At the end of each “page” there is an Assignment, a spiritual challenge. It is my prayer that these challenges will take you to a deeper place in your relationship with the Triune God. Remember,God has a plan and a purpose for every bit of suffering that He “grants” we walk through. It is our job to not waste this “momentary” suffering.
This page has Assignments from posts 21.
Assignment 21
Home! Momentous Change Coming …
My CHALLENGE to you —
Grab a cup of coffee … and imagine we are chatting.
While in midst of doubt, it is easy to go to man’s way of thinking rather than cling to the Sovereign God.
David in Psalm 10:1 cried out to God…
Why, O LORD, do you stand far away?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
John Calvin says regarding David’s cry, “It is to be observed, that although David here complains that God kept himself afar off, he was, notwithstanding, fully persuaded of his presence with him, otherwise it would have been in vain to have called upon him for aid.”
My cry to Almighty God in the story above was similar to David’s. I had no doubt who the Triune God is. I KNOW that Satan cannot do anything but what God allows him to.
George Beverly Shea, I’d Rather Have Jesus
Next Page: God Opens Another Door
Assignment 22
My CHALLENGE to you —
Grab a cup of coffee … and imagine we are chatting.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (ESV)
Read through 2 Corinthians 12: 1-10
God showed me His grace is sufficient. He provided the strength to do what I never thought I could do.
He wants to do the same for you.
“Angels and Lambs, Lady bugs, and Fireflies” was a God Sighting — assuring me, that in the days ahead, His hand was on me.
Click here “Angels and Lambs, Ladybugs and Fireflies,” to listen to more of the songs or to purchase the musical for use in your church.
Assignment 23
My CHALLENGE to you —
Grab a cup of coffee … and imagine we are chatting.
Sunday’s sermon on Thanksgiving went deeper than any sermon I have heard onThanksgiving. Neither the scripture nor the message, was the typical warm Thanksgiving reminder.
For those who suffer with continual pain – physical, mental, emotional or relational – it is difficult to think about thanking God for that pain. For some of us it has been for most of our lives, for others it has been all of your life.
Dr. Jeff Hamm, Christ Church Presbyterian Atlanta, mentioned that many consider Romans as the “Magna Carta” of the Gospel. His starting verse was Romans 1: 21.
As he continued he reminded us the Apostle Paul begins with not what we expect in the American church. Paul begins this “Magna Carta” with “awful news, with bad news.”
By the time Dr. Hamm finished I was in tears
as I realized I had never given thanks for my raging body,
which often makes me feel I’m going crazy.
I thank the Triune God for the strength to keep moving forward when my body rages. I thank Him for giving me God sightings in the midst of my pain. I thanked Him for letting me feel His continual presence, even when my body makes me think I am terrified. Yet, I had never thanked Him for the internal terror that ravaged my body day after day.
Why should we thank God for painful circumstances? I think its best if you listen to the sermon yourself 😊
THANKSGIVING Dr. Jeff Hamm
Assignment 24
My CHALLENGE to you —
Grab a cup of coffee … and imagine we are chatting.
Each day, putting on the full armor of God became an essential routine. For a time, I did it with my children as they were about to leave for school.
No matter the path God places in front of us, if we walk with the Triune God, we are assured we are in the midst of a spiritual battle. We are never alone on that path. We are promised that God is with us – He will provide what we need.
Take some time to study Ephesians 6:10-20. Studylight.org has a variety of commentaries you can use as well as other tools.
This link takes you to John Calvin’s commentary on Ephesians 6. Scroll down to verses 10 – 20.
The Whole Armor of God
[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
[11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
[12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
[13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
[14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
[15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
[16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
[17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
[18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
[19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
[20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (ESV)
Assignment 25
Who/What is the Refiner’s Fire?
My CHALLENGE to you —
Let’s grab a cup of coffee … imagine you and I are sitting together chatting.
For a better understanding of what the refiner’s fire is, read or listen to this sermon by John Piper.
Below is an outline of the sermon.
A Word of Warning and a Word of Hope
- He is a refiner’s fire, and that makes all the difference. A refiner’s fire does not destroy indiscriminately like a forest fire.
- There will always be a proper “fear and trembling” in the process of becoming pure.
- The furnace of affliction in the family of God is always for refinement, never for destruction.
1. Who Is Like a Refiner’s Fire?
2. Why Must He Be Like a Refiner’s Fire?
3. How Can We Experience His Fire as Refining and Not Consuming?
4. What Is Life Like in the Refiner’s Fire?
Assignment 26
What is the Christmas season like for you?
Is it a time you look forward to or is it a time you dread?
