Quiet Time: Anarchy

Unstable Isotope by JP Talma

Anarchy
 

he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. - James 1:8

It's like the car has a mind of its own.

I mentioned in a recent blog Well What Do You Know how my son's automobile has required a lot of my time lately and how  I'd fixed the issue. Well, the instability problem (rough idle) is back.

 This reminded me of today's focal verse from James and how many of us slip into complacency in our walk with Christ. Consequently, our personal bible study becomes sporadic, our fellowship with believers is limited to Sunday mornings (at best), we seldom share the Gospel with anyone, and our prayer life is paltry and impotent.

James reminded his readers that being double minded; literally, "wavering between two minds" causes instability. Actually, the Greek word for unstable- akatástatos - is pretty strong; think: anarchic, turbulent, or even lawless. So, we are either following or fighting Christ.


Faith ends the fight and fixes our instability issues.


In other words, Christians simply cannot have a mind of their own; but, God can give us the mind of Christ.


By the way, I'm pretty sure the car problem has been pin pointed to the EGR (Exhaust Gas Return) valve. Time to get to work.




Casual Christian by DeGarmo and Key is an oldie but a goody:

 

Song Series: Good Good Father

Good Good Father

Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" - Galatians 4:6

I've seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we're all searching for answers only You can provide
'cause You know just what we need before we say a word

This is verse 2 of the song Good Good Father. I've been listening to it lately and will begin working it out on the keys and vocals tomorrow in hopes of adding it to my praise and worship repertoire. The song speaks to the father heart in me, as well as, the Father's heart to me. 

It reminds me of how God's love for me has affected my love for others. For instance, I love my kids. I love them when they mess up and I love them when they do really well.  I even love them when they pretty much ignore  my very existence. Frankly, that's when my human love is tested the most...when my existence doesn't seem to matter much. But, tests have a way of turning a heart toward Father God.

His word says that He loved us "while we were His enemies" (Romans 5:8) and that when we are faithless He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). That's Who He is.

That kind of love inspires me to seek Him and praise Him all the more. 

Spending time each day with our Father God is important because it helps us remember Who He is, Whose we are, and molds us to who He wants us to be. 

In short, God is good; it's Who He is. 

     You are loved by Him; it's who you are.

Quiet Time: Well, What Do You Know

Knowledge Without Wisdom

Well, What Do You Know
  
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool displays folly. - Proverbs 13:16

... increasing knowledge results in increasing pain. - Ecclesiastes 1:18 

 I've been spending a lot of time lately working on my son's car. The thing just wouldn't idle without conking out. So, a mechanic friend dropped by the house; and, after running an OBD (On Board Diagnostic) He recommended changing the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor). The TPS costs $130 new and once you break the seal on the package, you've bought it. That knowledge hurt!

Solomon, literally the wisest man on earth, wrote both of the aphorisms in today's devotional. He affirms the benefits of acting with knowledge. In other words, don't just be a parts changer; understand the how and why of something before moving forward. I'm sure we can all remember a moment when we acted or spoke before thinking. Not good. 

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon seems to contradict his own God given proverb; but, when viewed in context we see that he is referring to acquiring meaningless facts and trivialities without a view to godliness. God wants us to know Him in every circumstance; even something as mundane as working on a broken car (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

Knowledge is power, or so we've heard. However, I'm not so sure I agree. It seems that accumulating knowledge without acting upon it simply wears a person down. Kind of like knowing what the Bible says to do but not acting upon it. 

By the way, I did replace the TPS, but not before checking it with a digital multi-meter to determine if it actually needed replacing. (I also pulled a used TPS from a wrecked car at the junk yard for about $7). Outcome: I know how and why sensors work, how to test them, change them, and, oh yeah, no more conking out. Thank you Lord!


Here's a memory aid:

 

Quiet Time: Turn Out the Lights Let Darkness Reign

Turn Out the Lights Let Darkness Reign

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
            “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;
            AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE - 2 Corinthians 6:14-16

 

I was invited to hear a celebrity speak at a local "evangelical" mega church today. So, I thought, "Wait a minute, isn’t this speaker one of those big time conservative talk show hosts; what is he, a preacher too?" Turns out I was partly right; he is indeed a big time talk show host, but not really a preacher of the Gospel.  He is however a strong Mormon.

So, I thought, "There’s no way an evangelical church would really invite a practicing LDS leader to speak from the pulpit on a Sunday morning; this guy must have become a Christ follower.” Turns out, yep, they would! And, nope, he is not a Christian. Apparently, he was invited to speak not only at this particular mega church, but several others, including Liberty University, Fellowship Church in Texas, and Gateway Church  to name a few.

