Why Should I Start a Bible School?
Why Should I Start a Bible School?.
Tag: #Father
Four Stages of Manhood – Part 3 – Fatherhood
The Four Stages of Manhood – Fatherhood I am producing a series of short, Biblical articles on manhood, and the four stages that I see from the Word of God, we grow through, both naturally and spiritually. These four stages are: Boyhood Manhood Fatherhood The Age of the Patriarch Today, we will look at fatherhood. We […]
The Four Stages of Manhood – Fatherhood
I am producing a series of short, Biblical articles on manhood, and the four stages that I see from the Word of God, we grow through, both naturally and spiritually. These four stages are:
Boyhood
Manhood
Fatherhood
The Age of the Patriarch
Today, we will look at fatherhood.
We talked about the passage of rights from boyhood into manhood, and how men have a warrior inside of them, needing to for fight for the right things…
Yet, boys become men, fall in love, and get married. In the fullness of time, the fruit of that love becomes a family, and children are born. Now, the mighty warrior, with the wild and crazy side has to grow up and face the ‘R’ word – Responsibility. He is still a warrior, but now he picks his battles and fights not for himself, but only to protect his family, community and nation. Freedom has never been free, and free men have always stood up in tough times, and fought for liberty and justice for all. It is always our prayer that there be peace, and that these battles be won in prayer…for God is the ultimate Father, and anyone who has held a helpless newborn in his arms gets a fresh revelation of:
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Suddenly we find we need the peace and gentleness of God, that we might say, like king David, the ultimate warrior did, so many years ago:
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great
Meekness is not weakness, it is strength under control…
As I have meditated upon this article, and thought of my journey as a father and dad, I decided to review some Scriptures on parenting, that I list here for your edification:
Fatherhood Scriptures
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord
And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God
For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
I recall a series I taught several times over the years on getting to know God as Father, entitled ‘The Father Heart of God’. I taught seven lessons on Pappa God, describing Him as:
Lesson 1: Protector,
Lesson 2: Provider
Lesson 3: Disciplinarian
Lesson 4: Mentor
Lesson 5: A Warrior who fights for His church
Lesson 6: Nurturer
Lesson 7: The preparer of the Bride for His Son.
Knowing God as OUR Father is critical to becoming whole as men. No matter how great our earthly fathers were, they only brought so much to the table, and God has designed his universe that He have no grandchildren, only children, born-again through Jesus, and adopted into the royal family of heaven.
While these truths of the character of Father God are eternal and of critical consequence to those of us who have huge unmet spiritual needs in our homes, the question is how do we incorporate these attributes of Father God into our own hearts and homes, to fulfill:
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him
That God would know us, trust us, become so intimate with us, that He might trust us to raise children and our household up after Him!
So , if there is interest, I will post these messages on the Father Heart of God, but for now methinks I will see what an earthly father might look like, who was trying to emulate these seven traits of Father God.
Protector: Like I said last teaching, being a man means being a warrior. Now we have a wife to love and children to protect, whether from the school yard bully, the dead beat teacher, or the academic bully in the schools of learning. Children need to know that they are safe in pappa’s arms, and that no matter what happens, daddy will fight for them, stand up for them, that even if they are wrong. Daddy loves them, and has only their best interests at heart.
I remember the story of the boy that was shopping with his family for groceries and met a couple of school buddies. They were in a different isle from their family, laughing and telling jokes, when a store clerk grabbed them by the neck and started marching them to the door, when they had really done nothing to justify it, when in the isle appeared the boys father. With words of steel came the command: ‘Take your hands off my son!” The clerk sputtered, ‘He was messing with customers!” without missing a breath, the dad quietly said: ‘I’ll deal with the boy, now you deal with me!’
Suddenly the clerk realized he was about get seriously hurt, if he did not let the boys go. The boy, deeply relieved went home with his dad, who listened carefully to his son, realizing the boy had done nothing to justify the clerks meaness, so no further action was required at home.
Fathers protect their familes.
Provide
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Fathers give good gifts to their children….
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children
– God placed it in the heart of man a fire to provide for his family. No matter what particular vocation he chooses to do battle in, he is created to work. Not out of compulsion, but because God works, and God loves to roll up His sleeves alongside one of His children, and work with Him to see a job through to completion. God loves Monday mornings, because He is a creator, and He loves to create still, and gets joy as His children create wonderful projects, businesses, systems, programs, ministries, administrations reflective of His love, grace, glory and goodness towards humanity. The whole universe revolves around His provision, now we are to be good providers for our families and our households.
Gotta be honest here, I have been wealthy and presently we are financially very poor., yet there is always food on the table, and we always have what we need, although we have our faith in God to supply our wants!
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. – Abraham Lincoln
I have had poverty, and seasons of prosperity, and I have learned this: with prosperity comes responsibility. If we can handle the responsibility, prosperity is a great blessing!
If we are going to be like God, we need to provide for our families, carefully supplying their needs, never their greeds. Teaching them to use their faith in God to provide for them, and their own work…Part of training up a child…
When one of my children asks me for something, I never tell them we cannot afford it, for this is foolishness in light of the infinite God who created the universe that our family serves. I simply say, “Pray about it, ask Jesus, and I will agree with you in prayer..” Bikes, Ipads, computers and various blessings have come to our home exactly this way, when we clearly did not have the money for them. God, through many, many miraculous circumstances as God made it clear that He is large and in charge of our lives…
Yet, by the grace of God, Jesus has given me the heart of my children. They love me, hug me, and want to be with me, a gift I am forever grateful for…
Disciplinarian –
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Ah, the forgottan role of parents, discipline. Jesus did say to go and make disciples of all nations, and before we go, we need to discipline our own homes.
- dis·ci·pline
the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.
“a lack of proper parental and school discipline”
| synonyms: | control, training, teaching, instruction, regulation, direction, order, authority, rule, strictness, a firm hand |
In a great course we took at Sunday school entitled ‘Growing Kids Gods Way’ where we were taught many great principals of parenting but I wish to amplify only two of them here:
- First time obedience –Children are instructed by God to obey their parents in the Lord. When we directly command them to do something, they must obey, or there must be immediate consequences for disobedience.
- The moral reason why – As soon as a child grows to the point of understanding, they should be instructed as to the moral reason why they must obey a given command.
When a child is able to understand why they are to instantly obey what they are commanded, with immediate consequences given for disobedience. No threatening, screaming, emotional escalation, simple truth or consequences. Consequences may range from a tap on the back of the hand for a toddler, a time-out, revoking priviliges, toys or treats, or the board of education being applied to the seat of higher learning. (spanking)
This is not an in-depth course on parenting but I will make a couple of points:
- Discipline should not be delegated solely to the mother. Making daddy into Mr. sugar daddy, full of hugs, kisses and treats, with mom having to be the ‘bad guy’ when children act up. Men, we are head of our house, and our children must obey us. We need to take time to teach, instruct, nurture, love and spend quality time with them, so that we disciple them in the things of God in love.
- A child should never be disciplined in anger! If a child is directly defiant, and pitching a fit, give them then a time-out, and then carefully explain the moral reason why they are being spanked, then spank them.
- “Spankings are a rare event in our home, because I spend daily time with my children teaching them the Bible, and listening to their opinions about any movie, book, or information they have heard from their friends. We love each other, and trust each other, so they are not afraid to tell me things that are troubling them.
One day at the office, I had to work late, so the family met me at the local Reesor’s over in Jenks at the Deli for supper, so that we could at least see each other that day. It was the night before pay-day, and I only had enough to buy everyone’s dinner, but we had to order water’s to go with it, because we didn’t have enough. At that time, my son was around 4, and he wanted a Dr. Pepper. I had told him no, and we sat down at the little café tables and quickly ate together, so I could get back to the office to complete the bid submission due the following morning, for a large project, our company really needed.
Over the next couple of days, I heard a couple of interesting comments from my children, but I hadn’t put the pieces together yet. My son had asked if children went to jail sometimes, and my daughter had asked me why people have to go jail (Deep thoughts for a six year old). I had explained to her that when we went to the OKC zoo, and she thought she was playing with a lioness that carefully stalked her through the glass, that the reason that cat was in a cage, is because it wanted to eat her! That unfortunately, there are people like that cat, that are predators, that are only safe to be around when they are behind bars, unless Jesus changed their heart, and made them safe to live free with the rest of us. Yet, my son kept asking if kids could go to jail for being bad, to the point where my wife felt I needed to have a talk with him, as he was really troubled.
So I asked him, “Son, why do you keep asking if children can go to jail, have you done something you shouldn’t have?” Immediately he began to cry, and blurted out: “Dad, I stole a Dr. Pepper over at Reesors! Do I have to go to jail?”
Although it was pretty comical seeing his distress, in a moment of inspiration, I stopped what I was doing, and said, ‘Come on son, get in the truck, we need to go for a ride.” He was still crying, and didn’t know where we were going, but he knew I loved him, and wouldn’t hurt him.
So, as we drove I explained to him my world, how I fought to keep my word, my commitments, to honor my employees, my clients, my supplies, and of course our company and all the families involved. I explained to him, how Jeff Reesor had created his company, bigger than ours, and how hard he had worked to build it, and that stealing was wrong, even if other people were doing it (He had his water cup, and filled it with Dr. Pepper), and that we had to pay for the drink he stole. That we were going back to Reesors, to ask forgiveness for what he stole, and to pay for his drink.
He was terrified, but we went into the store, explained to the cashier what had happened (like me, she had a hard time not laughing), then I called for the manager, and asked if I could pay for my son’s drink. He said, that because we were honest, it was on the house, but I insisted on paying anyway, explaining it was for the good of my son. (If I remember right, I bought him a treat too), and then we headed home.
I told him that God was that way. God loves us, and while He will never agree with doing wrong, if we fess up when we mess up, He will always help us get out of whatever mess we made by our bad choice.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
The story didn’t end there. When we got home, before he ran off to play I called him over to the fireplace, and reached in my pocket for the receipt for his drink. I told him, that this receipt was how much his drink cost, and proof that I had paid the price for it. I then reached up on the mantle, grabbed the lighter, and burned that paper, forever gone. I then explained to him, that is what Jesus does with our sin, that He removes it as far as the east is from the west, forever gone out of our lives… Though I am sharing this story with you, I have never ever bullied nor brought it up with him again.. we forgive, and FORGET.
