COFFEE ON THE DOCK

“No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him,” 2 Timothy 2:4 ESV. High-level strategic planning and oversight from our Commander in Chief are critical to victory, but wars are not won at Headquarters; battles are won on the battlefield. The soldier’s heart and mind cannot be on civilian affairs or on future dreams. Battlefield victory is achieved when each soldier is WHERE they are assigned WHEN they are scheduled to be there and WITH the training, needed resources, and personal commitment to finish the fight. The LORD has appointed each of us to our position in this spiritual battle for souls. He has prepared us for our individual roles and armed us for what is ahead. LORD, I await Your order to hold position or advance on the enemy as You command. 

“Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying,   ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever   follows me will not   walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,’” John 8:12 ESV.  Light shining into darkness needs no clarification; when light appears, additional confirmation is not required; it is obvious what it is. When there is light within view, it is not hard to find the source. Darkness does not obscure light. In fact, deep darkness amplifies light’s beauty and transformative power when it arrives, even in the smallest amount. Considering these simple truisms gives new meaning to “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” This doesn’t sound complicated; the light within us and upon us points attention to the Father. LORD, You are the Light and Life of the World; help me to reflect the grace and love of Your Light to others.

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day,” 2 Peter 3:8 ESV. Though small children have plenty of time on their hands they still must learn to wait. Nothing seems to put their little souls to the test more than having to delay something they want right now. A long road trip is especially hard for them to get their minds around and is usually repeatedly peppered with the question: “Are we there yet?” Actually, we never quite grow out of this; patience with God’s pace is still an issue for most of us. His timing is perfect so I must learn to not bail out before His chosen time of arrival. I must also resist the temptation to interpret the delay as a sign God doesn’t want me to do something. Heavenly Father teach me the difference between “No” and “Not Yet”. Grant me grace for the journey and help me not miss the lessons in the detours. 

“T he   Lord   appeared to him   from far away.   I have loved you with an everlasting love,   therefore   I have continued   my faithfulness to you,”  Jeremiah 31:3 ESV . Anytime you are around others, you can be sure someone needs affirmation or encouragement. No matter how things look on the outside, there is always more going on within than meets the eye. So, I try to stay on the hunt for those who may need an encouraging conversation. Speaking hopeful words is a skill that grows in effectiveness with practice. I, myself, am lifted as I seek to lift others, but genuine, intentional encouragement must be done without a selfish motive to be effective. Sometimes, I can actually feel the breath of God in those privileged moments when His love is reaching out to someone’s secret pain through me. What a joy! Lover of Souls, use me today to speak a good word to someone’s heart. 

“May the LORD direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 ESV. What a powerful prayer! “May the LORD DIRECT YOUR HEARTS.” Too often, my heart is drawn toward useless interests. As I’ve aged, I’ve increasingly realized that time is one of life’s most precious resources. I have moderate control over how I spend my time, but I cannot create more of it. I truly need the LORD to point me toward what He desires each moment of each day. My heart must be bathed daily in His love and recharged with the steadfastness of the Son of God. Jesus’ earthly mission was driven by His divine calling, and so should mine. In fact, this should be so for each of us who call ourselves His disciples. Father, grant me Your divine guidance this new day. Point my heart toward what pleases you and give me the courage to act accordingly. 

“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken,” Psalm 62:2 ESV. Having lived in Costa Rica for a couple of years, we had become so accustomed to minor tremors that we didn’t even notice the actual earthquake until the ground began to heave and shake. It is very disorienting to discover that everything can be shaken at once and can last for such a long time! We don’t expect our world to convulse, but sometimes it does. In those bewildering moments, on what will I stand? “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,” Hebrews 12:28 ESV. “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV. Lover of my Soul, You set my feet on solid rock. My life is safely nestled in Your Mighty Hands. In You, I safely rest. 

  “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken,” Psalm 62:2 ESV. Having lived in Costa Rica for a couple of years, we had become so accustomed to minor tremors that we didn’t even notice the actual earthquake until the ground began to heave and shake. It is very disorienting to discover that everything can be shaken at once and can last for such a long time! We don’t expect our world to convulse, but sometimes it does. In those bewildering moments, on what will I stand? “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,” Hebrews 12:28 ESV. “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV. Lover of my Soul, You set my feet on solid rock. My life is safely nestled in Your Mighty Hands. In You, I safely rest. 

