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.

SABBATH SNAPSHOT: battlefield "tea"-ology

3/9/14 Brother Buddy gave me Kyle Idleman's book , gods at war, and the title confused me.....until I saw the sub title, which was in all CAPS----"DEFEATING THE IDOLS THAT BATTLE FOR YOUR HEART."

CONVICTION! I had never looked at idolatry in that way! BUT GOD.....does.

Idolatry is the #1 issue in the Bible.....coming into every book. More than 50 of the laws in the first 5 books are aimed at this issue.... and in all of Judaism, it's one of only four sins with the death penalty attached. (Idleman, p. 11)

Many somewhat innocuous sounding idols are listed (food, achievement, family)----and don't seem like a problem in "my" life----until I read the Idol ID section at the end of each of the chapters and realized that I, too, kneel at said temples of worship. Choices reveal the "gods/idols" who sit on the throne of one's heart.

But, like God's word, after "hitting us right between the eyes," Idleman gives hope. Hope imbedded in scripture. Hope that is available when we "choose Jesus."

I battle so many things in my mind which are really heart issues. When I see idolatry as a "heart issue" I know I'm in a BIG battle. I need to RUN right back to the heart of God.

Guide, rear guard, tower of strength, deliverer---all positions needed in war----all provided by the one true God.

"dain-TEA" love prints

...out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart  his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45, Amplified)

I would "amplify" that verse to include actions---because one's actions follow what one is thinking  (mind) and feeling (heart.) Proverbs 27:19 backs up my thought: "As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart."

In the Hebrew culture, the heart was the metaphor for the core of one's being. Center of one's personality. "It was a spiritual hub and life flowed from its orientation." (gods of war, p. 31)

If a heart is filled with love....it's love that flows forth. Love in words AND deeds.

Love can be shown in a variety of ways---but "hands on" love is the best. Being the hands and feet of God. Doing unto others. Serving with an overflow of the love of your heart....or if you are just two years old, making your dainty hands into a heart shape print for your grandarents' Valentine card, is the perfect expression.

Lucy's card was by me as I sipped my morning brew in a dain-TEA cup and opened my Bible to scriptures of love.