COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Mankind's fallen nature inherited from Adam’s sin made us enemies of God, but the redemptive work of our Savior opened the way for us to become His children. This great salvation proclaims the truth, the LORD is on our side. I would have remained in darkness and utterly lost forever had not the LORD been on my side. My attempts to follow His will or pursue His call would be entirely impossible and my hopes would have been vanquished forever had not the LORD been on my side. While at times I struggle to muster the strength and valor to fight this earthly battle, I know I will finish strong for the LORD is on my side. Glorious Adonai, Captain of Our Salvation, Eternal Father, all glory to You now and forever! I march ahead in victory and abiding peace along with all who are Yours, for You O LORD are on my side. 

While my private thoughts may be hidden from others, all my thoughts, wishes, fears, motives or aspirations are in full view of the Lord. He examines all my paths, not only those I have already taken but even those I merely consider pursuing. This would be a moment by moment battle of wills if I were still of the impression that my life was my own, but this issue is settled; I must decrease, He must increase. Though at times I forget to acknowledge His ever-present examinations, He never, ever looses track; not even for a millisecond. This is sometimes disconcerting, but even my consternation is a sign of His Blessed Meddlings. Glorious Father, it is true, I am Yours. Have Your way in me in every way and at all times. 

Oddly, we admire the success of someone we don’t know, but envy the success of someone we do. As carrying nuclear waste in my pocket would be, envy is deadly to me and harms everyone around me. Malice grows quickly in the heart that harbors jealousy, emptying the soul of joy, peace and purpose. It is a slippery slope from witty criticisms to skillful, malicious rumormongering and malignant dismembering of the reputations of others. To covet someone else’s life is disavowal of God’s care and purpose for our own. O Lord, My Healer, eradicate from my soul all envy, jealousy and malice. May thankfulness be my constant companion and joyfulness the dominant factor in every thought, word and deed.

Every journey, no matter the distance or difficulty, begins with a few steps; the first few are critical to a successful finish.   Here are a few essential first steps: STEP DOWN from Center Stage and give God’s Will that position. STEP UP to Your calling, not your convenience. STEP AROUND those moving at a different pace or in a different direction.   STEP AWAY from whatever holds you back. Finally, STEP AHEAD and keep taking new steps. In other words, get started, don’t stop.   LORD, direct my steps according to Your pleasure. Keep my feet moving toward the course of Your choosing and grant me grace to finish well.

Panic is not a reliable strategy. A life bridled by fear is easily turned in the wrong direction, plunging those driven by it into unrelenting darkness. Fearfulness shuts down our sense of purpose, power and direction, leaving us to roam aimlessly in desolate places. In contrast, a life bridled by the Word of God will always turn us in the right direction, filling us with God’s perfect love and expunging fear from our souls and releasing hope and faith into our hearts and minds. Lord of Life, You set the captive free and set our feet dancing on the hilltops. Make Your Love my constant guide and use me for Your purposes. May my choices always be wise and pleasing to You. 

To think that God uses any of us for His divine purposes in the earth is stunning. Yet, our Heavenly Father chooses to utilize each of His children to display His glory to others. As intimidating as this may seem, my life may be the only source of the image of God the people I interact with each day may have.   While I have no appreciable brilliance in and of myself, the Glorious One shines so brightly that when reflected only slightly, His Beauty is as dazzling as a full moon rising over a calm sea on a clear night. Father, shine upon me in full splendor. May every flaw be hidden by Your brilliance and may others see You reflected in all I say and do.

While driving in unfamiliar surroundings I sometimes follow the crowd, reasoning that the majority must be right. It works out at times, but more often than not it leads to being trapped in in a huge traffic jam along with everyone else. Thoughtlessly copying others in life is a sure way to lose track of your own distinct path. Each person is divinely crafted to fulfill God’s created purpose, and while we can certainly benefit from what others know and do,  we are not designed for mindless following. Our steps must become guided by the LORD. O Lord Our Guide and Protector, keep me from ignoring Your constant provision of guidance. Deliver me from mindless following and direct my feet to Your divine will.