COFFEE ON THE DOCK

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him,” James 1:12 ESV. Over a lifetime, I have been blessed with great opportunities that I did not deserve but were granted by God's grace. I’ve earned a few titles and received a few awards. Most of them now live stacked in drawers and closets or only have real value as a part of a story that comes up from time to time. In the end, they have no eternal value. One of my spiritual fathers, Dr. Costa Deir, would often say: “A great life can be summed up in one word: OTHERS.” This leads to the question of life that really matters, “have I made it my aim to encourage, lift and bless others?” Father, the only prize I now seek is to remain faithful to You by helping, strengthening, and lifting others. May my hands not be found empty when I join the gathering before Your throne in heaven, and we joyfully cast our crowns at ...

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar,” Psalm 139:1-2 ESV. While my private contemplations may be hidden from others, all my thoughts, wishes, fears, motives, and aspirations are in full view of the LORD. He examines all my paths, not only those I have already taken but even those I merely consider. This would be a moment-by-moment battle of wills if I were still under the impression that my life was my own, but this issue is settled; I must decrease, He must increase. Though I sometimes forget to acknowledge His ever-present examinations, He never loses track of me, not even for the smallest measurement of time. This is sometimes disconcerting, but even my consternation is a sign of His “Wonderous Meddling.” Glorious Father, it is true, I am Yours. Have Your way in me in every way and at all times.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” Proverbs 18:21 ESV. Expressing feelings and opinions comes fairly easily for me, but speaking without necessary restraints is never good. Frankly, I have both wounded and healed with my words. Though I genuinely attempt to use care in what I say, far too often, the wrong things slip right out. The phrase “I really shouldn’t say this,” followed by saying whatever we shouldn’t anyway, is foolish and hurtful. Words guided by wisdom and bathed in love should be the constant way of the child of God. To withhold wisdom can rob someone of a blessing, but just saying whatever comes to mind is dangerous for both the speaker and hearer. Father, cleanse my lips, help me speak only what is filtered through love. Purify my heart that my mouth will be a fountain of blessing. 

“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God,” Ephesians 5:2 ESV.  Tidal waters can be tricky for boaters, I have run aground a few times thinking I had sufficient draft. Surface appearances can be very deceiving, covering over serious dangers underneath and giving the appearance of depth and safety. Yet hidden below there may be something that could destroy your journey forward. In a similar manner, shallow love is also very perilous; love must run deep. Every attitude that is contrary to true love for God and our fellow man must be exposed and replaced with God’s awesome love. Commingling of motives must cease. Father, teach me to love authentically, faithfully, consistently, and tenderly. Let Your love flow through me without restriction.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you,” Isaiah 26:3 ESV. My best times of prayer are mostly done in quiet solitude, early in the morning. Quiet Time is the perfect remedy for the overstimulated soul. However, though it may be silent around me, my internal impulses often make my meditations feel like rush hour on the I-95 Corridor. Random thoughts, daily concerns, carping accusations from the evil one and incessant problem solving noisily crowd into holy space carved out for God alone. Like highway road signs for the lost traveler, the Holy One hangs patiently overhead, quietly instructing and directing me to the intended destination. The Word stored in my heart, enlightened by Holy Spirit, guides me to wonderful places I could never find on my own. Glorious God, only You can quiet my soul. Silence my thoughts and calm my inner storm. You are my peace. I await Your voice and instructions.   

“This is the day that the LORD has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” Psalm 118:24 ESV. The table is set for a brand-new day. Only God knows exactly what is already prepared for my arrival in it. I must now leave behind days gone by and ready myself for new insight, a higher life, and greater things. Am I up for what today will bring? Only the day will tell, but the One who provides it will also carry me through it. One thing is sure; I will walk upon on sacred footprints since the Alpha and Omega has already trod this moment in advance, sprinkling blessings and divine opportunities throughout. I must pay attention so I don’t miss a thing He has placed along the path. Lord God, Lover of My Soul, today is the day You have made; I am so good with that and already rejoicing in what is to unfold. Lift me in Your arms and carry me through with faith, joy, and purpose. 

