COFFEE ON THE DOCK

A heart solely focused on one’s own desires and needs will, over time, become barren, empty, and sterile. To the contrary, compassion and concern for the needs of others releases a flood of creativity, purpose and productivity. God formed us and commanded us to “multiply and replenish” the world around us. He designed us to be His hands extended to others. The person who hoards love and blessings will, in the end, lose what little they have. Those who open the treasures of compassion and offers the freely to others will themselves be filled with an inexhaustible supply. Lord of Love and Life, point my heart toward what pleases You. Deliver me O God, from sin-rooted selfishness and move my heart by what moves Yours. 

The finish of a year as another kicks-off offers an opportunity to turn the page. This is an appropriate moment to reconsider and revise personal habits, lifestyle choices, stewardship decisions, future goals, relationships and so much more.  It is also a good time to put behind disappointments, failures, unforgiveness, mistakes and excuses. But, truth be known, nothing will actually change when the clock strikes twelve; I must resolve to change my ways! And I will need to do the same tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. LORD God Almighty, my record of resolve is spotty at best. So I cast the scattered debris of my own works at Your feet, knowing You Alone can finish what You have started in me. In love, You created me, by Your power You will raise me! To You be all glory forever and ever, amen! 

Sometimes life can feel like a long journey over a frozen landscape. Frankly, the call of God on my life has always exceeded my known resources, proven capabilities and personal character. I have come to understand this is the way it must be; otherwise, I would foolishly lean too heavily upon my own abilities. It is the daily walk on thin ice that keeps me alert and dependent upon divine intervention. My weakness invites God’s grace. So I begin another day shrouded in human frailty but anticipating a new measure of grace and victory. O Lord my God and Father, You are not put off by my shortcomings. When I am weak You are strong. Blessed Master, use me this day for Your glory. 

Sci-fi movies have introduced words into modern culture such as alien “Changelings” who disguise themselves outwardly as someone else but remain hidden aliens inwardly. Then there are “Transformers”, robots that can transform into cars but reveal their true identity when called upon. Nothing new really, Chameleons easily blend into their surroundings and butterflies begin as caterpillars. As a believer I must not be a changeling, fitting in but never revealing my true person. No, I am transforming from the inside out and the new man created in Christ must be fully displayed when called upon; I’m IN the world but not OF this world. LORD, help me live as a transformed man. Deliver me from dark and hidden ways and let Your Light shine brightly through me to all. 

Joshua challenged the Hebrews to decide their future: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” A made-up mind should not be confused with a closed mind or stubborn pride. Firm decisions should be rooted in moral clarity that comes from God’s influence on our decision-making process. The most crucial step is to accept that God is in charge, so the only right choice is His choice. The choice to obey is powerful. A “powerful choice” is a “power-filled choice”. Once a rightly formed decision is made, it releases the power to adjust to anything that comes along, while simultaneously initiating transformation of everything that must be changed. LORD, I choose to obey Your will, open wide the floodgates of grace and wisdom that I may faithfully and accurately serve You. 

In the same manner unwashed hands carry viruses that cause infectious diseases, the soul can be laden with unseen but deadly dangers. Strangely, we are far more careful to wash our hands after touching potentially contaminated objects than even to consider the perils of contamination of the heart. Unfettered, unguarded exposure to wrong-spirited people is dangerous. We drink bottled water to protect our bodies, but freely drink from the cesspools of unfiltered conversations or unbridled self-indulgence. High and Lofty One, cleanse my heart of all worldly infections and may Your Word and Spirit deliver me from mindless exposure to those who love discord, debauchery and darkness. 

Even after so many years of mistakes, failures and God’s patient dealings with me, far too much human pride still remains within. While increasingly pushed out of the spotlight, it still stubbornly skulks around in the shadows, giving way only in forced increments. Though sometimes diagnosed and stopped before popping out in words or actions, far too often, it leaps back on center-stage in full-blossom. Frankly, it is both surprising and embarrassing that it still remains in such quantity. I am grateful that God’s Goodness will not leave me in this unreliable state. Thank You Father, Son and Holy Spirit for Your holy work of deliverance from swaggering pretentiousness. Blessed riddance. I must decrease, You must increase.