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"My Morning Coffee" Devotional: Psalm 23 Revisited

   At times I catch myself breezing through a memorized passage in the Bible without thinking about the message. Today though, I stopped and made myself take Psalm 23 verse by verse, and put it into my own words. I challenge you to do the same. The message is always universal, yet always personal. I have put my thoughts in italics below each verse.

Psalm 23: 1 "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."

  He is MY personal shepherd, which means He will not lead my like He will lead others. This also means that I have to choose to follow Him and let Him lead, thus making Him "Lord". Because He is The Shepherd above all shepherds, He will never lead me astray. I will never lack for the things that I need. He is responsible in His care of me. 

Psalm 23:2 "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside the still waters."

   He being the Prince of Peace, allows me to experience His perfect peace. Not only does He lead me to a place to be filled and protected, but He leads me to the BEST place- GREEN pastures. I can only think of the saying about "greener on the other side", knowing His are always the greenest. It is there that He knows that I must rest. It is there where the waters are still.

Psalm 23:3 "He restoreth my soul, He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness, for His name's sake."

   "His name's sake" is the key to understanding this passage. Why does He do these things for me? He must. In order to remain true to His perfect character and to His word, He will never fail me. This relieves me because I know me. I am often very stubborn, independent, and prone to mess up my life. Yet, because "HE is faithful I am not consumed." He leads me in the way of holiness, and KEEPS me in the way of holiness. He will not allow me to stay the "Lost Sheep" for long. 

Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

   Not all of my path is peaceful. Because of my sinfulness, and the sinfulness of others I will face evil, but I will NEVER face it alone. In my darkest moment, He is there, ready to defend me. He even has given up His life for me long ago in the darkest valley that would have taken my spiritual life had He not given His. "There is no valley so deep that the love of God is not found or sensed"- paraphrased CORRIE TEN BOOM

Psalm 23:5 "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over."

   When those who do not know God mock me or my God when I face trials, my Shepherd is the one who lifts me up. He uses the "oil" of His pleasure to honor me. He fills my "cup" of circumstance to the brim, and it runs over into contentment, joy, and peace beyond what I could find in the world around me.

Psalm 23:6 "Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever."

   My Shepherd has never promised me a "happily ever after" in this world. Nor has He promised that life would be worry free. He promised that in whatever situation, pleasant or painful, His goodness and His mercy will be there with me from my childhood till my "golden" years. When those golden years have faded there is the promise to live in His house forever, happily ever after.

"My Morning Coffee" Devotional: Jacob's Journey: Success Through Failure

 

    After studying Jacob's life together, we could be tempted to come to the conclusion that Jacob failed. We read about him constantly doing things his way regardless of the effect that it had on others. His wives suffered through bouts of rejection leading to their jealousy. His sons, caught in the middle, were neglected by their work-a-holic father, and their training left to their scheming mothers. Jacob's only daughter, pampered and spoiled, was raped and disgraced due to the lack of discipline and willingness to protect her. The people of the land feared Jacob and his family wanting nothing to do with them for fear that the same violence shown to Shechem would be shown to them. By the time Jacob thought to train his children they were past the age of listening and far too bitter to respect his wishes. Yet in this dire time for Jacob, God remembered him, and send him a "second chance" through his son, Joseph.

   The life of Joseph is worth the study as we see a young man rise graciously from tragedy to the throne of Egypt. We see the hated and envied son persecuted by his brothers, disbelieved by his father, sold to his extended relatives, demoted from man of the house to manservant of a house, harassed and accused by his mistress, wrongly convicted by his master, forgotten by his prison mate, until God in his perfect timing deemed Joseph ready to rule and save his people. Joseph's integrity and strong belief in God was not inherent nor instinctive. It was taught. Very little is known about Rachel, but it is safe to assume that she, being an idol worshiper for most of her life and wrapped up in her self-made war with Leah, did not take much time to teach Joseph about Jehovah, the God of their fathers. So,who was responsible for his reverent attitude toward God? I believe that Jacob, looking back at all of the damage that he had done, realized that Joseph was his last chance to leave behind a legacy for God. Genesis 37 says that Jacob favored Joseph. Could it be that this was because after twelve children, including Dinah, he finally got it right?

