COFFEE ON THE DOCK

It is one thing to speak up when I personally feel the sting of mistreatment, but will I remain silent when I see others undergo injustice? Frankly, suffering for doing good is a commendable characteristic before God, but silently watching others suffer wrongdoing when it is in our power to act is condemnable. Yes, I am my brother’s keeper. Being able to see and feel beyond personal pain is an indicator of godliness. Faithful Lord, Caretaker of the Distressed, make my heart tender to the agony of others. Give me courage to rise up and act on behalf of those being crushed. Forgive me for the sin of silence. 

Pursuit of self-pleasing imaginations launches us into a seductive world of speculative fantasies that are empty and dangerous. I do not merely want to live, drifting aimlessly each day; I sincerely desire an effective life. A purposeless focus leads to long walkabouts in barren lands but earnest pursuit of godliness positions us for heavenly empowered accomplishment. To You, Dearest Father, belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are Yours. Grant me good discernment and divine resolve in my daily quest to make a lasting difference for Your KIngdom. 

While wisdom and gentleness with others who disagree is a good approach to resolution, the truth must be spoken and advanced. Fearing what people think above the fear of displeasing or dishonoring God is a dangerous trap. Truth, no matter how softly and delicately delivered, is at once freeing and offensive. I welcome the truth only when I am prepared to receive both its benefit and its discomforting demand that I respond with change. Sovereign Lord of Love and Truth, help me know Your life-giving truth and boldly declare it to others. Let kindness be my motivation and method for proclaiming truth to others. 

The simple biblical phrase “by faith” opens a universe of understanding and divine power. By faith, I may confidently approach the Throne of Grace, despite feeling unworthy to do so. By faith, I can freely love others without terrorizing fear of rejection or misunderstanding. By faith, I can dance and through the Valley of the Darkness of Doubt with magnificent, indestructible and irreplaceable remedy. Victorious Lord, Your faith launching promises grant me uncluttered assurance, release unbounded joy and thrust me forward in the way of everlasting! By faith I enter this day in peace and power.     

Most of the calamities in my life have been situations that I never worried about or even thought about before they happened. On the contrary, the circumstances I did worry about subsequently almost never manifested. The lesson? What a waste of time it is to try to think my way through life! The path of listening to God’s Word and Spirit while serving, trusting and giving thanks is a far superior path. Good Shepherd of my soul, I praise & thank You today for Your superintendence, guidance, protection and love. Today I will take You at Your Word, casting my cares upon You. 'Tis so sweet. 

Every soul passes through times of loss, betrayal, rejection and failure. Having suffered a painful trial in the past does little to take away the sting of a new trial, even if it is similar to ones passed through long ago.  Prior grace will not relieve the dark night of the soul; fresh grace is our sole relief. I must again return to the foot of the cross and behold the Son.  Grace for today is given freely to those who seek it in renewed surrender. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, and pour Your living water into my thirsty soul. While pain is an incessant intruder, my heart belongs to You alone. 

Most of my life I have lived near an ocean. Perhaps the fascination and magnetic hold it has is its similarity to its Designer and Creator. The sea offers unlimited bounty, yet its rewards remain mostly unseen until they surface. There is mystery and beauty, great power and peaceful bliss. The ocean cannot be controlled, nor defied, but it will carry those who enter it to unimagined new places. Giver of Life, I thank You for revealing something of Yourself in the things You’ve created. I stand in awe of Your Power and Beauty and am eternally thankful for Your bounty and blessings.