Charismatic Chaos

There is a lot out there about the charismatics. On one hand, you have what some call the "charimaniacs" who have deacons available to stretch you out before the service so you don't pull a hamstring. Then you have the strict cessationists who are quick to shoot dirty looks at anyone who might lift his hands in praise to God while singing.

I am starting to come around to Mark Driscoll's take on this after listening to his sermon series on 1 Corinthians 12-14. He describes himself as "charismatic with a seat belt," meaning that he is not for doing backflips, but he also does not want to deny the work that the Holy Spirit is doing in our time.

This week the Tozer devotionals have involved the Holy Spirit. Here is today's for your enjoyment:

The Holy Spirit: Our Fear of Emotions

So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--
walking, leaping, and praising God. 
--Acts 3:8

One cause of the decline in the quality of religious experience
among Christians these days is the neglect of the doctrine of the
inward witness.

Stamping our feet to start the circulation and blowing on our hands
to limber them up, we have emerged shivering from the long period of
the theological deep-freeze, but the influence of the frosty years
is still felt among us to such an extent that the words witness,
experience and feeling are cautiously avoided by the rank and file
of evangelical teachers. In spite of the undeniable lukewarmness of
most of us we still fear that unless we keep a careful check on
ourselves we shall surely lose our dignity and become howling
fanatics by this time next week. We set a watch upon our emotions
day and night lest we become over-spiritual and bring reproach upon
the cause of Christ. Which all, if I may say so, is for most of us
about as sensible as throwing a cordon of police around a cemetery
to prevent a wild political demonstration by the inhabitants. 
Born After Midnight, 11.

"Lord, open up my heart to receive, and then open up my mouth to
declare, the glory of Your mighty work! Amen."