Caffeine Jesus

Let’s face it, I’m dependent on caffeine.  Not in the sense that I crave caffeine like a smoker would crave a cigarette, but most day I need a jolt of something caffeinated to get me through the day.  There are two times of the day I need to extra power surge, usually in the morning and later afternoon/early evening.  This need is always increased when I went to bed later than I should have or had to get up earlier than I’m accustomed to.

Jesus was known for being an early riser and a late night prayer (Mark 1:35, John 21:4, John 3:2, Matthew 26:36-45).  He was known for being ahead of the crowd and disciples.  The early morning and late hours were times were he  could pray and connect with the Father.  I guess my random thought of the day is this: Jesus was able to stay focused, alert and awake without the modern drugs like caffeine.  As you read the story of Matthew 26:36-45 that Jesus was in some serious prayer in preparation for the passion.  The disciples who did not fully understand what was about to happen were drifting off to sleep.  I wonder if the story would have been different if the disciples had a can of Red Bull or a venti coffee from Starbucks.  In spite of the disciples narcolepsy, Jesus was steadfast and unwavering.

What was Jesus source of strength in those early mornings and late hours?  There are many possibilities on the table, but I would like to point out a couple of those possibilities.  The first that he had an intimate connection with the Father like no other.  I’m sure this relationship brought him strength and endurance beyond our comprehension.  I also believe that Jesus had a balanced life.  Being the Son of God, he would know the limitations of the human body, where it could be stressed and where it needed rest.  Last thought is that Jesus had self-discipline like no other human has or will ever have.  We see this most evident in his sinless life.

As I sip on my coffee this morning, I reflect a couple of questions.  How can I strengthen my relationship with God the Father?   Where is my life out of balance?  And how am I doing on self-discipline?    Maybe the right answers to these questions would break me free from my addiction to caffeine….

I’m left thinking about this verse in Hebrews 12:2:

²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.                        

Time for bed

I love sleep.  I look forward to bed time.  I look forward to crawling into bed and laying there motionless and still.  It’s a great feeling to be off your feet, not moving, not working, not going from one place to the next or finish the last household chore.  Bed time is peaceful.

What is even more peaceful about bedtime is how I personally go to sleep.  First I start thinking about what’s ahead for tomorrow.  Thinking about things that I need to do, places I need to go and people I need to contact.  This usually only lasts a couple of minutes.  Enough time to prioritize a couple of things here and there, but that’s about it.  What I spend the most of my time thinking about as I go to sleep is what I hope for in the future.

It is a little ironic that Brice Hope goes to sleep HOPING about things in the future.  I think about how I want my kids to grow up.  I think about being financial secure.  I think about God working in my life and being part of something bigger than myself.  I think happy thoughts as I go to sleep.  I HOPE that God is gracious to provide for my needs and bless me with some of the things I want.  I know that my will must conform to His will, but’s nice to go to sleep hoping for a better tomorrow.  My ultimate hope is that Christ would use me and work through me.  So that through me I can be a blessing to my wife, my family and my brothers and sisters in Christ.

So to all my friends out there, how do you go to sleep?  What do you want to dream about?  What are your hopes and dreams for the future?  How do you want to see Christ work through you?