COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Tidal waters can be tricky for boaters, I have run aground a few times thinking I had sufficient draft. Surface appearances can be deceiving, covering over serious problems and giving the appearance of depth and safety. In similar manner, shallow love is also very dangerous; love must run deep. Every attitude that is contrary to true love for our fellow man must be exposed and replaced with God’s awesome love. Commingling of motives must cease. Father, teach me to love authentically, faithfully, consistently and tenderly. Let Your love flow through me without restriction. 

A friend from an impoverished nation was visiting and wanted to buy hair shampoo. In his home country, he had limited choices, so when faced with shelf after shelf displaying dozens of brands, it was overwhelming. He left the store confused and without shampoo. Navigating through affluence can be as distressing as dealing with poverty, since an increase of choices does nothing to teach us to choose wisely. Lord God, deliver me from the constant pursuit of more choices. Teach me the joys of simplicity, discernment and humility. Help me to choose what is right over what is available. 

As a child growing up in Florida, I spent much of my time outside. There was never a shortage of insects and I quickly learned that small things can lead to big problems, especially if there are lots of small things. I sometimes forget that lesson and pay no attention to my small faults. It is far easier to focus on the big ones, but as they accumulate, even tiny defects add up to big problems. God, in His perfection, has His eye on even the smallest detail. The Perfect One is also the Perfecting One. Lord God, You are the Master Craftsman, bringing Your finishing touch to even the slightest flaw. I welcome and need Your perfecting care. 

The lawns around our neighborhood are summer green but a few spots are an ugly brown. Stubborn, hardened patches where the grass will not grow must be removed before new growth will appear. Nutrition will not make a difference; the crusty surface must be penetrated, and the good soil exposed. New seed, fertilizer and regular watering will make the patches green again. My soul is no different; s piritual nutrition will not have lasting effect on what only repentance can transform. Holy Father, tear away the crusty surfaces of my heart. Where dried patches lie in my soul, grant me grace to truly repent. Plow my heart with Your Word and sow in me that which You desire . 

Evil is real, and so is spiritual warfare, but battling the hordes of hell is nothing like Hollywood’s special effects portrayals. Our weapons are not earthly and our Champion, the Captain of Our Salvation is not flawed. The works of darkness are less like powerful beings and more like a swarm of mosquitos; constantly harassing, potentially dangerous but when rightly opposed, they easily die. Understanding the nature and strategies of evil is far less useful than beholding the victory that is ours in our Beloved Savior. I do not make light of our spiritual enemies, but one glance from the King of Kings is sufficient to send them scampering over the cliff. Almighty and Everlasting Redeemer, open my eyes to Your undefeatable Glory.

Famous last words: “I can handle it!” To bulldoze through fears with unreasonable over-confidence is foolish and dangerous. However, to run from fears leaves us in a state of relentless anxiety, opening our soul to ever-increasing panic. How do we get this so backwards? To run to God is to face our fears and destroy them. When the cares of this world hit us face on, we must cast them upon the One who cares for us and praise Him through the tempest. His promises transform doubts into dominion and fears into faith. Lord God, You are my Glory and the Lifter of my head! You, O Lord are my shield and deliverer, in You I put my trust and on You I cast my cares.

The possibility of betrayal is always present in every act of trust, except with God. Three simple, powerful words are sprinkled throughout Scripture: “God is faithful”. These words need no further clarification because to know Him is to love Him; to be loved by Him is to trust Him, no additional authentication required. So here is a revelation, I can trust people precisely because I trust God. I must learn to trust that He is at work in and through others for my benefit because He is faithful. Mistrusting everyone else is in fact, mistrusting God; we simply can never let anyone or anything be God for us but Elohim. True and Faithful One, my heart, my life, my future and my well-being are in Your faithful, trustworthy hands.