   We understand from a human and biblical sense, specifically Genesis 37-38, that favoring among children can have tragic consequences. Yet can we take just one moment before again dwelling on Jacob's downfalls, and rejoice with him? God is a God of grace and mercy. It is estimated that there are over 248 mentions of the word mercy, and over 150 mentions of the word "grace"in the KJV. Joseph was Jacob's "grace child". Stop and read Psalms 136 to see how many time it mentions the mercy of God. Though Jacob failed many times, he still served a faithful and gracious God. I would encourage you reread Jacob's story this time from beginning to end (Genesis 25-49), and focus on God's journey with Jacob.

Time to Ponder:
   Many times we look at person in the Bible and see ourselves. Their failures are the same that we struggle with. Through our study today, what has God shown you that he will give you grace for? -The obvious wrong that you have excused, the demeaning way you have viewed the unsaved co-worker or fellow Christian, the sin you refer to as a "bad habit", the ways that you have failed to show love to a husband, Christian sister, or store clerk that "rubbed you the wrong way". These all and more are under the blood if you will put them there. Read Proverbs 24:16. What does a righteous or just person do when he has failed? In what area does God want to give you more grace? Take a moment to consider your failure. Confess it to Him and those you have failed. Thank the Lord for a new "day of grace", and face your challenges with Him.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
Annie J. Flint

"My Morning Coffee" Devotional: Jacob's Journey: Comparison vs. Contentment

The Battling Wives:

   I know. we women constantly hear messages and read devotionals on contentment. Before I continue, please understand that contentment isn't just a woman's problem. Yet we, as women, play a vital role in teaching it to others in our own homes and social circles. Genesis 31-32 focus on Leah and Rachel's "baby competition". Each one is striving to outdo the other. I find it very interesting and entertaining that God chose to have this section of their lives recorded. It is quite humerous to watch as they vie for the attention of their husband, until you read a few chapters later and see how their actions effect the family. Very quickly the humor is gone, and the solemnity and conviction set in. From the very beginning their children become pawns in a game. Let's take just a moment and look at the meanings of their names:

   Leah's children and step- children:

-Reuben: See a son: kind of like, "Haha, Rachel, so there!"

-Simeon: hearing: "God's answering my calls. So what's going on Rachel?"

-Levi: Joined/ Unity: "Move over Rach, Jacob is mine."

-Judah: praise : This was the first son that she seems to stop and praise the Lord for.

-Gad: a troop: "Rachel, look at all these sons I am giving Jacob."

-Asher: happiness: "Many kids = happiness, Rach."

-Issachar: hireling :"Thanks for the trade, Rachel. My mandrakes for a night with our husband."

-Zebulon: dwelling: "Jacob is sooo mine."

-Dinah: judgement "Oops well, a girl is better than nothing."

Rachel's children and step-children:

- Dan: judged: "It's my time to shine."

-Nephtali: wrestling:"You wanna fight, Leah, let's fight."

-Joseph: adding to: "This boy is my ticket to Jacob's love."

-Benjamin; sorrow: "It is over and I am beaten." Jacob changes his name to Benjamin "Son of my right hand" after Rachel's death.

The Affects of Discontentment:

    Just like Leah and Rachel, we are blinded by the the misconception that fulfillment is found in our status. The relationship, the house, the car, the position, the ____________. Yet we forget as they did that fulfillment is only found in our relationship with the Lord. It is very clear that though both of these women were Jews, their hearts were not with God. Genesis even records that Rachel stole her household gods to take with them back to Bethel. Leah and Rachel used and abused those around them. They were so driven by selfishness and manipulation that they became insensitive to the feelings of Jacob, their servant girls, and their sons. They also forgot the blessings around them. Leah was blessed with seven of her own children, and Rachel, two. Each of them also had the opportunity to raise adopted sons. In their competition to beat the other, they forgot to enjoy each precious life and moment. Unfortunately, both were reminded of this gift when Rachel was dying after her second son. The saddest outcome of Leah and Rachel's story is the legacy that they left for their sons. It was not one of love, joy, and peace, but one of hate, unhappiness, and contention. Their children, who became the twelve tribes of Israel, were self-centered, adulterous, sensual, scheming, murderers. Yet God in his mercy chose to use this disfuntional family as a part of his plan to save the world. 

