CUP OF JOE

...flavor. I see myself cup the white ceramic mug with my hands, gazing at the swirl of  artistic heart-shaped cream, lifted it near my nose and sniffed in the rich aroma and tasted the bold flavor, "MMM", a savor sound from my mouth. A soothing calming moment and I mean a brief moment , for we all know what comes next;  jittery burst of energy, the much needed focus for the day. 

Pause for this fact: Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world. Proud american fact, not! I hope you understand that I am not against coffee or about to get on my soap box. Just think of the feeling of expectation (for a cup of coffee) when we drive-thru or get out of our car, wait in a line, order and then drink. All for the exorbitant price of 3 to 5 dollars. 

(Are we paying this much attention to the One who promises to replenish us and fill us every day no matter what? Seriously, FREE REFILLS!)

I liken this experience to my reading the bible. Ok, hang in there with me for a moment. You know, you get your favorite mug the one with the perfect handle, perfect size, perfect portion, perfect feel and weight. I pour and then it happens, the taste is amazing and it is bliss! When I start reading the bible my cup is sometimes empty and slowly as I read, the words pour into my body, mind and soul. I wish I could put words to it. I flourish! Sometimes I have to read the passage three times. But then it happens the rich bold taste of the word convicts me. I get stuck on a phrase or word, person, observation of the writer; something powerful happens to me. Like I said it's bold. You know many of us need our coffee daily, our mind and body say so!  I don't feel weird admitting that I need the word daily just as I feel the need for coffee. I know the benefits, the promises and the strength I receive from it. I am jolted every time. It helps! I'm talking about the word now. It can get intertwined. They seem to have the same effect. I call out "Help!" feeling hopeless, but I am not. The promises come to mind. I must understand them.

The word supplies these truths:

God is who He says He is.

I am who God says Iam.

God can do what He says He can do.

I can do all things through Christ.

God's word is alive and active in me.

Can you understand these 5 points with confidence? Do you know where they are in scripture? These are essential elements to fill your cup to the brim! In fact, let it over flow! 

Pray with me:

Lord you are the caffeine I need each day.  Help me find time to fill myself with you.  The reward is power, love and sound mind. Thank you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Start your reward card today. Get your journal out and record the visits.

Big prizes ahead if you do!

A comment from a special friend in response to this article:

"Prayed the prayer filling my day with the word & can't wait to add to my reward card via journaling!"

WHOSE THE BOSS?

THE SCHULENBERG PRAIRIE, AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

Forty five minutes had gone by...this plant was told to be amongst the wildflowers at the
Schulenberg Prairie, Morton Arboretum. The experts who identify plants, record their findings, classify them but could not find it. No wonder, the tallgrass was at its peak with thick and lush flowers and grass everywhere.

But then among them all it appeared....
the beauty of the bright purple flowers...

Ironweed

 - Vernonia fasciculata

They felt like giving up.

They felt so disappointed.

"Let's move up the path and find other undentified plants." "Yeah, let's give up."

"Is giving up an option?", I questioned.

"Wait, what did I just ask? Is giving up an option? Did they look hard enough. Did they ask the recent spotter the right questions? Did they listen correctly? 

Did they really want to record this today? No excuse to give up because of weather, it was just right today! Were they tired? I could hear and see the frustration on their face.They turn to their guide book and photos, retrace their steps, why can't they find the flower?

My mind wanders to the times of when I am in my own personal struggle. Trying to map my way out. All the frustration, disappointment and hopeless feelings crowded out any possible positive thoughts. Further thought leads me to where I always go for condolence, solace, rest, a safe place.
In the nape of my fathers shoulder. I sit, rest my head, close my eyes and breathe.

What have I been reading in the book recently? 

I just read the story 'The Validity of Jesus' Testimony', or in my words "WHOSE THE BOSS", where the religious leaders brought a woman who committed adultery before Jesus. Should they stone her to death, for the law says to? 
Jesus is quiet.
Jesus squats down and writes something in the dirt.
Jesus speaks, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." The people began to leave starting with the oldest.

I thought about reading that in the moment. Hopefully, I am getting wiser, as I get older. Knowing who Jesus is...the doubting of who He said he was, Him and God are equal, is no longer a question anymore to me. The next thing Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will NEVER walk in the darkness, but will Have the light of life with them.  

I pray my mind always take my struggle and filter it through His fingers, because I believe he never lets me walk in darkness, and I have that life with me, He helps me to do that. How it was filtered in this moment. A scan of truth makes a list come to mind:
Jesus is real. Believe. He challenges the crowd to cast the first stone if they had not sinned. He knows that we all do sin. The oldest walks away first (they have a longer life of sin).  He doesn't judge. He thought the woman suffered enough, by being dragged by men across town. He releases her and asks her gently to sin no more. She walks away frightened, challenged, but changed. He repeats he is the light of the world. Believe it.

For me I could recall this story many different ways at different points in my life.
Don't judge.
I'm a sinner too.
I'm older, I should know better.
Life challenges us to react with value and morals.
The light of the world is with ME so I can walk, learn, do life. My boss. What He says matters.

Miraculously, we found the flower soon before giving up happened. It was glorious. It's on the charts now as a finding for everyone to know. Someone else can now come find and see for themselves.

I pray the same for you. That when circumstances that arise good or bad, you will filter it through the grace of Christ. Joy will bubble up and cause a reaction.

Check it out.
Lord help each of us to find Jesus amongst our tallgrasses of life, so we can calm down and wait. Amen.