. If we are still under the delusion that we are blessed because of our moral rectitude or exceptional knowledge, then prideful judgmentalism is practically assured. Religious arrogance paralyzes spiritual progress and sets us up for a fall. I’ve tried to leave sanctimonious tendencies behind, but they still pop up like toast out of a toaster. Judgementalism still lurks within my soul. It is not pleasing to God to for me to deny someone else the mercy and grace on which I so heavily depend. Lord, have mercy on me and make me more like You. May my pursuit of piety never produce a holier-than-thou response to others. 

“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night,” Exodus 13:21 ESV. On their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, Israel spent forty years in the desert. They were constantly on the move but seemingly going nowhere. Yahweh was training the people of Israel to live as a free nation, yet to always allow Elohim to direct them each day. He was instructing them that they still had to do their part, but Jehovah-Jireh would be their provider. Additionally, they were learning to keep an eye on where their LORD, Keeper, and Provider was moving. Chasing after earthly fantasies is wearying but chasing after the Cloud of God is not exhausting! There is an inexplicable rest in following hard after The Almighty One! Cloud by day, pillar of fire by night; these were God’s endless invitations to push farther, climb higher, and to go deeper. Lord, may I never subs...

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears,” Psalm 34:4 ESV. Difficult times bring many valuable lessons. Most of the truly important changes I have made in life have come as a direct result of a crisis. As the pressure rises, so does my focus and intensity of seeking God’s face. Fresh grace to deal with unplanned circumstances is granted to the hungering pilgrim. While I do not intentionally seek more problems, there seems to be no shortage. Nor, however, is there ever a shortage of God’s Mercy and Goodness. Every time I get dog-piled by dilemmas there is a corresponding avalanche of grace released from heaven. Glory to You Lord God Almighty, thank You for each new opportunity to know You and Your ways more perfectly. In my darkest hour, You sweetly lead me toward your heavenly light till the dawn of deliverance is mine! 

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you,” Ephesians 4:32 ESV. I Corinthians 13:4 ranks patience and kindness right at the top of the “Love List”. Though past disappointments may still sting within, there is no loss in offering authentic kindness to others, even to those who have hurt us. When kindness is practiced without ulterior motives, we touch for a moment the glory and nature of God. I John 4:8 proclaims: “God is love.” Since kindness is one of the principal characteristics of love, offering kindness is one of the highest examples of genuine godliness. Even if our kindness is rejected by those to whom it is offered it benefits the giver and invites the blessing of the Almighty. Father, You are love and You are kind beyond description. Let Your kindness flow through me that I may be more like You. Make me Your instrument of love to others. 

" See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it, many become defiled,” Hebrews 12:15 ESV. King Saul’s bitterness ultimately destroyed him. Many people seem to delight in constantly sowing discord. Like wounded animals, their personal pain gives impulse to attacking others randomly; the slightest inconvenience, misunderstanding or disagreement detonating deep rage. Hatred often attempts to establish permanent residence in the hearts of God's children, but our Father in Heaven will have none of that. A heart fully surrendered to the Lover of Our Souls is more than a match for bitter indignation. Gracious Father expunge all lingering vitriol within me. Rip away every root of bitterness and fill my heart with Your unquenchable love and mercy. 

“A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul,” Proverbs 18:7 ESV. Each of us has been maligned at one time or another. It is equally true that each of us has maligned others, allowing inappropriate words to spill from our lips. Knowing how damaging and painful false judgments can be, we must take great care in forming, and especially vocalizing our opinions before our thoughts have been bathed in love and truth. It is foolish to carelessly say whatever we think; loose talk starts wars, breaks hearts and destroys relationships. Glorious God, forgive my indiscretions and brutish ways. Cleanse my mind of vain imaginations and lock my lips with wisdom and discretion. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer,” Psalm 19:14 ESV. 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”   Romans 12:2 ( ESV). Ideas come from somewhere. Some are harmless while others are inspired, still, others can be very toxic. The mind is surely our most constant battlefield, but we are not powerless.   “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” 2 Corinthians10:3-5 (ESV). And again, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” My LORD, help me keep...