Time to Ponder:

   Stop and think about the times that your family interacts or you get together with "the girls". Where do the conversations often lead. Has is become a complaining session? Has sharing the news become a "Whose News is Best" competition? Do you find yourself resenting other's blessings. If so, maybe it is time to review Philippians 4, Ask yourself, "On what am I basing my happiness?"

" My Morning Coffee" Devotional: Jacob's Journey: The Manipulator Manipulated

Haran: Genesis 28-31

   Genesis 28-31 is a tragic comedy- tragic in that Jacob is still trying to manipulate his blessing. Yet it becomes quite humerous to watch Jacob, Laban, and even Laban's daughters vying to outdo the other. These chapters are as facinating as a suspense novel as the reader tries to figure out who is going to come out the victor. Jacob, seemingly for the first time, is forced to be the hireling for seven long years, strung along with the promise of marriage to his beloved, Rachel. Laban, seeing that he is receiving the benefit of Jacob's blessing, schemes to keep his "good luck charm" close by and very much in the family. By the end of chapter thrity-one, Jacob, who is now about nintey, has spent thriteen extra years with his father-in-law, is married to his prize, Rachel and three additional, unwanted wives, and has eleven children under the age of thriteen. I'm sure that wasn't the retirement plan that he had in mind.
 
   Sadly, through those twenty or so years, the Bible does not record that Jacob included God in his decisions. He made his choices based on what pleased and benefited him. This attitude unfortunately influenced his wives, which in turn influenced his thirteen children, who became as godless and self-satisfying as their father. While Jacob seems to beat Uncle Laban at his own game, becoming very prosperous, he loses in many areas of his life.

- He loses his testimony with Laban.
- His family loses their spiritual purity and serves the idols of the land.
- His loses the respect of his wives.
- He eventually loses the respect and hearts of his children.

   It isn't until he runs from Laban that he remembers God again. What follows is Mizpah, which we will look at later, but lets stop and examine ourselves before we are too hard on this patriarchal father.

Time to Ponder: 

   Would you be considered wise or foolish in your decisions? Read Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalms 10:4. Note the difference between the two decision makers. Which are you? On what do you base your decisions? By what feels best? By what benefits you the most? By which makes the most sense?

   Proverbs cautions us to use the common sense given by God. Yet steps of faith cannot be made on whim, nor by what looks the safest and best? Before you make another decision, stop and pray. What could it hurt? Then ask yourself these three questions:

- "How will my decision affect others?
- "How will my decision affect my testimony?
- "How will my decision affect my relationship with my God?

"My Morning Coffee" Devotionals: Jacob's Journey: Backstory,Bethel and Beyond

 

   Normally, I, being a woman, prefer to do a character study on a woman mentioned in the Bible. It wasn't long after starting this character study that I found myself capitivated by the life journey of Jacob. Each place that he traveled to and named was a testimony of how God was working in his life.
 
The Backstory:
   Imagine with me just for a few moments that you are a twin. You may be thinking that one of you is enough, but just for our studies sake put yourself in Jacob's sandals. You are the youngest of the pair of twins, of course only by a few minutes, but you were the lucky one to come out last. Even though you were the exact same age, your father coddled and cooed over your older twin the most. When he took his first step, they threw a great party, and it was your older brother who was always at Daddy's side, holding Daddy's hand, and being carried around by Daddy. You lived in your brother's shaddow. You think it would have been better if you had been born a few years later, or never been born at all. Bitterness was bred early in your life by the feeling of injustice and contempt for the older. Competiveness became the game as you did what you could to gain your parent's approval, and attention. As you grew and matured, it wasn't enough to compete, you had to win. Manipulation became your strategy, and using your mother's empathy, you almost always got what you wanted. Until one day, you got more than you bargaind for. You received a misblessing, and for many years your trophy became a curse. Now you are forced to wander with strangers, and for the first time you are alone. For the first time you meet God.

