Endangered Species
by Charles R. Swindoll
Psalm 78
Remember when men were men? Remember when you could tell by looking? Remember when men knew who they were, liked how they were, and didn't want to be anything but what they were?
Remember when it was the men who boxed and wrestled and bragged about how much they could bench press?
Remember when it was the men who initiated the contact and took the lead in a relationship, made lifelong commitments, and modeled a masculinity grounded in security and stability?
I'm talking about men who are discerning, decisive, strong hearted, who know where they are going and are confident enough in themselves (and their God) to get them there. Men who aren't afraid to take the lead, to stand tall, firm in their principles, even when the going gets rough.
Such qualities not only inspire the respect of women, they also engender healthy admiration among younger men and boys who hunger for heroes. We need clear-thinking, hard-working, straight-talking men who, while tender, thoughtful, and loving, don't feel the need to ask permission for taking charge.
Over the last three decades we have seen a major assault on masculinity. The results are well represented in the arts, the media, the world of fashion, and among those who have become the heroes of our young people.
On the heels of a bloody Civil War, Josiah Holland wrote a passionate prayer on behalf of our country. It begins, "God, give us men. . . ." But the truth is, God doesn't give a nation men; He gives us boys. Baby boys, adolescent boys, impressionable boys, who need to know what becoming a man is all about. God's plan is still as He designed it at creation. And it starts in the home.
Men, are you modeling manhood according to God's Word?
Moms and dads, are you raising your sons to be authentically masculine?
If not, why not? Think it over!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Godly Words for Godly Men
Godly Words
But even as he spoke, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.”
Matthew 17:5
“I have a hard time even praying the Lord’s Prayer,” she said. “The first words, ‘Our Father,’ always remind me how disappointed I am with my father.” Others in the circle nodded their heads, some wanting to say even more. What a sad situation, not to be able to call God a heavenly Father. Part of the problem rises because of definitions. We forget sometimes that God isn’t called heavenly Father because he is like our dads; rather we all have fathers whose responsibility is to remind us by their character and actions of our perfect heavenly Father. Every earthly father disappoints. The tragedy comes when we allow those disappointments to cut us off from our heavenly Father.
In his book Raising a Modern-Day Knight (Tyndale House), author Robert Lewis points out that parents can gain some priceless direction from the way God the Father treated God the Son. These insights are particularly powerful in a father’s relationship with his son. Lewis uses as his starting point the several occasions in which God the Father made public pronouncements about his Son. Those statements include three ideas children need to hear from their parents: 1) I love you (“my dearly loved Son”); 2) I’m proud of you (“who brings me great joy”); and 3) you have skills (“listen to him”). The third one requires extra thought because it is specific to each child, highlighting his or her skills. Read through each of these again and ask yourself when was the last time each of your children heard any or all of these from you.
There are many ways to get these points across, but speaking them must be part of the equation. Parents often try to get by, saying, “I show my kids I love them.” There’s nothing wrong with that as long as it’s not a substitute for speaking the words. Yes, they can be surprisingly hard today (particularly for men). But many children (perhaps even you) would admit that the most manly, godly thing your father ever did (or could have done) was to put those messages into words for you. Whether or not you heard them, make sure your kids don’t leave home without hearing them from you.
But even as he spoke, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.”
Matthew 17:5
“I have a hard time even praying the Lord’s Prayer,” she said. “The first words, ‘Our Father,’ always remind me how disappointed I am with my father.” Others in the circle nodded their heads, some wanting to say even more. What a sad situation, not to be able to call God a heavenly Father. Part of the problem rises because of definitions. We forget sometimes that God isn’t called heavenly Father because he is like our dads; rather we all have fathers whose responsibility is to remind us by their character and actions of our perfect heavenly Father. Every earthly father disappoints. The tragedy comes when we allow those disappointments to cut us off from our heavenly Father.
