4 replies to this topic

[Thinker]

Tranquility is a wonderful condition, usually. In fact, when people are troubled or disturbed, they are given a pill called a tranquilizer. When it comes to serious Christianity, a strange thing takes place for many. Slowly, subtly, they are tranquilized by a spiritual medication that they do not realize is being given to them. It's called "Routinaset." Instead of being Spiritually vibrant, the key ingredient "routine" has lulled them into a blissful slumber. They are carried along with the tide of habit. Going along, with little or no thought, the adventure and excitement of vital Christianity escapes serious notice. It hovers about them like a mist that cannot be grasped. It looks nice but elicits little enthusiasm. Sometimes, people who have been tranquilized have to be aroused or shaken out of their stupor. Only a realization and understanding of the problem can provide a solution. We who are saved need to be stirred to reality and take hold of God. Ephesians 5:14 admonishes us, "....awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." How to do this will engage our thinking tomorrow, Lord willing. Selah! Once we realize where we are, it will take a strong determination to come out of it. Thinker (Ron) (P.S. Missed you all. Good to be back. Thinker)

[Lori Smith]

Thinker (Ron),

Great post! It's good to see you back! I think my problem is the pill called culturaset. It's a sneaky pill that lulls one into accepting less than biblical standards because the existing culture describes a Bible follower as one who is ill. Then one takes the culturaset to get along. But then malaise sets in and God's voice grows distant and dim. It takes a shake of the head and fierce determination to fight the growing lukewarm tide. I'm looking for deep cool waters where deep calls unto deep!

I suppose habit or routine brings a similar lukewarmness. It's not good! Blessings!!

Shalom,
Lori

[Thinker]

Lori, I take heart that more people are becoming concerned. I hope that implies that there is "kindling" for the fires of revival to ignite. When the reality of what we have in Jesus grips us, there is a possibility of a Divine visitation. Thinker (Ron)

[Travis Richey]

Not only does "routineset" creep up on folks, on us, but it does so in a way that makes it seem "normal and natural" and even "right". There was a time a few years back that we reversed the order of our morning services, had the preaching first, and the singing at the end. Would you believe that people actually left the church because we weren't doing things "right"? You are so correct in your observation, and I think it goes even deeper...we has humans like our ruts deep and straight...and it causes us to get tunnel vision.

Great post.

[Candice]

Then there are the folks who cannot even see the obvious overdose of a tranquilizer. Even an elephant tranquilizer will not knock them down. Knock me down too. This is a great concern. The Lord is teaching me though.

Years ago, my husband questioned the pastor as to why he did not preach from the Word. There was not even milk to drink there! The next week the pastor started his "sermon" by lifting up and waving his bible and saying literally "...if I just read from this (bible), you will all just walk out eventually". We left that church just after that comment and are surprised how all the "seasoned" believers stayed without question. The church went from about 20 to 400 members in 4 years in a very small town. They got their prayer answered to multiply their flock tenfold. I would have tp confess and to say I am duped by looking to people having any expectations of them that only Christ can meet. Keeping my eyes off me and others and Only on the One and Only is what The Lord impresses upon me almost daily.

There is strong delusion being poured out and not sprinkled any more.