Power can be used in at least two ways: it can be unleashed, or it can be harnessed. The energy in 5 gallons of gasoline, for example, can be released explosively by dropping a lighted match into a can. Or it can be channeled through the engine of a Shelby Cobra (top 5 on my list of classics) in a controlled burn and used to travel hundreds of miles...or for racing, depending on your interest. Explosions have their place; they are impressive in movies but can be dangerous in real life. On the other hand, controlled burns have lasting effect, staying power.
The Holy Spirit works both ways. At Pentecost, he exploded (came suddenly) on the scene; His presence was like "tongues of fire" (Acts 2:3). Hundreds, and later thousands, were impacted by one burst of God's power. But He also works through the Church, today --- the institution God began to channel the Holy Spirit's power throughout generations. Through teaching, worship, fellowship, Evangelism, service, and more, Christians are provided with staying power so that they, in turn, can be a source of light and heat to the world around them. Keep the fire burning, Danny I realize the title may be a bit dramatic. But, really, it may not be dramatic enough.
Boredom and spiritual apathy can lead to big problems. There is an entire website dedicated to boredom therapy. It's called Boredom Therapy (how clever). According to them, they were "founded with the goal of fighting boredom worldwide by engaging our readers with incredibly shareable content." In reality, it's basically a website filled with pointless information you really don't need to know. Many people fall into anxiety and depression because they are not comfortable with silence or a less-than-full schedule. This leads them to all sorts of problems. Silence & solitude is exactly what we need if we are to hear from God. We need to make time everyday for putting aside distractions and focusing on what matters most, our relationship with our Creator. When you are not okay with having nothing to do, with being alone, with experiencing silence, you will try to fill that time up with anything but God. Man has been doing this for thousands of years and look where it has gotten us. You will fill your life up with meaningless activities, your mind and conscious will grow numb and you will have no desire for spiritual food. Spiritual apathy will kick in. Overall, the lockdowns of COVID-19 have done more harm than good but one thing they have revealed is that people are not very comfortable with slowing down. We have gotten so used to running from place to place and with filling our schedules that, all of a sudden, when we are 'forced' to stay home, we get anxious and upset. Some even go as far as to say they are 'stuck' at home. (I know, I know, we need to look at the other side of the coin. I understand and that's valid. But my focus is not on the validity or credibility of the pandemic.) Reports of escalation in divorces, domestic violence, increase in alcohol consumption, suicides, and more, only confirm that many people are not okay with solitude, silence and (to coin a phrase) intentional inactivity. On the positive side, and to be balanced, many families got closer to each other and some people had more time to focus on their physical and spiritual health. Part of the WEEKLY WORD Series, No.1: SERVANT They say the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. (I don't know who 'they' are and I don't really like being compared to an apple but in any case...) This phrase is apparently of Eastern origin and frequently used to assert the continuity of family characteristics. For example, if your father had an anger problem, you, as a son, might have hints of the same issue or at least it may be attributed to you by others.
Parents or soon-to-be parents: How will you raise children who have the heart of a servant? It's a very important question. Personally, it's something I want them to pick up from me (I certainly pray they don't pick up any of my negative characteristics!). Whether we acknowledge it or not, they will end up serving someone or something in this world. I took a quick stroll, metaphorically speaking, throughout the short years that Daniela and I have been parents. I observed and continue to observe the ways in which our boys observe us. When it comes to serving, we have the unique responsibility to raise them in the ways of the Lord. Here are three questions to ask as you embark on this journey... When it comes to texting, today's teens and young adults are experts. But when it comes to talking, not so much. It's no secret that many of them do not know how to hold meaningful conversations and, generally speaking, they don't seem to like talking.
The information revolution has changed all of our lives, but especially theirs. They practically grew up with phones in their hand, internet has always existed for them and they probably have no idea what dial-up connection is. This familiarity to all things electronics has created a void. A void in communication and human connection. Despite the promises of social media to help connect people, teens worry that technology is coming between individuals. In fact, data show that nearly seven in 10 teens (68%) agree that devices keep them from having real conversations, and a third (32%) says devices sometimes separate them from other people (www.barna.com). As your older brother in Christ, here are a few suggestions to help you get better and more comfortable with communicating with words, regardless of whether you consider yourself to be an introvert or an extrovert. |
ALTARPRENEURwith Danny & Daniela Kovacs
WHYNo family is an island. Join us as we share candid discussions, Biblical advice & resources to help keep God at the center of your faith, family and career. MICROBLOGS
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