How Do You Like Your Coffee?

Flat white coffee ~ photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques ~ Collage of Life

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  1 Peter 4:17 

As I read, I absentmindedly reached for my cup of coffee.  I took a sip, expecting the bold, fresh taste of hot coffee, but instead it was lukewarm. That was not what I wanted.  I poured the coffee in the sink and made a fresh cup.  Hot or iced, it’s delicious.  Does anyone like coffee lukewarm?

I thought of the Lord’s message to the seven churches in the Revelation. 

The church at Laodicea had become lukewarm. (See Revelation 3:14-22)

I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot.  Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.  Revelation 3:15-16

Spew them out of His mouth!  Just like we might spit out a lukewarm sip of coffee that has lost its flavor.

I used to be shocked by that statement, thinking it was too harsh.  It sounded rather like a kick in the seat of the pants accusation.  The Lord rebuked the church, but He goes on to say that He chastens those He loves. 

The church at Laodicea needed revival.  They needed to repent of their sins and return to God with their whole hearts, ready to embrace their calling with renewed enthusiasm. Not unlike the Church today which needs revival.  Many people profess Christ, but they are nothing more than lukewarm in their faith.  Far too many Christians could be described as lukewarm. 

We need repentance…renewal…fresh fire in our souls. Drawing closer to God through prayer and the study of God's word will get the flame of spiritual enthusiasm burning again as the Holy Spirit renews and inspires us.

I remember the time when I had newly dedicated my life to the Lord.  I was so excited about the Good News of Jesus Christ and so grateful to God for His Atonement.  Joy filled my heart with love and hope.  I wanted to tell everybody about Jesus.  No one could have accused me of being lukewarm then. 

We ought to pray as David did.

Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:11-12. 

Granddaughter Mya showing off her princess skirt.

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I pray that God's love and grace, and the joy of your salvation will warm your heart and soul and inspire you today.  Thanks for visiting.  Feel free to share your thoughts below.

Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light

Sunrise at Seabrook Island ~ courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

But the pathway of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18

I’m a classic movie fan.  I love the old movies from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. You don’t have to watch too many of those to realize that the world is a vastly different place today than back then.  Much has changed, not only in the modernization of the world and technology, but also in the moral attitudes and climate.  Many of the evils that we face today were not even imagined back then. The moral standards that governed the majority of folks were almost taken for granted.  Evil is increasing like a dark gloomy cloud over the earth.  Some days I don’t even want to turn on the news.

Indeed, it was foretold.

But, the light is shining brighter. 

I love Proverbs 4:18.  In fact, I awoke one night saying “shining more and more…shining more and more." I didn’t know I knew a Scripture with those words.  I didn’t remember reading it, but the following afternoon when the words came to mind again, I looked them up in my Bible.  I was delighted to read in Proverbs the words I was saying in the night. 

It’s become a favorite verse to me because it’s revealed to me what God expects.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  1 John 1:5

The Holy Spirit of God alive in us is the light that shines through us. Our lives and the good that we do are ordained by God for the purpose of glorifying Him. His light shines through us into the darkness of the world.  The body of Christ must be fruitful for the Kingdom of God.  We must bear the fruits of the Spirit in the church, in our lives, in the world, through the power of our faith and His love working in us.  We must shine more and more and draw others to Him by our living faith.

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

God has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. (See 1 Peter 2:9)

Another sunrise photo courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I appreciate all your encouragement through your visits, kind words, comments, and messages to me on Facebook.  Thank you.  May the Light of God shine on and through you.

Besides Change, What Can We Depend On?

Seabrook Island Beach ~ photo courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

I've experienced so many changes and transitions in my life over the last year and a half, I found myself searching through the Scriptures to find truths that would provide comfort and insight. I searched through my own writing as well. I'm posting an excerpt from my devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments.

Besides Change What Can We Depend On?

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The Lord is my rock; and my fortress, and my deliverer;

the God of my rock; in him will I trust… 2 Samuel 22:2-3a (KJV)

          Through the years, harmonious and happy living has been my desire for me and my children. With much diligence and a sense of purpose, this working mother of six children maintains a certain balance—most of the time. My home is a peaceful oasis in a chaotic world—most of the time. Life goes smoothly—most of the time. Until the unexpected happens: auto accidents, illnesses, financial upsets, death. Life is interrupted; peace is disrupted.

Changes naturally occur. It might be as simple and immediate as a new supervisor at work, or as life-changing as the death of a loved one. A child grows up and moves away from home. Oh, why can’t life flow smoothly and peacefully all the time? Why can’t life stay just as we like it, all the time? We long for heaven on earth.