In his book Raising a Modern-Day Knight (Tyndale House), author Robert Lewis points out that parents can gain some priceless direction from the way God the Father treated God the Son. These insights are particularly powerful in a father’s relationship with his son. Lewis uses as his starting point the several occasions in which God the Father made public pronouncements about his Son. Those statements include three ideas children need to hear from their parents: 1) I love you (“my dearly loved Son”); 2) I’m proud of you (“who brings me great joy”); and 3) you have skills (“listen to him”). The third one requires extra thought because it is specific to each child, highlighting his or her skills. Read through each of these again and ask yourself when was the last time each of your children heard any or all of these from you.
There are many ways to get these points across, but speaking them must be part of the equation. Parents often try to get by, saying, “I show my kids I love them.” There’s nothing wrong with that as long as it’s not a substitute for speaking the words. Yes, they can be surprisingly hard today (particularly for men). But many children (perhaps even you) would admit that the most manly, godly thing your father ever did (or could have done) was to put those messages into words for you. Whether or not you heard them, make sure your kids don’t leave home without hearing them from you.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Marks of Integrity
Marks of Integrity
by Charles R. Swindoll
1 Corinthians 11:28, 31
Thanks to the Word of God, we can list several marks of integrity that God would have us appropriate into our lives. Do you have these marks of integrity?
An excellent attitude
Faithfulness and diligence at work
Personal purity of the highest caliber
Consistency in your walk with God
You have the scalpel in your hand. Self-examination is up to you. It is not only a good idea, it's a biblical imperative.
A reminder: Only you can do the surgery on your soul, only you. No one else can know the truth. You can cover up, twist the facts in your mind, rationalize, and ignore . . . and no one will know the difference—no one except you. But if you really want to strengthen your grip on integrity, you will come to terms with the whole truth, regardless of the consequences.
Read the Book of Daniel to see the biblical picture of integrity. Daniel refused to compromise and consequently was thrown into the lions' den. Look what God did. He honored Daniel's faithfulness. He'll do the same for you.
Sometimes when you exhibit real, unvarnished integrity, you get dumped into the lions' den. Remember, God's there, too!
by Charles R. Swindoll
1 Corinthians 11:28, 31
Thanks to the Word of God, we can list several marks of integrity that God would have us appropriate into our lives. Do you have these marks of integrity?
An excellent attitude
Faithfulness and diligence at work
Personal purity of the highest caliber
Consistency in your walk with God
You have the scalpel in your hand. Self-examination is up to you. It is not only a good idea, it's a biblical imperative.
A reminder: Only you can do the surgery on your soul, only you. No one else can know the truth. You can cover up, twist the facts in your mind, rationalize, and ignore . . . and no one will know the difference—no one except you. But if you really want to strengthen your grip on integrity, you will come to terms with the whole truth, regardless of the consequences.
Read the Book of Daniel to see the biblical picture of integrity. Daniel refused to compromise and consequently was thrown into the lions' den. Look what God did. He honored Daniel's faithfulness. He'll do the same for you.
Sometimes when you exhibit real, unvarnished integrity, you get dumped into the lions' den. Remember, God's there, too!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Full of Holes
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Every Christian is a vessel God has uniquely created for sharing a treasure with others. This treasure, referred to as the gospel of Jesus, is contained in “fragile clay jars” so it’s “clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” Paul uses the phrase “fragile clay jars” because as humans we are easily broken and we struggle with the most basic details of life. Yet we are called to pour out our treasure so that the world comes into contact with God.
God’s works flow naturally from a person whose life has been totally committed to him. The key is to give liberally of what we’ve received, knowing that the Lord will continue to fill us so that we are never totally empty nor constantly overflowing. Instead, our container will be full of holes that continuously pour out the love of Jesus. As long as we are being filled by God daily, we will never have a problem serving those he wants us to serve (see Galatians 6:10).
