Testing What's In Your Heart

The following things will test what's in your heart:
* Trials (Prov. 17:3)
* Praise (Prov. 27:21)
* Honest self-inspection (1 Cor. 11:28; 2 Cor. 13:5; Prov. 14:10a; 20:27; 27:19)
* Conviction / searching by the Holy Spirit (Psa. 139:23-24; Prov. 16:2; 21:2; Jer. 17:9-10)
* Cross-examination by other people (Prov. 18:1, 17; 20:5; 26:12)

Evaluation (Psa. 42:1-3)

Read Psalm 42:1-3.

1.  Am I more concerned about "they" than I am about God?
2.  Do I want God's presence more than I want my circumstances to change?
3.  Do I pour out my complaint primarily to God or to others?

Mary & Martha (Lu. 10:38-42)

Read Luke 10:38-42.

• Contrasts
• Mary stayed seated, focused on listening, and said nothing.
• Martha got up and down, focused on doing, and complained about Mary.
• Similarities
• They were sisters.
• They both sat at Jesus' feet and heard Him.
• Mary never got up but kept on listening.
• Martha got up to serve, which suggests that her initial posture was the same as Mary's.
• Observations
• This appears to have been Martha's house.
• Jesus didn't say Martha's service was unnecessary or unappreciated.
• No words were spoken by Mary.
• Lessons
• The issue might not be the issue.
• Martha thought the issue was Mary's neglect and selfishness.
• Jesus said the issue was Martha's anxiety and agitation.  Jesus knows your heart and will call you on what's inside it!
• It is easier to serve than to listen.
• Beware the distraction of doing!
• Listening requires delight and discipline.
• Just because something is helpful doesn't mean it is necessary.
• It is easier to monitor someone else's not serving than it is to monitor your own soul.
• Jesus said Martha was anxious and troubled about many things.  Some people attempt to ignore or minimize their lack by keeping busy.

Challenges & Conversations (11/24/15)

Let's talk today about spiritual gifts, especially the manifestation of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7-11). In particular, let's talk about verbal gifts (prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues).

There are two extremes to avoid.

1. The one extreme is cessationism.  This is the common but mistaken view that spiritual gifts, especially the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, are not for today.  
2. The other extreme is sensationalism.  This is the view that spiritual gifts should be exercised to the maximum and without restraint.

In between these extremes is an acceptable space called "allowance" (1 Cor. 14:39).  This allowance is controlled by sensitivity to three things (1 Cor. 14:40).

1. Is the content accurate?  Whatever is spoken or interpreted must never contradict the plain teaching of Scripture. (By the way, if you don't consistently read your Bible, you won't know what is true; therefore, you will never be able to judge accurately the content of a verbal utterance.  There is too much at stake for you not to be discerning.)  When someone claims to speak for God, you can't rely on his or her position, education and reputation alone.  You need an objective source of truth.
2. Is the tone appropriate?  God's Word and God's Spirit are sufficient to bring correction and discipline (Heb. 4:12-13; Jam. 1:25; Jn. 16:8).  God could use a sermon (2 Tim. 4:2). Certainly, all believers are to speak truthfully (Eph. 4:25) in relationships.  When it comes to spontaneous, supernatural, public "outbursts" (prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues), the tone should not be scolding, rough or demeaning.  When a so-called prophecy starts with, "Listen, you rebels", it is time to tune out.
3. Is the purpose apparent?  Verbal utterances are designed to edify, exhort and console (1 Cor. 14:3).  In other words, are you better off since you heard this message and its tone? Has your faith increased?  Has hope filled your soul?  Has your spirit been lifted?
4. Is the flow adjusted?  What is God doing in the service at the moment you want to speak? Verbal utterances should never detract or distract.  The Holy Spirit doesn't create diversions. When He convicts sinners during an altar call, He won't distract them by allowing another theme or purpose to be introduced.  The guiding principle is to go with the flow.  If you're not sure what the Holy Spirit is doing, then it is best to remain silent.

Monday Morning Thinking

Nelson Searcy stirred my thinking this morning.

1. The average church has developed systems to keep them and their pastor operating in average ways.
2. Did you go into ministry because you wanted to do ‘average’ things for an ‘average’ God at an ‘average’ church?
3. Do you pray to play it safe or do you pray to put a dent in hell?

http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/blog/2012/04/16/are-you-a-renegade-pastor-see-why-so-many-pastors-are-becoming-renegades-the-next-briefing-call-is-tomorrow/ (Accessed 04.16.12)

#1 The hardest thing may be to get church attendees and council members to agree.  So many think we're doing just fine.
#2 No.  I was going to conquer the world and experience extraordinary things!  Lord, deliver me from "average."
#3 I don't want to pray safe prayers.

Six Tenets of Measurements

1. Measurements are standards for evaluating progress and, perhaps, success. You can have measurements for every area of life -- spiritual, relational, financial, intellectual, physical, marital, parental, societal, organizational, etc.
2. Not all measurements are equally important. For my exercise I enjoy jogging. My one-mile time is important to me. Maintaining a healthy weight is important. Having bigger biceps (wishful thinking) is not.
3. Whenever you measure something, you make yourself uncomfortable. Measurement is accountability. There is no hiding, no slacking. If you do, the measurement doesn't lie.
4. What you measure you'll probably improve at. Sure, it will take time. Yes, it will take hard work. You and I have a built-in improvement system. Call it "sick and tired of being this way." After a while you're desperate. That's step one toward improvement.
5. Measurements are relative. There is no way I should measure my jogging success against a 16-year-old, 5-minute-mile runner. What's a decent time for a 42-year-old? That's my measurement.
6. It is pointless to measure but never act. For example, what good is it to know your blood pressure is getting higher? Get out there and exercise! Cut out the salt! Information is no substitute for implementation.