Is Jesus Your Compass?

GPS units are great except when they’re not. Ever been tracking exactly with the GPS directions only to find that you’re definitely not where you planned on going? This might mean an update to the GPS software is needed or that the address was incorrect.

Direction in life can be that way too. The reliability of the source of your directions will have strong correlation to where you end up in life. If you get your queues from popular media or advertising, you may end up in unwanted places. Books, podcasts, and blogs can have mixed information some good, some bad. When advice comes from trusted mentors, friends, family, and colleagues the results may be a bit more certain.

The Holy Spirit is the equivalent of a GPS with the exception that He never gives you wrong directions. You may be surprised at where He leads you but since it comes from the source of Truth, you can be certain that He won’t lead you on a wrong path.

It is important to discern the difference between the Holy Spirit’s prompting and the prompting of the burrito you had for dinner. In all seriousness though, because we live in both a spiritual and physical world there are outside influences in play, whether from the Devil or just emotions run amok, it’s critical that we keep checking back with the Bible. The Holy Spirit will not contradict the Word of God so if there is any question about the reliability of the guidance, head to the Word.

Spending time digging in to the Bible and in prayer connects us to the ultimate and purest source of Truth.  When Jesus is your compass, you can’t get lost.

Is He your compass?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Southern's Who I Am

Here's a fun song I wrote about being Southern.

Southern's Who I Am
by: Andrew Allen

Playing country music on the radio
bluegrass, gospel, and rock n roll
Singing in the choir, singing in the pew
playing for a crowd, or playing for a few
better stand up tall, stand up proud
play it strong and play it loud

Southern's who I am
say howdy, y'all, yes sir, yes ma'am
Southern's who I am
a born and raised Southern gentleman

I like chicken fried with mashed potatoes
pit barbecue when it's cooked real slow
corn bread muffins and black eyed peas
home made biscuits and a bowl of green beans
pecan pie with some cold ice cream
wash it all down with a large sweet tea

Southern's who I am
say howdy, y'all, yes sir, yes ma'am
Southern's who I am
a born and raised Southern gentleman

Gotta do things well and do 'em right
When you're wrong step up and apologize
Whether regular folks or high society
treat em with respect and hospitality
Mind your elders do what you're told
Pray to Jesus and He'll save your soul

Southern's who I am
say howdy, y'all, yes sir, yes ma'am
Southern's who I am
a born and raised Southern gentleman

Alabama, Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky
Mississippi, Louisiana, to the hills of Tennessee
Texas, Virginia, and down in Arkansas
Everybody's welcome to come and visit y'all
If you wanna find out what it's all about
come on down see how we do it in the South

Southern's who I am
say howdy, y'all, yes sir, yes ma'am
Southern's who I am
a born and raised Southern gentleman

Rain Haiku

Evening rain falling

From the heavens pouring down

Nature’s symphony

The Thing That You Want

Everyone wants something. The thing might be a material possession, a job, a vacation, a relationship, a compliment, an experience, anything. Some things are good and some not so much.  Some things you may want so bad you can taste it or feel it.

No matter the thing, it’s important to keep it properly prioritized. The things we want drive where we spend our time, thoughts, money, energy, and emotional investment. If not careful, a thing can affect your identity to the point that your sense of worth is rooted in having or not having the thing. This treads in dangerous waters.

Anything that takes the place of Jesus as your heart’s chief desire is idol worship. It is critical to keep Him at the forefront of your wants and desires. When He is, the ebbs and flows of life won’t shake you from His faithfulness and constancy. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” –Hebrews 13:8

It is only in Him that you can find ultimate fulfillment. So whatever other things you want, make sure He’s the main thing.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew