COFFEE ON THE DOCK

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another,” Romans 12:10 (NKJV). As love-centered believers living in the surroundings of diminishing civility, our light shines even brighter. While many will dismiss our love as superficial, others will run to it. Strangely, Christians are often kinder and less argumentative with non-believers than with our own brethren, especially if they are from a different denomination or worship practice. NOW is the time to stand together as the Body of Christ. NOW is the time to build deeper connections with other people of faith. This is the hour to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven;” Matthew 5:16 (KJV). LORD, make us kind and affectionate toward one another that You may be seen and known by all. 

“He raises up the poor from the dust; He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's and on them, he has set the world,” 1 Samuel 2:8 ESV. There seems to be no shortage of those willing to add weights to those struggling to stay afloat. Even the well-meaning comfort of friends and family is limited by human knowledge and often leaves us additionally burdened. When God speaks, even in discipline, there is the lifting of the soul. Every Word from the Almighty imparts life, blessing, and hope; its sharpness surgical not blunt, its effect freedom not incarceration. Anxiety weighs down one’s soul, but things spoken by the Lord of Hope cause my heart to float above the storm. Gracious Father, Your Word pronounces ascent. My cup overflows, it is well with my soul. Selah!

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour,” 1 Peter 5:8 ESV. The lion doesn’t roar while stalking his prey, he uses stealth. I once saw a large log silently float by in the middle of a river; most of its bulk was suspended silently below the surface. It struck me that even something as docile and inert as a fallen tree can be deadly in certain circumstances. As I offered a prayer for passing boaters the question came to mind: “How many seemingly harmless things float just below the surface in my life that I cannot see?” Lord God, Captain of My Soul, expose those things within me and around me that are harmful and clear them away. Remove from my heart every hidden peril and use me to bring safe passage and blessing to others. 

“The   Lord   is   my strength and my shield;   My heart   trusted in Him, and I am helped;   Therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him,” Psalm 27:7-8 ESV.  Flying over the Sahara Desert, the world’s largest at 3.3 million square miles, is an amazing and daunting sight. It seems to go on forever, but every desert has its boundaries, every ocean has its shores and every storm it's ending. Likewise, every trial we experience in this life has its limits, no adversity can go on forever. While trudging through, it may feel like difficulties are limitless, but they cannot extend beyond God’s sovereign authority. His love and provision are inexhaustible, carrying us beyond limits “on eagle’s wings ”.   He accompanies us through each moment of every trial, and the rewards of trust and faithfulness are both ever-present and never-ending. Father, Your goodness and mercy accompany my journey ,   and Your   merc...

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for  in due season   we will reap, if we do not give up,” Galatians 6:9 (ESV). Frankly, I often resent the time it takes to accomplish things, but we are warned to, “not become weary”. “Due season” is a God-ordained moment; it can’t be rushed, but it can be missed. Many years ago, while living in Costa Rica, we participated in a very unusual outreach. We hosted Tino and Olinka Wallenda as they performed an incredible stunt, walking between two of San Jose’s tallest buildings on a high-wire and sitting on a delicately balanced chair while preaching the gospel to thousands of amazed observers below. It took weeks of preparation to perform for just a few short minutes, but many came to salvation that day. LORD God, time is in Your hands. Forgive my impetuousness. Grant me the grace to accept Your choices and pace. 

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me,’” Isaiah 6:8 ESV. In every generation and in every arena of life there are those who make a huge difference. I’ve met quite a number of world-changers over a lifetime. I’ve met great political leaders, military heroes, world-class moms and dads, great scientists, and industry leaders, and spiritual giants. What makes each of them so special? Intelligence? Courage? Luck? Perhaps, but what I have observed is that while others said: “someone should do something”, they said “I can, and must do something”. World-changers are formed one sacrificial step at a time, followed by another, and another, and another. The starting point is a “here am I, send me” attitude and a “get started, don’t quit” commitment. LORD, though my flesh has grown older my heart is still willing. Send me as You will. 

Today, I will watch a movie or two about war. They usually move me to tears. I'm a Baby Boomer, having been born merely nine years after the six-year “Second World War” ended. My youth was spent among an adult generation that had endured multiple World Wars. From the time I turned one-year-old until I was fifteen-years-old, the Indo-Chinese War (Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam) raged on. Over 100 million people were killed during those years. Everyone I met during my entire childhood had lost someone dear to them. Every home had fading photos displayed of those who had perished. They are often referred to as: “The Greatest Generation”. There was a soberness and strength of character, I could recognize even as a child.   I’ve always been drawn to watch the many shows and the multitude of movies that attempt to capture what war means to nations, families, and individuals. It is not an admiration of war that draws me in. Rather, it is the pain of sacrifice that individuals, families,...