For SO long I have been caught in the trap of performance-based salvation. Joseph Prince's new book entitled Right Believing has been real good at pulling me from the far end of the spectrum. But I do not want to go TOO far. So.....I finished the book.....and am presently back to reading The Pursuit of God (for about the thousandth time.......slightly exaggerated). I am doing this to balance out what I read in Prince's book. In Prince's defense.....I MUST say that he glorified Jesus all throughout the book. But there are some theological issues that I cannot agree with. But, I don't, at all, see his book as your basic Word of Faith, "name it and claim it", claptrap.
I will start reading the four Gospels again and in between.....do a little supplemental reading in Tozer's book. (I have em all...as do most here I assume).
Let me share with you what I have just done. I bought one of those ROKU TV boxes that allows your TV to receive signals from your computer's router. In short.....I have been watching non-stop episodes of Downton Abbey, Doc Martin, and a few British documentaries. I use to get to bed by ten (central time). But now, I often find myself getting to bed at 12:30 or even 12:45 am. Just ONE MORE episode.
I started that morning, watching the stuff. Giving very little time to my spiritual life. And now, I am reaping the benefits of my actions. My conscince condemns me. I feel about as unspiritual as ever. I called my aunt tonite and asked her if she wanted the ROKU box for half price (I gave 96 bucks for it before taxes). Then, you have to get on your computer and sign up for ACORN streaming TV, (About 7 bux a month). But I just LOVE British TV. I was trying to LOVE British TV and my love for God just kept getting more and more anaemic. Anyway, today I decided that enough was enough. I mean,....what if Jesus comes back and I am kicked back watching Series Three Episode Four of Downton Abbey. There I'll be!!!!! With absolutely NO oil in my lamp. Are y'all ever frightened that y'all be caught unawares when Jesus comes to get us. I mean....while doing something utterly meaningless. I mean......it would have been quite different if I placed my time with the Lord as FIRST PLACE and PRIORITY and THEN........during a time that was set aside for entertainment,,,,,,,,I would watch an episode and then go on with my life with the full knowledge that Jesus lives within me and has much more pressing matters.......like spreading the gospel message......or just thinking about somebody other than myself. I notice that TV seems to have an almost hypnotic element to it. You just sit there and look. You don't have to do anything but just look and listen. Anyway.....whew, I was glad to get that off of my chest.
( I like smiley faces)
