Meat for Men

I think most men have a fascination with powerful weapons. It is probably built into our DNA. Of course, the degree of fascination differs from man to man.

When the reality dawns on us that we have to deal with an aggressive enemy that is out to destroy us on a daily basis, our interest in combative weaponry should be heightened substantially. However, one cannot help but wonder when it comes to spiritual warfare that far too many Christian men do not take this battle anywhere near seriously enough. Physical wars seem to bring a far greater response from men than the spiritual battles we face daily.

What we fail to realize is that when we take up arms in the spiritual realm and put up a really good fight, this enables us to have a greater corresponding victory in the natural. I firmly believe that many of the natural battles we face are very often connected to the spiritual realm.

God, in His goodness, has provided us with powerful weapons to bring every thought and imagination into obedience to Christ. Read again 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”

To be continued. Colin

MEN OF OBEDIENCE, No. 2.

I think most men have a fascination with powerful weapons. It is probably built into our DNA. Of course, the degree of fascination differs from man to man.

When the reality dawns on us that we have to deal with an aggressive enemy that is out to destroy us on a daily basis, our interest in combative weaponry should be heightened substantially. However, one cannot help but wonder when it comes to spiritual warfare that far too many Christian men do not take this battle anywhere near seriously enough. Physical wars seem to bring a far greater response from men than the spiritual battles we face daily.

What we fail to realize is that when we take up arms in the spiritual realm and put up a really good fight, this enables us to have a greater corresponding victory in the natural. I firmly believe that many of the natural battles we face are very often connected to the spiritual realm.

God, in His goodness, has provided us with powerful weapons to bring every thought and imagination into obedience to Christ. Read again 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”

To be continued. Colin

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

In order for us to experience the great power of the weapons that God has given to us, we must first understand the purpose for using these spiritual weapons. We rejoice that these weapons are “mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” but what kind of strongholds are this Scripture referring to?

Without a doubt the primary use for these weapons is to bring down the strongholds of disobedience in our own personal lives. This includes every thought and imagination that is contrary to the direct will of God or in opposition to the kingdom of Christ. It is essential that true men of God go to war against all areas of disobedience to the mind and ways of Christ in their personal lives.

If we do not declare that we are at really at war and start attacking all areas of disobedience, we will fail to be true men of God.

To be continued.

Colin

While at the Homeschool Convention in Memphis, Tennessee this last weekend I heard of a speaker who took a workshop on TEN WAYS TO ROCK YOUR WIFE’S WORLD. I did not get to attend myself but two of the ways that were mentioned to me caught my attention.

1. Most husbands in USA could lose about 30 lbs of weight. This would keep them healthier and living longer for their wives. I have had to really battle with this ever since I was about 40 years of age. For the past several weeks I have started a new lifestyle of alternate day eating. I eat normal healthy food and whatever I want for one day. The next day (the alternate day) I eat only 20 percent of the calories I would eat normally, eating mostly salads or thin soups. It seems to be working for me and promises many health benefits.

2. Tidy up after yourself. I reckon I could do better on this and so it’s up to me to be a man and step up to the plate.

Be encouraged. Colin

Whatever we do, we are to “Do it HEARTILY, as to the Lord.” I believe enthusiasm is implied with the word, heartily. When you do something heartily, you put your heart and soul into it. You get “stuck in” and give it your best effort. You don’t mechanically go through the motions without any “zim and zest.” You involve your emotions. You use diligence, care and excellence.

It is the Lord who created us and gave us our skills, gifts and talents. He is the One who gives us health and strength. He has given us the greatest salvation ever known to man with multitudes of blessings, not only for this life, but the life which is to come. He is the greatest of all kings and is indeed worthy that whatever we do, we “Do it HEARTILY, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23).

Start today to enthusiastically serve the Lord in whatever job you are doing.

