COFFEE ON THE DOCK

“A woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at the table,” Matthew 26:7 ESV. All of the disciples were upset at what they saw as an unworthy woman and a big waste. But for Judas Iscariot, it triggered something far more sinister: “And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him,” Matthew 26:16 (ESV). We attempt to put distance between Judas’ betrayal and our own distrust of God’s choices, but betrayal always lurks in the heart of the person who does not have  the money issue  dealt with; it is at the core,  a trust issue . It is not left up to us to pick and choose which of His ways we will accept. An absence of thankfulness always precedes accusing God of not caring for our needs. Great Shepherd though I do not always understand Your choices, I rest in your tender care. 

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love,” 1 John 4:18 ESV. To run from our fears leaves us in a state of relentless anxiety. To bulldoze through our fears in unwarranted self-confidence can destroy us and others. There is a better way; to run to God with our fears is to face them and destroy them. “I can handle this!” are “famous last words,” often spoken just before befalling an impending catastrophe. Confidence is great if rightly placed, but hubris is the beginning of many sorrows. The fear of God delivers us from fear of anything else. Glorious LORD of All, while I myself can do nothing without Your mercy, power, and grace, in Your strength, “I can run through a troop and leap over walls.” “I can do all things” while nestled safely in Your Promises, Strength, and Authority.

“Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,” Proverbs 2:11 ESV. The multiple commands for us to use discretion in life are not a form of divine harassment or an attempt to hijack our personal sense of fulfillment. Discretion is a precious gift from God intended to help us be the best we can be. The lack of discretion in modern culture harms us all. Consideration of the consequences must be factored in before, not afterward. Time spent with thoughtful 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 more safely in every life circumstance. Giver of All Wisdom, grant me foresight and good sense today. Guard my mouth and actions by Your Word and Spirit.

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV. This is our conundrum, we are to be IN this world but not OF this world. Oil and water do not mix, nor does godliness (godlikeness) and worldliness. Our role as Lovers of God is not simply pointing to what is wrong in this world; it is for us to illustrate what redemption looks like. We can be fully functional “in this world’ while being “not of this world.” Pure motives, driven by godly morals and delivered in unselfish love, is a divine steamroller, crushing foolish arguments, pulverizing false precepts, and preparing the ground for what God wants to construct. Father, make me an instrument of Your amazing love and use me to reflect your resplendent Light to all I meet.

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:1-2 (ESV). I have so many things to be thankful for that there are simply too many to recount.  My enormous advantage was embodied in parents who loved each other deeply and genuinely loved God. On this Thanksgiving I’m particularly thankful for those who helped form me into the man I am. A shortlist would be my Mother, my brothers, Costa & Ruth Deir, Russell & Barbara Linenkhol, Doug & Sue Fowler, Paul & Dee Goodwin, and many others. They were preachers, housewives, prayer warriors, engineers, surgeons, missionaries…they were my spiritual fathers and mothers, counselors, instructors, life-models, friends. And above all, there’s My Sharon. Enough said. LORD, may my life pass forward the great tre...

“So, faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ,” Romans 10:17 ESV. The life of faith is not made of hoped-for outcomes rooted in our perceived needs or our personal desires. Biblical Faith reaches for concrete realities that are promised in Scripture. Each step of Biblical Faith must be ignited by the divine spark of “hearing” the Word of God and believing what it promises. Only actions first bathed in Biblical Promises and accompanied by Holy Spirit-guided conviction will be sufficiently purged of the darkness of doubt or mixed motives. “Hearing” is a process and requires hearing and hearing, and hearing, and hearing. Time spent studying, obeying, confessing, meditating, and sharing The Word is the seedbed for harvest! Father, teach me to rest assured in Your Providence while straining toward Your will. You alone kindle true belief, and You alone can carry me safely to triumph. 

“The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation,” Psalm 118:14. King David was both a king and a warrior, yet he understood he was powerless without God’s favor and help. And when King Nehemiah heard of Jerusalem’s terrible condition with its walls destroyed and its enemies plundering it, he did not start rebuilding the walls by gathering resources or recruiting help, he began with repentance: “let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned,” Nehemiah 1:6 ESV. We cannot effectively stand against the enemies around us until we address our own standing with God. Father, forgive my sins and grant me Your strength that I may help others.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver,” 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV. So, I can put a smile on my Heavenly Father’s face by my cheerful obedience! What a wonderful thought! Since God sees into our souls as easily as looking into a fishbowl, grudging obedience will never suffice. Unless our obedience is practiced promptly and with the right attitude it is nothing more than “polite disobedience”. While others may be fooled, the Lord Almighty knows the underlying thoughts and intentions of every person’s actions. Resentful obedience leaves us empty and does not produce in us the purpose God intends. On the other hand, willing, prompt submission to His Will releases joy in heaven and on earth! Oh Lord, Keeper of My Soul, teach me to love You without reserve in all that I do.