            Jesus told us our Heavenly Father makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. As the saying goes: In every life some rain must fall. The wise Solomon told us: To every thing there is a season. Such is life. Then besides change, what can we depend on?

We can depend on our unchanging Savior, Jesus, the Messiah ...  the same yesterday and today—and forever! We can depend on the God of our salvation, our Rock, and put our trust in the One who is for all eternity. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. God is the only unchanging variable in our lives.

Suggested Reading: Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Samuel 22:1-4; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Matthew 5:45; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Hebrews 13:8; Revelation 1:11

Journaling Considerations: Have you ever lamented the changes in your life? Can you think of 

some changes that unsettled you and caused you to look to God?

Beautiful photo of Beaver Creek Reservoir courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

 Dear God, the Rock of my salvation, I put my trust in you. Thank you for being eternal God, my fortress. You are the anchor of my soul.

 Today’s Sweet Tea Moment: Build all on the sure foundation of Christ.

 Prayer Focus: That all may come to know Him.

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  Please come again.

I'm happy to announce that Cheryl Colwell is the winner of Dianne Neal Matthews devotional, Designed for Devotion. Thank you Dianne for being my guest and for graciously giving away a copy of your lovely devotional.  It was a pleasure to get to know you better.

Meet Designed for Devotion Author ~ Plus Book Give-away

Dianne Neal Matthews

I'm glad you've joined me today. Our guest author is Dianne Neal Matthews, a freelance writer and the author of four daily devotional books including The One Year Women of the Bible and Designed for Devotion, which won a 2013 Selah Award. She also writes for websites and blogs, contributes to compilations (including Guideposts’ Mornings with Jesus), and teaches at writers' conferences. Dianne and her husband currently live in southeast Texas, but she is frequently on the road to visit her children and grandchildren.

I asked Dianne to share one of the devotions from her book, Designed for Devotion. 
I love the title and think this devotional is a good companion for reading through the bible. It's my pleasure to introduce Dianne and her writing to you.

Philippians: Joy to the Church

Always be joyful in the Lord! I'll say it again: Be joyful! Philippians 4:4

Paul enjoyed a special relationship with the believers in Philippi. The church that originated from a handful of women on a riverbank in Macedonia faithfully supported Paul and for the most part, remained a healthy congregation. When the believers heard that Paul had been imprisoned in Rome, they sent a financial gift through one of their members, Epaphroditus. Paul responded by writing the Philippians a letter to express his gratitude and deep love for them, and to urge them toward a lifestyle of holiness, humility, unity, and joy.

Philippians does contains a small amount of doctrinal teaching. Paul addressed the problem of rivalry and dissension in the church, and touched on the false teachings of legalism and antinomianism. But Philippians is primarily a personal letter of love and encouragement toward spiritual growth. Besides the benefit of Paul’s instructions, he offers himself as a living example as he shares thoughts about his circumstances.

Paul declares that he has learned to be content in whatever situation he finds himself (4:11). He has the assurance that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him (4:13). Such victorious living is possible because of his single-minded devotion to knowing Christ and sharing the gospel. Paul urges his readers to imitate Christ’s perfect example of sacrifice and humility when he temporarily set aside his rightful glory and took on human form, even submitting to a horrible death on the cross.

The concept of “joy” is a predominant theme in Philippians. The noun and verb form of “joy” or a synonym is used sixteen times in the letter’s four chapters. While happiness depends on our outward circumstances, joy is deeper, stronger, and springs from our attitudes and mindset. Joy is a steadfast, confident assurance of God’s love and presence in our life no matter what we’re going through. Philippians is our own personal love letter from God, reminding us that joy is a gift he wants all his children to enjoy.

About the Book: Designed for Devotion: A 365 Day Journeyfrom Genesis to Revelation provides an overview of the Bible in chronological order. It offers background information for each book, including the author, theme, purpose for writing, and historical setting. The devotional highlights the key stories and characters in the OT and gospels, and explores the basic teachings of the NT writers. Several devotions called “Jesus Sightings” focus on how Christ fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. Also included are devotions about the 400-year period between the Testaments, the concept of “theophany”, the distinction between the Major and Minor Prophets, and other topics. Each day’s devotion ends with a practical application that encourages readers to apply that day’s spiritual lesson to their own journey with God.

To learn more, please visit www.DianneNealMatthews.com or connect with Dianne through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)


Thank you so much for visiting Write Moments with God. Dianne and I would love to hear from you.  

Would you like a chance to win a copy of Designed for Devotions? It's easy. All you have to do to be included in the drawing is leave a comment below with your email address by midnight September 6, 2014.  I will announce the winner on Monday, September 8, 2014. (Participation is limited to residents of the USA.)