1Cor 16:13 ESV Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Jesus reinforced true manhood. I have been teaching my youth/spiritual kids in church, who are preteen/adolescent boys, that Jesus did not lose anything of what the Father gave Him. So we as men must not lose what God gives us, including physical belongings. My class has a habit of misplacing things so I am aiming to teach them responsibility on the most basic levels.
I plan to share this passage with them next Sunday.
-----------Luke 22:35-38 New King James Version (NKJV)
Supplies for the Road
35 And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?”
So they said, “Nothing.”
36 Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.”
38 So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”
And He said to them, “It is enough.”
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There are many many things I do not know. I have no idea how to repair a car, fire a gun, or hunt for game. The last time I went fishing was about 34-35 years ago. Good thing that is not what makes a man a man. One thing I do know, is how to be a man of God... Leading, teaching, learning, confronting and pushing through obstacles. I am sure of who I am. I act like it.
There are many many things I do not know. I have no idea how to repair a car, fire a gun, or hunt for game. The last time I went fishing was about 34-35 years ago. Good thing that is not what makes a man a man. One thing I do know, is how to be a man of God... Leading, teaching, learning, confronting and pushing through obstacles. I am sure of who I am. I act like it.
My identity is attached to Jesus the MAN of GOD.
My personal story is one of manhood reinforced by Jesus.
My story, by God's grace: I followed God's call, not a woman. I was willing to face abandonment from a former wife and a lack of physical intimacy in order to obey Jesus Christ. I lived alone as a husband doing God's work, when my exwife had chosen to leave and forsake me. Jesus never forsook me and I was and am a Victor.
By the way, I don't have a wife now. That former woman, she is NOT my wife. If anyone refers to her, please refer to her as the ex or as a "former wife". Because guess what, I am not married now and she is not my wife. God says the same thing in Hosea 2:2. (Hosea 2:2 "she is not my wife".)
My past is in the past, and I refuse to let anyone resurrect my past.
I am in the blood of Jesus, a fully formed and fully functioning man of God who has made God first.
My future is bright and powerful in Christ. This is my present reality.
My divorce is part of my testimony but it does not define my identity.
I endured spiritual threatenings, spiritual intimidations, and turned those spiritual threats and intimidations into opportunity in order to get breakthroughs and promotions and raises.
I stood for God's Word when other Christians were tempted to bend the Word of God. That required me to put the desires of the body on hold.
I lovingly confronted them with truth when the time was right (because I value their life and love them in God). I endured loss of friendships and comrades because of this.
I submit to Godly authority, as instituted by God and I am accountable to these authorities (in church and in the marketplace). My own authority in Christ stems from submission to authorities in the marketplace and church.
And I am even brave enough to attempt to reach out to women of God to see if something might work in the future. But I never rely on women to complete me. I am already healed, complete and whole in Christ.
Women of God, if you are not ready to walk this path with me, you don't need me as a husband.
True Men of God follow Jesus and trust in God.
Men use their strength for GOOD.
Men are prepared in advance for sudden threats and emergencies.
Men honour the generations that came before them and the generations coming after them.
Men are organized and use all the tools and bags needed to be prepared. (Anyone who knows me knows I am ALL about carry bags/shoulder bags/knapsacks!! :)
Men will defend the weak with force/violence when necessary and courageously diffuse tense situations without force when possible.
Men are often the first to act. They don't wait around for others to see if they are going to do it.
Men are lovers. They love God and they love people in gentleness and truth.
Men are fierce defenders of their loved ones and principals.
Men have boundaries. They will not accept touch from women who are overreaching and crossing personal boundaries.
Men respect women. They view them as equal in value yet unique in function and ability. They are counterparts, co-regents in Christ, joint heirs with Jesus.
Men are not daunted by the threats of circumstance (I would know). Indeed I would suggest that danger is actually a male motivator. It fuels us to arise.
They learn not to take these things personally but instead use the ingratitude or ignorance of the world to fuel their own excellence and good work.
Men don't rely on others (women, peers, or corporations) for their identity. They rely soley on their Saviour and God, the Lord Jesus Christ who tells them who they are in Christ. Men of God, you are complete in Christ (Philp. 2:10).
Men are true to morals and God's principals. They do not hesitate to repent and turn from sins... and they practice right living as much as they can.
Men of God live in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God sent by Jesus Christ.
Men are hard to offend. They already know who they are and are not fooled by hot-air-filled ramblings by armchair "experts".
Men act and prove what they say and believe.
And it's time for us to follow Scripture which says:
1Cor 16:13 ESV Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
God bless.
Be encouraged!
Pastor Curtis
Tue Jan 15 2019 2:54pm EST
