Friday, March 13, 2009
The Unbroken Circle
(Rev. 21:1-27)
An old Gospel song asks the haunting question, “Will the circle be unbroken?” By an “unbroken circle,” the songwriter was referencing the family circle. His question, simply stated, is this: Will your family circle be complete in Heaven? Will everyone you loved be there? Through the din of worldly distraction, will we faithfully and loving have won our children and other loved ones to Christ?
It goes without saying that Heaven is a wonderful place. The Apostle Paul, who actually visited Heaven (II Cor. 12:2), tells us that Heaven is so wonderful as to be indescribable (I Cor. 2:9). Suffice it to say, Heaven is beyond our wildest imagination! It will be a place of beauty and joy beyond anything even dreamt of on this sin-cursed earth. Nothing we know here can compare to the glory over there!
That being the case, wouldn’t it be wonderful if all your loved ones were there to share it? Most of us would never think of excluding a son or daughter from the family vacation. We wouldn’t (at least we shouldn’t) consider leaving our dear spouse out of the “trip of a lifetime.” Why, then, do we sometimes neglect to get folks “on board” for heaven?
Rather than wait until the “right moment” arises, lets create that moment by boldly and lovingly sharing Christ with those who matter most to us. Make it your life’s goal to have a complete, unbroken circle of loved ones over in the glory land!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Friday, March 6, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Help for the Husband - 1
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Servant Leadership
(Matthew 20:20-28)
Leadership is a primary responsibility for every husband (Ephesians 5:23). As the head of his wife, the husband must take the lead in matters both spiritual and temporal. Being the leader, however, does not mean being autocratic and dictatorial—far from it. In Biblical terms, leadership always means serving—being a servant, not a tyrant.
Jesus set the ultimate example of servant leadership. Even though He was both Son of God and Son of Man, He did not insist upon His inherent “rights.” Rather, Jesus “ministered” to those who should have bowed before Him. As God, Jesus is the ultimate “leader;” but He demonstrated leadership by serving others.
I have on my office wall a painting to which I look several times each day. The painting depicts Jesus washing Peter’s feet (John 13:4-10). As I gaze upon the artist’s sublime representation of that scene, I am reminded that my duty as pastor is not dictator, tyrant, or demagogue. My duty is service—humble, self-abasing service that is willing to do the dirty work.
Husbands, Christ is your example as well. He denied Himself the privileges that were rightly His to claim as the Son of God. Perfect holiness stooped to serve unfathomable sinfulness. The ultimate Leader became the “servant of all.” His example, gentlemen, should define your leadership within your home.
Servant Leadership
(Matthew 20:20-28)
Leadership is a primary responsibility for every husband (Ephesians 5:23). As the head of his wife, the husband must take the lead in matters both spiritual and temporal. Being the leader, however, does not mean being autocratic and dictatorial—far from it. In Biblical terms, leadership always means serving—being a servant, not a tyrant.
Jesus set the ultimate example of servant leadership. Even though He was both Son of God and Son of Man, He did not insist upon His inherent “rights.” Rather, Jesus “ministered” to those who should have bowed before Him. As God, Jesus is the ultimate “leader;” but He demonstrated leadership by serving others.
I have on my office wall a painting to which I look several times each day. The painting depicts Jesus washing Peter’s feet (John 13:4-10). As I gaze upon the artist’s sublime representation of that scene, I am reminded that my duty as pastor is not dictator, tyrant, or demagogue. My duty is service—humble, self-abasing service that is willing to do the dirty work.
Husbands, Christ is your example as well. He denied Himself the privileges that were rightly His to claim as the Son of God. Perfect holiness stooped to serve unfathomable sinfulness. The ultimate Leader became the “servant of all.” His example, gentlemen, should define your leadership within your home.
Help for the Husband - 2
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Mind of Christ
(Philippians 2:1-11)
Secular leaders (businessmen, coaches, military men) agree: the battle is always in the mind. Success in any endeavor begins in the mind—overcoming thoughts of defeat, inspiring oneself to greater effort, and maintaining a positive outlook through the tough times breed success. Failure, too, results from the mind—frustration, depression, and giving up stem from negative, unproductive thought patterns.
The Bible teaches much the same thing for Christians. Paul exhorts us to put on the “mind” of Christ Jesus. In other words, we’re to think as He would think and not to deviate from His thought pattern.