“You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain,” Psalm 119:118 ESV. The Living Bible translates the end of this verse:  “ They are only fooling themselves.” And Romans 8:14 states: “ For all who are   led by the Spirit of God are   sons   of God.”   Our Father has given us His Word and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit as mankind’s best guidance system through life. Attempts to outsmart God by dependence on ourselves or any other source are futile. Turning to other forms of navigation is not only foolish but also dangerous. He created mankind “in His image” Genesis 1:27, but not as His equal. We are designed to “reign in life” Romans 5:17, but not to reign over the Giver of Life! LORD in Your Mercy, grant me forgiveness for my foolish attempts to work things my own way instead of Yours. Thank You for the divine provision of Your Word and Spirit.  

“No creature is hidden from his sight, but all are   naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account,” Hebrews 4:13 ESV.”  Each new day presents unanticipated battles and unforeseen foes lurking just beyond view. There is no chance I can be fully prepared for everything that awaits me, yet “how sweet the joy that fills my soul”, my victory rests in the Seer of the Unseen. Come what may, the Lord is my triumph; what is unforeseeable for me is in clear view of Almighty God. “The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me,” Psalm 118:7 ESV. While on ground level I may struggle to find a way forward, the LORD of Glory never loses sight of where I am nor what I will need to finish strong. I possess “blessed assurance” in the knowledge that God will make a way where there is no way. King of Kings, into Your hands I cast every care, You are my strength O Lord. I trust in Your unfailing love. 

“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts,” Proverbs 17:3 ESV. Dross  is a mass of impurities floating in molten metal. Whether working with steel or precious metals, the quality cannot be improved without removing the dross. When the heat is on, gold grows purer while the dross masses become even more impure. Metal can’t purify itself; only the furnace can reveal its imperfections. So it is with a sports team, a church, or for that matter, any human enterprise. Those with impure motives, immaturity, or insincere hearts often want to be a part or even in the lead, but sadly, they are hindrances to a quality outcome, and sooner or later, they must change or be removed. And so it with my soul; the dross has to go. Lord, You are the Great Craftsman. Cleanse all impurities from my heart and deliver me from wicked pretenders. 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever,” Psalm 136:1 ESV. In this chapter, David states twenty-six times: “His love endures forever.” And every verse of this psalm repeats this simple but profound truth. At times I feel God’s love, yet at times, I lose awareness of it. But I know His love never diminishes, never grows cold, and never, ever ends: Lamentations 3:22-23 states: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Our human view of God’s love is clouded by our capacity to love without conditions or limitations. But 1 John 4:8 ends with this simple phrase “God is love.” He does not “fall in love,” become “more loving,” or “less loving”; He IS love. Father, make me an open channel of Your amazing love to all whom I encounter. 

“And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28 ESV. Gladness is easier to embrace than letdowns, yet both have enduring value if I have the right perspective. Frankly, the multitude of unrelenting challenges life brings has done more to strengthen my character and soften my heart than the many joys I have known. The magnitude, multitude, and frequency of problems press me deeper into God’s hands. While I certainly do not prefer additional difficulties, I realize they come whether invited or not. This is another powerful reason to live a life driven by godly purpose instead of pursuing our own desires. Father, keep me from the snare of my own preferences. LORD, whatever may come, You make all things well and turn my sorrows into dancing.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:3 ESV.  The deepest darkness of night cannot hold back the morning light, nor can even the most difficult circumstances restrain hope. I am not referring to the garden-variety of hope wishful thinking produces; I am talking about the kind of hope that is firmly rooted in God’s Promises. The Word of God is an inexhaustible fountain of faith, hope, and love from which I may freely drink at all times. A life built upon Scripture comes fully loaded. The very thought of the transcendent “I AM” dispels my fears and grants instant, unmitigated assurance. Lord God Almighty, You are the great “I AM”, and in that faith-releasing declaration, my heart knows “I CAN” do all things through Your strength. 

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others,” Philippians 2:4 ESV. The simplest definition I’ve ever heard for the word “love” is a single word definition: “Others.” Attending to the needs of others with the same sensitivity and interest that we give to our own needs is what biblical love looks like. This level of love does not come automatically; it must be cultivated and consciously practiced daily to truly grow in love. Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians paints a beautiful picture of what l\our lives as believers should look like: “May the Lord make your love grow more and multiply for each other and for all people so that you will love others as we love you,” 1 Thessalonians 3:12. LORD, help me walk in love that grows and multiplies to others. 

“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 a good thing. 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 through anyway. The phrase “I really shouldn’t say this,” followed by saying whatever we shouldn’t anyway is a fool's game. 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 to just say 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. 

Almost 40 years ago a fellow parishioner pulled me aside after a church service to encourage and instruct me. This was not some garden-variety conversation; he obviously had prayed over it, carefully planned it, and presented clear, precise, well-thought-out points. I still remember the power of the thoughtful gift he gave me that day. It was a mix of gentle rebukes, wise instructions, and encouragement to be the best husband, father, and leader I could be. I have received many gifts over a lifetime however, most were forgotten long ago. But not that gift, it is still with me and remains highly treasured. It is a gift I can “re-gift” to others time and time again, and so I have. Today, I will again have opportunities to promote, encourage, lift, love, appreciate, and celebrate others. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Lord, in Your Goodness, endow me with authentic love and make me an open-source of blessing to those around me. 

I was at a local retreat center speaking at a Pastor’s Retreat when the North Tower of the World Trade Center was struck at 8:46 a.m.     Within minutes someone rolled a TV into the room, and we sat in mesmerized horror, watching and wondering what it all meant. As we sat silently taking in the events unfolding in Manhattan, another plane crashed into the South Tower. I immediately stood and said to the pastors: “Gentlemen, captains need to be on the bridge at times like these.”     Everyone agreed, so we all packed our bags and headed to our respective churches. Two more planes were crashed in D.C. and Pennsylvania. Praying for wisdom as I walked into our offices, it came to me, “ those who know little of God’s love and supremacy will live in a constant state of fear.”  Lord, Your Sovereignty will always prevail. Even in the worst moments, Your Sovereign Hand is on the wheel. “Captain of Our Souls,” You are ALWAYS ON THE BRIDGE. 

“He must increase, but I must decrease,” John 3:30 ESV. Jesus’ simple words stand in stark contrast to the spirit of this world, especially in the self-aggrandizing atmosphere of today’s culture. Self-generated humility simply will not work since it is nothing more than another form of seething pride. Notice the order of transformation set by this passage; it does not begin by decreasing self; it begins by INCREASING HIM! The more God is genuinely exalted in and through our lives, the less our pride gets in the way. However, we can still fall into the “spiritual pride trap" that comes from taking credit for how much God is exalted through us. LORD, cleanse my soul of pride and show me how I may lift you higher with genuine humility. O Glorious One, You must increase, I must decrease. 

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.   Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor,” Romans 12:9-10. The men and women I have admired throughout my entire life, particularly my many spiritual fathers and mothers, have all had a common trait; they attentively and faithfully honored others around them. They were always pointing out the attributes and accomplishments of others. I wish to be that kind of person. While I have steadily grown in this characteristic, I realize I’m still a rookie compared to others. I know that I miss many opportunities to honor someone the way I should. Showing honor is not only kind, it is a biblical command and a principle characteristic of godliness. Glorious Father, help me to grow in this wonderful characteristic of giving honor to whom honor is due. 

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God!   Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” Psalm 143:10 ESV. As a born and raised Floridian, I had little experience with hiking in mountain terrain. But while living in Costa Rica and Ecuador as missionaries, I had many walks on steep, rocky trails. After long hikes to remote villages, I was always happy to return home to more level ground. Life can present some challenging paths to traverse, but the Grace and Goodness of God are always present for the child of God. It is the LORD: “Who keeps us among the living and does not allow our feet to slip or stumble,” Psalm 66:9 AMP. Father, thank You for keeping me safe throughout the many ups and downs of life. Use me to assist others as they traverse life’s deep valleys and steep mountains. 