“Your testimonies are wonderful therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple,” Psalm 119:129-130 ESV. Following God’s commands can be difficult, but the rewards they impart make the sacrifices of obedience seem small. After all, outstanding advice laden with generous dividends is pretty easy to follow. Too often, we construe a false narrative in our minds about the cost of obedience to God’s Word when in reality, the actual cost of disobedience is far greater. I love David’s description of the LORD’s “testimonies” as “wonderful,” for wonderful they are! Like the unexpected discovery of hidden treasures, the unfolding of truth in our lives brings many unforeseen blessings. Heavenly Father, open Your Word to my heart and soul afresh this new day. Grant me a willing spirit that I may obediently follow Your ways. 

“Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,” Proverbs 2:11 ESV. Discretion is a precious gift from God. If I ignore its protection, I will surely suffer the consequences. Just because I can say or do something doesn’t mean I should. The lack of discretion in modern culture harms us all and is responsible for so much unnecessary pain and suffering. Time spent with thoughtful people increases my tendency to make responsible decisions and helps guard me against inappropriate recklessness. Good judgment does not lock us away from the world around us but 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. 

The "Rocky Mountain Goat" resembles a goat but is actually not a goat at all. These sure-footed climbers often seen running full speed on steep, icy cliffs are in the same subspecies as antelopes and gazelles. They are born for the heights. Similarly, God’s children also resemble every other human of this world, but we too were bred for higher ground. While passing interests of the lowlands come and go, something far greater is at work deep inside the God-seeking heart. The Almighty Himself lays a foundation of desires that please Him and draw us to the higher purposes for which He created us. As we align our lives to follow His voice, these inward inclinations dissuade us from wrong choices and guide us upward. The Light of God illuminates our path through the darkness and dangers of this fallen world. Great Shepherd, You have bred Your lambs for the mountaintop; Your Presence liberates Your children’s feet to skip along the heights where others fear to tread.

“For the LORD, your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills,   a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey,” Deuteronomy 8:7-8 ESV. Even as it is just beginning for me, the Alpha and Omega has already passed through this day, sprinkling blessings throughout. Each sunrise provides new opportunities for me to grab low-hanging fruit placed there by God; incredible moments unfold to the person who learns to pay attention. How many times have I rushed by, foolishly missing a divinely arranged circumstance? Yesterday’s harvest has now passed. Thankfully some fruit made it into the barn. Yet, the goodness of God provides me another shot at ingathering throughout this new day. Father of New Beginnings, help me to see Your daily provisions. Awaken my soul to Your works; I do not want to miss a thing from dawn to dusk. 

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God,” Psalm 42:11 ESV. The LORD said of David: “‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will”. King David had many qualities and some really serious character flaws, but what is most clear about the psalmist is that he was a man who understood the power of praise. Praise was his daily entry pass into the heart of God. Paul and Silas were chained to a wall, but as they sang and praised God the shackles fell off and the prison doors flung open. Praise frees us from bondage! As it did for the Israelites when Jehoshaphat sent the choir out to battle, praise ensures victory over our enemies! Praise focuses our faith on God’s promises and delivers us from fear. O LORD My God, You are invincible, infallible, and irresistible! The power of Your awesome majesty is beyond ...

“And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him,” Mark 14:35 ESV. Each heart knows its own bitterness, its own fears, its own self-doubts, and its own solitary path; though others may wish to accompany you, no one else can enter this private space. Likewise, no one else can fully share your soul’s deepest joys, its inexplicable peace, or its moments of irrepressible victory. In both bad times and good times, there are very private moments where we yearn to invite others, but they cannot join us; these are times of single-space passageways where no others may tread. These are the precious occasions of life when there is only God. Only The LORD can walk with you there. In fact, He is waiting for you there in those moments. Almighty Father, I am never alone or without recourse; You, O LORD, are the ever-present Shepherd of My Soul. 

