April 6, 2024 – The Coffee Shop Devotions: Look At My Three-Pump, Upside Down, Venti……..

“The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:38-39

One of the things we like to do the few times my family gets to go on a vacation, one of the “traditions” we have is to post on social media pictures from different coffee shops we visit. We associate vacation with coffee. Why? Because the coffee shop, in essence, is a place where one can sit and relax, drink a favorite hot or iced beverage, and enjoy some quiet time alone with a book, or your thoughts. It is good……at least I see it as good for my well-being and sanity.

And, as is the purpose of social media, good news is hard to keep inside. However, with the advent of social media outlets like Facebook, so many people share too much of the wrong kind of good news in their lives. Just the other night I was scrolling through the posts on FB, and there was picture after picture of food, flowers and other frivolous things that had brought someone some small amount of joy. It is our human nature to feel compelled to let others know when something good has happened to us.

The nice thing about FB is that it also allows people to share their faith, from simple postings of scripture, to how their faith has helped them through a difficult time. People are not so anxious to walk up to a stranger and say how good G-d has been to them, but they will repost someone’s testimony, or post their own testimony no matter how big or small. Social media empowers them to share their experiences with this wonderful and good G-d we have. The good news of G-d’s grace, love, and mercy has been made available to all through Christ Jesus. Who then are we to keep this good news from the world? But, Facebook is only the beginning. The time is now for us who have been blessed by this loving, gracious and merciful G-d to tell others about how great G-d is, and how Jesus has freed us from our chains. Just as Jesus commanded the demon-possessed man, I encourage you to go out and tell the wonderful things that G-d has done for you.

Pastor Dave