Under this local church’s FAQ section, a person asked, “What about his religious beliefs?” Answer: “We know he has professed Jesus Christ as Savior and is backed by well know figures such as James Robison and Ravi Zacharias.”

So, there you have it. If you want to know if someone is a born again believer, just ask them to say out loud, “I profess Jesus Christ as Savior” and get a couple of well respected names to vouch for  yah and you’re good to go. 

Of course it helps if you’re a really good speaker, and if you can hold a crowd, and if you have political views that go along with the views of that particular congregation, then, you have a good shot at being invited to speak at a huge church one Sunday morning.

Look, I’m not against people believing whatever it is they want to believe. Jesus never forced anyone to follow him. Furthermore, my political views are the same as many agnostics, atheist, Buddhist, Mormons, and Christians out there. My point is this, do Christ followers really want cult leaders teaching from the pulpit on a Sunday morning where the plain and unadulterated Word of God is “purported” to be preached? Is this the new face of the “Christian” church?

BTW, “Born Again Mormon” is an oxymoron.  Why? The essential doctrines of Christianity and those of the LDS organization are completely incompatible. Not the least of which is salvation by grace through faith alone, apart from works. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Research for yourself.  Here’s a one good site: https://carm.org/teachings-of-mormonism

Song Series: This Is Amazing Grace: falling away and back again

Song Series: This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Whickam
Falling Away and Back Again

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,
    and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ - Matthew 26:31

No one is perfect; but, falling away from following Christ is far different than simply committing a sin. 

Yet, here we see Jesus prophesying to His disciples that they would " all fall away". And, that's exactly what happened. These guys were the first followers of Christ, and even though they'd been in the very presence of God incarnate, still they left Him at the first sign of trouble. Chaos ruled.

The story doesn't end there, of course.  Jesus followed up His prophecy with words of hope. "But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee." (Matthew 26:32) In other words, "You guys are gonna come back again; and, I'll be in Galilee waiting for you." Order restored.

Have you turned your back on Jesus? Then, turn your back again. He's waiting for you.

Verse 3 This is Amazing Grace

Who brings our chaos back into order
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter
The King of Glory, the King of Glory 

Song Story: This Is Amazing Grace

Think deep: If you can live without Jesus; then, you were never living with Him. (Matthew 7:21-23)

Quiet Time: Be Boastful

BE BOASTFUL

 

1 Praise the LORD!
            Praise God in His sanctuary;
            Praise Him in His mighty expanse.

2 Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
            Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
            Praise the LORD!

Psalm 150:1-2 & 6 

Praise: to be boastful. To be blown away.

It should be easy to praise God in church. After all, corporate worship is basically boasting about the God we love. From Fanny Crosby to Chris Tomlin faithful psalmists have worked hard designing songs boasting about God’s greatness. But when was the last time you did?

I hear someone saying, “I can’t carry a tune much less write one.” Well, that may be true, but you can probably string together a few lines of poetry. Check out No Talent No Problem.

The psalmist was blown away by the God of Israel. He looked at the world He created, saw the signs and wonders of the seasons, the preciseness of times, days, and years (Genesis 1:14) and was moved to write a song boasting of God’s greatness 

TODAY:

Spend time today observing the preciseness of God’s creation. Notice how everything happens within a very specific period of time.

Remind yourself throughout the day, “This moment was created by God.”

Write a song or poem boasting about how God showed Himself through the moments He created today. 

PRAY:

LORD, help me to live today mindful of the moments You have created. By Your grace, I will praise You for You have created all things for Your glory; including me.

 

 

 

Quiet Time: I Can Know

Sarolta Bán (Digital Artist)

I Can Know

Knowledge is powerful

"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

- Deuteronomy 7:9

I can know:

 God personally

   God as LORD of my life.

      He alone is God.

         He is faithful.

            He keeps His covenant (agreement, pledge, promise).

               He keeps His lovingkindess (devotion, unchanging love).

                   This knowledge will impact future generations.

                       Future generations will be drawn to love and follow Him.

   This is a promise that extends beyond today, tomorrow, and time eternal.

If I say that I know God personally as LORD of my life, the only God, Who is faithful, true, and loving; then, I will love Him. If I love Him; then, I will keep His commandments (John 14:15 & 1 John 2:3).

If I keep His commandments, then,  my love for God will be evident to those around me. If my love for God is evident, then, my children and my children’s children will see this relationship. If they see, then they will believe, If they believe then...

 

 

 PRAYER SUGGESTION: Go back a contemplatively read through the "I can knows" turning each line into a personal prayer. (ie: Thank you God for making yourself known. Help me to get to know you better each day.)