Bethel: Genesis 28
   Bethel means "God's house". It was in this special place that God revealed himself to Jacob for the first time, giving him the same promise that had been given to grandfather Abraham. Jacob in turn viewed this promise as a business agreement. He being accostumed to the family business understood that nothing comes without a price, a trade for a trade. So Jacob promised his undying loyalty to God, if God would hold His end of the bargain. Here are a few verses revealing Jacob's attitude.

- vs. 17        Jacob's promise is made out of fear and respect, not love or devotion.
- vs. 20-21  Jacob's promise was made because of the promise of prosperity.
- vs. 21-22  Jacob's promise is made as an appeasement.

   What God chooses to teach Jacob in the years ahead is that their are no bargaining chips with God. It is by God' grace and love that He sends us a blessing. He owes us nothing, and there is absolutely nothing we can do to earn His blessing. Throughout Jacob's journey you will see over and over again Jacob toiling to fulfill God's blessing through his own manipulation. It is interesting to note that God does not fulfill His promise until Jacob returns to Bethel almost twenty years later, by this time Jacob has been brought to the end of himself, and God is able to bless.

Time to Ponder:
    Is there in area of you life that you are choosing to bargain with God? What will you not give to Him in complete submission? Your marital status, future occupation, family member, finances, habits, a possession you just don't want to live without?  God will never bless what we manipulate. Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Saul- these are just a few examples of "best laid plans" gone arwy.
   How spiritually mature are you? I didn't ask if you were perfect, but is there some basic new-believer steps that you are still unwilling to take? Baptism, daily reading of your Bible and prayer are marks of spiritual maturity. Is there a blessing God wants to give you, but can't because you are not ready to receive it?
   Is there something that you want that God has not given you yet? How far would you go to get it?God promises to give us good things. God may be choosing to hold back something you really desire, because you are not mature enough to handle the "promotion", or because it would not be "good" for you.
   You will never stop manipulating until you learn to trust God. You will never trust God until you know Him, and you will never know Him unless you spend time with Him. Let today be your Bethel.
   

"My Morning Coffee" Devotionals: Schedule It

 

    For those who are the closest to me, it is a well-known fact that my cup of coffee is a crucial part of my morning routine. It falls somewhere after my shower to the time I head out the door for my first teaching engagement. For me to think and to be a perky teacher, coffee is a must. Secretly though, my favorite coffee moment is my freshly brewed coffee served in a porcelain mug and sat down with to enjoy at the kitchen bar.
 
   I was challenged this new year that just as my coffee is important to my mental sanity so is my devotional time for my spiritual growth. Unfortunately, devotional time is often set aside because it seems to not be as important as ____________ at the moment. It seems like during vacation or R&R time we have more flexible days, and are able to reevalute our lifestyle, getting that much needed rejuvenation. Here is a schedule that I have put together for the mornings that I have off:

-wake up
-exercise for thirty minutes
-shower and personal preparation
-make a quick, but healthy breakfast
-settle down with breakfast, devotional books, and of course COFFEE!

   Now, I understand that not all routines work the same for others, but having a schedule is better than not. I try to spend thirty minutes to an hour in devotions depending on the needs of those around me. Of course, a "hot" cup of coffee is strategic for this time because we all know it is impossible, unless you have dead tastebuds, to guzzle a hot drink and enjoy it. So what better way to spend that time sipping your coffee than meditating on God's Word at the same time. Activities for a devotional time that I choose to include are, but limited to, these:

 -reading a devotional thought with a coordinating scripture passage
 -writing down at least five things that I'm thankful for
 -writing down five people or situations to pray for
 -reviewing past journal entries in order to remember what God has taught me.

   So whatever your daily routine, I challenge you to set aside time for just you and your Maker. Don't let anyone steal it from you. There will always be days when "emergencies" come up, but don't let the "emergencies" become a habit. The time you set aside will shape your responses to and your outlook on each day. Today, why not brainstorm on a workable schedule for you, call or text your best cheerleader about your plans, and then get started...and of course don't forget your favorite "hot beverage"!