This is my take on redemptive discipline….
Mentor- Fathers grow as children grow. It is my hope and prayer that I have created enough love and respect in the hearts of my children that they would always respect my wisdom, counsel, advice and potential direction for their lives, yet never be limited by it.
As I have moved in leadership over the years, there have been some long, lonely nights of prayer, as I make decisions before God that at times, have eternal consequence, anquished times where I have honestly not known what to do in damage control where things on a project or in a relationship have gone wrong.I call this being mentored by God…Where He gives me wisdom, after years of instruction, and then leaves me to make my own decision…God instructs us, and mentors us, very gently as men…
I call this being mentored by God…Where He gives me wisdom, after years of instruction, and then leaves me to make my own decision…
“Remember that mentor leadership is all about serving. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).” ― Tony Dungy, The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently
God instructs us, and mentors us, very gently as men…
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
So He expects us to be gentle with our children.
Philippians 4:5 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young
I love the way Jesus deals with me as my Lord, and now, my best friend:
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Satan drives his followers, Jesus, gently leads His…Be gentle dads, gentlemen!
Warrior who fights for his family! –
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
There is no room for limp-wristed faith here! I spoke on men being men in the last article, that warrior hood is one of the signs of healthy manhood. There is one difference in fatherhood – we are no longer looking for a fight, in fact we are fighting for peace!
We champion our wives and children, and the cause of Christ, and there will be battles enough, simply holding down a job, keeping children on track academically, protecting them from bullies and evil people wherever they are found, yet fathers only fight to protect their families.
I have said it this way to some ‘tough guy’ looking to pick a fight.
“Look buddy, I am here to work, not fight. If you insist, you can slap me, and I will turn the other cheek, for Jesus loves you and so do I. Yet, if you try slapping my wife or children, I will kill you if necessary. It is not personal, I have a God given responsibility to protect them…”
So, far, every bully has backed down over the years, and I have never had to shoot anyone by the grace of God (although there have been two very close calls with would be household intruders that decided to stop trying to break down my front door when I told them to go home, because if they came through my door, I would kill them. I will protect my family, whatever it takes…
Enough said. My primary passions are fighting the fight of faith in prayer, Fighting for excellence in my children, staying in passionate pursuit of Jesus. When I do, He protects, provides, instructs my children, brings me and my house into divine order and peace….
Nurturer – In my series, the Father Heart of God, I showed how God is a great nurturer, giving hugs, tons of affirmation, always ready to love, listen, and get involved with what I am doing. He loves us!
So, it has been with our family. We are all snuggle buddies, often curled up on the sofa watching movies, or lying down with the kids as we tuck them into bed listening as they pour out their hearts to us about everything from their music, their friends, their video games, or their moral decisions. Though I will say little about this important topic, it is critical in the life of a child!
“Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.” ― Marvin J. Ashton
“the seriousness of emotional deprivation: It is not difficult to understand how children who have suffered from malnutrition or starvation need food and plenty of care in their bodies are to recover so they can go on to lead normal lives. If, however, the starvation is severe enough, the damage will be permanent and they will suffer physical impairments for the rest of their lives. Likewise, children who are deprived of emotional nurturing require care and love if their sense of security and self-confidence is to be restored. However, if love is minimal and abuse high, the damage will be permanent and the children will suffer emotional impairments for the rest of their lives.” ― Mark Z. Danielewski
Though I understand the wounds caused by abuse, trauma, neglect run deep, the love of our heavenly Father goes deeper still!
The world could be a little less cruel, if we nurture each other while we grow; learn understanding while we transform and maintain a humble attitude whilst we succeed.” ― Nikki Rowe
Fathers need to love and nurture their children, as much as mothers do.
Romantic, passionate pursuer of God –
Real dads love their wives, and fight to keep the romance alive. The Scriptures tell us that we, the church, are the bride of Christ, and there is a passionate, romantic side of Jesus, where we are pursued with a furious, passionate love.
Somehow as fathers, we need to emulate that. Passionately in pursuit of God staying radically in love with our wives. Constantly surprising them with gifts, kisses, love notes, and keeping the banner of love alive in our homes. All of this is a celebration of our marriage covenant. (By the way men, if you are not married, either buy a ring, and get married today, or if you are involved with someone sexually that is not your wife, end it, today – Friends with benefits – are not part of the kingdom of God)
Somehow, as fathers we are to receive passion, fire, zeal and strength from heaven as a celebration of our covenant with God, and we are to carry the commandments of God to our children in a loving life-givng way, that they would honestly want to serve Jesus, because He is awesome, not out of logistic legalistic religious duty.
I end where I began:
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him
I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back…
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Despite my human frailities, and countless mistakes over the years, it is my hope and prayer, that I serve Jesus well enough, that when the time comes for my children to leave the nest, and make their own mark on this world, that they will choose Jesus as Lord and Shepherd of their lives too…
We train up our children in the way they should go, and then we deliberately trust Jesus with their lives, that as they age, they will serve God and live happy productive lives!
Either submit a prayer request in the sidebar of this blog, or call someone live on one of these prayer lines:
https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/
For prayer, comments, or to donate online:
Donate on-line: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=95XHSDDXDS7MC
Give in faith!
1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?
1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.
Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.
I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…
As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.
Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.
I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.
Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:
Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies
It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!
Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!
Four Stages of Manhood – Part 3 – Fatherhood
The Four Stages of Manhood – Fatherhood
I am producing a series of short, Biblical articles on manhood, and the four stages that I see from the Word of God, we grow through, both naturally and spiritually. These four stages are:
Boyhood
Manhood
Fatherhood
The Age of the Patriarch
Today, we will look at fatherhood.
We talked about the passage of rights from boyhood into manhood, and how men have a warrior inside of them, needing to for fight for the right things…
Yet, boys become men, fall in love, and get married. In the fullness of time, the fruit of that love becomes a family, and children are born. Now, the mighty warrior, with the wild and crazy side has to grow up and face the ‘R’ word – Responsibility. He is still a warrior, but now he picks his battles and fights not for himself, but only to protect his family, community and nation. Freedom has never been free, and free men have always stood up in tough times, and fought for liberty and justice for all. It is always our prayer that there be peace, and that these battles be won in prayer…for God is the ultimate Father, and anyone who has held a helpless newborn in his arms gets a fresh revelation of:
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Suddenly we find we need the peace and gentleness of God, that we might say, like king David, the ultimate warrior did, so many years ago:
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great
Meekness is not weakness, it is strength under control…
As I have meditated upon this article, and thought of my journey as a father and dad, I decided to review some Scriptures on parenting, that I list here for your edification:
Fatherhood Scriptures
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord
And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God
For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
I recall a series I taught several times over the years on getting to know God as Father, entitled ‘The Father Heart of God’. I taught seven lessons on Pappa God, describing Him as:
Lesson 1: Protector,
Lesson 2: Provider
Lesson 3: Disciplinarian
Lesson 4: Mentor
Lesson 5: A Warrior who fights for His church
Lesson 6: Nurturer
Lesson 7: The preparer of the Bride for His Son.
Knowing God as OUR Father is critical to becoming whole as men. No matter how great our earthly fathers were, they only brought so much to the table, and God has designed his universe that He have no grandchildren, only children, born-again through Jesus, and adopted into the royal family of heaven.
While these truths of the character of Father God are eternal and of critical consequence to those of us who have huge unmet spiritual needs in our homes, the question is how do we incorporate these attributes of Father God into our own hearts and homes, to fulfill:
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him
That God would know us, trust us, become so intimate with us, that He might trust us to raise children and our household up after Him!
So , if there is interest, I will post these messages on the Father Heart of God, but for now methinks I will see what an earthly father might look like, who was trying to emulate these seven traits of Father God.
Protector: Like I said last teaching, being a man means being a warrior. Now we have a wife to love and children to protect, whether from the school yard bully, the dead beat teacher, or the academic bully in the schools of learning. Children need to know that they are safe in pappa’s arms, and that no matter what happens, daddy will fight for them, stand up for them, that even if they are wrong. Daddy loves them, and has only their best interests at heart.
I remember the story of the boy that was shopping with his family for groceries and met a couple of school buddies. They were in a different isle from their family, laughing and telling jokes, when a store clerk grabbed them by the neck and started marching them to the door, when they had really done nothing to justify it, when in the isle appeared the boys father. With words of steel came the command: ‘Take your hands off my son!” The clerk sputtered, ‘He was messing with customers!” without missing a breath, the dad quietly said: ‘I’ll deal with the boy, now you deal with me!’
Suddenly the clerk realized he was about get seriously hurt, if he did not let the boys go. The boy, deeply relieved went home with his dad, who listened carefully to his son, realizing the boy had done nothing to justify the clerks meaness, so no further action was required at home.
Fathers protect their familes.
Provide
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Fathers give good gifts to their children….
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children
– God placed it in the heart of man a fire to provide for his family. No matter what particular vocation he chooses to do battle in, he is created to work. Not out of compulsion, but because God works, and God loves to roll up His sleeves alongside one of His children, and work with Him to see a job through to completion. God loves Monday mornings, because He is a creator, and He loves to create still, and gets joy as His children create wonderful projects, businesses, systems, programs, ministries, administrations reflective of His love, grace, glory and goodness towards humanity. The whole universe revolves around His provision, now we are to be good providers for our families and our households.
Gotta be honest here, I have been wealthy and presently we are financially very poor., yet there is always food on the table, and we always have what we need, although we have our faith in God to supply our wants!
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. – Abraham Lincoln
I have had poverty, and seasons of prosperity, and I have learned this: with prosperity comes responsibility. If we can handle the responsibility, prosperity is a great blessing!