 

 

Quiet Time: Hedges and Highways

Hedges and Highways
A DIY approach to thorn bush removal

The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns, But the path of the upright is a highway. – Proverbs 15:19

 

“If you want to know the easiest way to do something; watch a lazy man work.”

The first time I heard this statement, I found it funny. But, it cannot be true. Because, a lazy man simply will not spend the time it takes to think through a job, let alone, accomplish it in the most effective and efficient manner.

The bible actually contrasts the slothful man with a person who pleases God. I suppose that’s how laziness made it to the list of “Seven Deadly Sins”. 7 Deadly Sins 

Consequently, there’s a promise in this verse for the Christ follower to remember: God makes the right walking man’s way sure like a raised well trodden road in the wilderness.  This sure sounds better than the dark overgrown briar patch path in the woods for the sluggard.

Sometimes what is perceived as laziness is actually a lack of knowledge. That’s why I love “How To” books. We can actually learn a lot about overcoming laziness from them. I have one that has grown  dog-eared from use over the years. It is easy to follow and chock full of illustrations, as well as, the perfunctory step by step approach to completing the task that most all DIY books list.

Taking the DIY approach, may be helpful in avoiding laziness.

First, we pray for God to help us do the project for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31). Next, act with knowledge by actually reading the instruction pamphlet (Prov. 13:16). Then, get advise; or, at least check YouTube , especially, if it’s something we’ve never done before (Prov. 11:14). Finally, make a list of all the tools and parts needed laying them out where they’re easy to reach (1 Cor. 14:40). Finally, just do it (Prov. 14:23).

My attic ladder installation list

 

 

Song Series: I Have Decided

I HAVE DECIDED

I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. – Psalm 119:101

I HAVE RESTRAINED:

Every person makes a choice.

MY FEET:

Feet walk us where we want to go.

FROM EVERY EVIL WAY: 

evil is real and can be pursued.

THAT I MAY KEEP YOUR WORD:

the Word can be rejected as well as, accepted.

The first dinner date my wife, Deseri, and I had was to a lakeside restaurant located in a very rural area of our state. I wanted to make a good first impression, so, I chose the secluded café for its noted ambiance and beautifully prepared meals.  Night fell as we drove to the place and, to make matters worse, a terrific thunderstorm set in within the first few miles of our leaving the main highway (no GPS back then). Visibility was terrible; we could hardly see the street, let alone street signs.  After a couple of hours on the back roads, we finally found our way to the interstate only to discover that we had traveled nearly one hundred miles in the wrong direction. The good news is, she married me anyway!

Sometimes our plans are good, our pace is routine, but our path is uncertain because we have no map to check once the storm sets in. Except for the grace of God, we would never find our way back to the right road.  

Every person makes a choice every day to walk in the Way or to walk away.

1. Determine to follow God’s plan.

2. Surrender to God’s pace.

3. Follow God’s path.

4. Check God’s print.

 

 

 

Song Series: Let Us Adore

Let Us Adore

Using more than half a heart

 7Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship (adore)  Him.” – Matthew 2:7-8

Herod had Jesus in the midst of his kingdom but nowhere near his heart.

The magi had Jesus in their hearts while they were nowhere near their kingdom.

Herod said that he wanted to join the magi in worshipping the Christ child; but, what he really wanted to do was murder Him. So, how can a person like Herod, who knew so much about the coming Messiah, be so far from knowing Him as Savior? Because Herod had no faith.  And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.(Hebrews 11:6).

It took at least two years for the magi to reach Jesus. Now that’s faith. When they found Him, “ they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.” (Matthew 2:10) TWO YEARS, before their faith became sight. And the first thing they did was fall down.

I recently read an article title NIGERIA: CHRISTMAS IN MAIDUGURI,  by Voice of the Martyrs, describing how “Dozens of children clapped and sang as a Christmas celebration began in a Maiduguri church. Although they were among the thousands of Christians who fled Islamic extremist violence in northern Nigeria, inside, there were smiles and songs.” These kids and their parents were forcibly driven from their villages, presently living as refugees, and unable to return to their homes, yet, they had the joy of Jesus ringing in their hearts. That is worship…that is faith…that is….so, convicting. 

“Let Us Adore”, is the 11^th track on the Wake Up the Wonder album by Elevation Worship, it is an acuminating song reminding the worshiper that Jesus deserves to be adored with abandon. The first verse reads:

For the unclean, the unholy

For the broken, the unworthy

You came, Jesus You came

For the wounded, for the hurting

For the lost and for the lonely

You came, Jesus you came

 

May-be we need to make a concerted effort to get away from  the familiar things that distract our hearts from all Jesus is this Christmas to better remember why we adore Him.