COFFEE ON THE DOCK

To openly live a life of faith is not a proclamation of personal perfection. In fact, the opposite is true. My imperfections become the stage upon which the amazing grace and relentless love of God are displayed. In my weakness, His awesome strength is discovered and brought to the forefront. Glossing over our foibles presents a false image of the believer’s life and in the end does more harm than good. Lord, You are my Fortress and Deliverer, reveal Yourself in me. May my failings spotlight Your exquisiteness. May my need for constant redemption encourage others to seek the same. 

Needs are easily overestimated and blessings underestimated. Family, laughter, opportunities, vision, mission, challenges, friends, servanthood, children, sunsets, music: considering the multitude of blessings I enjoy, I realize how truly prosperous I am. Keeping count of trials and needs brings no crown, but faithfulness in spite of perceived lack brings the Crown of Life for the steadfast believer. Forgive me Lord in those moments when I abandon the splendor of thankfulness, to roam the squalor of cravings. Strengthen my resolve to ignore the temporary and take hold of the eternal.  

When headed on a road trip I like an accurate ground plan before departing. But in chasing after godliness, I am not capable of mapping out God's incredible will in advance; I must trust Him to reveal it in each step of obedience. He has promised to “guide the steps of the righteous.” Frankly, I prefer more foreknowledge than just one step or two. Advanced guidance seems reasonable, yet faith must be developed God’s way rather than my own. 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. 

Both gnawing regret and unruly desires tear away at the fabric of our faith. These human flaws each share the same diabolical lie, that our right standing with God is based on our works and not that of our Redeemer and Champion. One doubts the power of the Almighty to forgive and the other cuts the thread of hope. Justification by faith is not some abstract theological rabbit trail; it is the very bedrock upon which every aspect of Christian life rightfully depends. Lord of Unending Hope, You are my Unshakable Foundation. Nurture my mustard seed faith into a Giant Sequoia. 

There truly is a perfect time and way for everything. I am impetuous by nature and in haste have often moved too quickly. It is much better to let things unfold before rushing ahead. A furled sail is of little use. We sometimes confuse faith-based zeal and emotion-based zeal. But what blessing it is when zealousness and knowledge combine within a divinely appointed moment. Lord of all Wisdom, thank You for guiding my zeal. I am zealous for Your work in the earth but desperately need Your steadying hand. Grant me submissive, composed, Holy Spirit guided zealousness. 

Traveling with a friend in his new boat a few years ago brought us to unfamiliar waters while using unfamiliar equipment. We panicked when the depth finder suddenly registered very shallow water. Though we were just off shore, we were actually sitting over one of the Atlantic’s deepest ocean troughs and our sounding setting was set too shallow. Where God has taken me in life I have often been out of my depth, so I must continually reset my heart for deeper places. Yesterday’s settings will not suffice for tomorrow’s journey. Captain of my Soul, prepare me now for where You are taking me. 

Standing at the edge of the sea offers many joys; calm, angry, or in between, its beauty and girth touches me deeply. Caressing waves lap the feet, a steady chorus of seagulls, laughing children and crashing waves soothe the heart. Sand between the toes, wind on the face, warm sun, and wonderful creatures all combine to bring a song to mind: “O Lord My God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hand hath made.”  Yes, my soul is singing. Majestic Father and Creator, I adore Your handiwork. Thank You for the depth, fullness and richness of Your boundless Love.