If we are going to be like God, we need to provide for our families, carefully supplying their needs, never their greeds. Teaching them to use their faith in God to provide for them, and their own work…Part of training up a child…
When one of my children asks me for something, I never tell them we cannot afford it, for this is foolishness in light of the infinite God who created the universe that our family serves. I simply say, “Pray about it, ask Jesus, and I will agree with you in prayer..” Bikes, Ipads, computers and various blessings have come to our home exactly this way, when we clearly did not have the money for them. God, through many, many miraculous circumstances as God made it clear that He is large and in charge of our lives…
Yet, by the grace of God, Jesus has given me the heart of my children. They love me, hug me, and want to be with me, a gift I am forever grateful for…
Disciplinarian –
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Ah, the forgottan role of parents, discipline. Jesus did say to go and make disciples of all nations, and before we go, we need to discipline our own homes.
- dis·ci·pline
the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.
“a lack of proper parental and school discipline”
| synonyms: | control, training, teaching, instruction, regulation, direction, order, authority, rule, strictness, a firm hand |
In a great course we took at Sunday school entitled ‘Growing Kids Gods Way’ where we were taught many great principals of parenting but I wish to amplify only two of them here:
- First time obedience –Children are instructed by God to obey their parents in the Lord. When we directly command them to do something, they must obey, or there must be immediate consequences for disobedience.
- The moral reason why – As soon as a child grows to the point of understanding, they should be instructed as to the moral reason why they must obey a given command.
When a child is able to understand why they are to instantly obey what they are commanded, with immediate consequences given for disobedience. No threatening, screaming, emotional escalation, simple truth or consequences. Consequences may range from a tap on the back of the hand for a toddler, a time-out, revoking priviliges, toys or treats, or the board of education being applied to the seat of higher learning. (spanking)
This is not an in-depth course on parenting but I will make a couple of points:
- Discipline should not be delegated solely to the mother. Making daddy into Mr. sugar daddy, full of hugs, kisses and treats, with mom having to be the ‘bad guy’ when children act up. Men, we are head of our house, and our children must obey us. We need to take time to teach, instruct, nurture, love and spend quality time with them, so that we disciple them in the things of God in love.
- A child should never be disciplined in anger! If a child is directly defiant, and pitching a fit, give them then a time-out, and then carefully explain the moral reason why they are being spanked, then spank them.
- “Spankings are a rare event in our home, because I spend daily time with my children teaching them the Bible, and listening to their opinions about any movie, book, or information they have heard from their friends. We love each other, and trust each other, so they are not afraid to tell me things that are troubling them.
One day at the office, I had to work late, so the family met me at the local Reesor’s over in Jenks at the Deli for supper, so that we could at least see each other that day. It was the night before pay-day, and I only had enough to buy everyone’s dinner, but we had to order water’s to go with it, because we didn’t have enough. At that time, my son was around 4, and he wanted a Dr. Pepper. I had told him no, and we sat down at the little café tables and quickly ate together, so I could get back to the office to complete the bid submission due the following morning, for a large project, our company really needed.
Over the next couple of days, I heard a couple of interesting comments from my children, but I hadn’t put the pieces together yet. My son had asked if children went to jail sometimes, and my daughter had asked me why people have to go jail (Deep thoughts for a six year old). I had explained to her that when we went to the OKC zoo, and she thought she was playing with a lioness that carefully stalked her through the glass, that the reason that cat was in a cage, is because it wanted to eat her! That unfortunately, there are people like that cat, that are predators, that are only safe to be around when they are behind bars, unless Jesus changed their heart, and made them safe to live free with the rest of us. Yet, my son kept asking if kids could go to jail for being bad, to the point where my wife felt I needed to have a talk with him, as he was really troubled.
So I asked him, “Son, why do you keep asking if children can go to jail, have you done something you shouldn’t have?” Immediately he began to cry, and blurted out: “Dad, I stole a Dr. Pepper over at Reesors! Do I have to go to jail?”
Although it was pretty comical seeing his distress, in a moment of inspiration, I stopped what I was doing, and said, ‘Come on son, get in the truck, we need to go for a ride.” He was still crying, and didn’t know where we were going, but he knew I loved him, and wouldn’t hurt him.
So, as we drove I explained to him my world, how I fought to keep my word, my commitments, to honor my employees, my clients, my supplies, and of course our company and all the families involved. I explained to him, how Jeff Reesor had created his company, bigger than ours, and how hard he had worked to build it, and that stealing was wrong, even if other people were doing it (He had his water cup, and filled it with Dr. Pepper), and that we had to pay for the drink he stole. That we were going back to Reesors, to ask forgiveness for what he stole, and to pay for his drink.
He was terrified, but we went into the store, explained to the cashier what had happened (like me, she had a hard time not laughing), then I called for the manager, and asked if I could pay for my son’s drink. He said, that because we were honest, it was on the house, but I insisted on paying anyway, explaining it was for the good of my son. (If I remember right, I bought him a treat too), and then we headed home.
I told him that God was that way. God loves us, and while He will never agree with doing wrong, if we fess up when we mess up, He will always help us get out of whatever mess we made by our bad choice.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
The story didn’t end there. When we got home, before he ran off to play I called him over to the fireplace, and reached in my pocket for the receipt for his drink. I told him, that this receipt was how much his drink cost, and proof that I had paid the price for it. I then reached up on the mantle, grabbed the lighter, and burned that paper, forever gone. I then explained to him, that is what Jesus does with our sin, that He removes it as far as the east is from the west, forever gone out of our lives… Though I am sharing this story with you, I have never ever bullied nor brought it up with him again.. we forgive, and FORGET.
This is my take on redemptive discipline….
Mentor- Fathers grow as children grow. It is my hope and prayer that I have created enough love and respect in the hearts of my children that they would always respect my wisdom, counsel, advice and potential direction for their lives, yet never be limited by it.
As I have moved in leadership over the years, there have been some long, lonely nights of prayer, as I make decisions before God that at times, have eternal consequence, anquished times where I have honestly not known what to do in damage control where things on a project or in a relationship have gone wrong.I call this being mentored by God…Where He gives me wisdom, after years of instruction, and then leaves me to make my own decision…God instructs us, and mentors us, very gently as men…
I call this being mentored by God…Where He gives me wisdom, after years of instruction, and then leaves me to make my own decision…
“Remember that mentor leadership is all about serving. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).” ― Tony Dungy, The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently
God instructs us, and mentors us, very gently as men…
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
So He expects us to be gentle with our children.
Philippians 4:5 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young
I love the way Jesus deals with me as my Lord, and now, my best friend:
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Satan drives his followers, Jesus, gently leads His…Be gentle dads, gentlemen!
Warrior who fights for his family! –
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
There is no room for limp-wristed faith here! I spoke on men being men in the last article, that warrior hood is one of the signs of healthy manhood. There is one difference in fatherhood – we are no longer looking for a fight, in fact we are fighting for peace!
We champion our wives and children, and the cause of Christ, and there will be battles enough, simply holding down a job, keeping children on track academically, protecting them from bullies and evil people wherever they are found, yet fathers only fight to protect their families.
I have said it this way to some ‘tough guy’ looking to pick a fight.
“Look buddy, I am here to work, not fight. If you insist, you can slap me, and I will turn the other cheek, for Jesus loves you and so do I. Yet, if you try slapping my wife or children, I will kill you if necessary. It is not personal, I have a God given responsibility to protect them…”
So, far, every bully has backed down over the years, and I have never had to shoot anyone by the grace of God (although there have been two very close calls with would be household intruders that decided to stop trying to break down my front door when I told them to go home, because if they came through my door, I would kill them. I will protect my family, whatever it takes…
Enough said. My primary passions are fighting the fight of faith in prayer, Fighting for excellence in my children, staying in passionate pursuit of Jesus. When I do, He protects, provides, instructs my children, brings me and my house into divine order and peace….
Nurturer – In my series, the Father Heart of God, I showed how God is a great nurturer, giving hugs, tons of affirmation, always ready to love, listen, and get involved with what I am doing. He loves us!
So, it has been with our family. We are all snuggle buddies, often curled up on the sofa watching movies, or lying down with the kids as we tuck them into bed listening as they pour out their hearts to us about everything from their music, their friends, their video games, or their moral decisions. Though I will say little about this important topic, it is critical in the life of a child!
“Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.” ― Marvin J. Ashton
“the seriousness of emotional deprivation: It is not difficult to understand how children who have suffered from malnutrition or starvation need food and plenty of care in their bodies are to recover so they can go on to lead normal lives. If, however, the starvation is severe enough, the damage will be permanent and they will suffer physical impairments for the rest of their lives. Likewise, children who are deprived of emotional nurturing require care and love if their sense of security and self-confidence is to be restored. However, if love is minimal and abuse high, the damage will be permanent and the children will suffer emotional impairments for the rest of their lives.” ― Mark Z. Danielewski
Though I understand the wounds caused by abuse, trauma, neglect run deep, the love of our heavenly Father goes deeper still!
The world could be a little less cruel, if we nurture each other while we grow; learn understanding while we transform and maintain a humble attitude whilst we succeed.” ― Nikki Rowe
Fathers need to love and nurture their children, as much as mothers do.
Romantic, passionate pursuer of God –
Real dads love their wives, and fight to keep the romance alive. The Scriptures tell us that we, the church, are the bride of Christ, and there is a passionate, romantic side of Jesus, where we are pursued with a furious, passionate love.
Somehow as fathers, we need to emulate that. Passionately in pursuit of God staying radically in love with our wives. Constantly surprising them with gifts, kisses, love notes, and keeping the banner of love alive in our homes. All of this is a celebration of our marriage covenant. (By the way men, if you are not married, either buy a ring, and get married today, or if you are involved with someone sexually that is not your wife, end it, today – Friends with benefits – are not part of the kingdom of God)
Somehow, as fathers we are to receive passion, fire, zeal and strength from heaven as a celebration of our covenant with God, and we are to carry the commandments of God to our children in a loving life-givng way, that they would honestly want to serve Jesus, because He is awesome, not out of logistic legalistic religious duty.