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” Matthew 11:29 ESV. On the oceans of the world, an approaching storm can come so fast that there is no way to avoid it. Both Captain and crew are put to the test that can last for days on end. Growing weary in a fight against these unrelenting tempests is a normal part of life on the seas. Exhaustion becomes just as   hazardous  as the gale itself; making bad decisions increasingly becomes a dangerous potential. Dropping anchor to get some rest can be the only wise course of action. For the child of God, there is also rest in the storm that only our Heavenly Father can provide. I must cease from my own works to allow Him to do His Divine Work. The great hymn proclaims: “In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.” Dearest Father, Captain of My Soul, my anchor holds, I am at rest. You are LORD of All.

“The   pride of your heart has deceived you,   You   who dwell in the clefts of the rock,   Whose habitation is high;   You   who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ ” Obadiah 1:2 ESV. The hardening of the heart is a slow descent into prideful distrust of all others, including distrust of God. It may begin as a particularly prized opinion or stubborn commitment to a specific course of action. Disappointments begin to pile up, and the stiffening process commences. Hardening increases by rebellion against needed disciplines, bitterness over circumstances or unbridled selfishness. As the hardening continues, excuses are made, all contrary opinions are cast aside, and no authority is trusted. In the end, a callous heart makes us resistant to truth itself. Father, grant me an open and pliable heart. May nothing I think or do be held so dear that truth may no longer penetrate.

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day,” Psalm 93:1-3 NIV. The Bible is brimming with music, singing, and worship. After crossing the Red Sea, Miriam danced with a tambourine & led Israel in a song. The Psalms is not only jam-packed with praise; it is also the songbook of David, one of the Bible’s greatest worshippers. Jesus was born into this world among a chorus of angels, and heaven is continually filled with songs and unending worship. The heart of a child of God should remain a place of joyful praise. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake, my glory!     Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. Lord, You have placed a song in the heart of Your people, fill me with glorious praise,”...

“ Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand,” Ephesians 6:13 NKJV.  Much of what occurs on the battlefield has little in common with the noble scenes of bravery depicted in war movies. Most of what a soldier actually faces in warfare seems far less heroic, but in fact, it is where true heroes are born. The command to “hold position” is usually not an assignment to stand guard at a palace entry, but rather, it is an order to lay in a hole in the ground or crouch next to a damaged building or kneel next to the burned-out hulk of a vehicle. Yet, in the big picture, faithfulness to hold that ignoble space is critical to overall victory. So it is in our spiritual assignments. LORD of All, my Commander in Chief, no matter how lowly the place or how long I must hold position, I am here to obey. I delight to do Your will O God. 

“If you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,” 1 Peter 1:17 ESV. A sense of Christian duty drives much of what I do, so each day, I dutifully recommit myself to do the right things. This seems fine on the surface, but as a child of God, there is a more noble way. God seeks those who delight to do His will, even if they do it imperfectly. In Psalm 40:8, David prays, “I delight to do Your will,” yet later confessed, “I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” Still, God said of David, “I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.” The LORD’s eyes move over the earth, searching for those who with grateful, love-filled hearts are turned toward Him, not only as a sense of duty but out of delight in pleasing Him. Father, I desire to permanently join the ranks of those who move from duty to delight. 

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.   For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But 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 1:22-25 ESV. I saw a news report describing how “skinny mirrors” are designed to make you look thinner and are utilized in the changing rooms of many retailers. Have we become so enamored with imagery that we would actually spend money to intentionally lie to ourselves? Yes, we would. However, lying to myself has no benefits; self-deception is toxic and dangerous. God’s Word is a perfect mirror; it never lies or projects a false image. We may ignore or forget the truth, but the truth never changes. Lord Almighty, may Your Truth and Mercy ...

“Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me,” Psalm 119:133 ESV. Like most people, I have stumbled on stairs plenty of times over a lifetime. Mostly slips here and there, but a few times, I had some real tumbles. I’m not sure why it took me so long to recognize the value of handrails. It’s not that I had never been instructed; I just thought they were needed for others, but not me. I still forget sometimes, but it only takes the slightest slip to send me reaching for the rail’s stabilizing safety. My entire life requires equilibrium and boundaries, so in His immense goodness, God provides the “handrails” of His Word and Spirit to keep me safe from foolhardy ways. Father of All Mercies, thank You for Your steadfast patience and constant care. Guide my steps and use me to help others make it safely through the ups and downs of this world. 

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Isaiah 49:15 NIV. A mother loves her child for many reasons, but one powerful source of her deep love is that she studies her child. Her intense desire to understand this tiny new person in her arms requires more than a mere glance or passive ear. Deep love requires intense concentration. If I want to dismiss someone or even hate them, I can choose willful ignorance by placing them in a category of people I dislike and determining to learn nothing about them. God never does that. Instead, His Eye is constantly upon us, His ears attuned to our slightest whimper. And as Father of All, He requires that we, as His children, seek to understand the other objects of His love. Lord, increase my love for You and for all Your children. 

“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; He adorns the humble with salvation,” Psalms 149:4 ESV. It is a stunning thought that God “takes pleasure with His people.” Yet, I think I understand. I still smile when I remember the times when our small children, and later, grandchildren, filled our home. At times it was constant mayhem. Other times, it was sleeping young ones draped over the furniture and floors. There was so much laughter and so many tears. There were sleepy hugs and wonderfully clunky conversations. Those are precious moments in life. I still treasure them. To think that God sees us as His children is both mind-blowing and heart-lifting. Yet He makes it very clear: “I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 ESV. He watches over us and guides us through perilous passageways and portals to blessings alike. Father, I am humbled and grateful to be Your child. 

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matthew 6:27 ESV. I have often fallen into the trap of feeling something was urgent or desperate, when in fact, it never was. I’ve wasted innumerable hours trying to think my way past problems, only to later discover they had never even existed the way I had perceived them. It is wise to be on our guard, but worry drains away the joys of life and directly contradicts God’s commands. For instance, we are told in Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing.” Instead, we are to let prayer, promises, and praise reshape our worries into the expectation of God’s intervention. Heavenly Father, today, I will again cast my cares upon You. You are the answer to every question and the provision for every need! Though I may deserve judgment and condemnation, You never turn away in disgust. I can truly say, "it is well; it is well with my soul."  

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you,” Luke 6:38 ESV. The first few months of a newborn’s life is filled with many moments of closed-fisted rage. They can’t express what they want or how they feel other than to wail, accompanied with lots of attempts to grab whatever is reachable. Then one day a tiny, open hand is extended in obvious affection. There is a lesson here. Grabbing all you can is for newborns, giving is for the more mature. The same is true of our spiritual growth. Takers remain as spiritual infants, but givers grow to spiritual adulthood. Live to give, live to lift, live to help, live to bless! Step wholly into the nature of the Giver of All Things. LORD You so loved the world You created that You gave Your Only Son! Make me a man of generous spirit. Use me as Your instrument of blessing.    

“One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor,” Proverbs 29:23 ESV. Even after so many years of mistakes, failures, and God’s patient dealings with me, far too much human pride still remains within. While increasingly pushed out of the spotlight, pride still stubbornly skulks around in the shadows, giving way only in forced increments. Though sometimes diagnosed and stopped before popping out in my words or actions, far too often, my hubris leaps back on center-stage in full-blossom. Frankly, it is both surprising and embarrassing that it still remains in such quantity. I am grateful that God’s Goodness will not leave me in this unreliable state. Thank You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for Your holy work of deliverance from swaggering pretentiousness. Blessed riddance. I must decrease, You must increase. 

