Today's passage is Acts19:21-31. Paul sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia while he prepared to go to Jersusalem after a bit more preaching. Demetrius the silversmith caused a riot by blaming Paul for the decreased trade in silver icons of Artemis and her shrine. He said Paul was destroying the worship of her. The rioters took a couple of Paul's workers into the stadium and Paul wanted to do to talk but disciples and friends wouldn't let him out of fear for his life.
What worldly desires in me cause riots against Jesus?
What is my Demetrius?
What do I sometimes really want to do instead of praying or doing QT or going to mokjang or worship?
I read about two hours most days.
Sometimes when I have a really good book, I'll read it all day if I can and stay up past midnight to finish it.
I never do that with the Bible.
When I do that kind of reading I lose my balance.
I neglect people and things I ought to do.
I tire myself for a story that's not about me and my salvation history.
When I fly to Canada or the US, I often watch five movies in a row because it 's a fourteen hour flight.
Like my all day reading bouts, I recognize that as a loss of balance.
It's a wonderful opportunity to do QT and pray but I rarely do either.
It's the same for all day hiking.
What's the point in exhausting myself?
Yes, some of the scenery is lovely and it's good to work my muscles beyond the ordinary. But it's a day unbalanced.
Any holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Lunar New Year are also occasions to lose life balance by focusing the day on something and someone other than God, which usually ends up with frayed tempers and dashed expectations.
Lord, I repent of my selfish and worldly use of my time on many occasions. Inspire me with your Spirit to live a balanced life. Let me not lose myself in any excess but be attentive and self-controlled in the actions you want me to perform.