I end where I began:
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him
I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back…
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Despite my human frailities, and countless mistakes over the years, it is my hope and prayer, that I serve Jesus well enough, that when the time comes for my children to leave the nest, and make their own mark on this world, that they will choose Jesus as Lord and Shepherd of their lives too…
We train up our children in the way they should go, and then we deliberately trust Jesus with their lives, that as they age, they will serve God and live happy productive lives!
Either submit a prayer request in the sidebar of this blog, or call someone live on one of these prayer lines:
https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/
For prayer, comments, or to donate online:
Donate on-line: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=95XHSDDXDS7MC
Give in faith!
1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?
1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.
Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.
I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…
As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.
Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.
I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.
Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:
Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies
It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!
Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!
Four Stages of MANHOOD – Man Up!
Manhood – Part Two 1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things As you recall, we are talking about the development of men of God, generally in four […]
Manhood – Part Two
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things
As you recall, we are talking about the development of men of God, generally in four stages that were: boyhood, manhood, fatherhood, and the age of the patriarch.
No matter how great our earthly family may have been, we are now part of the royal family of God, training for reigning with Jesus!
As always, we begin and end with the Word of God!
Training and discipline can develop our soul, forge our will, but the Word of God has the power to change our very heart motives….
that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you
Fathers in the faith, pray, for us to grow up spiritually, to embrace our manhood, to rise up to honor and responsibility in this fight of faith in this generation.
and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus
We teach our children the Scriptures, but it is our life of honor that they watch!
Back in the days when I used to pastor, we used to do a ‘passage of rites’ ceremony with young men and women between the ages of 13-18. I took the idea from a book I read by an author named Craig Hill, where he teaches on the development of boys into men: http://www.promisekeepers.org.nz/bar_mitzvah.html
I agree with Craig, as I have endeavoured to learn protocol, the traditions and cultures of the host peoples of North America, North American Indians. In many tribes, a boy becomes a brave or warrior, only after their initiation ceremony, where acts of bravery needed to be exhibited. In some tribes, a young man had to ‘count coup’ riding up to an enemy with his ‘coup stick’ and touching him without being killed, and riding away in victory, having ‘counted coup.’ In other tribes, there were ‘rites of passage’ ceremonies that included running through tunnels of pain, where seasoned warriors beat them with sticks, or culturally required acts of bravery, where they had to complete a vision quest, or spend a night blindfolded in the forest over night.
From what I understand in the Jewish Bar Mitzva ceremony, boys were expected to go to work with their fathers after school, to learn responsibility, earn money and learn how to manage it, and become men.
What we used to do, is plan ahead, and get either the fathers, uncles, grandparents or older men in a young man’s life to write a declaration of honor, love and respect to be read over the young man. We would tape a line on the carpet, and all the men in the church would come forward to the front side of the line. The young teens would stand on the outer side of the tape. I would read a proclamation declaring that this day, they were forever leaving boyhood, to become strong men of honor, embracing the risks and responsibilities of manhood in their community, standing strong for their families, against evil in society, as men. I would present them with some token of manhood (usually a pocket knife, although some dads gave firearms etc), and then had the prepared proclamations of blessing read over each one by their elders. I would then have them leave childhood forever, by stepping across the line. All of us men would then lay hands upon them and pray and proclaim blessing over each participant.
Saw dramatic change in young peoples lives! Young gangsters would suddenly leave criminal lifestyles, and often join cadets, or get job to help at home. Shoulders would square up, and chests would swell with pride, as they embraced the call to be men!
This is so needed today! With a 50-60% divorce rate in America, boys are not taught to be men, and we, the church must rise to the challenge, and become fathers to the fatherless, accepting, affirming, challenging, exhorting, and discipling and calling forth warriors of righteousness for this generation!
Whether it was the Jewish Bar Mitzvah ceremony, or getting ‘jumped into’ a street gang, it is clearly part of the process for boys to become men, warriors, through initiation ceremony by the men of the community or tribe.
Seems this has been forgotten in many sectors of North American society, but the hunger in the heart of every man will be fulfilled in battle, or the essential part of him dies…
So much can be said here, but I will say this, after years in Promise Keepers, my childhood growing up on military bases as the son of a military officer, or in the various men’s ministries in which I have participated over the years, that boys must become men! Sure warriors get wounded in battle, but the church is the army of God! We have an infirmary, and there should be no man left behind, but make no mistake about it, we are an army, the army of God, called and commissioned to fight!
Luke 19:13
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Recognizing the huge hole in this culture by fatherless families, I built and co-owned a construction company for many years simply, primarily, to take boys, and make men out of them.
Read a quote by another author I respect:
From a sermon entitled: ‘Fathered by God, by John Eldredge’
“In the lesson, John touched on some topics that he covered in his bestselling book Wild At Heart, such as answering the question that plagues all men: “Do I have what it takes?” But he also introduced six new stages of initiation that he has taken his boys through that have proved to be great steps for Christian discipleship.
According to Eldredge, all men have to go through these steps to become whole and holy men. It begins with “Boyhood,” where a boy learns that he is the “Beloved Son” and entirely delighted in by his father. Then, it moves into “Cowboy,” where the young man must experience adventure and danger (think: David’s teenage years of battling lions and bears as a shepherd). Following that, the boy becomes a “Warrior,” often leaving home to pursue a cause or a mission.
At roughly the same time (but hopefully not before) the man is learning that life is a battle, the Warrior must learn to fight for his beloved and become a “Lover,” but still remaining a warrior for the rest of his life. Many years later, with the right humility and direction, the Warrior-Lover becomes a “King.” That is, the man steps into true leadership and responsibility, guiding and directing the lives of others. And lastly, he finishes his latter years as a “Sage,” sharing his wisdom with other men and women, guiding them in their journey.”
If you haven’t read John’s book: Wild at Heart, I highly recommend it. http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Heart-Discovering-Secret-Mans-ebook/dp/B00527N04O/ref=dp_kinw_strp_exp_1_1
In short, John calls his stages of manhood by different names, but the principals are the same.
Let’s talk about the transition from boyhood to manhood for a minute.
I’ve noticed that boys all go through what John calls the ‘cowboy’ stage, warriorhood.
I watch young men race cars, ride bulls, become soldiers, martial arts experts, hunters, adventurers, because I believe God created all men with this natural ‘wild side’.
Becoming a man is becoming a warrior, developing courage under control. I watch young men all making their mark in the world, joining the military, oil industry, rodeo, construction, or any other rough and ready world. Testosterone going somewhere to happen, working long brutal hours in the face of real danger to life and limb, to make their mark on this generation.
Like David before confronting Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
Yes, there is a cause! Freedom has never been free, just pick your battlefield, enlist in God’s army, and fight!
Whether in prayer, preaching, missions, business, education, military, cival services, finance, or media, truth is a sword, and there are battles to be fought.
No matter what stage you are at in your life, there are injustices to be confronted, but like the wise mentor of Willam Wallace in the movie ‘Braveheart’, ‘First the mind, then the sword!’
Get educated, skilled, and choose your battles wisely, so that as you fight, you fight to win!
Seemed when I had my construction company, I would have to throw a rope on those often unbroken wild men, and teach them respect, responsibility, faithfulness, dependability, keeping your word, craftsmanship, and directed work ethic, without breaking their spirit, and still keeping the fire in them!
I am raising up men of honor, respectful, full of honesty, integrity, excellence, but when they look you in the eye, they look right through you, because there is still fire and steel there!
I’ve noticed this about myself: if I go too long simply keeping the schedule, making the deadlines, and punching the clock, I get to feeling like a hamster on a treadmill: running hard, but going no where.
There must be some mountain to climb, race to run, adrenaline pumping fast machine to drive, water-skiing, or some other impossible task or death defying deed in my schedule, or I quietly die inside. Gone through months of numbness, physically showing up, but not really alive!
Do something radical! Go on a mission trip to a different country, language, culture – confront the oppression, the poverty, the ignorance and fight for the oppressed!
Maybe you are called as a soldier or law enforcement agent, to literally take on crime and the ‘bad guys’ on the front lines. Everyone hates a bully – don’t be one, but be strong enough to dethrone any merchandizing the weak – the drug lords, the child sex traffickers, the pimps and religious bullies who beat women and children. Dad served 32 years in the navy and his counsel is still valid:
Real Men don’t hit women, they stand strong in defense of women and children.
Ok, enough sharing for a bit, if I go longer, you won’t take time to read it.
I’m pretty big on action so here’s some things you can do:
- If you have never been affirmed as a man, take this article to your pastor men’s group, and have them first of all affirm you, and pray that God complete you as a man, a warrior, and eventually as a husband, father, and responsible member of society.
- If you had a dad (what a concept!), and you have been through a ‘passage of rites’ type of ceremony, create one in your community. Deliberately reach out to teens and young men, and call them to excellence, warriorhood, responsibility, and honor. If your pastor is not interested, organize some sort of men’s advance (the army of God never retreats), and get in touch with me, and I will come preach and lead it.
- Not sure what the next men’s movement in America is going to look like. Promise Keepers in its day was a powerful force for good, full gospel businessman had a day in the sun too. Whatever it’s called, get involved, and get your business, family, and church on board too. Manhood means excellence, honor, holiness – Man up!Father, I come before you today with my brother. I ask You Father to do for me, what no man can do: put into me all the things a perfect father would have if he could have. Pour into me the courage, boldness, affirmation, strength, passion and fire I need to radically impact my world, and restore to me all the things I never got growing up. Cause me to walk in honor, free from profanity, bullying, cowardice, perversion, pornography, lying, and develop in me an excellent spirit, strong in You and the power of Your might. I ask Father, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!”
Let’s Pray:
Father, I come before you today with my brother. I ask You Father to do for me, what no man can do: put into me all the things a perfect father would have if he could have. Pour into me the courage, boldness, affirmation, strength, passion and fire I need to radically impact my world, and restore to me all the things I never got growing up. Cause me to walk in honor, free from profanity, bullying, cowardice, perversion, pornography, lying, and develop in me an excellent spirit, strong in You and the power of Your might. I ask Father, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!”