How did Jesus think? The Bible tells us that though He is God (6), He did not stress his authority (7a). Rather, He became a servant, humbled Himself, practiced obedience, and made the ultimate sacrifice (8). The essence of the “mind of Christ” is personal self-sacrifice.
Self-sacrifice is in short supply, even in Christian marriages. Our culture—especially male culture—promotes indulgence and excess, often at the expense of others. For Christian husbands, our culture’s bent is untenable. We are called to the highest standard—the mind of Christ. We are called to service, humility, obedience to Christ, and sacrifice for our families. Let’s be real men! Let’s buck the cultural trends! Let’s discipline our minds to think as Jesus thought!
The Mind of Christ
(Philippians 2:1-11)
Secular leaders (businessmen, coaches, military men) agree: the battle is always in the mind. Success in any endeavor begins in the mind—overcoming thoughts of defeat, inspiring oneself to greater effort, and maintaining a positive outlook through the tough times breed success. Failure, too, results from the mind—frustration, depression, and giving up stem from negative, unproductive thought patterns.
The Bible teaches much the same thing for Christians. Paul exhorts us to put on the “mind” of Christ Jesus. In other words, we’re to think as He would think and not to deviate from His thought pattern.
How did Jesus think? The Bible tells us that though He is God (6), He did not stress his authority (7a). Rather, He became a servant, humbled Himself, practiced obedience, and made the ultimate sacrifice (8). The essence of the “mind of Christ” is personal self-sacrifice.
Self-sacrifice is in short supply, even in Christian marriages. Our culture—especially male culture—promotes indulgence and excess, often at the expense of others. For Christian husbands, our culture’s bent is untenable. We are called to the highest standard—the mind of Christ. We are called to service, humility, obedience to Christ, and sacrifice for our families. Let’s be real men! Let’s buck the cultural trends! Let’s discipline our minds to think as Jesus thought!
Help for the Husband - 3
Tuesday, February 17, 2008
Lover Boy
(Ephesians 5:28-33)
“Love is a many-splendored thing,” declares a popular song hearkening back to 1955. For the Christian husband, this musical sentiment is especially true. In fact, Paul lists several of “love’s splendors” in relationship to marriage in Ephesians 5.
The first of love’s splendors mentioned is love’s intensity. Husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. Women are not the only ones guilty of fixating on their bodies! Paul states that men “nourish and cherish” their “flesh” (29). “Nourish” means “to eat” and “cherish” literally means “to keep warm.” In short, men desire to be fed and comfortable. (Wives, can I get an “amen?”) Here’s the point: a man should love his wife with the same intensity as he loves himself—caring for her, meeting her needs, making her comfortable.
The second “splendor” of love is unity (31). In marriage, the husband’s life has blended homogeneously with that of his wife. He is no longer a free agent, an independent operator. Two lives are one in absolute unity.
Thirdly, Paul teaches that reflection is a splendor of love (32). A husband’s love should mirror the love of Jesus and reflect the testimony of Christ to a watching world. Christian marriage should articulate a divine message: Christ’s relationship to His church.
Intensity, unity, and reflection—truly, love is a many-splendored thing!
Lover Boy
(Ephesians 5:28-33)
“Love is a many-splendored thing,” declares a popular song hearkening back to 1955. For the Christian husband, this musical sentiment is especially true. In fact, Paul lists several of “love’s splendors” in relationship to marriage in Ephesians 5.
The first of love’s splendors mentioned is love’s intensity. Husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. Women are not the only ones guilty of fixating on their bodies! Paul states that men “nourish and cherish” their “flesh” (29). “Nourish” means “to eat” and “cherish” literally means “to keep warm.” In short, men desire to be fed and comfortable. (Wives, can I get an “amen?”) Here’s the point: a man should love his wife with the same intensity as he loves himself—caring for her, meeting her needs, making her comfortable.
The second “splendor” of love is unity (31). In marriage, the husband’s life has blended homogeneously with that of his wife. He is no longer a free agent, an independent operator. Two lives are one in absolute unity.
Thirdly, Paul teaches that reflection is a splendor of love (32). A husband’s love should mirror the love of Jesus and reflect the testimony of Christ to a watching world. Christian marriage should articulate a divine message: Christ’s relationship to His church.
Intensity, unity, and reflection—truly, love is a many-splendored thing!
