New Tozer Quote

TOZER ON BEING CALLED A MYSTIC
from "The Counselor"

"Some of my friends good-humoredly - and some a little bit severely - have called me a 'mystic.' Well I'd like to say this about any mysticism I may suppose to have. If an archangel from heaven were to come, and were to start giving me, telling me, teaching me, and giving me instruction, I'd ask him for the text. I'd say, 'Where's it say that in the Bible? I want to know.' And I would insist that it was according to the scriptures, because I do not believe in any extra-scriptural teachings, nor any anti-scriptural teachings, or any sub-scriptural teachings. I think we ought to put the emphasis where God puts it, and continue to put it there, and to expound the scriptures, and stay by the scriptures. I wouldn't - no matter if I saw a light above the light of the sun, I'd keep my mouth shut about it 'til I'd checked with Daniel and Revelation and the rest of the scriptures to see if it had any basis in truth. And if it didn't, I'd think I'd just eaten something I shouldn't, and I wouldn't say anything about it. Because I don't believe in anything that is unscriptural or that is anti-scripture."

- What Difference Does the Holy Spirit Make?, A. W. Tozer

Grandma sitting--always an adventure

Spent the day with Grandma today. It was nice because I had nothing pressing to do, so it was low key. While we had lots of opportunity to talk, those opportunities came during commercial breaks of such "lovely" shows as Jerry Springer, NCIsomething, and Family Guy. I have never felt so exposed to such trashy TV as I have today. But on the other hand, in between the filth Grandma was asking my opinion on various Biblical topics, so I can't really complain. Her health has really gone downhill over the past few months, so if you think of it, please lift her up in prayer. Thanks.

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to
the Lord and not to men, knowing that
from the Lord you will receive the
reward of the inheritance; for you serve
the Lord Christ."

Colossians 3:23-24

Found this verse in my e-mail and thought I would post it. It is hard to keep this in mind when the daily drudge catches up to you. But it is definitely a good reminder.

Friday Night

My bed and I have become good friends as I have now spent the better portion of three days in it due to some nasty neck pain which is making me quite loopy. Went for an MRI today and my doctor should have the results on Tuesday. Some reasons why this is a problem: (1) waiting in pain for 4 days doesn't sound like fun (2) Monday morning I need to be able to conduct my orchestra rehearsal because (3)Tuesday night is our concert. I haven't been driving over the past few days because I've been so out of it...so Monday could be a problem if I don't show any improvement. So I'll just have to wait and see what happens.

In my online reading this evening I came across this article, one I wish I had been privy to about ten years ago when I got saved. A great article, but humbling. Very appropriate in a day and age when many of us are easily drawn towards visions, signs and miracles.

Today's Church

Came across this today: http://www.alittleleaven.com/2009/01/purpose-driven-hireling.html

Fascinating.

Viola Therapy

"When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade." This was part of a conversation I had with a colleague today as I related my discouragement and frustration over a situation I am dealing with at school. I am so discouraged by the lack of support from the administration in one of my buildings....it's to the point where there is a rather large part of me that is ready to be out of the public school system. While I enjoy working with the students, working with other teachers, parents and principals can be exasperating.

Anyways, after shoveling slush off the driveway, and then later recovering from the effort put into shoveling, I decided to get out my viola. Haven't played for awhile and I had forgotten how therapeutic playing is. As I was playing through a couple of hymns I am considering playing at church, I came to the realization that simple is sometimes the best. There is something wonderful about playing a simple hymn while taking the time to make each note sound its best. As a musician, I think we tend to get carried away turning hymn arrangements into virtuosic pieces. Is what I am playing for the Lord or is the focus on me and how "good" of a musician I am. While I agree that we should share the gifts that the Lord has given us in the area of music, I think we need to be careful about mixing the world's ideal of musicianship with the Lord's.

In the chaotic craziness that is my life right now, I long for a season where life is simple and uncluttered. How I will get there I have no idea. But it is comforting knowing in the midst of the chaos the Lord just wants me to have a simple, childlike faith--in His eyes, that is what is beautiful. Perhaps that is why I am drawn to the beauty of playing a simple hymn on a solo instrument (preferably a viola....yes, I am biased).

NOTHING TO DO BUT SAVE SOULS

I was cleaning out my inbox and came across this quote. It is a good reminder for myself as we begin a new year.

"You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go always, not only to those that want you, but to those that want you most. Observe: It is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that society; but to save as many souls as you can; to bring them to repentance, and with all your power to build them up in holiness without which they cannot see the Lord."

--John Wesley