However, these clay jars can eventually become empty from lack of use. Empty vessels serve little purpose other than taking up space. And the Lord does not want us to simply exist. As pastor Rick Warren has correctly noted, each person has been made for a purpose. When a follower of Christ is not connected to the source of these gifts, his or her desire for serving God and other people diminishes.
Think about your life-vessel today. How has it been used to store the goodness of God? Has that goodness flowed into other lives? Has God’s measure of goodness in you evaporated from days and months of non-use? Or is your life a container full of holes, leaking the goodness of God continuously because you are continuously filled by the source that never runs dry?
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Every Christian is a vessel God has uniquely created for sharing a treasure with others. This treasure, referred to as the gospel of Jesus, is contained in “fragile clay jars” so it’s “clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” Paul uses the phrase “fragile clay jars” because as humans we are easily broken and we struggle with the most basic details of life. Yet we are called to pour out our treasure so that the world comes into contact with God.
God’s works flow naturally from a person whose life has been totally committed to him. The key is to give liberally of what we’ve received, knowing that the Lord will continue to fill us so that we are never totally empty nor constantly overflowing. Instead, our container will be full of holes that continuously pour out the love of Jesus. As long as we are being filled by God daily, we will never have a problem serving those he wants us to serve (see Galatians 6:10).
However, these clay jars can eventually become empty from lack of use. Empty vessels serve little purpose other than taking up space. And the Lord does not want us to simply exist. As pastor Rick Warren has correctly noted, each person has been made for a purpose. When a follower of Christ is not connected to the source of these gifts, his or her desire for serving God and other people diminishes.
Think about your life-vessel today. How has it been used to store the goodness of God? Has that goodness flowed into other lives? Has God’s measure of goodness in you evaporated from days and months of non-use? Or is your life a container full of holes, leaking the goodness of God continuously because you are continuously filled by the source that never runs dry?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Hypocrisy's Hidden Horrors
by Charles R. Swindoll
Romans 7:14-25
In his November 11, 1942, report on the war to the British House of Commons, Winston Churchill referred to "the soft underbelly of the Axis." While half the world was intimidated by the powerful blitzkrieg style of Nazi warfare, the perceptive prime minister focused on the other side—the hidden side: the insecurity, the lack of character, the insanity behind the public image of the German dictator. Adolf Hitler may have seemed strong to his adoring public and the goosestepping soldiers who proudly wore their führer's swastika. But the pudgy, cigar-smoking resident of 10 Downing Street was neither impressed nor frightened. He knew it was only a matter of time before the corruption lurking within exposed the soft underbelly of "Corporal Hitler."
Mark Twain used another word picture to convey a similar thought: "Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody."This dark side can exist for years behind carefully guarded masks.
Most of us remember the Watergate scandal. Like me, many firmly resisted the thought of corruption in the Oval Office till the very end. Such compromise and corruption were unthinkable. As time passed and the truth emerged, however, the soft underbelly of Richard Nixon came to light. Conversations with those who were there at the time and participated in the cover-up and books documenting those events forced me to accept what I once denied.
Life magazine's feature article on Elvis Presley in June 1990 was yet another reminder of how much difference there can be between image and reality. Appropriately titled "Down at the End of Lonely Street," the documented account of how the man existed in private toward the end of his life was nothing short of shocking. The handsome, seemingly happy-go-lucky performer, whose smile and wink melted hearts the world over, existed in a nightmare world of depression, despair, and massive doses of drugs.
The lesson in all this is obvious: The safest route to follow is Authenticity Avenue, walled on either side by Accountability and Vulnerability. The alternate route dead-ends at Lonely Street, whose bleak scenery is best stated in a verse from the ancient Book of Numbers: "be sure your sin will find you out" (32:23). Haunting thought, but oh, so true. I cannot explain how or why, I only know that rattling skeletons don't stay in closets . . . lies don't remain private . . . affairs don't stay secret. It's only a matter of time.