Help for the Husband - 4
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Sensitivity Training
(I Samuel 1:1-8)
Biblical masculinity requires that men be both tough and tender at the same time. It should be noted that “tender” has nothing to do with a man’s “getting in touch with his feminine side.” That’s weird. Biblical tenderness involves a man’s sensitivity to those around him, particularly his wife.
Elkanah demonstrates just such Biblical sensitivity. Though not a stellar husbandly example in some ways (plural marriage was condemned by God—Deut. 17:17—though widely practiced), Elkanah exemplified tender sensitivity to his wife’s concerns.
Elkanah noticed Hannah’s emotional distress. Sensitivity begins with a husband noticing his wife’s mood swings. Men can be so self-consumed as to not even notice their wife’s heartache. Being oblivious to your wife’s hurt compounds her pain.
Also, Elkanah inquired as to the cause of Hannah’s distress. In other words, he showed genuine interest. He didn’t merely brush her emotions aside by telling her to “get over it.” He was genuinely interested in the root cause of her anguish. If your wife is sorrowful, tenderly inquire about the problem.
Lastly, Elkanah gave her reassurance. Hannah’s trouble was not so much her barrenness. The primary problem was insecurity—the feeling that her husband could not love her as much because she was childless. Elkanah generously reassured her of his love. Tough and tender—what a guy!
Sensitivity Training
(I Samuel 1:1-8)
Biblical masculinity requires that men be both tough and tender at the same time. It should be noted that “tender” has nothing to do with a man’s “getting in touch with his feminine side.” That’s weird. Biblical tenderness involves a man’s sensitivity to those around him, particularly his wife.
Elkanah demonstrates just such Biblical sensitivity. Though not a stellar husbandly example in some ways (plural marriage was condemned by God—Deut. 17:17—though widely practiced), Elkanah exemplified tender sensitivity to his wife’s concerns.
Elkanah noticed Hannah’s emotional distress. Sensitivity begins with a husband noticing his wife’s mood swings. Men can be so self-consumed as to not even notice their wife’s heartache. Being oblivious to your wife’s hurt compounds her pain.
Also, Elkanah inquired as to the cause of Hannah’s distress. In other words, he showed genuine interest. He didn’t merely brush her emotions aside by telling her to “get over it.” He was genuinely interested in the root cause of her anguish. If your wife is sorrowful, tenderly inquire about the problem.
Lastly, Elkanah gave her reassurance. Hannah’s trouble was not so much her barrenness. The primary problem was insecurity—the feeling that her husband could not love her as much because she was childless. Elkanah generously reassured her of his love. Tough and tender—what a guy!
Help for the Husband - 5
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Standards, Please!
(Psalm 101)
Satan has focused his attack upon the Christian home. Subtly, he has made inroads unthinkable just a few short years ago. He has been aided in his efforts by the complacency of believers, particularly by men who have abdicated their responsibility to protect their homes.
Psalm 101 is a declaration of a man determined to protect the sanctity of his home from Satanic influence. The Psalmist understands and readily accepts his responsibility resist the devil. The Psalmist’s strategy will still work for us today.
First, the Psalmist committed to keeping his heart right with God (2). He determined to model wise, Scriptural behavior. He also determined that his “perfect heart” would be most apparent within the confines of his home. He would not be a hypocrite, reserving his best behavior for the church house.
Secondly, he determined to set standards for the influences allowable in his home. “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes” is his determined declaration. In other words, the Psalmist would not tolerate the presence and influence of visual corruption.
His intolerance is more apropos today than ever! Christian men should adhere to the Psalmist’s standard regarding T.V., movies, video games, and computer use. Draw the line and keep it drawn!
Standards, Please!
(Psalm 101)
Satan has focused his attack upon the Christian home. Subtly, he has made inroads unthinkable just a few short years ago. He has been aided in his efforts by the complacency of believers, particularly by men who have abdicated their responsibility to protect their homes.
Psalm 101 is a declaration of a man determined to protect the sanctity of his home from Satanic influence. The Psalmist understands and readily accepts his responsibility resist the devil. The Psalmist’s strategy will still work for us today.
First, the Psalmist committed to keeping his heart right with God (2). He determined to model wise, Scriptural behavior. He also determined that his “perfect heart” would be most apparent within the confines of his home. He would not be a hypocrite, reserving his best behavior for the church house.
Secondly, he determined to set standards for the influences allowable in his home. “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes” is his determined declaration. In other words, the Psalmist would not tolerate the presence and influence of visual corruption.