  “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair,” 2 Corinthians 4:8 NIV. Life often seems like a rugby scrum. While I know full well that God is always present and all His ways are loving and faithful, still, at times it feels as if I’m dwelling in a trash compactor. Each time I am tempted to complain I must remember that there are many more powerful options. Instead of complaining about the pressures, I can glorify God in my distress. I may confess His Promises and shout for joy, giving grateful praise to Him who is The Ever Faithful One. I can put on a garment of praise and anoint my head with the oil of joy. Glorious Father, You are my Keeper; Your presence sustains me in the midst of chaos. I lift my eyes to You, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my Peace. 

“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power,” I Corinthians 4:20 ESV. There is no shortage of words among believers, but there is often a shortage of power. It’s not that God’s power is not present; it’s just that we are often not plugged into it. The apartment we live in has multiple power plugs in every room, but we must actually plug into the power source to benefit from it. The same is true of spiritual power. There is plenty available, but I must first unplug from other sources and plug into God’s Word and Spirit. I must unplug from lesser pursuits and plug into His Will and Ways. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him,” Acts 10:38 ESV. LORD, help me plug fully into Your power today as I walk before You. 

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Psalm 95:1-2 ESV. The acts of praise and worship of God are not HIS need; they are OUR need. Worshipping our Maker and Master is daily re-alignment with our created purpose. Praise of God does not diminish who we are. It reveals who we are. We were created in His Image and were designed by God to be a people of praise: “The people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise,” Isaiah 43:21 ESV. How different would life be if we started to think of every facet of life as a way to glorify God? LORD, make me a man of praise and worship. May my life glorify You in all that I do today. This is the day You have made; I will rejoice and be glad in it!

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” Psalm 139:7 ESV. Time spent pondering the life-transforming power of God's Presence is time well-invested. Bidden, or not bidden, He is always near, yet He often remains unacknowledged. However, awareness and acknowledgment of His presence is a major game-changer. Upon awakening each day, I must recalibrate my mind, body, and spirit to recognize and welcome His Presence. Throughout each day I must practice disciplines that acknowledge His Presence. At the close of each day, I must rest in God’s Presence, casting all my cares upon Him, for He cares for me. Dearest Lord, grant me the grace to pull away from the dizzying anxieties of this world and lay my head on Your chest. Let my very breath rise and fall in cadence with Yours and help me be schooled in Your constant Presence. 

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name,” Psalm 91:14 ESV. In the bible, there are actually many names for God, but why are there so many? The Lord, Our God’s greatness is simply beyond the capacity of one name to characterize His Majesty and Awesomeness. Like individual facets on a diamond, each name reflects the light of His Glory a little differently, each one reckoning upon different aspects of His power. His Name is not merely a moniker; when we speak His name in any biblical form, we are reckoning upon His very nature and power to transform. Not to be used as a magical incantation, one’s heart must seek the Lord Himself as we call on His Name. Father, El Shaddai, Elohim, Yahweh, LORD, to declare Your Name releases unquenchable joy and unmatchable power! In Your Name, it is well, it is well with my soul! 

“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent,” Exodus 14:14 ESV. We each face battles that are not of our own choosing. Some are arbitrarily forced upon us by life’s circumstances, others come as a result of our own bad decisions. Many battles fall into the category of spiritual warfare while some are chosen for us by our heavenly Commander in Chief. Though the sources of our battles are many there is but one sure path to victory; we must embrace God’s promise, Trust in God alone must be the banner under which we march. Our self-dependence must first be vanquished by God’s wondrous love, then and only then we are ready to stand back and see God vanquish the enemy! Holy Father, my unruliness and fears are defeated by Your love, therefore I forge ahead in the triumph of the vanquished! 

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends,” John 15:13 ESV. I have never served in the U.S. military, but I have a deep, lifelong love and respect for those who have. I’ve never patrolled a dark street in a rough neighborhood as a police officer, nor have I run into a burning building to save a stranger as our brave first responders are willing to do every day. They also deserve our deepest respect. But I have stood the watch over the souls of family, friends, parishioners, and millions of strangers throughout the nations. I’ve fought the fight worldwide for the Jewish people's right to have a biblically promised homeland in Israel. God places each of us in this life with a mission of His design. It sometimes seems very noble and other times mundane. But we each must do our part. LORD, grant your grace to me this new day to finish the work to which You have called me. I pray as well for all who heed Your calling.   