If forever reason, you have not come to God on His terms yet, here’s what He expects:https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/the-gospel-the-power-of-god/
For prayer, comments, or to donate online:
Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com
Donate on-line: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=95XHSDDXDS7MC
Give in faith!
1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?
1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.
Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.
I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…
As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.
Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.
I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.
Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:
Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies
It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!
Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!
Casualties of War…
Casualties of War… Pr 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? Eze 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an […]
Casualties of War…
Pr 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
Eze 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Ro 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Q. What do ‘carpet time’, meditation, soaking, the green line, the secret of Obed-Edom, and the searing, weeping fire of God experienced in worship have in common?
A. They are all manifestations of the presence of the living God, Holy Spirit meeting with people, directly, intimately, personally, and directly, in their lives.
I have watched some of my best friends, and fellow servants of the Lord die over the past couple of years, and though we are comforted in the truth that we will see them again, I asked God, WHY?
We will meet again, in glory, in heaven, but for now, their death leaves a hole in our heart, and provokes me to write some things that have been percolating within me for some time, as I have watched some of God’s tremendous servants die, or suffer horrible attacks of sickness, or infirmity, when the Word of God is clear:
Ps 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him,
I have watched people who I love, die, prematurely, and have hurt, and mourned their loss.
WHY?
And He has answered, and shown me, and no matter how politically incorrect it may be, I’m going to preach it, for this particular truth, will save many lives….
I heard Rev. Keith Moore preach a message at some point about developing a strong spirit. Brother Kenneth E. Hagin, preached and published a book entitled ‘Developing an Excellent Spirit’, and these foundational truths are what I must share.
It’s really simple, yet incredibly deep.
We are created in the image of God. God is trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We are trinity, spirit, soul, and body.
1 Thess 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is much resource in the earth to develop our body and our soul, but few take the time to develop their human spirit.
I remember my pastor Billy Joe having a vision, a revelation, of people growing up, going to college, going to work, having children, buying a house, perhaps buying a lake house or boat or some kind of toys, then dying and going into eternity, without Jesus, or, if they had somehow become born-again in their life’s journey, stepping into eternity, with little or no eternal reward, because they had developed their soul, at the expense of their spirit, and
1Co 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
1Co 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Somebody once made the wise comment: ‘If the devil cannot stop you, he will get behind you and push!”
Seems that I have seen great people, often servants of God, that got ahead of God, and it cost them their lives.
Here in North America, foundations for buildings are generally made of concrete. You generally dig a hole in the ground, then fill it with concrete and steel, and if you have done it correctly, you can build a structure on it.
Someone once said, that you cannot pour concrete in a hurricane, and it seems that the same thing is true in our lives.
Generally, when the storms of life hit, our foundation needs to be deep, well-laid, and able to take the weight of the structure we are trying to build.
Some people have minds like concrete though, all mixed up, and thoroughly set!
In our own particular race, or journey through life, it seems that God is continually going deep within us, setting down deep roots in His Word and His love, so that the structures we build (family, church, businesses, organizations), easily stand upon the firm foundation of our faith, with no great stress to us.
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
1Jo 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
So we will face storms, trials, and struggles in this life, Jesus Himself promised them, but we are designed to overcome them all, and the way we must do this, is by faith.
In my book, I talk about the parable of the sower in great detail, but know this: that the spiritual battles we all face, are won, only by faith.
Yet, Jesus loves us, this I know, and Ga 5:6 faith which worketh by love.
Along the road of life, I have learned this about walking with Jesus: sometimes, we need to slow down, to speed up. We need to cultivate quiet, reflective time with Jesus, and allow Holy Spirit access to our deepest hungers, and needs for intimacy, acceptance, approval, comfort, encouragement, strength, and courage.
Job 34:29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?
Isa 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength:
We are required to walk by, and fight the fight of faith, yet faith works by love. We must learn, in whatever way works for us, to allow the deep roots of God’s love to fill the deepest creaks and crevices in our souls.
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
This is done, daily, personally, in peace, quiet, and rest.
Since faith originates in the report, or comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, then we are shown that the great fight in each of our lives, is for this quiet time, this personal intimacy, the love of our heavenly Father, this one and only thing, that is the most precious thing in any of our lives, that is the presence of God.
As an addict needs their drug, as an alcoholic needs their next drink, as a drowning person needs their next breath, we need the presence and love of God in our lives. Nothing else will satisfy.
His presence is like the water that softens the soil of our hearts, that the Word of God might root, grow, and produce mountain-moving, nation shaking, history making faith!
Mt 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Q. What do ‘carpet time’, meditation, soaking, the green line, the secret of Obed-Edom, and the searing, weeping fire of God experienced in worship have in common?
In what is now known as ‘The Toronto Blessing’, Holy Spirit revealed the love of the Father, to a group of hungry, broken, fatherless people, and when He came, we all fell down, and learned how to soak, usually for hours, on the lines that had been duct taped to the floor, all over the sanctuary. Some wept, some shook, some laughed, some went into a deep peace, other went into a trance like state, and many of us received powerful visions, words, dreams, or out of body experiences in the glory of God.
It was addictive! Yet, in my life, something beautiful began to occur: somewhere during the years I attended the 21 conferences in Toronto, I learned to receive directly from God, home in my bed, listening to the audio Bible, the deep needs met, that my heart hungered for.
I left Toronto in 1997 for Rhema Bible Training Center, and have only been back a couple times to Toronto since, yet still, to this day, ‘soaking’, is part of my experience with God, and though difficult to put into words, it is this ‘receiving’ that is what I am trying to describe here, for I am convinced that this is where the deepest needs of our heart are met.
Brother Hagin used to talk about meditating upon the Word of God, and I am convinced, that He met God this way, quietly spending the needed hours, to get his hearts hungers satisfied, and questions answered.
“Soaking”, has become a term, for this kind of experience.
In certain cases, holy, anointed intercessors, will pray for people, for extended periods of time, while the Holy Spirit, ‘marinates’ them, softening their hearts, and loving out their deepest, sickest secrets, trauma’s, and core pain issues, and showing them how precious they are to heaven, as royal, adopted, children of the most High God.
The Green Line is a humorous reference to the green lines in Dave Roberson’s church, where people are instructed to line up for prayer. I was listening to the band ‘Halo Jordan’s’ song by this title, and it is really funny, but the message is still there, and it is deep. Some of the band members have come out of horrible circumstances, and the drug scene, but they received healing, revelation, and restoration, directly and personally, on the green line. What happened? Exactly what I am trying to describe: Somehow, they were able to meet directly with God there, and His presence is addictive. Their song describes the hunger, and the meeting place they found with God, on the green line.
A friend and mentor of mine, the evangelist Daniel King, wrote a great book, ‘The Secret of Obed-Edom’. I liked it so much, that I read it to my children as a family devotion. In it, he describes the life transformation of Obed Edom, as he encountered, and became addicted to, the presence of God. Clearly, Daniel knows exactly what I am trying to describe here.
Finally, I wish to describe why I have attended Victory Christian Center here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For several years after we had returned from the mission’s field, we were attending three different churches each week, and they are all tremendously strong ministries. Then, I had a face to face prophetic encounter with Billie Joe Daugherty, that kept me up an entire night praying. We had never been members at Victory, and though we had heard much about the ministry, had never attended church there. So, my wife said: ‘Well, we love these other churches, but Chris, you are called to world missions. Do you honestly thing you can fulfill the call of God upon your life in any of them? Why don’t we check out Victory, and see what they are up to?”
That first service, sometime in worship, I had a searing, savage, encounter with our living God, that tore away my thin façade of civilization, and met me in my deepest, most painful places. Again, I was addicted to the presence of God!
Those two encounters, got us hungry to discover more about this ministry, and for the next six months, we were in some type of service, almost every night of the week!
For many years, every week, and in almost every service, at some point, I found myself meeting with God, deeply, personally; where God Himself speaks to me, often quite apart from whatever is being sung, preached, or ministered on. When a friend of mine asked me why I had left a previous church, when there was such incredibly anointed Bible teaching there, I found myself saying: ‘You’re right! Pastor _______ is one of the most anointed Bible teachers I have ever heard in my life! Each week, he breaks down the Word in such a way, that it is like he is talking to me personally, and showing me how to apply the Scripture to my day to day world. But, at Victory, I encounter the searing, passionate presence of the living God Himself, personally, and this is what I need in my life right now!”
So why all the discussion, trying to describe this?
Well, the Lord has shown me, that clearly, this manifest, personal presence of God, that fills our hearts, and meets with us, is the difference between life and death.
In the early years, I had such deep needs for a Father in my life, that Holy Spirit would come and meet with me, granting me affirmation, acceptance, comfort, approval, confidence, that empowered me to become the man I am called to be.
In most cases, we, as men derive our self worth, from what we do, accomplish, build, develop, perform. (please read: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/02/06/not-by-works-its-all-about-love/)
God loves us, unconditionally, only because of the shed blood of Jesus, and our self-worth, our work, development, and performance is to be gauged by one yardstick: ‘Did we obey what He asked us to do?”
The Lord has shown me that many have been authentically called into their particular vocations, but have become so busy with the work of the Lord, that we forgot the Lord of the work, and like a hamster on a treadmill, we are running hard, but going no where.
In fact, this is how people die. They either work themselves to death, running, working, and laboring for acceptance, approval, love, encouragement, earthly reward, that they pour themselves out to the point, where they are so poured out, cored out, and exhausted, they cannot receive the deep, intimate presence they need, to restore, heal, and empower them for the next season of life and ministry.
Suddenly, heaven looks really, really attractive….
I remember on encounter with Jesus, on the carpet in Toronto, that bears repeating. My father had died of cancer, the church I had been attending had split, and I was hurting, badly. ,I had shut down emotionally, numb inside. During ministry time, a group of pastors and intercessors prayed for me, and I fell down under the power of God, but felt disconnected from what was happening. I kept whispering, ‘Jesus, I hurt, please heal my heart.” Suddenly, in a vision, Jesus was there! He was kneeling beside my head, and He was angry! He spoke to me clearly:
‘I am trying to heal you, but You won’t let me!’,
Suddenly, I saw the incredible wall in my heart I had erected to protect myself, and somehow, I allowed Him in! Deep, deep, searing pain, began to bleed from my heart, as He surgically opened the wound in my soul. Like a scab being torn off of a puss filled wound, He cut into my emotional pain, and purged, and healed me deep inside.