Hidden works of darkness always come to light.
by Charles R. Swindoll
Romans 7:14-25
In his November 11, 1942, report on the war to the British House of Commons, Winston Churchill referred to "the soft underbelly of the Axis." While half the world was intimidated by the powerful blitzkrieg style of Nazi warfare, the perceptive prime minister focused on the other side—the hidden side: the insecurity, the lack of character, the insanity behind the public image of the German dictator. Adolf Hitler may have seemed strong to his adoring public and the goosestepping soldiers who proudly wore their führer's swastika. But the pudgy, cigar-smoking resident of 10 Downing Street was neither impressed nor frightened. He knew it was only a matter of time before the corruption lurking within exposed the soft underbelly of "Corporal Hitler."
Mark Twain used another word picture to convey a similar thought: "Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody."This dark side can exist for years behind carefully guarded masks.
Most of us remember the Watergate scandal. Like me, many firmly resisted the thought of corruption in the Oval Office till the very end. Such compromise and corruption were unthinkable. As time passed and the truth emerged, however, the soft underbelly of Richard Nixon came to light. Conversations with those who were there at the time and participated in the cover-up and books documenting those events forced me to accept what I once denied.
Life magazine's feature article on Elvis Presley in June 1990 was yet another reminder of how much difference there can be between image and reality. Appropriately titled "Down at the End of Lonely Street," the documented account of how the man existed in private toward the end of his life was nothing short of shocking. The handsome, seemingly happy-go-lucky performer, whose smile and wink melted hearts the world over, existed in a nightmare world of depression, despair, and massive doses of drugs.
The lesson in all this is obvious: The safest route to follow is Authenticity Avenue, walled on either side by Accountability and Vulnerability. The alternate route dead-ends at Lonely Street, whose bleak scenery is best stated in a verse from the ancient Book of Numbers: "be sure your sin will find you out" (32:23). Haunting thought, but oh, so true. I cannot explain how or why, I only know that rattling skeletons don't stay in closets . . . lies don't remain private . . . affairs don't stay secret. It's only a matter of time.
Hidden works of darkness always come to light.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
I wanted to share this devotional from Chuck Swindoll, it goes along with moral purity, which will be a part of the Summit:
What about Fidelity?
by Charles R. Swindoll
Proverbs 6:27-29, 32-33
I just returned from our nation's capital where I was privileged to spend time with many of the highest ranking officers in the military. If you have ever wondered if there is anyone in the upper echelon of the military who loves Christ, wonder no longer. Many of these men and women are magnificent models of strong Christian commitment who frequently put their faith on the line.
While sitting around a table one morning, the subject of moral purity surfaced. They spoke of the importance of an officer's having a clean record and maintaining strong character traits if he or she hoped to be trusted in larger realms and promoted to higher ranks. Their commitment to personal integrity was expressed so spontaneously and sincerely.
As I listened to them, I was humiliated to think that a standard of high moral character was still of paramount importance among military officers while within the ranks of the clergy an epidemic of impurity rages.
As Christian leaders, we need to reaffirm our commitment to moral purity and to private lives that are absolutely free of secret sins. While forgiveness continues to be the pulse-beat of a grace-oriented ministry, a firm commitment to holiness remains vital. Those who adopt a deceptive, compromising life of hypocrisy are responsible for the damage that occurs when they are found out. Nor are the consequences erased, even though they may repent and seek the Lord's and others' forgiveness.Often, we are too quick to breeze past the damage that has been done, attempting to hurry the process of forgiveness at the expense of the restoration process. A contrite heart has no expectations and makes no demands; it acknowledges that the deception and the extent of continued sin result in the continued forfeiture of many of the privileges that were once enjoyed. Please read that again. If you've gotten soft on this issue, stop and read the daily reading suggested above. Don't try to explain these verses away. They mean exactly what they say.
