COFFEE ON THE DOCK

Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier, widely considered the “father of modern chemistry” stated: “Nothing in nature is wasted”. An astute observation for sure, but this fact leads to an even greater truth revealed in Romans: “For since the creation of the world His invisible  attributes  are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made,  even His eternal power and Godhead.” So creation bears our Creator’s image and reveals His character. As in nature, nothing is wasted with God. Redemption is God taking the rotting compost of our lives and transforming it into fertilizer for the future. The Bible declares: “All things work together for good to those who love God” and by the Cross, “to reconcile all things to Himself”. In other words, nothing wasted, nothing lost, only transformation! LORD of Lords, Your ways are beyond wonderful! Thank you for redemption. Thank You for wasting absolutely nothing!

Daybreak soon, then the beat goes on. Once this life is over a day cannot be purchased at any price. Over-thinking past or future events diminishes the value of this fresh new start. So I will begin in quiet meditation and prayer with the words of the psalmist penned while in the Judean desert: “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” There is a divine rhythm within every moment, a holy mystery in each twinkling of an eye that is easily missed if ignored. Only sensitivity to the Spirit of God can unlock the constantly present treasury of wisdom, insight, power and heaven-sent comfort. Blessed Father, settle me down. Deliver me from attempting to turn mysteries into formulas. Teach me to patiently take it all in and not miss a thing. Grant me entrance to Your secret place in each moment, day by day. 

"As it is written, the just shall live by faith.” The simple biblical phrase “BY FAITH” opens a universe of understanding and divine power. Biblically-formed faith is not presumption, it is not easy-believism; it is death to self, rock-solid trust in God and spirit-infused obedience. BY FAITH, I may confidently approach the Throne of Grace despite feeling unworthy to do so. BY FAITH, I can freely love others without terrorizing fear of rejection or misunderstanding. BY FAITH and all her sisters, IN FAITH, THROUGH FAITH, WITH FAITH, I can dance through the Valley of Darkness and Doubt with certitude, irrepressible joy and boundless remedy. O LORD My Victor and Keeper, Your faith-launching promises grant me uncluttered assurance, releases unbounded joy and thrusts me forward in the way of everlasting! By faith I enter this day in peace and power. 

Proverbs proclaims: “The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he in whom He delights.” And in Hebrews we read: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him.” So I’m thinking, God loves me a whole lot. It seems that nothing I think or do misses His constant oversight in things both big and small; His instructive voice never ceases. So I take heart in knowing both the severity and the goodness of God. Thankfully, He is patient and kind, mostly accepting my micro-changes and slow pace. But at times His rebuke is sharp and to the point. This too, is the mercy, wisdom and love of God at work. Dear LORD and Father, though at times discouragement buffets my soul Your love lifts me to the heights and grants strength for the battle. 

A seasonal shift brings change in the air; almost unperceivable at first, then obvious signs emerge. I love how God works in both Nature and in my own life. There is always something afoot. Just as I settle down new seasons arrive unannounced and everything begins to change; grace for where I have trod slowly recedes and grace for what is next begins to appear. I may uselessly complain that I’m not ready for change or I can embrace what is ahead and begin to prepare for what its coming. There is simply no future in the past; I must trust that God will carry me through my next season as faithfully as He did the last. Lord of All Creation, acclimate my heart to what now approaches. Grant me increased capacity to accept a new measure of grace for this new season. More of You, less of me. 

For many people life is all about grabbing all you can and canning what you get. In other words, the value of this type of person’s life is measured by how much they are able to collect, control and keep. But true life is experiencing the blessing of living to give, living to lift, living to bless and living to love. When my attention is on what I lack, my hearts shrinks, but when my eyes are on what I can do for others my heart is enlarged, faith is released and joy abounds. Once love takes over amazing things happen. While I have known and practiced these principles for a long time, still I am tested. Like a pilot who must continue to be re-certified each year for the sake of everyone’s safety, my heart must be re-certified continually by generosity. LORD God, keep my heart cleansed and filled with love. All that I am and all that I steward in this life is Yours to direct.  

Paul warned Timothy long ago about things we see today on an ever-broadening scale: “Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” This is nothing new. There have always been lies and liars, the deceived and the deceivers. So why does it seem to be worse in today’s world? Lies and deception are simply more easily spread in the technological age in which we now live. But our protections from falsehood are as powerful today as ever before. Daily prayer and study of Scripture, regular fellowship with mature believers and the discernment granted by the Holy Spirit are more than sufficient to keep us stable in a roaring sea of lies. “Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world!” LORD, keep me on course. Use me to guide others by “speaking the truth in love.”