The Shadow of Your Wings

There are a few disadvantages to living out here “past the sticks.” Some could actually be a blessing - like the $$ I save by not being able to run to the store for just any old thing. My city friends hop in their cars and zip over to WalMart for a jug of milk and walk out with a $50.00 tab. Of course, I can’t pop next door to borrow a cup of sugar from a neighbor (do people still do that?), and we don’t have drop-in guests like we might in town (and is that such a bad thing?) But one disadvantage- and for the moment the only thing I can really think of - is that we are on “dial up” internet connection.

Now, I don’t mind it usually. My husband, who has instant access at work absolutely HATES to have to go online here at home. This incredibly patient man sits at my desk drumming his fingers, mumbling and grumbling about how impossibly sloooowww the process is. I just smile and think, “And that’s why it’s my desk.”

Are y’all aware of how much stuff is starting to be put out there for our enlightenment through video media? Dial up connections do not accommodate this new and improved method of relating information on the ‘net. (It comes in spits and spurts as it “buffers.” Then, just when I think it should be completely done I press the play button only to start the cycle all over again. It’s starting to frustrate me.)

One site that I frequent has made several references to and posted a lot of videos lately, without transcript. Consequently I am completely in the dark (ages) about what is going on. So … today, while I was in town, I stopped by my daughter’s house. She has the virtual equivalent of quick connect. I just wanted to check out one YouTube piece of a woman “prophesying” while “drunk in the Spirit” that had gotten a LOT of comment.

OK, maybe I’m not missing much after all!

I didn’t/couldn’t/wouldn’t watch the whole thing. Just the first few minutes were enough the make me cringe. One word sprang to mind - DEBAUCHERY n. 1. excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; intemperance. 2. Archaic. seduction from duty, allegiance, or virtue.

Not a word common to my thinking or vocabulary, but perfectly descriptive of what I witnessed. This woman’s inane babbling, "drunken" weaving upon the platform - holding tightly to the podium, while presuming to present the word of God was shameful. Yet the crowd was laughing and shouting “glory” all the while.

Is this what we’re looking for in the Church? Does this demonstrate the “touch” from God that we all long for?

I’ve been a part of some pretty rowdy church services. (Remind me to tell you about the time I was pulled over by the Sheriff because I was driving erratically. He asked if I’d been drinking and I laughed and tried to explain that I was on my way home from an awesome prayer meeting. It’s a long story but it ends with him saying, “Well, Ma’am, just pay more attention to your drivin’. ‘K?”) Anyway, the point is, I’m all for a little hallelujah time!

But more, I’m all about glorifying God. If my “glory” moments detract from the wonder and love of my Lord then I’ve shirked my most solemn duty, damaged the honor of my allegiance, and brought the exceeding value of the gift of virtue into question. Shameful!

I just have to ask - would Jesus act this way?