The issue here is not a lack of forgiveness; it's the faulty thinking that forgiveness is synonymous with the returning of all rights and privileges.
Never has the truth of Peter's words resounded more clearly: "It is time for judgment to begin with the household of God" (1 Pet. 4:17).
As believers, we need to reaffirm our commitment to moral purity and to private lives that are absolutely free of secret sins.
Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
What about Fidelity?
by Charles R. Swindoll
Proverbs 6:27-29, 32-33
I just returned from our nation's capital where I was privileged to spend time with many of the highest ranking officers in the military. If you have ever wondered if there is anyone in the upper echelon of the military who loves Christ, wonder no longer. Many of these men and women are magnificent models of strong Christian commitment who frequently put their faith on the line.
While sitting around a table one morning, the subject of moral purity surfaced. They spoke of the importance of an officer's having a clean record and maintaining strong character traits if he or she hoped to be trusted in larger realms and promoted to higher ranks. Their commitment to personal integrity was expressed so spontaneously and sincerely.
As I listened to them, I was humiliated to think that a standard of high moral character was still of paramount importance among military officers while within the ranks of the clergy an epidemic of impurity rages.
As Christian leaders, we need to reaffirm our commitment to moral purity and to private lives that are absolutely free of secret sins. While forgiveness continues to be the pulse-beat of a grace-oriented ministry, a firm commitment to holiness remains vital. Those who adopt a deceptive, compromising life of hypocrisy are responsible for the damage that occurs when they are found out. Nor are the consequences erased, even though they may repent and seek the Lord's and others' forgiveness.Often, we are too quick to breeze past the damage that has been done, attempting to hurry the process of forgiveness at the expense of the restoration process. A contrite heart has no expectations and makes no demands; it acknowledges that the deception and the extent of continued sin result in the continued forfeiture of many of the privileges that were once enjoyed. Please read that again. If you've gotten soft on this issue, stop and read the daily reading suggested above. Don't try to explain these verses away. They mean exactly what they say.
The issue here is not a lack of forgiveness; it's the faulty thinking that forgiveness is synonymous with the returning of all rights and privileges.
Never has the truth of Peter's words resounded more clearly: "It is time for judgment to begin with the household of God" (1 Pet. 4:17).
As believers, we need to reaffirm our commitment to moral purity and to private lives that are absolutely free of secret sins.
Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Monday, May 3, 2010
It was great to return to the cabin after fishing all morning. The river had been freezing cold and the trout too smart for us.
Thankfully, our guide soon had the coffee on and the breakfast cooking. After breakfast we sat around the fire drinking coffee and listening to our guide tell stories. He was quite a storyteller.
We could have sat there listening to him all day.
BUT OUR GUIDE HAD OTHER PLANS, so we strapped on our gear and left the warm cabin.
The path he had chosen was straight up the mountain. It looked impossible! We just had to trust him.
Men, we want you to join us as we spend time in the cabin with our Guide Jesus. Letting his Word and his Spirit lead us out of our warm, safe cabin and up the path of integrity, purity and holiness. To the Summit, with Him and each other! This will be no walk in the park. We will be discussing Men's topics, not appropriate for young boys.
We are suggesting ninth grade and older.
Thankfully, our guide soon had the coffee on and the breakfast cooking. After breakfast we sat around the fire drinking coffee and listening to our guide tell stories. He was quite a storyteller.
We could have sat there listening to him all day.
BUT OUR GUIDE HAD OTHER PLANS, so we strapped on our gear and left the warm cabin.
The path he had chosen was straight up the mountain. It looked impossible! We just had to trust him.
Men, we want you to join us as we spend time in the cabin with our Guide Jesus. Letting his Word and his Spirit lead us out of our warm, safe cabin and up the path of integrity, purity and holiness. To the Summit, with Him and each other! This will be no walk in the park. We will be discussing Men's topics, not appropriate for young boys.
We are suggesting ninth grade and older.
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