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV. There is no dependable substitute for divinely guided discernment, combined with a strong biblical foundation. These are the cornerstones of a sound mind. We each need good judgment to distinguish between inspired thoughts and selfish fantasies since they are often similar at first glance. The immature mind driven by personal desires can be easily confused. But the Word and Spirit work in tandem to dissipate our delusions, subdue our speculations, and dispel our wild imaginations. Lord of Peace and Wisdom teach me to truly submit my thoughts to You today. Remove from me all deception and fear, cleanse my thoughts by the washing of Your Word and grant me Your wisdom. 

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand,” John 10:27-28 (ESV). I am well acquainted with God’s Holy Grip. When I press in it is gentle but powerful, soft yet firm. In moments when I’m being pulled away or straining against it, I feel His heavenly grasp tighten, His divine clench stiffening. There is no escape from the Good Shepherd’s hand. There are those startling moments of my feet dangling over a precipice, yet still, I am held firmly in the Savior’s clutch with no fear of being plucked from His Hand. No one and no circumstance will snatch me out of God's Great and Mighty Grasp. Father, I thank You for Your Mighty Handhold upon me. With Your loving embrace, You uphold me, guide me, prod me, restrain me and comfort me. I thank You for Your hand of protection. 

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his,” Hebrews 4:9-10 (NIV). The value and benefits of working hard are obvious to the industrious person, but the value and benefits of a day of rest from our own works is like downshifting at high speed in a heavy truck down a steep mountain. No simple tap on the breaks will do. However, steep cliffs are great motivators for slowing down and life has plenty of them. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose,” Romans 8:28 NKJV. So Coronavirus has an upside…downshift, turn, shift, pray again, read the Word, downshift again, call a friend, shift, help a stranger, be a blessing, shift gather with family and friends, Shabbat Shalom everyone.

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall," Proverbs 16:18 ESV. As a child, I spent much of my time pretending. I created elaborately detailed scenarios in my mind where I was the central character of everything that was happening. While these imagined adventures are  good  for child development, as adults, pretending we are superheroes does us no good at all. Spiritual maturity requires a constant increase in humility. Too many thoughts of self-importance are not only foolish, they are dangerous. Thankfully, whenever I foolishly cross that line, God provides ways for me to be pulled back from the many perils pride brings. Blessed Father, help me keep it real. Thank You for the honest mirror Scripture provides. Though I can do all things through Your strength, I can do nothing of eternal value absent Your constant guidance, nourishment, and remedy. 

Psalm 118:5-6 “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.” 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 again 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 have been vanquished forever had not the LORD been on my side. While at times I struggle to muster the strength 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. 

1 Corinthians 16:14 succinctly sums up what each of us must do our best to master, “Do everything in love”. And in 1 John 4:8 we read “Whoever does not  love  does not know  God , because  God   is   love .” If considered together, these passages reveal that I cannot consistently act in love toward others without being “in love” with God, so the depth of my love for God can be accurately determined by measuring my love for others. And since “God so loved the world”, I must not selectively love only those I feel a connection to, I must love as God loves…without discrimination. Jesus commanded, “Jesus commanded, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you”. Wow. LORD of Love, purge my heart. Cleanse me of all indifference, bigotry, prejudice or hatred in any form. Teach me to love as You love. 

“To the weak, I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means, I might save some.   I do it all for the sake of the gospel that I may share with them in its blessings,” 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 ESV. Many Christians feel it necessary to wear their faith as if it is armor against the surrounding world, but our spiritual armor is against darkness, not people. Taking the Biblical example of the apostle Paul to heart, I prefer to make a thoughtful effort to connect with those around me wherever I go. Paul’s strategy of becoming “all things to all people” was not an effort to hide his faith, but rather, an intentional commitment to offering bridges of love to those he encountered. It doesn’t take long for others to notice the effects of God’s Presence in our lives. Holy Lord, we are grateful Your Presence shelters us while empowering us to effectively share Your Grace with others. 

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;   it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things,” 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 ESV. Selfishness is my constant companion. Like a powerful magnet, it pulls whatever good God accomplishes in and through me toward its voracious appetite. His Perfect Love is the only answer; Teach me to faithfully and consist...

