Manly Minute - July 7th

YOU'RE NOT WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE - SOLAR FLARES

PT 2 - By Sean Griffith

Solar flares are large bursts of energy that release up to 6 × 1025  joules of energy (that’s 1/6th of the total sun's energy output in a second). In other words, it is a massive amount of explosive energy in a split second. Men are known to have solar flares in their lives. It is when your wordly flesh overwhelms your spirit at a high level in a split second - much like your emotional response when someone cuts you off while driving. Each man’s response will look different.  Some will show it outwardly, others hold it in inwardly, but both feel it strongly.  

Solar flares can quickly become one of the shortcomings that we have been discussing.  Solar flares may happen in such areas as lust (when a steamy commercial comes across your screen unexpectedly), jealousy (when your co-worker gets a really cool new car or truck) and the ever so popular anger (someone offends you).  Realize that emotional solar flares are not sin, they are the initial reactions to temptation.  However, we know how quickly these temptations become sins if we don’t quench them quickly.

RESPONDING TO SOLAR FLARES

So how do we deal with these ever present solar flares in our lives?  

First,  RECOGNIZE you are experiencing one when your emotional state has a sudden burst of negative energy.  One moment you’re relaxed, the next you're ready to explode. That is a solar flare!  

Second, PRAY immediately.  Although you’re feeling something strongly, don’t let temptation become sin by responding poorly to your intense feelings.  Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help.

Lastly, OBEY what the Spirit is telling you even if your emotions are still high. I find that when I obey and do what is right before God, the Holy Spirit calms my heart and on many occasions fills it in abundant measure.  Don’t let your emotions lead you, lead your emotions by the Spirit of God. 

RECAP

1) Recognize 2) Pray for help from the Holy Spirit 3) Obey the Holy Spirit

Romans 6:16 Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?