His intolerance is more apropos today than ever! Christian men should adhere to the Psalmist’s standard regarding T.V., movies, video games, and computer use. Draw the line and keep it drawn!
Help for the Husband - 6
Friday, February 20, 2009
To Keep Thee
(Proverbs 6:20-35)
American culture is becoming, by and large, a cesspool. Every aspect of the pop scene—T.V., internet, music, movies, printed literature, even video games—has been sexualized for the sake of profit and at the cost of decency. Without even seeking it, Christian men find themselves continually bombarded with images designed to tantalize and entice sensually. How can Christian men escape unscathed in an all-pervasive sexually charged atmosphere?
The answer, of course, is the Word of God, the Bible. Proverbs 6:20-23 recommend continual exposure to God’s Word as an antidote to the sensuous poison of our culture. In fact, the Bible’s “mission” to men is “to keep thee from the evil woman” (24). In other words, God’s word—when diligently read and meditated upon—is a “lamp and a light” to guide men away from temptation and sin.
When internalized, God’s commandments lead our steps, guard our sleep (even our dreams), and communicate to us every waking minute, providing both reproofs and instruction (22, 23). This active ministry of the Bible in our lives protects us from a culture awash in sensuality.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. –Psalm 119:9
To Keep Thee
(Proverbs 6:20-35)
American culture is becoming, by and large, a cesspool. Every aspect of the pop scene—T.V., internet, music, movies, printed literature, even video games—has been sexualized for the sake of profit and at the cost of decency. Without even seeking it, Christian men find themselves continually bombarded with images designed to tantalize and entice sensually. How can Christian men escape unscathed in an all-pervasive sexually charged atmosphere?
The answer, of course, is the Word of God, the Bible. Proverbs 6:20-23 recommend continual exposure to God’s Word as an antidote to the sensuous poison of our culture. In fact, the Bible’s “mission” to men is “to keep thee from the evil woman” (24). In other words, God’s word—when diligently read and meditated upon—is a “lamp and a light” to guide men away from temptation and sin.
When internalized, God’s commandments lead our steps, guard our sleep (even our dreams), and communicate to us every waking minute, providing both reproofs and instruction (22, 23). This active ministry of the Bible in our lives protects us from a culture awash in sensuality.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. –Psalm 119:9
Help for the Husband - 7
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Providing for Your Own
(I Timothy 5:1-8)
Scripture enjoins Christian men to many duties, not the least of which is providing for the needs of their households. Paul’s command to the male breadwinner is heightened by his warning that failure to provide is a denial of the faith and places the professed believer in a class “worse than an infidel” (8). Providing for our families is a fundamental of our faith and should be a top priority for every Christian man.
We live, however, in tough economic times. For some (through no fault of their own), providing basic needs has become a real challenge. Today, as never before, men must be careful and conscientious regarding financial matters.
Being careful involves establishing a workable budget and living by it. It also requires establishing an “emergency fund” for use on the proverbial “rainy day.” Dave Ramsey’s book The Total Money Makeover is an invaluable guide to financial issues.
Being conscientious involves keeping priorities right before God. No matter how tight things get, you should not neglect faithful tithing. In addition, you should willingly sacrifice any luxury item in order to afford life insurance—just in case. That way, you’re providing for your own even when you’re not there.
Careful and conscientious—these two words go a long way in protecting the integrity of your faith.
Providing for Your Own
(I Timothy 5:1-8)
Scripture enjoins Christian men to many duties, not the least of which is providing for the needs of their households. Paul’s command to the male breadwinner is heightened by his warning that failure to provide is a denial of the faith and places the professed believer in a class “worse than an infidel” (8). Providing for our families is a fundamental of our faith and should be a top priority for every Christian man.
We live, however, in tough economic times. For some (through no fault of their own), providing basic needs has become a real challenge. Today, as never before, men must be careful and conscientious regarding financial matters.
Being careful involves establishing a workable budget and living by it. It also requires establishing an “emergency fund” for use on the proverbial “rainy day.” Dave Ramsey’s book The Total Money Makeover is an invaluable guide to financial issues.
Being conscientious involves keeping priorities right before God. No matter how tight things get, you should not neglect faithful tithing. In addition, you should willingly sacrifice any luxury item in order to afford life insurance—just in case. That way, you’re providing for your own even when you’re not there.
Careful and conscientious—these two words go a long way in protecting the integrity of your faith.
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