A time of anticipation – this first tree is from my childhood, it was a time of joy. I loved the traditions of my childhood. Christmas Eve was a Swedish Smorgasbord and the opening of gifts. My sister and I would get to sleep with grandma. The only night of the year we were allowed to sleep in the “front bedroom.” Then everyone was up before 6 to get to church for Julotta. Christmas day everyone returned for a big feast. As a child the anticipation was for the entire celebration.
A time of challenge – the second tree is the last tree Joe and I have had, it was 2012. It is a reminder of all the challenges of life which have changed my anticipated traditions of childhood. All of the changes, the challenges, which surround Christmas work as a Refiners Fire in my life.
It is a good reminder to me not to cling to traditions (I have had a difficult time letting go of the traditions) but to cling to the Triune God – HE NEVER CHANGES!
It is so easy to get caught up in the warm fuzzies of Christmas – which is really a false reality of Christmas. Jesus, fully God and fully man, was born in a manger. Not exactly the grandest place for a King to be born.
Where Else Would A Lamb Be Born? Steve Amerson
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (ESV)
This baby came to live a difficult life –
Luke 12:50
“I have a baptism to be baptized with,
and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!”
Below is an excerpt from John Calvin’s commentary on Isaiah 9:6 I encourage you to read the full commentary on the verse here Isaiah 9:6 scroll down to verse 6.
“Now, to apply this for our own instruction, whenever any distrust arises, and all means of escape are taken away from us, whenever, in short, it appears to us that everything is in a ruinous condition, let us recall to our remembrance that Christ is called Wonderful, because he has inconceivable methods of assisting us, and because his power is far beyond what we are able to conceive. When we need counsel, let us remember that he is the Counsellor. When we need strength, let us remember that he is Mighty and Strong. When new terrors spring up suddenly every instant, and when many deaths threaten us from various quarters, let us rely on that eternity of which he is with good reason called the Father, and by the same comfort let us learn to soothe all temporal distresses. When we are inwardly tossed by various tempests, and when Satan attempts to disturb our consciences, let us remember that Christ is The Prince of Peace, and that it is easy for him quickly to allay all our uneasy feelings. Thus will these titles confirm us more and more in the faith of Christ, and fortify us against Satan and against hell itself.”
The other day I was scrolling through all of the Coffee Chat Assignments and I was again reminded of the amazing love of the Triune God. He has provided His wisdom in His Word for us to feast on. It is in Him I place my hope
Scroll through the Coffee Chat Assignments and see if God has a word to minister to you in one of the scriptures, sermons, songs or stories.
Coffee Chat Assignments 21 plus
Assignment 27
God Continues to Provide Strength
My CHALLENGE to you —
Let’s grab a cup of coffee … imagine you and I are sitting together chatting.
Your suffering may be physical, mental, emotional, or relational. I urge you not to give up. Beg God, not to take you home, but to give you the desire and strength to keep on keeping on.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (ESV)
Ask God to give you a greater measure of faith.
Assignment 28
My CHALLENGE to you —
Let’s grab a cup of coffee … imagine you and I are sitting together chatting.
Fed Up! Ever been there?
“We have no right to judge where we should be put, or to have preconceived notions as to what God is fitting us for. God engineers everything; wherever He puts us our one great aim is to pour out a whole-hearted devotion to Him in that particular work. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” My Utmost for His Highest, April 23rd, Oswald Chambers.
Forty years of walking with terror there has been an underlying thought that if He would just heal me then I could do so much more for Him.
What if the primary purpose of my life is to bring God glory by surrendering to Him with thanksgiving while in the midst of terror?THANKSGIVING
What if the main purpose of your life is to bring God glory through your suffering?
Listen to the words of Though You Slay Me
Is Jesus truly all that you need?
What is the “peculiar glory” that Jesus is receiving from where He has placed you? You probably can’t see it. You probably won’t until you are at home with Jesus.
Once again it is time to surrender and to ask God, “please don’t let me waste this pain.”
The Hurt & the Healer Mercy Me
Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
Read through the remaining words below and ponder them. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight and understanding of the need for renewed surrender this day.
Lyrics:
Why?
The question that is never far away
The healing doesn’t come from the explained
Jesus please don’t let this go in vain
You’re all I have.
So here I am
What’s left of me
Where glory meets my suffering
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into Your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide
Breathe
Sometimes I feel it’s all that I can do
Pain so deep that I can hardly move
Just keep my eyes completely fixed on You
Lord take hold and pull me through
So here I am
What’s left of me
Where glory meets my suffering
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide
It’s the moment when humanity
Is overcome by majesty
When grace is ushered in for good
And all our scars are understood
When mercy takes its rightful place
And all these questions fade away
When out of the weakness we must bow
And hear You say “It’s over now”
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into your arms open wide
When The hurt and the healer collide
Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
When the hurt and the healer collide
Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
Assignment 29
Passion and Vision … Amidst Terror
Grab a cup of coffee … and imagine we are chatting.
