SABBATH SNAPSHOT : hones-TEA of commi-TEA-ment

Kyle Idleman, in his book, not a fan., asks the reader for an honest diagnosis of his or her commitment to following Jesus. Even the prologue is gripping in its frankness. Fans want what their "team," group or person to "do" for them. Win for them. Entertain them. Feed them. Christ wants more than that. He desires a deeper level of commitment.

Fans have a tendency to confuse their knowledge for intimacy. They don't recognize the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Jesus. (p. 44) Fans are more focused on the "outside" than the inside. (p.72) 'Everything they do is for show.' (Matthew 23:5, NLT) (p.73)

Throughout the book, the author includes stories of others who wear the label of "not a fan." Real people. Real stories of real commitment.

No Reserves. No retreats. No regrets. (p. 209)

If you want to know if you are a "self-empowered fan" or a spirit-filled follower, Idleman's book will help you answer that question.

Thanks to brother Buddy's gift of this easy to read, yet convicting book, written by the teaching pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY where he attended for several years.

A book that goes great with a cuppa hones-TEA of spiritual introspection.

"Sinceri-TEA"

Above all, brothers, do not swear oaths by heaven, by earth, or by any other object. Instead, let your "Yes" mean yes and your "No" mean no! Otherwise, you may fall under condemnation. (James 5:12, NIV)

Sinceri-TEA is a special tea blend that most of us desire not only in our own lives but in the lives of others as well. Naturally, a little hones-TEA and dependabili-TEA are blended in this cuppa. Probably sweetened with a heaping spoon of trust too.

For the Christian that should be A man can be taken at his word. Daddy said that years ago that's all it took----your word. As Horton the Who said, I "meant what I said and I said what I meant...."
Do I? Do you? Or are we saying just what we think others want to hear? If so, our words of sinceri-TEA have just sloshed in the saucer and are getting stale and cold. Not very palatable.

Truth be told: Extra sloshed tea added for effect.

Sinceri-TEA, a cuppa we all want in our relationships.

Hones-TEA

6/19/13 Rummaging through a friend's "fridge" I found a "tea" that I had never seen before. Though I was taken back by this discovery, I loved seeing one more affirmation from the Lord. He continues to teach me in such creative ways---even through word play on "tea."

Our summer refreshment group, dubbed "simplici-TEA," has been doing a lot of that.  Fellowship has occurred in an unusual way as we have been seeking clari-TEA from God's word on living a life of simplicity and devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthinas 11:3). It has become for me a "safe" group. A group which allows its members to be honest with each other. Uni-TEA has resulted in honesTEA!

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

For those "accepting" group members, the links below are for the 2 forms I neglected to pass out last night. Hopefully, 6/18 lecture notes will be added by Friday.

Simplici-TEA Bibliography
Sweet Tea ABC's---A few examples are given, but please add to this list as "tea" words come to mind.
Dregs ABCs---A few examples are given, but please add to this list as "dreg" words come to mind, even if not ending in "ity or TEA.