COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Even after miraculous deliverance, Israel’s final escape from 400 years of slavery in Egypt was fraught with complications. Angry pursuit to the rear, an opening sea ahead and empty desert beyond, when your back is against the wall the only choice is forward. I get it. Most of my significant progress has been forced. The goodness of God doesn’t always look so good at first glance, but in the end, He works His will in us and through us, often using circumstances we would never choose. Glorious Lord, I praise and exalt you. You formed me for Your will and lovingly press me into it. 

As a child I spent much of my time pretending, creating elaborately detailed scenarios in my mind where I was the central character to everything that was happening. While these imagined adventures are fine for children, as adults, pretending we are superheroes does us no good at all. Maturity requires humility; an overstated opinion of one’s importance is not only foolish, it is dangerous. Blessed Father, help me keep it real. Thank You for the honest mirror Scripture provides. Though I can do all things through Your strength, I can do nothing of eternal value absent Your constant guidance, nourishment and remedy. 

I have made steady spiritual progress throughout my life, yet many issues seem to recycle. Though I find myself fighting the same battles over and over again it is comforting to know that my Creator and Commander will finish what He started in me. The final outcome is not dependent upon my own strength; the Lord Himself is at work. I am a work in progress but there is a finish line God has designed. Father, banish every futile resistance from my soul. Mold me into a faithful servant, pleasing to You in all may ways, leaving nothing untouched or unreformed. I am at rest in Your care.  

The salt marshes along the southeastern coast can be tricky to navigate. Many perils await such as hidden, oyster-covered sand bars or the maze-like waterways that easily confuse the inexperienced. However, leaving the safety of the marked channels opens endless rewards of beautiful wildlife, a kaleidoscope of colors and a serene sense of quiet privacy. In those exquisite moments it all seems divinely composed. It is. Lord, remind me today to seek the unseen beyond the common course. Nudge me toward those divine moments just beyond the channel where Your Glory awaits the seeker. 

Annoyances constantly bombard my soul. Thankfully, they don’t seem to stick around as much as they used to, but I must not allow resentment to settle in my heart. Like water secretly eating away the ground underneath a foundation, irritations undermine the bedrock of joy that should characterize a believer’s life. Gratitude and praise are powerful weapons against the subtle entry of unhappiness. Heavenly Father, I know that I annoy You. Like the people of Israel in the wilderness, I too, forget the amazing deliverance from slavery You have granted. Forgive my brazen self-centeredness. You are my Joy and Crown. 

Dross is a mass of impurities floating or dispersed in molten metal. Metals cannot be improved without removing the dross; remove it and the silversmith can produce a fine vessel. So it is in any enterprise. Those with impure motives, immaturity or insincere hearts often want to be a part or even lead, but they are dangerous and must be removed. When the heat is on, silver grows purer, dross masses and becomes even more impure. It must be removed. Lord, You are the Great Craftsman. Cleanse all dross from my soul and deliver me from wicked pretenders. 

Great Britain suffered defeat in the first battles of World War II, retreating back to the Island nation in “The Miracle at Dunkirk.” To keep the enemy confused, road signs were removed in preparation for a Nazi invasion. Even the simplest conveniences of life must be sacrificed when war is impending. There should be no doubt that people of faith are under siege at this very moment. Spiritual forces of darkness are using culture, technology and hedonism as weapons. O Lord Our Victor, show me where in my life I am placing personal conveniences over preparations for vanquishing triumph over darkness.