Shortly after beginning “Refiner’s Fire”, a psychiatrist friend wrote me, “You’re meeting a need…there will be less stigma about mental illness in the church as ministry leaders share their stories. Trust God will use your story for His glory!”
It was difficult to be serving in the church while my body told me I was living in terror. I remember getting to church early one Sunday morning and walking through all the empty gathering rooms and thinking, “Father, am I living a lie? How can I feel like this if I truly love You?”
As I’ve come to better understand the importance of God’s glory, the more I’ve been able to relax in Him – even as my body rages. I’ve learned that the trauma I’ve experienced brings God glory.
- Ask God to show you the importance of His glory in your life.
- Ask Him to give you insight into the depth of the truths of the following verses.
DWELL ON GOD’S GLORY!
Romans 5:2 (ESV)
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 8:18
“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
2 Corinthians 4:16–18
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.(ESV)
Romans 11:36 – 12:2
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV)
1 Peter 1:24–25
This is a comparison of earthly glory and God’s glory – which do you seek?
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you. (ESV)
2 Thessalonians 1:9
“the glory of his might”
Colossians 1:11–12
“being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” (ESV)
The following three verses gives insight of what His glorious might has done.
Isaiah 40:12 says he
“measured the seas in the hollow of his hands . . . and weighed the mountains in scales”
Daniel 4:35
“He does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand, or say to him, What doest thou?”
Hebrews 1:3
“He upholds the universe by his word of power.”
Romans 6:4
“We were buried with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Romans 9:22-23
“What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the vessels of wrath made for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for the vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory?”
2 Thessalonians 1:9–12
“They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (ESV)
Revelation 21:23
“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.”
Revelation 5:11-14
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all therein, saying, “To him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might for ever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Hebrews 1:3
tells us that our Lord Jesus “reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature.”
Quote from John Piper regarding Romans 5:2
that “we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God,” he means for us to know and feel that the glory of God is exceedingly great. If there is any wonder, if there is any awe, if there is any admiration, or fame or praise or applause, it belongs to the glory of God. For all other glory is like grass compared to God’s.
Romans 5:2
“We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” The glory of God is not yet manifest in full, even though the heavens declare the glory of God and Jesus himself is the image and reflection of that glory. There is so much more coming that we now live in hope. We wait. We wait for Christ. We wait for health. We wait for righteousness. And we wait for the glory of God.
But there are three phrases in Romans 5:1-2 that are intended to give Christians strong confidence and full assurance that we will indeed share in this glory. We don’t wait and wonder if it will turn out well. We can wait and know that the glory of God is our eternal portion.
The first phrase is, justified by faith. The second phrase is, peace with God. And the third phrase is the grace in which we stand.
Assignment 30
Grab a cup of coffee … and imagine we are chatting.
The Following is from my journal last week as I wrestled with God’s plan for my day. As I poured out my heart to Almighty God the following just flowed onto the paper.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit You are Lord and King. You are all knowing and all powerful. You are Sovereign – You have a plan and a purpose in everything You grant to happen (Philippians 1:21-30) You are aware of every detail of my life.
You know my heart (Jeremiah 17:9&10) better than I know my heart. You know my hidden heart (Psalm 51: 6) that I hide not only from others but from myself.
Father please hold me close to You because I cannot do anything of eternal worth (John 15:5) except that I surrender to You and allow You to work in my inner being.
A huge part of Your working within me is Your “Refining Fire” (Zechariah 13:9)
A fire that does not destroy but cleanses and heals.
In the midst of this fire there is fear, exhaustion, pain –
“Each time His purging cleanses deeper
I’m not sure that I’ll survive.
Yet the strength in growing weaker keeps my hungry soul alive.”
(Steve Green “Refiners Fire)
Father this walk continues to be so difficult – You have continually proven Yourself faithful – why can’t I rest in You? Why do I continually long for what I want – a life of ease?
I KNOW this “fire” has a purpose for my best – why do I continually fight against You? Why don’t I have the contentment the Apostle Paul had? (Philippians 4:11) Oh to be content in whatever situation I am in.
Forgive me for my lack of trust – forgive me for not just resting in You Lord.
In Jesus’ Name Amen
As you struggle with the path the Triune God has you on beg Him to let you feel His presence (that is really a biggie Joshua 1:9). Beg Him to give you God sightings so you KNOW He is with you. What is a God Sighting – read here Read and pray through the scripture in the Journal Entry above. Beg the Lord to take you to a deeper place with Him – don’t be afraid to scream those requests.
Jesus I beg you to use this post today to minister to at least one person.