“I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil,” Psalm 119:162 ESV. A stroll on a sandy beach provides hidden treasures placed there by the creative forethought of God. The ebb and flow of tides open the treasury of the seas for those who stroll along the shoreline. Over a lifetime I’ve stumbled upon shells that were nothing less than masterpieces of design and beauty. God sees to it that each day offers the same to all mankind, wherever we are on earth; hidden treasures carefully placed in life by the Hand of God. New friendships, beautiful sunsets, sweet sounds, amazing sights, wonderful smells, and rare moments are all there for the taking. The angels had it right: "Glory to God in the Highest, and goodwill toward mankind." Lord of Constant Wonders please teach me to slow my pace and pay greater attention to Your quiet handiwork. Open the eyes of my heart to Your daily divine deposits.

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins,” I Peter 4:8 ESV. This command to “keep loving one another” would be pretty much impossible using average human love. As children, it’s pretty easy to love anybody, but as we grow older the disappointments of our lives begin to pile up like a rusting junkyard. Only the amazing Love of God can change that. Like a silent, overnight snowfall, His love blankets even the ugliest scenery and transforms our past junk into a beautiful landscape of learning and love. My sins, the sins of others, and the many disappointments of the past become irrelevant when the Son makes: "our sins, though they are as scarlet, they are whiter than snow”. Glorious God may Your love flow through me to others freely. May Your genuine love so overwhelm my lesser love so that my life can be one of true love for others.

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,” Colossians 1:13 ESV. It is heartbreaking to see families torn apart, so much anger and hatred on public display, and evil ways on the rise. With increasing darkness all around, heaven looks more attractive than ever. But we do not have to wait for heaven to be delivered from evil, we have already been transferred into the kingdom of God. Though we are IN this world we are not slaves TO this world! So my prayer this day is that of King David: “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me,” Psalm 119:133 ESV. As darkness deepens, even the smallest candle burns more brightly. We are light in this dark world, and I desire to shine as far and wide as The LORD wills. “Let   your   light   shine  before others,  so  that they may see  your  good work...

Paul warned Timothy long ago about things we see today on an ever-broadening scale: “evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived,” 2 Corinthians 3:13 ESV. This is nothing new. There have always been lies and liars, the deceived and the deceivers. So why does it seem to be worse in today’s world? Deception is simply more easily spread in the technological age in which we now live. But our protections from falsehood are as powerful and effective today as ever before. Daily prayer and study of Scripture, regular fellowship with mature believers, and the discernment granted by the Holy Spirit are more than sufficient to keep us stable in a roaring sea of lies. Remember, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world,” I John 4:4 ESV, so: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful,” Colossians 3:15 ESV. LORD, keep me on course. Use me to g...

Working in Washington D.C. offers a unique experience and appreciation for Veterans Day. Last year as I walked along the National Mall on this day of remembrance, a group of ROTC in uniform were standing around a flag while being instructed by their leader. A few yards away a family picnicked on the grass. Groups of veterans on motorcycles were already beginning their weekend-long rides through the city, while overhead, two Blue and White Hueys thundered above, transporting Washington power players to their destination. I watched with special appreciation as I passed by the WW2 Memorial and the sea of names on the Vietnam Memorial. As I later cabbed from downtown D.C. to the airport, we passed the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. While crossing the Potomac on my way to Reagan National, I could easily see the Pentagon, the towering 9/11 Memorial, and off in the distance, Arlington Cemetery. I felt a mix of emotions ...

“I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted,” Job 42:2 ESV. After Satan had robbed Job of his blessings, he questioned God’s authority and goodness. But in the end, he came to his senses. I do not need to experience Job’s journey to come to his final conclusion. I too can understand and confess the sovereignty, power, and goodness of The Almighty. I too can trust The LORD God no matter what comes. My confession can be that of King David’s: “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock,” Psalm 27:5 ESV. I need not fear the future, “for God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” Psalm 46:1 ESV. LORD, deliver me from the foolishness of worry and self-dependence. Help me place my trust in YOU alone. 

“Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha,” 2 Kings 6:17 ESV. Life would seem pretty hopeless at times if we were bound only to what we can see or perceive. To limit God’s promises and power to what we can conceive with our minds is foolish, indeed. The person of faith does not ignore facts; they simply see beyond them, beholding instead the things God has promised. I cannot glimpse forward with my eyes stuck in the past. I cannot look ahead with my eyes fixed on where I am now. But I CAN peer beyond the horizon by lifting my eyes to heaven’s promises. Oh LORD My Helper and Redeemer, You are, the Beginning and the End. Beholding You is to see what truly matters. Father, I lift my eyes to You.

