COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Criticism, whether fair or not, is an important component of our growth process. Even when clearly offered with wrong motives, criticism is a huge motivator for self-examination and making the needed changes it exposes. I do not like to be criticized, but have learned that much of my progress has been propelled by it. When I am criticized, my first instinct is to criticize the critic, but there is no benefit down that path. A person fully aware that God “works all things to our good” may be stung, but never devastated by the disapproval of others, knowing that in the end His favor and love triumphs. Father, sustain me and transform me by whatever means You choose. I am earnestly thankful for the stripping away of every weakness or flaw. 

Children have a fascination with mirrors and I was no exception. Few mirrors got by me without at least a passing glance. I was quite young the first time I visited a House of Mirrors; that was an interesting, funny and creepy experience. I quickly realized a false image is entertaining but useless. As we mature we use status, relationships, accomplishments and popularity to reveal who we are, but this too, is merely a house of mirrors. It is high time we give up childhood games and face the mirror of God’s Word. There we must remain, a passing glance will not do. Lord of Truth, only You can accurately reveal the man I am. I thank You for the power of Your Word and Spirit to reveal the unvarnished truth. Transform every part of me into a son who pleases you. 

The words “I AM!” were voiced from a burning bush and turned the meekest man on earth into a thundering prophet and deliverer for millions of slaves. A whispered declaration of “I AM!” from a tired, thirsty throat on the darkest night of mankind sent the world’s finest trained soldiers falling to the ground like bowling pins as the great deceiver slithered away. “I AM!!”  No further explanation is required. No power in heaven or earth can usurp authority over Him or hold back His Mighty Hand. No circumstance of this life can eclipse the Light of His Glory nor abate the magnitude of His Love. Almighty God, King of the Universe, Great I AM, to all my woes I say in unshakable rest: “YOU ARE”. Enough said. 

The temptation to compromise is constant. While most sincere believers hold the line on the big issues, it is easy to make concessions on smaller things. We can be spirit-filled, yet leaking. Those who manage dams do not take cracks lightly. Leaks do not self-repair, they must be addressed or they will only worsen, so leak patrols must be constantly carried out.  The same can be said of the soul. When life’s pressures build, even the most spirit-filled heart can be drained. I must consistently seek fresh infilling and simultaneously take care of issues that siphon away God’s Presence. No one else can guard my heart; I must take personal responsibility to remain filled. Glorious God and Father, open the windows of heaven afresh. Grant me wisdom to recognize and attend to things that deplete my heart of Your Glory and Work. 

It sometimes seems that common sense is no longer so common. Convoluted rationales rooted in reimagining the world to revolve around one’s own personal happiness, is the culprit. The principles of right and wrong or common good get completely lost in an environment of “do your own thing no matter what” and “if it feels right it must be right for you”. Not so for the true followers of the Master. A Biblical worldview empowered by the Holy Spirit and a surrendered heart puts ultimate truth back into its proper place. Lord of Light, align my heart and mind to truth. Calibrate my human reasoning to transcendent knowledge, divine wisdom and godly love. 

As of late I have experienced an intensified impulse to pray. While prayer has been an important part of my daily life for a long time, this is different. Specific people and issues have been on my heart in greater volume and intensity. As I pray for others, God lays open the cover-ups and barriers within me; healing incurable wounds, breaking through previously invincible walls. The lessons here are many, but one comes through most clear; love liberates faith to operate freely. Father, in Your mercy, hear my prayers. Thank You for the gift of interceding for others, and thank You for leaving no stone unturned in my own heart. 

My heart is far too easily pulled into the gravity field of this world’s distractions and daily responsibilities. The pressures of living for eternity while constantly tethered to earthly activity can empty the soul of the kind of passionate following that God deserves. As a new dawn approaches my challenge is to faithfully fulfill my earthly duties without ignoring celestial directives. Almighty Lord, only a heart that lingers before You will find the right balance. In Your mercy, guide my steps this day. Help me find that perfectly positioned sweet spot of feet on the ground and heaven on my mind.