Eze 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
He literally took out my heart of stone, and replaced it with a heart of flesh again…
Was reminded of the story of Mary and Martha today. Both were in the actual presence of Jesus, able to hear the same teaching, and words from the Masters lips, yet one was busy with the work of the Lord, trying to please Him through works. Mary got instructed, transformed, Martha got rebuked.
When the chips were down, and their brother Lazurus had died, Martha got a sermon, Mary got a miracle.
Seems God is a respecter of persons consecration, and attention to Him..
All comes back to this intimate, quiet time, consecrated to Him, each day…
Here’s how it is working in my life:
Pr 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
I study, I pray, I learn, and while I am working and praying, I deliberately, on purpose, pray in other tongues, usually for many hours each day.
If you have not yet experienced this miracle, please read: (https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/is-speaking-in-other-tongues-of-god/)
Then, at some point in the day, He comes…
When He does, I have learned to go to a quiet place, and let Him marinate me in His presence, as He gently fills every creak and crevice in my soul, and washes, and massages away the stress of the day, and imparts wisdom, revelation,understanding, comfort, healing, into places I had no idea I needed it.
This has been very difficult for a man like me, that is hard wired to work, perform, go, accomplish my To Do lists!
Yet, as important as fulfilling responsibilities is, He is Almighty God!
He can do more, in one second, than I can do in a lifetime, and this I know full well.
Seems as I slow down, He speeds up in my life, and things I have been working towards, suddenly happen, miracles happen, and projects get done!
Let Him search, and reach deep inside of you today.
I know not how to describe it, because, it is a literal, living encounter, with Holy Spirit, that continually recreates us into more than we were, so that
2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Clearly, I see, that this living encounter, with our living God, is the difference between sickness and health, poverty and wealth, burn-out or empowerment, confusion or answers, human works vs the power of God!
Those that find, treasure, cultivate, and seek this, live long, prosperous, victorious lives.
Those that don’t, die prematurely, while those around them, wonder how?
Why?
Just the letter of the Scripture, will not produce this, nor will works of service. We must meet with Him, personally, intimately, daily…
Let’s Pray:
‘Father, only You can grant to those reading this, the experience of Your presence, I am trying, so hard to explain. Please take everyone who reads this, deep into your river, the deeper places of Your heart, Your presence, and feed, fill, lead, reveal to them, Your love, intimacy, person, passion, direction, power, miracles, and grace, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen”
Why Should I Start a Bible School?
Why Should I Start a Bible School?.
Today, Holy Spirit told me to again post this article:
https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/why-should-i-start-a-bible-school/
Why Should I Start a Bible School?.
https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/
The Protection of God our Heavenly Father
Note: This is a chapter from the book I am working on. Hope you like it.
The Father Heart of God – your Protector
Today we are going to look at another aspect of The Father Heart of God, God your protector.
Turn with me if you will to Galatians chapter 3, the 13th and 14th verses.
(Gal 3:13 NIV) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
(Gal 3:14 NIV) He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
And again we read,
(Gal 3:29 NIV) If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Notice here, the apostle Paul, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, speaking to Christians at the church of Galatia, tells them that:
They are redeemed from every curse.
The blessing of Abraham has come to them.
They are the seed of Abraham.
Read back a few verses with me if you will to
(Gal 3:7 NIV) Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham.
Tonight, I am going to show you how God your Father is your protector. Yet, this like many other blessings in the Bible, can only be received by faith. How many want God to protect them?
Notice this verse, that those who believe are children of Abraham. See it? What I am about to discuss with you is a provision of God that you can have, if you, in child-like trust decide to believe it. There is so much more for every one of us as God’s children as described in these verses. Someday, do an in-depth study on the life of Abraham. Why? Because every blessing God promised to Abraham, God promises to you. If you want an interesting, life-changing Bible study, read Galatians 3, and then the life of Abraham as recorded in Genesis 12-26. Notice as you read, that each time God speaks to Abram, He makes certain promises to him. Galatians three tells us, that all the promises God made to Abraham are ours by divine decree. They belong to you by inheritance. Jesus died to give them to you, but you can only receive them by faith.
Now let me show you how God is your protector.
Turn with me to Genesis Chapter 15, and let’s read one of the promises God made to Abram.
(Gen 15:1 NIV) After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
If God was Abram’s shield and exceedingly great reward, and you are blessed with faithful Abraham, then God is your shield and exceedingly great reward.
God is your shield and exceedingly great reward!
Remember how we discussed that you must see yourself in the Word. Here’s another example of it.
Let’s look at a few places where God your shield is recorded in Scripture.
Why? Because all the promises of God, are yes and Amen in Jesus.
(Deu 33:29 NIV) Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places.”
(2 Sam 22:1 NIV) David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
v2 He said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
v3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior– from violent men you save me.
David had learned in battle, that God was with him, and that God Himself was his protector, an actual shield from his enemies.
Out of the heart, the mouth speaks, hear these words of David, and choose to understand and believe that the God of David, is your God too. He is with you, and He will protect you.
2 Sam 22:31 “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
2 Sam 22:36 You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great.
Ps 3:3 But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
Ps 7:10 My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.
Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Receive Jesus as your protector, your shield!
Ps 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Ps 18:35 You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
Psa 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Positionally, we are made blameless before God, only by the blood of Jesus.
Practically though, we must walk with Him day by day. If we do, He will withhold no good thing!
Ps 119:114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Ps 144:2 He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
If you ever feel called to lead a ministry or work for God, this is an incredible promise to base you faith upon. You don’t need to rule God’s people with an iron fist, rather like Jesus, simply serve them willing to wash their feet if necessary. God will establish your leadership in the heart of the people you are called to serve, and subdue them under you.
Prov 2:7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
Prov 30:5 “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
The Bible says, “Out of the mouth of two or three witnesses, let every word be established. I’ve given you all of these verses, not so I can show you how wonderfully the computer can look up verses, but rather so that when you’re home alone, you’re lonely, you’re tired, and the devil tries to mess with your mind, making every little creak in the house sound like an axe-murderer sneaking in at you, you can walk over to your book shelf, pick up this book, and read these out loud for yourself and the devil to hear.
These verses, spoken out loud, become the sword of the Spirit for you. The God of Abraham and David is also your God. He’s the ever-living God who ever watches over His word to perform it in the earth. If you see Him as your protector, your shield, and your rock of defense. Guess what? That is exactly what He’ll do for you. No devil, no psycho human, no animal, nor any other thing can harm you, as you rest safe in His arms.
Remember, Bible accounts are not just bedtime stories; they actually happened. Imagine yourself in the place of David, running for his life, while king Saul is hunting you like an animal through the mountains. For years! He’d better be trusting God for protection! You can too. He loves you the same.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Think about it this way. Jesus has promised you abundant life. The devil wants you dead. What you believe about God and what is going to happen, affects what actually happens. The devil works through the minds of people. So he starts with your mind. He wants you afraid of what he can do, instead of trusting God. So, satan tells you that because you left your old friends, they are going to kill you. Someone is going to grab a pistol and blow you away. You are going to get knifed for leaving. He tells you, “No one leaves this neighbourhood alive.” Pistols, rifles, and knives are simply weapons. The Word of God promises exactly the opposite of what Satan says he is going to do to you.
Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Look at this verse, not only will God cancel weapons formed against you, but He will also deal with the gossip, slander, accusations, and the whispering insinuations Satan inspires others to speak against you.
“every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.”
One version of the Bible says that every tongue risen up against thee shall be shown to be in error. Don’t defend yourself, simply pray, trust God, and let God deal with your enemies and critics. You will come out victorious every time.
Testimony: There was a man that came to a church I attended that seduced and slept with six young girls from the youth group there. I found about it from one of the youth, and went to the pastor. The pastor did not believe me, because this man was such a soul winner, and seemed to be doing great works for the Lord. The real issue was fear. This man was a body builder who bench-pressed over 700lbs, and who loved to throw his weight around. I confronted him on what he had done in his front hall. He denied it, then threw me through the wall. I had him arrested and he served five years. Word on the street said this man had many friends that were intent on killing me. I believed God’s word during this time that no weapon formed against me would prosper, and not only did God protect me, but I was able to go to the prison minister to the man, and see him restored to the Lord, and eventually married and serving God in a local church.
The first time I taught this material, we were contacted by the neighbor of a lady who ran a crack house. We had been praying God shut down the drug trade in our community, and the police had done a wonderful raid there, arresting seventy people. Seems this drug addicted lady had three children, that she had abandoned while high, for three days. The Children’s Aid Society (That’s the Canadian version of DHS) somehow heard about it, and took the children and placed them in a foster home. The lady somehow thought that we had called the police and CAS, so showed up high, with a pistol in hand, waving it around declaring that she was going to kill us that night, if we dared to show up over there to teach. We immediately called for prayer, and stood on the 91st Psalm, and went anyway. She never showed up.
There are many testimonies of how soldiers in operation desert storm, and the war in Iraq, believed God’s protection in a war-time situation Kenneth Copeland Ministries has published many of these over the years in their magazine ‘Believers Voice of Victory”, and there is a wonderful book issued to soldiers entitled: Psalm 91: God’s Umbrella of Protection by Peggy Joyce Ruth, and it’s sequel that tells stories of combat soldiers protected by God after praying the 91st Psalm. ‘Real-Life Stories of God’s Shield of Protection And What This Psalm Means for You & Those You Love’
Both can be found on Amazon should you wish to get the books.