“Commit   your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established,” Proverbs 16:3 NKJV. This verse makes it very clear that we must first commit what we do to God, and then, and only then, will His Perfect Will fully unfold. God will not commit His wisdom and resources to something not born of Him. Nor will He do so if we are not fully prepared to trust Him throughout. He is not holding back for His own sake alone, but as a Good Father, He delays for our sake as well: “For the sake of My name I delay My wrath, And for My praise, I restrain it for you in order not to cut you off,” Isaiah 48:9 ESV. In His mercy, He delays until we get on board. He waits so that we don’t get left behind and miss our calling, our created purpose, and our reward. Holy LORD, God of Mercy and Grace, thank You for Your kindness and patience toward Your children. 

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,   for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way,” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV. This passage is so appropriate for this very moment, so today I will use it as a pattern for my morning prayer. Blessed Father, Maker of all people, Ruler of all things, I begin my prayers seeking Your salvation for ALL PEOPLE, especially in my beloved nation. I thank You for sending the peoples of the world to this special land. Empower us to love one another with Your burning love. Grant us grace to understand and cherish one another, especially in times of misunderstanding and turmoil. We remember before you our appointed leaders in high positions and ask that You grant them Your wisdom and guidance. And LORD, help me lead a peaceful, quiet, godly, and dignified life before others. Amen. 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV). I was robbed recently. I was strolling along being thankful for so many things and it happened; a situation I have little control over and that I had already turned over to God came back to mind. I started worrying about it again and my peace was stolen. Actually, every time I am stressing over anything I am being robbed; robbed of God’s promises, robbed of sonship, and robbed of victory. "Be anxious for nothing" is not a suggestion, it is a Scriptural command that comes loaded with the backup of God's help. Father forgive my wanderings through the dark places of worry. You are The LORD My Light and The LORD My Victor! 

“Listen to me you who pursue righteousness. You who seek the LORD.  Look to the rock from which you were hewn and to the quarry from which you were dug,” Isaiah 51:1 (ESV). These are powerful, penetrating words spoken by God to His people. I can change my mind, I can change my location and I can change my priorities but I cannot reshape my foundation. Therefore, if I truly believe as did the psalmist that God “created my inward parts” and “knit me together in my mother's womb”, then I will not reject the LORD’s design on my life. No other foundation can support my calling and destiny; only the one from which I was hewn will suffice. No other life will fit the foundation already laid. Instead of wishing things were different, I must seek to understand and embrace the will of the LORD. Father, Your handiwork is perfect, I humbly yield to Your plan, purposes, and ways. You are my sure foundation.  

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God,” Psalm 20:7 ESV. The psalmists’ song of praise reveals a powerful principle. Though King David was a famous warrior and a victor in many battles, he reminds us that trust in human resources is a fool’s choice. His words of praise are a clarion call to rise to a higher understanding of success. King Solomon writes: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths,” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV. I cannot simply add “in the name of the LORD” to my own ideas or actions. I must first seek His will, obey His commands, trust in Him throughout every battle, and give praise to Him for every victory! O LORD My God and King, lead me in Your ways and deliver me from all misdirected trust.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God,” Romans 13:1 ESV. People of faith are often perplexed when dealing with governments.     Their authority is established by God, but they are not always godly. Today will be very trying for our nation, a major election always is. Today, EVERY VOTE MATTERS! Tomorrow, only the final count will matter. No matter what happens, God will remain on His throne and we as His people must go about honoring His choices. We can’t have it both ways, either Jesus is LORD or He’s not. So, I have voted, and the results are in God’s hands. Please vote. And tomorrow, please pray for the leader God chooses. And be nice about it. Kindness will be needed. Father, into Your Mighty hands I submit my choice, and I will accept Yours with grace and sincerity. 

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow,” Psalm 51:7 ESV. A snowstorm can swiftly blanket the countryside, transforming the brown landscape of winter into a snowy wonderland. In the same manner, and by the same Mighty Hand that transforms our surrounding scenery, each new day my sins are blanketed by God’s mercy and my soul is restored. He diminishes my fears, moderates my imaginings, and destroys my tormentors. He transforms my sadness into shouts of joy, dispels my doubts, and calms my turmoil. He is the LORD of Hosts, My Glory, and the Lifter of My Head! O LORD, My God, and My King, You are great and greatly to be praised! Thank You for Your Daily Care and Constant Love. May my heart never forget Your Goodness and Mercy, not even for a moment. Use me to help others do the same.   

“Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father,” Ephesians 5:19 NIV. The Apostle Paul wrote this in his letter to the Ephesians while chained in a Roman prison cell awaiting imminent execution. Praising while chained is impossible for someone with an empty heart. But praise with a thankful heart is one of the primary characteristics of a spirit-filled life. Outward circumstances may steal away the inner joy of a child of God for a moment, but a person with eternity in their heart returns to equilibrium. The biblical phrases “by Him,” “in Him,” “through Him,” not only point to the greatness and goodness of God, but they are also instructions for how to be joyful and thankful in any circumstance. LORD, this is the day You have made; I will rejoice and be glad in it!