Sober Intoxication


Richard & Ryan - III, originally uploaded by carf.

These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
Acts 2:15-21

How much joy could you take before you started laughing uncontrollably? Have you ever laughed so much that you couldn't stand up straight? Look at those children enjoying a moment of unalloyed mirth. Have you ever heard a toddler in a fit of giggles? It's a wonderful sound. Now how would you feel if someone started criticising them for lacking self-control? Now that would be absurd, even offensive. Let's remember that the joy of the Holy Spirit is real joy. It is not something so deep that it can barely be felt. It may even make you laugh, dare I say it, even uncontrollably. May I suggest that the self-control that the Spirit gives us is given so that we may live godly, holy lives,(Titus 2:11-12), and not for resisiting His work in us.

Thanks to Suz for reminding me about this great talk from Holy Trinity Brompton from Pentecost Sunday. Just click on the image to listen.

Comments

Yes, indeed I have!!!It becomes a most healing experience. What always seemed to get our kids our of a "funk" was when their dad would say, "Whatever you do, DON'T smile." Before long the smile overcomes the frown and laughter ensues. It may not take away the original pain, anger or frustration, but it does give a respite from it. And maybe it does heal...who knows? Good old fashioned laughter is GOOD! Another gift of God, for He laughed first! Good day!! Cathy

PS Grandpa's saying works on the grandkids, too! HEHEHEHE
Anonymous said…
I like that, Mike--
"...the self-control that the Spirit gives us is given so that we may live godly, holy lives,(Titus 2:11-12), and not for resisiting His work in us."
oh, so true. ~Suz.
Shosannah said…
I love that picture!
"Have you ever heard a toddler in a fit of giggles? It's a wonderful sound."
Yes! Daily:)
And it is wonderful!
To be open to pure joy the way a child is is something really special.
Have a Blessed Day Mike!
Andrea said…
The picture is adorable. I think the sound of children's laughter (of all ages) is a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Hope you have a blessed day.
Gudl said…
Very good!
The photo is so nice,too.
imac said…
Great shot of the children also of your bluebell.


pop over and see my busy critter.
being a teacher, and a father of four, I hear children laugh all the time! :)
zakscloset said…
i just realised how i haven't been laughing for so long! i can't even remember when the last time i laughed like that. thanks for reminding.

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