Mini-solo musings

I have a habit of taking what I call “solos” and “mini-solos”. The idea of “taking a solo“ was suggested to me by a friend/co-laborer in ministry (Jim Burns) many years ago.

A solo is simply extended time with God. It can be as short as 6-8 hours or as long as 2 weeks (or more if you have the freedom to do so). The point is to take only a Bible and a notebook with you, go somewhere where you wont’ be disturbed or distracted and spend concentrated, extended time with your Creator. The goal of this time is to get to know Him better and to listen to what He wants to say to you. That’s it.

What I have termed a ”mini-solo“ is a weekly/bi-weekly time of about 2-4 hours for the same purpose. This is not Bible study or preparation for a sermon or lesson of some sort. It is time in God’s Word, prayer and fellowship with Him to get to know Him better and listen to Him.

My mini-solo today was spent in the book of Habakkuk. What a phenomenal book! Truly it is a book of hope and encouragement in the midst of crisis, lawlessness and impending judgement/destruction.

For now, I just want to share one thought that came to me as a result of reading this book and listening to the Lord while doing so.

Is it possible that the destruction of the USA is imminent? Although it is the greatest super-power in the world today, there are factors that, I believe, render it very vulnerable to destruction.

Now, I’m not advocating the belief that the USA is God’s chosen nation -- that status belongs to Israel. So, I’m not drawing a direct parallel between Habakkuk and the USA. I’m asking a question that comes from the application of truth to our setting.

There is no doubt that the USA has slipped in many areas, morality being the most grievous of these. As I read Habakkuk, I saw parallels in the condition of Judah at that time with the condition of the USA in our time. Lawlessness, misery, destruction, violence are common, daily events in our country. Morality has slipped to an all-time low and cries to remove ”In God we trust“ from our moneys, courthouses, schools and more has become almost a rhythmic chant in legal & work settings.

How long will the Lord wait to discipline us for so blatantly straying from the foundations of a healthy society? How long? How will He discipline us? When?

I am sure that it is coming. I’m not a doomsday preacher in the least. But I believe that our straying, our sin, our disobedience cannot go much longer undisciplined by His hand.

I wonder how it will come? Will it be a religious organism or organization that has been planning for some time for our overthrow? Will it be a financial disaster using our debt and dependence on credit as the hammer to break us and bring us to our knees in dependence on another economy or country or alliance of countries?

Could it be a military strike? One that cripples our response to such a degree as to put us totally on the running defensive and having to draw our borders ever closer together, virtually shrinking the existence of the USA to a non-existence?

I could be totally wrong -- but I doubt it. History and Scripture teach us that no country, empire, people or nation has ever thumbed their noses at God for a long time without serious consequences.

Maybe we should stop thumbing our noses and simply say (as Habakkuk said), ”In Your anger, Lord, remember Your mercy.“

Men's Retreat - San Diego, CA.

“He did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.”

I’m sitting in bed at the Calvary Chapel Conference Center in Murrieta, CA. I was invited by my buddy, Jeff Lavender, and took up his offer. To spend a weekend with several hundred (if not thousands) of men -- godly men -- has got to be a stirring experience.

There are hot springs here (which I’m looking forward to soaking in), tennis courts (on which I will attempt to compete in a tournament on Sat. afternoon), great food, gorgeous facilities, and a coffee shop that is almost exactly what I would love for every youth ministry to have in their own setting.

Tonight, Chuck Smith spoke. As Jeff & I talked afterwards, he summed up the message, “Softly profound.” He’s right. Chuck talked about Abraham’s faith and through story after story illustrated the unwavering faith of our forefather Abraham.

At 100 years of age, he was still waiting for God’s promise to come to fruition -- unwaveringly. He held onto God’s promise even up until the very moment he was to plunge the sacrificial knife into the heart of his promised -- and only -- son. (Note that in Scripture that the Lord didn’t recognize Ishmael as a legitimate son of Abraham’s).

Did God keep His word to Abraham? Yes. Did God provide a sacrifice in place of Isaac? Yes. Did Abraham obey God? Yes. Did Abraham doubt God’s plan when he was asked to sacrifice Isaac? No. Did he believe that God had a plan that was unknown to him and that would work out to still fulfill His promise to him (to bless the nations through Abraham)? Yes.

Do we have the unwavering faith of Abraham? Sadly, all too often, I don’t. “I need more information.” “I need to seek more godly counsel.” “I need to understand the whole situation better.” And on and on we go with our excuses.

If God spoke (and He has and still does!) and I know it was/is His will, what more do I need? Simply to DO IT!

Are you gathering firewood, matches, a knife and your “son”?