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.   Therefore, be wise as serpents and   harmless   as doves,” Matthew 10:16 NKJV. These instructions of Jesus are incredibly insightful for guiding us into effective spiritual influence. “Wisdom” means good judgment, discernment, acumen, prudence, and foresight. “Harmless” means gentle, honest, with godly intent, and virtuous. Wisdom blended with Harmlessness maximizes our spiritual influence. Many sincere believers have little to no impact in their witness to unbelievers precisely because they ignore what Jesus said about presenting the truth to others. Dogmatic arrogance doesn’t work, but genuine love combined with good judgment is practically irresistible. LORD, help me to always deliver Your truth in the way You commanded. 

“Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high,” Luke1:78 ESV. The light of early dawn reminds me of my spiritual condition in this world. There is a noticeable but slow change emerging; darkness is slipping away as light is softly increasing. I am no longer in total darkness, nor am I fully in the light. Yet it is already clear, the light will win. This same process is also happening within me. I gratefully welcome the daybreak manifesting within my soul, but I desire to speed this process. There is no possibility of hastening the sunrise but stepping clear of all that shadows, accelerates the brightening. Lord God, Light of the World, chase away all gloominess of dark with Your resplendent Presence. Rip down the curtains of doubt and self-will within me that obscure Your blazing Glory. 

“And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’   His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and   faithful servant.   You have been faithful over a little;   I will set you over much. Enter into   the joy of your master.’”  Matthew 25:23 ESV. I desire to live God’s chosen life for me. No cheap substitute will do. In the "Parable of the Talents," there are three different servants. The first two understood their purpose; the last did not. Fruitfulness in our Master’s Kingdom is not an option; it is a command. It is simple, He is LORD; I am the LORD’S servant. His choices are my only choices. Therefore, I serve, longing to hear the words: “well done, good and faithful servant!” LORD, not my will but Yours be done.

Too often, I have hindered the approach of what God has designed for my tomorrow by over-attachment to things of yesterday. A hiker who attempts to lug along too much equipment will never make it to the summit. I sometimes strike out without first discerning between what will be absolutely necessary and what is merely an emotional connection that must be left behind. To follow hard after what is best demands that I lay aside every hindrance, including things that I once held dear. The decisions we make today determine how high we may ascend. Father, You are my only hope to reach the summit. You are already present in that yet unseen place, preparing the way and bidding me climb. I trust Your provision and divine care; You never miss a thing. 

“They refused to obey, and they were not mindful of Your wonders that You did among them…But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them,” Nehemiah 9:17 NKJV. While waiting for a flight, I noticed three young boys poised by the window watching all the runway activity. The giddy wonder of their new experience prompted me to realize how much I’ve become indifferent to the wonder of modern flight. I’m so accustomed to moving across the world at amazing speeds that I resent that it is not even faster! Really? Sadly, I often do the same with the wonders of God. I have experienced so many blessings, miracles, and wonders that I sometimes take them for granted. God of Wonders, forgive my hubris and awaken my attentiveness to the wonders you perform. Help me see Your works with childlike eyes of innocence, fascination, praise, and wonder.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life,” John 3:16 ESV. As Christians, we most often use this passage to share our faith with unbelievers. Today I’m focusing on the words “SO LOVED.” I feel sad for the child of God who knows so little of God’s love that all they can see is their own concerns and needs. These words “SO LOVED” prick my heart in ten thousand ways. Even one drop of God’s pure love upon an open heart changes everything, reordering priorities, provoking a sense of purpose, and opening our eyes to the needs all around us, even those far, far away. When God’s love enters our heart, it comes fully loaded with such power it releases effusive joy, motivation, and faith to act. Blessed Father, God of Glory, Your Love offers far more than we could ever need or desire. Lord, make me a channel of Your amazing, irrepressible love.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. ’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these,” Mark 12:30-31 ESV. An ox will not walk straight without a harness holding him in place; however, great power is ready and waiting with needed constraints hitched on. I, too, need a yoke to stay on course. I cannot fulfill my high calling unless I’m firmly harnessed to God’s ways instead of my own. When we desert the safety of God’s love depravity and chaos rule. “Love your neighbor as yourself” is not a helpful hint for being a nicer person; it is the royal command of our Creator and the only path to a life filled with divine purpose. I must be continually harnessed to the needs of others to accomplish God’s highest and best. Father, You are Love. I confess that I love poorly, but I desire to learn to let love govern my heart and ways. Your yoke of love is my guide.