Coffee At The Cross

God is good All the time. God is never not Good. The very Character of God is Good. So many times we hear people say “God is good” when they get a prayer answered the way they want it to be answered. This is awesome and we should rejoice with them and also testify to God and His goodness.

Friends, what happens when we do not get the answer we were expecting or hoping for? Is God any less good? Do our circumstances, pain, suffering, trials and tribulations change the Character and Nature of God? Ask yourself what Job said when he was going through the midst of a fiery trial.

Psalm 100:5 says: “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
This isn’t a one time promise of long ago but a long ago promise for ALL time. Remember brothers and sisters, God NEVER changes.
Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. “

Psalm 31:19 “Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!”

I think it prudent to ask yourself (preaching to myself as well), one last thing. What are we telling the world; the unbelievers who are watching and listening very intently to everything we do or speak, when we as believers say “God is good!” and only do so when we get our way? Are we portraying a God who is only good some of the time?

Blessings,

Steve

In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages the believers in this passage to “think on these things”; Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

It is believed that Paul was in Rome during the time he wrote this. More than likely it would have been when he was imprisoned. Paul, who endured so much, imprisoned, is encouraging the church in Philippi to fill their mind with thoughts that are Christ-minded.

If we think on the things that Paul lists, will there be any room for other thoughts? Thoughts that can depress us, thoughts that can side-track us, thoughts that can be detrimental to our well being?

I will choose to think as Paul encourages us to think… true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report..

Blessings,

Steve

I was discussing with my family the complicated and challenging life we live as Christians.  We can sometimes be over-zealous for others to experience the same kind of excitement we have with knowing Christ.  In doing so we can act a bit harsh, perhaps a bit judgmental and at times not reflect the Love of Christ.  As Christians we know without a shadow of a doubt a personal life in Him is extremely joyful and brings inexplainable peace to the believer. In addition to this great Salvation by His grace and mercy alone, comes the daily sanctification through the piercing conviction brought on by the Holy Spirit.  He is at work in our lives daily, teaching and showing  us what each of us need to learn (John 14:26)[a]. I truly believe each of our walks is as distinct as the uniqueness in how He created us (Psalms 139:13-16)[b].

Each of us, individually, are to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12) [c].

It is not our responsibility to convince others of this great Salvation yet is our responsibility to share convincingly.  Neither is it our responsibility to work out the daily sanctification of other believers.  We are to account for our own walk, our own talents. What God gave us and what we do with what He gave us matters.  What He told us to do matters all the more. We need to ask ourselves if we are being obedient to that charge.  

Often times we can get complicated, adding our own layer, our own rules or our own thoughts and interpretations.  Remember the Pharisees did this and were completely blind to the Gospel.  God’s word is clear, there is our way and His way (Proverbs 14:12)[d].  Again in the book of Isaiah we can know and understand that God’s ways are much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9)[e] 

Brothers and sisters, let God work through us in Love; not condemning or judging.  We are all sinners and perhaps by loving more and judging less, those around us will see “something they want” and not “something they don’t want to be like”.  There is a difference.  Let us do ‘our’ part so God can do His and let us not get in the way.

Be blessed, Steve

[a]  John 14:26 – But the (Greek-Parakletos or Comforter) Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

[b]  Psalms 139:13-16 – 13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

[c]  Philippians 2:12 – Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

[d] Psalms 14:12 – There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death.  the end thereof is death

[e] Isaiah 55:9 – For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭12:1, 3-4‬ ‭‬‬

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.”

I was contemplating the aforementioned verse earlier today. It amazes me, but not surprisingly so, that the Word of God has so many nuggets of gold within it.  

… and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.  What a beautiful promise.  But wait, is it not saying that the Jewish people will be blessed?  The answer is yes but there is more to it than a simple yes. Remember that Abram was not “Jewish”.  The term “Jew” was not used until the time of exile.  This can be more deeply discussed in another conversation as I want to point out that “Through” Abram who became Abraham, “shall all families be blessed.” 

The exciting thing here is that the promise of blessing isn’t just for the Jewish people. Whilst it is true that they are God’s chosen people or “Nation”, all families are blessed who know Christ. For Christ came through the lineage of Abraham.  

Here are some exciting verses to read:

Acts 13:26

²⁶ “Brothers—you sons of Abraham, and also you God-fearing Gentiles—this message of salvation has been sent to us!

Galatians 3:7

⁷ The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.

And last but not least;

Ephesian 11-19

¹¹ Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— ¹² remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility ¹⁵ by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, ¹⁶ and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. ¹⁷ And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

Reflecting on this: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:12-14

While it may not always seem possible, and sometimes I fail to do all that I do in love, it IS possible. We need to consider the following scripture:

2Peter 1:3 says,“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,”

Friends, God’s promises are sure and true and we can do everything through Him. It really comes down to the choices we make in ‘action’ or ‘reaction’ to what is happening in our lives. Let’s be honest, being a believer in this world is no easy task and if we were told the truth of God’s word we know that. Jesus said it himself in John 16:33: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

My encouragement is this; We can walk and do all that we do in Love. The choice is up to us. Jesus gave us everything we need to do so. May He find me faithful. May He find us faithful. Be Blessed, Steve

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”  – Psalm 46:10

One of the hardest things for me to do is be still; to wait. We live in a world of instant gratification; Drive-throughs, Microwaves, Keurig Coffee, “Dr. Google” and mind blowing amounts of information.  Answers through the latest technology. We can find out “the who, what, where, when, why and how” to virtually anything and everything.   

In reflecting on my experiences and throughout my life, I have very rarely seen God working anything like that. Yes, there were a few times that I was miraculously healed in the blink of an eye.  However, more times than not, God takes “His time” because His time is always the right time, the perfect time.  Like anything precious; whether it be a canvas that needs to be stretched and prepared for the Masters paint, or precious metal like gold, being heated, and reheated until that which is impure rises and then is scraped off the top, God takes His time.  Beloved, you are precious. You are unique and worthy of an investment of His time and His timing.

As we pray, and as we ask Him for something, though He be silent, let us wait with hope filled anticipation for His answer. Be still, be quiet.  At times He may say “No”, at times He may say “wait” and at times He may say yes.  Be confident in this; His time is perfect and more importantly His answer is best.  

Blessings~

There have been a few things that have weighed pretty heavily on my heart in recent weeks.   One of those is the state of our great Democracy.  In my short lifetime there has never been such a great divide in our nation.  Regardless of what is true, just, or right, we are seeing like never before, our elected officials acting in such a manner that is a disgrace to the offices for which they hold. 

Regardless of “affiliation”, as Christians, we should pray for those in authority.  It is not an option. 1Timothy2:1-2 says this:

“1Ti 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—

 1Ti 2:2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Republicans, Democrats and Independents, all share in this disgrace. No one is innocent and that includes us who are believers in Jesus Christ.  How can we escape guilt if we have not prayed for those who are over us, regardless of our political views?   I am not saying we have to agree with everyone of their beliefs, or even tweets for that matter. What I am saying is that as believers, we need to come out of our closet of Christianity and go into our prayer closet and do what the Bible tells us to do.  We cannot be only hearers of the word to be successful in our walk with Christ.