COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Watching a kite soaring high while still bound to earth got me thinking; the disciplines that at times tie me down are actually designed by God to lift me higher. Left to the wind alone a kite will fly but soon crash. The string that holds it back actually gives it lift as it is let out slowly, the wind carrying it to dizzying heights. In the same manner, left to my own devices, I too, will crash. It is both the wisdom of God and the goodness of God to tie me to divinely designated restraints. Father, thank you for the commitments and responsibilities I sometimes resent. You created me to soar, and with Your binding hand and lifting breath, there are no limits. 

It is no bother at all to simply categorize someone we don’t like under a cherished prejudice and ignore or even revile them. To mistreat, disregard or malign others is to show contempt for their Maker. I must never forget that the differences I sometimes resent have God’s fingerprints on them. When I was once complaining to God in prayer about someone I heard a very clear message in my heart: “The way you treat My children reveals the depth of Your love for Me.” Ouch! Father, help me to love as You love. Thank You for confronting my preconceived notions and leading me to deeper devotion. 

I do love God, but I realize that much of my love is polluted by self-interest and need. When I feel blessed, which is the result of His unfailing goodness, the intensity of my love rises, but steadily fades into the background as my interests shift. When I am in need, I hunger more for Him, but my love-level diminishes as comforts increase. Though He knows my fickle ways, He never backs away. While I necessarily depend upon the unconditional love He offers, returning it consistently is still far too difficult. Dear Father, help me today to be steadfast in my love for You and others. Free me from my wanderings and bind me to Your side. 

My calendar stays full, but the real issue is whether my lamp is full; when the Bridegroom arrives will any oil be found in my lamp? I cannot depend upon past spirituality as this day approaches already filled to the brim, so early will I seek Him, now will I praise Him. The first tear of repentance floods the soul with grace, the first word of praise uncaps a well of joy, a single Promise proclaimed in earnest faith sends demon hoards scattering! Lord God of Mercy and Goodness, I praise you afresh. May Your oil of gladness flood my soul and ignite full-flamed. Darkness now scampers away as Your Light dawns! Let’s roll! 

Human honesty is typically poorly timed and clumsily delivered. The reason is simple; the underlying motivation to the phrase: "let me be honest" is most often grounded in selfishness rather than divine love. God speaks truth with the purest of motives while we do not. We mostly speak up when we are in fear of losing something or being harmed. Honesty in this case is no more than our intent to control our surroundings. God speaks truth as an act of love, granting the hearer the chance to know the perfect way forward. Father, You are Love and Truth, teach me Your ways. Purify my heart and put Your coals of fire to my lips. 

The sun is up again. That may seem trivial, even irritating at times, but after a dark night of the soul, the penetrating rays of light bathe the heart with renewed hope. How wise of God to give us a reset each new day. Yesterday‘s troubles will again attempt to be reintroduced into this fresh start, but something has changed within; I am now one day closer to heaven and one more day distanced from this world. Yes, darkness will again attempt to take hold, but will not prevail. My Sweet LORD, You are my Eternal Daybreak. What joys Your children know! What peace You grant to ones who open their eyes to You Love and Power! Selah! 

Too often, I give preference to my own thoughts and ways rather than those of the Almighty. Even after so many self-generated disappointments, at times I continue to cling to useless ideas and postponed compliance. However, each new act of obedience to God begins a chain of unending blessing and invites additional opportunities to make genuine spiritual progress. That we are granted such collaboration with the “The Great, I Am” is remarkable enough, but to understand that He actually designed us to partner with Him is at once humbling and too wonderful for words. Dearest Father, my life for You. Teach me to obey swiftly, completely and consistently.