There is no end to the beautiful mysteries and insights of the Death, Burial, Descension, and Ascension of Our Redeemer. It is mind-bending indeed to consider, the Son of Man, along with the Father, created trees: “Through   him, all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made” John 1:3 ESV. Yet, on that darkest of days, the dried wood of a fallen tree became a “tree of life” as the carpenter’s son was bound to it. He that is life gave “life to the dead” (Romans 4:17) by dying. “Him who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV). He was made a captive and put to death, but “When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive,” (Ephesians 4:8 KJV) and set the prisoner’s free. He that left this earth in human shame will come again in such Heavenly Glory that all the world will see it at once! And He that refused an earthly reign as a king will rule for eternity as “King of...

“‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus,” Matthew 14:28-30 NIV. Some may say, “but he sank”, I would say, “But he DID IT!” Russell Linenkhol, one of my beloved spiritual fathers, has been in heaven for many years. But his voice is still in my head and heart. His eyes sparkled when he smiled. He had a great wit and a deep-voiced southern drawl. He gave me wise counsel over a lifetime and deeply influenced me in more ways than I could describe. Russell tagged people who stepped out in faith as “Water Walkers”. I needed those enlightening and inspiring words. I still do. Lord God, thank You for placing my feet where only You can hold me up. I will follow Your voice no matter the perils. And thanks for the gift of Russell. 

Agonized prayers of submission offered amid sleepy disciples. Betrayal by the disillusioned, taken captive by the powerless, judged by the ignorant. Abandoned by the fearful, stripped by the inwardly unclothed, crucified by the lifeless, mocked by fools. Redeeming wounds suspended between heaven and earth, forgiveness freely given. What majestic mystery, what love divine! Good Friday? Yes, a very Good Friday indeed! Indescribably good, eternally good! Blessed Redeemer, my thoughts retrace your labored steps along the Via Dolorosa. You stretched out Your arms on the cold, hard, wood of the cross and cured my broken and diseased soul. Glory to You forever! 

I'm watching the movie "Pearl Harbor" (released in 2001), for about the tenth time. It always moves me to tears. I'm a Baby Boomer, having been born merely nine years after the six-year “Second World War” ended. My youth was spent among an adult generation that had endured two World Wars and the Korean War. Over 91,000,000 soldiers and civilians were killed. Everyone I met during my entire childhood had lost someone dear to them. Every home had fading photos displayed of those who had perished. They are often referred to as: “The Greatest Generation”. There was soberness and a depth of character I could recognize, even as a child. By the time I was twelve we were engaged in the Vietnam War. Many other military conflicts and wars involving the United States have followed.   I’ve always been drawn to watch the many shows and multitude of movies that attempt to capture what war means to nations, families, and individuals. It is not an admiration of war that draws ...

“If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it” Proverbs 9:12 ESV. The rising tide of scoffers is troubling. It has become culturally cool to scoff, complain, criticize, and demean anything and everything with which someone disagrees or doesn’t understand. Though it is popular, a critical, cynical attitude pretty much guarantees a future of loneliness and unhappiness. In the end, no one likes a mocker. Wisdom, on the other hand, delivers “truth in love” while bringing maturity to its source and those who listen, “speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” Ephesians 4:15 ESV. Those endowed with WISDOM are sought after, appreciated, and helpful to the world around them. The person who finds and cherishes wisdom is the greatest benefactor of it yet guarantees a future of loving and being loved. LORD, make me wise and use me to bless others. 

“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox,” Proverbs 14:4 (ESV). Simply said, oxen make a mess while providing abundant work. A visit to any construction site provides the same lesson. Dust and debris, piles of materials, noisy machinery, and scurrying workers may seem confusing to the unseasoned observer, but productivity requires a certain level of disorder and mayhem. A home without children is easily kept neat and clean, but a growing family’s domicile can look like a small twister just passed through. Much of life is spent cleaning up the messes progress requires. The same is true of our spiritual life. The unwelcome tasks of shoveling the mess out of stalls, pitchforking the hay and hauling feed must be done. Holy Father, thank you for the opportunities to extend Your Kingdom, I do not resent cleaning the stalls. The Joy of the Lord is my strength! 