“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.   Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalms 30:5 ESV. I am thankful that God does not hold grudges against His children. While I have rightfully felt His displeasure at my many failures, thankfully, one genuine tear of repentance opens the floodgate of His forgiveness. And since my Redeemer so freely washes away my constant failings, who am I to hold hatred toward those who have harmed me? How can I justify denying to others the grace and forgiveness upon which I necessarily depend? So, I’m clearing all accounts as I begin this day. Father, though my sins are as scarlet, you wash me white as snow in Your mercy, and Your favor remains. Cleanse my soul of all acrimony, anger, or prejudices toward others and teach me Your ways of grudge-free love. Use me to reveal Your amazing love to others. 

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me,” Psalm 51:10 ESV. We protect what is of great value, and nothing is more valuable than the heart of man. Occasionally, there are news stories about bags of money falling from the open doors of an armored truck. I always wonder how in the world this happens since the entire purpose of an armored car is to protect valuable things; leaving the door unlocked is self-defeating. But the same can be said of my affections. I can’t motor around life with my heart openly exposed to every passing whim; my affections must be managed. Proverbs 4:23 warns us: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” To guard one’s heart is not to close it and lock it down; rather, it is to protect it with God’s Word and infilling Spirit. Lord God, You are My Fortress and Deliverer. In Your Mercy, Guard my affections with Your Mighty Hand. 

“ Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord,” Romans 12:11 ESV. God’s children must be zealous. Fervency applied without good judgment can be brutal or even destructive, but faith without fervor is useless. Like food left abandoned in the back of the refrigerator, zealousness will eventually expire; its value is sadly lost down the disposal for lack of use. God is zealous, yet with the counterbalance of divine wisdom and perfect love. Zeal must first be bathed in wisdom and love before applied. Lord, grant me ardor, determination, devotion, diligence, drive, eagerness, earnestness, enterprise, fire, gusto, inclination, initiative, intensity, passion, perseverance, readiness, sincerity, spirit, stick-to-itiveness, urgency, and wisdom this new day. Use me today to be Your hands extended to everyone I encounter. 

“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess,” Deuteronomy 5:33 NIV. Modern culture is increasingly swinging many people of faith into the dangerous mindset of the “Me-First Generation.” A heart too tied to this world knows little of the exquisiteness of obedience to the One who rules both heaven and earth. To do the will of God in ways large and small uncaps a wellspring of joy within, releasing a sense of purpose that nothing else in this world can offer. Short-lived happy feelings may accompany bargain-basement choices, but joy eternal fills the hearts of those who learn to practice extravagant surrender and who willingly embrace God’s choices over their own. Lord of Unquenchable Peace, deliver me from the sorrows of my own making and calibrate my heart and will to Your own. 

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way,” Psalm 37:23 ESV. Whenever I’m headed out on a road trip, I like an accurate ground plan before departure. But in chasing after godliness, I am not capable of mapping out God's Will in advance. Instead, I must trust Him to reveal it in each step of obedience I take. He has promised to “guide the steps of the righteous.” Frankly, I prefer more foreknowledge than just one step or two, but while advanced guidance seems reasonable, faith must be developed in God’s way and in God’s timing rather than my own. As Proverbs says: “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” So there’s that. Lord, I am pleased to do it Your way. Deliver me from the terror of imagined perils to come and teach me the daily walk of faith and cheerful trust. 

“Father, if you are willing, remove   this cup from me.   Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done,” Luke 22:42 ESV.  My early years were spent learning WHAT to do, followed by decades of learning HOW to do what I do better. And while I am still learning “what and how” more recently the focus has shifted to WHY I do what I do. Perhaps it takes a lifetime of journeying through the twisted tangles of life to get to the question of motive. The ebb and flow of people, careers, circumstances, tragedies, wonders, gains, and losses and eventually strips away every veneer, depositing a simple prayer in our hearts: “Father, not my will, but Yours be done.” Lord, reveal and cleanse my deepest motives. May Your perfect will come forth in me and through my activities today. Shine Your Light into every corner of my soul and bring Your will into clearer focus.