Let’s look at the 91st Psalm
v1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Our prayer: Father, I am committing my life into your hands today, trusting you for protection. Seeking your shelter from the storms of life, hiding within your shadow.
v2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
There is incredible power released from heaven, when God’s Word is spoke out of the mouth of one of His children. Reading these verses is not enough. Words are the primary action of faith. You must say these verses, out loud:
God you are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.
v3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
Surely God you save me from all of Satan’s traps, and the plots of men. You protect me from every sickness and disease.
v4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You cover me with your feathers, under your wings do I find refuge, your faithfulness is my shield and rampart. I receive your comfort today, and every day for the rest of my life.
v5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
I thank-you Father that I don’t have to be afraid anymore at night, that I will not have nightmares. That arrows and attacks will not touch me by day.
v6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
I see sickness for what it is, an enemy. No sickness will touch me and no plague.
v7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
Even though stuff happens and others go down, it will not come near me.
v8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
Though I see others receive punishment, I will not receive it. I have been forgiven, and you protect me.
v:9 If you make the Most High your dwelling– even the LORD, who is my refuge–
I’ve declared before heaven, hell and people that I belong to God, and that He is my home and refuge.
v10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
No harm shall come near me, and no disaster (tornado, hurricane, fire, or war, shall come near where I live)
v11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
For God has commanded His guardian angels concerning me, to protect me everywhere I go.
v12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
His angels protect me!
v13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
I have authority over Satan and all of his works, they are under my feet! I trample him and all of his works.
v14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
God, I do love you, and I believe that you are rescuing me, protecting me, for I acknowledge your name, and the name above every name, Jesus.
v15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
Again, I call upon you, trusting you to answer me. I thank-you Jesus that you never leave me nor forsake with no matter what. You are with me, and you deliver me and honor me.
v16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
I am not going to die young, but am going to live a long time, for it is written, that with long life you will satisfy me, and show me your salvation.
You can pray this prayer every day if you like. I do.
Now let’s look at another Scripture that promises protection for us. Its found in the book of Proverbs, Chapter eighteen, verse ten
Pr18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and they are safe.
2 Cor 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
God gave you righteousness when you gave your life to Jesus. From His viewpoint, legally, He has accepted the blood of Jesus sacrifice on your behalf. You have been given righteousness, or right standing with God, simply because you trust in what Jesus did on the cross for you. You have been forgiven and adopted into the family of God, and hold royal privilege in prayer because of this.
The name of the Lord is Jesus. When you call on the name of the Lord, and trust in Him for protection, God promises that you will be safe.
Look at these verses I pray for you every day.
(Phil 1:9 NIV) And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
(Phil 1:10 NIV) so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,
(Phil 1:11 NIV) filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God.
filled with the fruit of righteousness – If you get filled with the fruit of righteousness, you are going to be pretty bold. Why? Because you will realize the way God sees you is not the way the devil has treated you all of your life. Satan has tried to keep you down, thinking like a slave, so he could continue to rule over you. Yet, you are a child of the king, by royal decree, adopted into the family of Almighty God. Your adoption papers have been signed in the blood of Jesus, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Whether you realize it or not, you are being groomed for royal rank and position. Training for reigning in the royal service of the King of all kings. Jesus.
Homework:
- Got enemies? You need to pray this prayer every day, and trust God to remove them for you.
- Having trouble sleeping?
Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalms 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep
You do not need to be afraid, sleep is a gift from God to you. Receive it!
Jump! He will catch you!
As I read this story, I thought I needed to share it with someone trying to make a decision:
One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee to the roof. The father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, “Jump! I’ll catch you.” He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As can be imagined, he was afraid to leave the roof. His father kept yelling: “Jump! I will catch you.” But the boy protested, “Daddy, I can’t see you.” The father replied, “But I can see you and that’s all that matters.”
If you know Jesus, you are adopted into God’s family and you have a heavenly father that knows, sees, and will catch you when you jump in faith into the unknown.
In our case, we don’t need to simply trust our instincts, but Holy Spirit, God Almighty!
Here is a similar illustration:During the terrible days of the Blitz, a father, holding his small son by the hand, ran from a building that had been struck by a bomb. In the front yard was a shell hole. Seeking shelter as quickly as possible, the father jumped into the hole and held up his arms for his son to follow. Terrified, yet hearing his father’s voice telling him to jump, the boy replied, “I can’t see you!”
The father, looking up against the sky tinted red by the burning buildings, called to the silhouette of his son, “But I can see you. Jump!” The boy jumped, because he trusted his father. The Christian faith enables us to face life or meet death, not because we can see, but with the certainty that we are seen; not that we know all the answers, but that we are known.
Donner Atwood
I know it seems scary to do something you have never done before, but if you want to change, you need to make a change.
Note: I am thankful for the wonderful community on here that critiques me! The underlying assumption in this whole exhortation is the premise, that God Himself is the one telling you to JUMP!
Jesus said:
God loves you, and has a plan for your life, and will speak to you as His child. Now, if you have not yet met Jesus, or are not sure He is speaking, I encourage you to please read this: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/the-gospel-the-power-of-god/
Let’s Pray:
‘Father, lead me. Show me the direction You have for my life. Where I need to change, show me, and give me courage to JUMP, knowing You will catch me. I ask, knowing I am heard, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!’
Father’s LEAD!
Saw this Video, and it made me tear up, so I got inspired to write my 7 things for husbands. What are yours?
/ http://skitguys.com/videos/item/fatherhood
Husbands, Lead!
Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
2Ch 34:33 And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the LORD their God. And all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.
Ps 127:1 ¶ «A Song of degrees for Solomon.» Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it:
Col 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you.” – Desmond Tutu
As I read through these few verses, and this wonderful quote, I am reminded again, that my family, my wife, my life, are gifts from God, that I am responsible to constantly love, provide for, develop, bless, lead, empower, teach, snuggle, and walk with God with.
Today I heard Rev. Tom Leding make the statement: We were never designed to live in this world without God. In fact, the very problems that infuriate you today, may well be the problems you are called of God to solve as you cry out to God in frustration, your deliverance, and solution may well help many others to find freedom!
Serving Jesus as a husband and father in today’s generation is no small challenge, and will take a close walk with Him, humbly seeking grace, strength, wisdom, and direction as we grow through life.
Yet, husbands, we are heads of our homes, there is nothing more to say in this other than we need to man up, step up, and accept our responsibility, and walk it out in the power of God!
Here are some thoughts on leadership responsibilities:
- Lead in family devotions. Seek ye first the kingdom is still in the book, and as a father, we need to include our wives and children in daily devotions and Bible reading. We need to be the ones to get up for church in the morning, and remain faithful in the house of the Lord.
- Protect – Sure we need to protect our homes from home intruders, and our children from the local bullies, and drug dealers, but we also need to keep our homes safe spiritually. Monitoring internet usage, our children’s friends. Our wife should help in this, but we are required by God to set a standard of holiness, purity, and honor in our home.
- Discipline – I have learned that 90% of my time with my children is spent loving them, playing with them, and answering their questions. Yet, if, at any point, any child directly defies my or my wife’s command, there must be instant consequences, either a time out, or the board of instruction applied to the seat of higher learning. I cannot throw this off on my wife.
- Provide – Whether in ministry or the work-place, I need to be bringing home the bacon. In Proverbs 31 we see a godly wife contributing to household support, but we are the one’s who must bust a move and put bread on the table. If this is all we do, it is not enough, but this is the first responsibility.
Yet, money alone is not provision. As seasons have changed in our lives, we have been wealthy, and very poor. Seems that in the poor times, we have had to stick together really tight and press into Jesus if we wanted to eat that day.
- Love our Wives – sounds simple right?1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayersAnyone who has been married more than a couple of years knows that this will take a prayer life, and the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.
Set the Vision for our home – I believe that each family in the earth is ordained of God, and has a specific mandate from heaven to fulfill. It is usually too great for any man, so that is why he is given a wife to help him with it. Submission, means to come under the mission – easy for a wife to do (she is wired that way) when a hard working man of God is following his God given dream.
Set the atmosphere of love in your home – Life is hard. Our homes need to be a place of refuge from the storms of life, places of peace, where we can rest, laugh, love and enjoy each other. Keep the battles outside your four walls, but make your dwelling a place of peace. It is here that children can be raised in the training and nurture and admonition of the Lord, for we serve a God of love!
Let’s Pray!
‘Father, I see my place as head of my home, to set an atmophere of love, honor, holiness, joy, peace, provision, and respect for authority. I submit to your authority in this nation, determined to do right, in obeying the laws of this land, and in doing my job, supporting your work in my church, and any other ministry you call our family to. I see my responsibility to hear you and your vision for our family, recognizing that you have called us, this family, and named us, and given us a place before your throne, in your kingdom. As for me and my house, we will serve you Jesus, trusting that you are building our house, that our work, done in obedience and in worship of you, produces the reward of our inheritance, both in this life, and eternally. I thank you for this privilege Father, and ask you for courage, strength, and faithfulness, to continue to lead, guide, direct, encourage, instruct, train, equip, and bless my wife and children, in your love and light, in your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen.’
Mad at God?
Mad at God?
!['Mad at God?
Job 40:1 ¶ Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,
2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
Proverbs 19:3
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)
3 The folly of man perverteth his way, And against Jehovah is his heart wroth.
Proverbs 19:3
Amplified Bible (AMP)
3 The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord.
Familiarity and intimacy are not the same. Each has a value in life, certainly in married life, but one is no substitute for the other. If one is confused for the other, we have the basis for major human and marital unrest. In marriage, familiarity is inescapable. It happens almost imperceptibly. Intimacy is usually hard to come by. It must be deliberately sought and opened up and responded to. Familiarity brings a degree of ease and comfort. Intimacy anxiously searches for deep understanding and personal appreciation.
Gordon Lester, Homemade, Vol. 4, No. 11.
Ever been angry at God? I have! I remember after the death of my mother, I threw my Bible against the wall exclaiming: “What kind of God are you! We bring hundreds to church off the streets on the bus, and you heal them all, and my own mother, who I love, you let die!”
Well, God is love, and He graciously comforted me over my mothers death before He rebuked me, yet even though His rebuke cost me a trip to the cross, it was still His love, restoring my faith in His Word, and showing me the error of my ways! Maybe horrible things happened to you that in your heart, you still blame God for. I mean, He is almighty God right, He could have prevented them!