Be encouraged as you work enthusiastically. Colin

Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” This Scripture plainly states that we should be enthusiastic about everything we do, not just some things. Of all people on the face of this earth, we men who call ourselves Christians, could make such an amazing difference if we would only, by the power of the Holy Spirit, show much more divine enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm has the ability to brighten up your marriage and to be a blessing to your children. We who desire to be real men must put an end to moaning, complaining, and making excuses. We must put an end to dragging our feet. This goes against our manliness. We must take a strong stand against all signs of listlessness, apathy, and heartlessness. A heavy chain is hard to drag!

“The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this” is mentioned three times in Scripture—2 Kings 19:31; Isaiah 9:7 and 37:32. These Scriptures express the accomplishing power of zeal.

There are many other Scriptures relating to God’s zeal. Our indwelling God is a zealous God and this should make all the difference to the way we live.

Be encouraged to live zealously. Colin

“The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up” (John 2:17). This is the testimony of Jesus. I love enthusiastic people. I believe enthusiasm definitely enhances manhood.

Jesus was, and still is, zealous and enthusiastic about the holiness of God’s house, to the point of severe indignation. This zeal caused Him to make a whip and drive out all that abused and profaned His Holy temple.

We men would do well to take strong notice of this passage so that we will also keep God’s temple clean.

Enthusiasm makes a difficult job easier and assists us to do a better job. An enthusiastic person is good to be around. When we lack this virtue, we can be boring and unexciting to everyone around us.

I do not think any man can win a lady to become his wife without showing some passion. I think it’s sad when the honeymoon is over and the enthusiasm that started the relationship begins to wane. The honeymoon is never meant to be over. Whatever it took to win your wife to marry you is what you must keep doing to keep her married to you.

Enthusiasm enables us to carry through what we started all the way to the end. Zeal will keep going to the finishing line.

Be encouraged in the zeal of the Lord. Colin

Another quality that enhances manhood is doing things as quickly as possible. I believe it is demeaning to manliness to be forced to do things “the union way” which is usually as slow as possible. Such inaction destroys productivity and is not economical.

If your employment expects you to conform to such slackness, my suggestion is that you find other employment as soon as possible. Dawdling, marking time, and slouching is not becoming to manliness.

Proverbs 18:9 says, “He that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is great waster.”

I was at the airport the other day and was sickened to see the slow movements of the cleaning personal as they pushed their small carpet sweepers. It made me feel tired just watching them. They were killing time and working by the clock. It is sad that people get paid to be so slack in their work. It is sad that a lot of government jobs breed this unproductive behavior.

Do not be slow at getting things done. Do the best job possible and do it with style. After all, you are serving the Lord, aren’t you?

Be encouraged. Colin

1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

Manliness is enhanced by reliability, stickability, and plain guts. If we were to say it nicely, “intestinal fortitude.” Someone has said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I believe it is unmanly in boxer’s terms to “throw in the towel” at the sign of blood. Absolutely not!

Real men are disgusted with such wimpy behavior. The apostle Paul, exhorting the Hebrews in Hebrews 12:4 states, “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” This was not Jesus’ own sin, but ours. Paul goes on to exhort them to “Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees” (Hebrews 4:12).

Your wife and child need a reliable, dependable man to lean on when things get tough. We must never sit around looking for government handouts when, if we looked hard enough, we could put our own hands to work somewhere or somehow.

Men of God are not feminine; they are manly in a godly way. Remember, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.”

Be encouraged to be a dependable husband and father. Colin

Psalm 110:3 says, “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.”

I believe there is something very good about willing manliness. I personally cannot stand a man who drags his feet when there is a job at hand that needs to be done. There is definitely something radically wrong with the man who doesn’t know how to get stuck in and pull his eight. As someone has said, “When the piano needs moving, there are plenty of volunteers to move the stool!”

True manliness is exalted by initiative, volunteerism, and willingness.

Psalm 110:3 says that a day is soon coming called “the day of Thy power,” the day when Christ will reign through His people over all the earth. However, the manifestation of this power will not flow through the hesitant, reticent, unwilling sideliners. Rather, it will be the “willing” who will experience this power.

Do not wait for that day. Start practicing the attribute of willingness now. Do not wait to be asked. If you can possibly help, volunteer today.

Be encouraged to walk in true manliness. Colin