Coffee Talks with Jesus
I love the smell of coffee brewing and bacon frying. So much so that when
a copy of a new book came across my desk called, "Coffee Talks with
Messiah" I was fascinated. This is one of the best books I have ever
read! I can only read small portions at a time because there is so much I
want to digest. The author, Jill Shannon, tells the story of how an ordinary
Jewish woman became a believer in Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus). She chronicles
her journey of pain and loneliness to joy and peace.
Much of her story talks about her coffee talks with Jesus. During a three-day
private retreat with the Lord she would often sip coffee while praying. One
day she began to feel the presence of Jesus in a new and powerful way. He
asked her to set up times to have regular coffee talks with Him. Jill was
used to doing this with others but she could not imagine doing this with
our Lord. "I want to know all that you are thinking and experiencing," He
told her. "But you know what I am thinking," Jill blurted
out. "You
are God."
He then explained to her that as friends only grow closer by sharing time
together and talking, He wanted the same intimacy with her, and with all
His people. Her life was changed that day and thus the title of the book
was born. I began to think about it but wondered, how do I just "chew
the fat" with Jesus? But I have begun and it gets easier and more wonderful
with each chat.
One change I have noticed is that when I sin I feel convicted so much more
quickly. And the sin pains me more deeply. I recently betrayed someone's
trust in my family. I thought my motives were pure and necessary but it was
not my right to decide. I hurt not only one person but the after effect bounced
around the family and left bruises on others. I cried and asked the Lord
to forgive me. He did. I cried again and asked the person I hurt to forgive
me. That person did. Finally I cried out to the Lord and begged Him to help
me to forgive myself. That was hard. The pain I felt inside was indescribable.
But God is so awesome and faithful. One day He reminded me of Jesus' disciple,
Peter, Peter's betrayal and how deeply Peter hurt. Perhaps he didn't know
how he could keep going on. God also reminded me of the atrocities the apostle
Paul committed before he opened his heart to Jesus; how the memories must
have followed him for years. But God also showed me how they both moved beyond
their pain and resentment, humbled and truly ready to carry the cross of
Christ. They also carried a new compassion for sinners and their grief.
Noted teacher and pastor, Charles Stanley wrote: "God makes a promise;
faith believes it; hope anticipates it; patience waits quietly for it." God
does answer and forgive us if we run to Him for forgiveness. He opens His
arms like the father to the prodigal son. He smiles, throws an arm around
us and asks us to join Him for a cup of coffee. Try having your own coffee
talks with the Lord. It will change your life.
I love ya,
Kathy
Kathy Thomas is the director of Woman to Woman Ministries of Tucson, dedicated to the encouragement and healing of women, which airs a weekly radio program on KGMS 940 AM every Sat. at 2 pm. and on cable television Wed. at 3 p.m. on channels 72 and 97 and Fri.at 5 p.m. on channels 73 and 98. email Kathy at hooperandhonker@msn.com.
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