Maybe.
People have free will, and there is a mad dog loose in the system named satan, that plays the same old game in each generation: influencing the minds of men to do evil, then blaming God for it.
It is okay to vent your feelings before God, He loves you, but don’t blame Him for evil in the earth. He may allow it, but He did not create it.
I remember one heated exchange, where I yelled at God, where He was challenging me to trust Him to protect me, and I screamed: ‘You want me to trust you to protect me, you say you love me, then why did you let all the crap happen to me as a child. I could do nothing to defend myself…so why should I trust you now?”
Like Job, I had God show up in my bedroom in His glory, but not with a rebuke, I will forever remember what He said that day:
“Child, you do not understand everything yet, but you will in time. I take responsibility for what happened to you as a child, can you forgive me?”
Suddenly all my pride, rage, pain and frustration melted before His love. “Me, forgive you? You are Holy, you can’t do anything wrong!”
Suddenly, I realized our heavenly Father has the character of Jesus, like when He wash His disciples feet. He is not our angry judge, but a loving Father, who will love out our deepest hurts if we let Him, and will gently explain things to us, if we listen.”
May His presence, bring healing and understanding to your deepest darkest nightmares, hurts, frustrations: May the fire of your anger, meet the fire of His love!
Let’s pray:
“Father, I need you. I hurt, too deep for words. How did it happen? I’m trying to serve you? Please heal me, and touch me, and bring understanding, please I ask, in your name, Lord Jesus, Amen”'](https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfl1/v/t1.0-9/419733_4762989747693_778687333_n.jpg?oh=c9e8128bc1eab1e28fc3f5666db5f006&oe=5748264E)
Job 40:1 ¶ Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,
2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
Proverbs 19:3
Young’s Literal Translation (YLT)
3 The folly of man perverteth his way, And against Jehovah is his heart wroth.
Proverbs 19:3
Amplified Bible (AMP)
3 The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord.
Familiarity and intimacy are not the same. Each has a value in life, certainly in married life, but one is no substitute for the other. If one is confused for the other, we have the basis for major human and marital unrest. In marriage, familiarity is inescapable. It happens almost imperceptibly. Intimacy is usually hard to come by. It must be deliberately sought and opened up and responded to. Familiarity brings a degree of ease and comfort. Intimacy anxiously searches for deep understanding and personal appreciation.
Gordon Lester, Homemade, Vol. 4, No. 11.
Ever been angry at God? I have! I remember after the death of my mother, I threw my Bible against the wall exclaiming: “What kind of God are you! We bring hundreds to church off the streets on the bus, and you heal them all, and my own mother, who I love, you let die!”
Well, God is love, and He graciously comforted me over my mothers death before He rebuked me, yet even though His rebuke cost me a trip to the cross, it was still His love, restoring my faith in His Word, and showing me the error of my ways! Maybe horrible things happened to you that in your heart, you still blame God for. I mean, He is almighty God right, He could have prevented them!
Maybe.
!['Mad at God?
Job 40:1 ¶ Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,
2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
Proverbs 19:3
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)
3 The folly of man perverteth his way, And against Jehovah is his heart wroth.
Proverbs 19:3
Amplified Bible (AMP)
3 The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord.
Familiarity and intimacy are not the same. Each has a value in life, certainly in married life, but one is no substitute for the other. If one is confused for the other, we have the basis for major human and marital unrest. In marriage, familiarity is inescapable. It happens almost imperceptibly. Intimacy is usually hard to come by. It must be deliberately sought and opened up and responded to. Familiarity brings a degree of ease and comfort. Intimacy anxiously searches for deep understanding and personal appreciation.
Gordon Lester, Homemade, Vol. 4, No. 11.
Ever been angry at God? I have! I remember after the death of my mother, I threw my Bible against the wall exclaiming: “What kind of God are you! We bring hundreds to church off the streets on the bus, and you heal them all, and my own mother, who I love, you let die!”
Well, God is love, and He graciously comforted me over my mothers death before He rebuked me, yet even though His rebuke cost me a trip to the cross, it was still His love, restoring my faith in His Word, and showing me the error of my ways! Maybe horrible things happened to you that in your heart, you still blame God for. I mean, He is almighty God right, He could have prevented them!
Maybe.
People have free will, and there is a mad dog loose in the system named satan, that plays the same old game in each generation: influencing the minds of men to do evil, then blaming God for it.
It is okay to vent your feelings before God, He loves you, but don’t blame Him for evil in the earth. He may allow it, but He did not create it.
I remember one heated exchange, where I yelled at God, where He was challenging me to trust Him to protect me, and I screamed: ‘You want me to trust you to protect me, you say you love me, then why did you let all the crap happen to me as a child. I could do nothing to defend myself…so why should I trust you now?”
Like Job, I had God show up in my bedroom in His glory, but not with a rebuke, I will forever remember what He said that day:
“Child, you do not understand everything yet, but you will in time. I take responsibility for what happened to you as a child, can you forgive me?”
Suddenly all my pride, rage, pain and frustration melted before His love. “Me, forgive you? You are Holy, you can’t do anything wrong!”
Suddenly, I realized our heavenly Father has the character of Jesus, like when He wash His disciples feet. He is not our angry judge, but a loving Father, who will love out our deepest hurts if we let Him, and will gently explain things to us, if we listen.”
May His presence, bring healing and understanding to your deepest darkest nightmares, hurts, frustrations: May the fire of your anger, meet the fire of His love!
Let’s pray:
“Father, I need you. I hurt, too deep for words. How did it happen? I’m trying to serve you? Please heal me, and touch me, and bring understanding, please I ask, in your name, Lord Jesus, Amen”'](https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/321011_4762995107827_930421319_n.jpg?oh=aeccdfd72e598fa5eb3a7dbe66c6274f&oe=57000053)
People have free will, and there is a mad dog loose in the system named satan, that plays the same old game in each generation: influencing the minds of men to do evil, then blaming God for it.
It is okay to vent your feelings before God, He loves you, but don’t blame Him for evil in the earth. He may allow it, but He did not create it.
I remember one heated exchange, where I yelled at God, where He was challenging me to trust Him to protect me, and I screamed: ‘You want me to trust you to protect me, you say you love me, then why did you let all the crap happen to me as a child. I could do nothing to defend myself…so why should I trust you now?”
Like Job, I had God show up in my bedroom in His glory, but not with a rebuke, I will forever remember what He said that day:
“Child, you do not understand everything yet, but you will in time. I take responsibility for what happened to you as a child, can you forgive me?”
Suddenly all my pride, rage, pain and frustration melted before His love. “Me, forgive you? You are Holy, you can’t do anything wrong!”
Suddenly, I realized our heavenly Father has the character of Jesus, like when He wash His disciples feet. He is not our angry judge, but a loving Father, who will love out our deepest hurts if we let Him, and will gently explain things to us, if we listen.”
!['Mad at God?
Job 40:1 ¶ Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,
2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
Proverbs 19:3
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)
3 The folly of man perverteth his way, And against Jehovah is his heart wroth.
Proverbs 19:3
Amplified Bible (AMP)
3 The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord.
Familiarity and intimacy are not the same. Each has a value in life, certainly in married life, but one is no substitute for the other. If one is confused for the other, we have the basis for major human and marital unrest. In marriage, familiarity is inescapable. It happens almost imperceptibly. Intimacy is usually hard to come by. It must be deliberately sought and opened up and responded to. Familiarity brings a degree of ease and comfort. Intimacy anxiously searches for deep understanding and personal appreciation.
Gordon Lester, Homemade, Vol. 4, No. 11.
Ever been angry at God? I have! I remember after the death of my mother, I threw my Bible against the wall exclaiming: “What kind of God are you! We bring hundreds to church off the streets on the bus, and you heal them all, and my own mother, who I love, you let die!”
Well, God is love, and He graciously comforted me over my mothers death before He rebuked me, yet even though His rebuke cost me a trip to the cross, it was still His love, restoring my faith in His Word, and showing me the error of my ways! Maybe horrible things happened to you that in your heart, you still blame God for. I mean, He is almighty God right, He could have prevented them!
Maybe.
People have free will, and there is a mad dog loose in the system named satan, that plays the same old game in each generation: influencing the minds of men to do evil, then blaming God for it.
It is okay to vent your feelings before God, He loves you, but don’t blame Him for evil in the earth. He may allow it, but He did not create it.
I remember one heated exchange, where I yelled at God, where He was challenging me to trust Him to protect me, and I screamed: ‘You want me to trust you to protect me, you say you love me, then why did you let all the crap happen to me as a child. I could do nothing to defend myself…so why should I trust you now?”
Like Job, I had God show up in my bedroom in His glory, but not with a rebuke, I will forever remember what He said that day:
“Child, you do not understand everything yet, but you will in time. I take responsibility for what happened to you as a child, can you forgive me?”
Suddenly all my pride, rage, pain and frustration melted before His love. “Me, forgive you? You are Holy, you can’t do anything wrong!”
Suddenly, I realized our heavenly Father has the character of Jesus, like when He wash His disciples feet. He is not our angry judge, but a loving Father, who will love out our deepest hurts if we let Him, and will gently explain things to us, if we listen.”
May His presence, bring healing and understanding to your deepest darkest nightmares, hurts, frustrations: May the fire of your anger, meet the fire of His love!
Let’s pray:
“Father, I need you. I hurt, too deep for words. How did it happen? I’m trying to serve you? Please heal me, and touch me, and bring understanding, please I ask, in your name, Lord Jesus, Amen”'](https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-0/p235x165/483054_4762993387784_1572684725_n.jpg?oh=872d1fbc8cefb3c8beda6015d6dfe39e&oe=57490FD8)
May His presence, bring healing and understanding to your deepest darkest nightmares, hurts, frustrations: May the fire of your anger, meet the fire of His love!
Let’s pray:
“Father, I need you. I hurt, too deep for words. How did it happen? I’m trying to serve you? Please heal me, and touch me, and bring understanding, please I ask, in your name, Lord Jesus, Amen”
chrisaomministries 