“You shall keep my commandments and do them: I am the Lord,” Leviticus 22:31 ESV. That is about as clear and direct as it can get. Following after the Will of God is, by definition, inconvenient since anything that imposes upon my human desires is bothersome. So following His promptings cannot be done without constant rearrangement of my personal priorities and commitments. Daily infusion of the Word and Spirit is vital to the walk of faith but will have minimal effect without a corresponding willingness to hear and obey. I am far better at this process now than when it first began, but still, I must put in a daily effort to make further progress. Lord, Your relentless pursuit and unmitigated love are my strength and hope. Grant me grace for immediate obedience. Help me knuckle under again today and put You first in all things. 

“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding,” Proverbs 4:7 NKJV. A friend from an impoverished nation was visiting us and wanted to buy hair shampoo. In his home country, he had very limited choices of shampoo brands, so when faced with shelf after shelf displaying dozens of unfamiliar brands; it was utterly overwhelming. He left the store confused, dismayed, and without shampoo. Navigating through affluence can be as distressing as dealing with poverty since an increase of choices does nothing to teach us to choose wisely. Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom are the keys to wise decisions. Lord God deliver me from the constant pursuit of more choices. Teach me the joys of simplicity, discernment, and humility. Help me to choose what is right over what is available. 

“He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails,’” 1 Samuel 2:9 NIV. This prayerful declaration offered up to God by Hannah seems counter-intuitive since we all know we need strength to thrive in this world. But Hannah is not suggesting there is no need to be strong, she is pointing out that man’s strength is limited, but God’s power is absolutely limitless since He sets the boundaries and limits of everything. Nothing has changed. We are commanded in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to “stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” So, we must do our part, yet with the understanding that it is God’s strength that prevails. LORD, my weaknesses invite Your strength. You O LORD are my strength and shield! By Your power and through Your blessing, I can do all things. 

“The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts,” Proverbs 17:3 NKJV. There is a worldwide test going on at this very moment. This pandemic is something never faced before, it is truly a refining pot, a fiery furnace. But for those who entrust their lives to God, this is an opportunity for us to be cleansed, purified, strengthened, shaped, and used by the Master. Esther faced a moment in the furnace when Mordecai asked: “who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV. What if we are in the final leg? What if God has chosen us “for a time such as this”? Like Esther, we must face our personal fears for the sake of a lost world around us. In the coming days and months, we will be given opportunities to share our wonderful message of hope and salvation with many others. LORD, prepare my heart for a great harvest in Your Kingdom. 

“One gives freely yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered,” Proverbs 11:24-25 ESV. For many, life is all about grabbing all you can, canning what you get, and poisoning the rest. To this person, life is measured by how much they’re able to collect, keep and control. But “good life” is actually knowing the blessing of 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. The “good life” is a life continually certified as a child of God through generosity. LORD God, keep my heart cleansed and filled with love. All that I am and all that I steward in this life are Yours to direct. 

“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord  opened her heart  to pay attention to what was said by Paul,” Act 16:14 ESV. By all accounts, Lydia was a very fine person, a successful businesswoman and a “worshipper of God”. But she still needed God to “open her heart” to hear in a new way. Each of us has areas of stubbornness in our soul that keep us from hearing things we need to hear. The Holy Spirit, the Word of God and a divinely chosen moment combined with the right messenger broke through a spiritual wall in Lydia’s heart and changed her life forever. I too, need God to break through my spiritual dullness continually. While I’m not always thrilled with His choices of messengers at first, I am eternally grateful that God does what is necessary for me to know Him better. LORD, have my heart, my whole heart. 

“For I want you to understand   what really matters , so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return,” Philippians 1:10 NLT. I love this translation of this verse. These simple words: “what really matters,” are powerful, soul cleansing, life-focusing words. They bring to mind a famous quote: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose," Jim Elliot. Jim, a young missionary, who along with his four companions, would lose his life as a martyr when they attempted to reach an unreached, pagan tribe in Ecuador. The entire tribe was later won to Christ by others who followed. Jim and his team understood what really mattered. While everyone around us cowers in fright during this latest world crisis, our role as believers is to remember our purpose and to fulfill it. Light in darkness. Hope in the midst of despair. LORD, help me shine brightly as I reflect Your Glory!