COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. Thousands of years of building and rebuilding has left its oldest sections buried deep underground. Almost constant excavation guarantees new treasures are unearthed daily. The work of God’s Spirit has the same effect within me. He exposes and removes the rubble and trash of past failures. His Holy Work surfaces deeply imbedded giftings; divine attributes implanted long ago that are designed for God’s purpose for my life. Lord God, Worker of Miracles, Grantor of Good, use me according to Your Will.  Make all of me all for You.

The quietness of early morning is a daily gift from God. As the world awakens around me so does my soul. Light appears on the horizon and exposes what was previously shrouded in darkness. In the same manner, the Lord’s Light penetrates the deepest darkness of my heart and brings forth repentance, cleansing and joy. New faith is released to walk in His unfailing love and fresh resolve to steer clear of known traps arises. O Lord My Maker and Redeemer, I welcome Your truth. May faithfulness replace my unwillingness. Heal my self-inflicted wounds and use me to heal others.

The St. Petersburg, Russia Airport was dark, dreary, unfriendly and cold. The year was 1990 and I was headed home after an exhausting week. There were a handful of other Americans also waiting to board the plane including a group of college students.  Suddenly one stood on a chair and enthusiastically proclaimed: “Ladies and gentlemen, seated among us is Mr. Ted Williams, the greatest baseball player who ever lived.” In that moment the whole place was transformed by the unexpected presence of greatness. Father of Light, help me enthusiastically reveal Your Transforming Presence to others today. 

Chasing after God must be done in spite of many obstructions. I not only face the difficulty of human selfishness, but also the twisted theology of contemporary Christian culture; that personal fulfillment is on the same level of importance as the will of God. A full stop at the Cross finishes this nonsense. Until our greatest pleasure is to please our Creator and Redeemer there is continuous struggle, but daily surrender brings abundant life and abiding peace. Father, pull me back toward You when I pull away. Teach me to hold tightly to the finishing work of Your death, burial and resurrection.

Ordinary daily actions should be viewed as the worship of God as much as the sacrifice of the altar or the work of the high priest when he went within the veil. God calls us to do whatever we do in faith and obedience to Him. Even the most routine, mundane things of life become holy when done “unto Him.” There is no secular versus spiritual for the true believer; there is only surrendered obedience and faithful stewardship. Lord, you carefully formed me and placed me in this world. Keep me in a right frame of mind as I live before You. Do not let me swerve into false a dichotomy. Father, there is only You.

The water is very still today; everything above is nearly perfectly reflected upon it. This is what God wants of me; I too must be still and allow Him to mirrored upon my life. My issue? Ripples. What God sees of Himself in me is too often distorted by every shifting wind. I must not allow passing circumstances to constantly ruffle me. Rather, I must allow His abiding peace to calm my soul and allow His majesty to be seen. This is my daily battle. Father, in Your peace I have calmed myself and quieted my ambitions. I am content in Your care. Glorify Yourself in me and lead me beside still waters. 

I increasingly realize that all the parts of my life are interconnected. If I completely surrender even one part to God, all parts are positively affected. Like yeast into a bowl of dough, each entry of grace begins to work its way throughout the whole, becoming the driving force of change. While I don’t even know where to start, God’s Spirit always does, overcoming my ignorance and resistance. I am truly grateful for daily, targeted, unrelenting conviction that initiates the Kingdom’s advance in me. Gracious Lord, I am Yours, help me to yield something new to You today. Take all of me.