Encourage One Another

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (Proverbs 15:23) The motivational gift God gave me at birth is encouragement. It gives me great joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose to cheer on, root for, and encourage others. No matter what gift God has given you, Satan will attempt to pervert it. An encourager who is out of fellowship with the Lord can become cynical, judgmental, and destructive to those around him. He will become the very opposite of the man God created him to be. If he desires fulfillment and purpose, he must surrender his life to the Lord and walk in the gift God has birthed in him. Whether you possess the motivational gift of encouragement or not, godly men are commanded to exhort one another daily (Hebrews 3:13). All believers struggle in their faith occasionally and will experience periods when their souls become dry and thirst for words of encouragement. I have endured times when my soul was famished, and God sent brothers and sisters with a word of encouragement for me at precisely the time I needed it most. During one of the lowest periods of my life as a young man, my basketball coach, Jim, told me that he loved me and was proud of me. I actually sat down and cried when he shared these words of blessing. How good was this word spoken in due season! I am thankful for the opportunities God has given me to share an encouraging word with those in need and to see the transformation that occurred as a result. Godly men, look around you for those that are hurting and starving for an encouraging word. Allow God to use you to rain a shower of blessing upon them.

"God's Unconditional Love for Us"

“The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame” (Proverbs 14:35). When I was a little boy the last thing I wanted to do was get my dad mad at me or have him disappointed in me. We can all relate to wanting our dads to be proud of us. Some of us went to extremes in the pursuit of our dad’s approval, and many indulged in negative excesses when they did not receive it. Whether you ever received your earthly father’s blessing or not, your heavenly father desires to bless you, and He loves you unconditionally. You are the apple of His eye (Psalms 17:8), and He is proud of you. He brags on you, just as he did Job. He is not pleased with you one second and disappointed in you the next. God’s approval of you is not based on your works and efforts, but on the unchanging blood of Jesus. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Peter 1:18,19). “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight” (Colossians 1:21, 22). Our Heavenly Father is pleased with us because He is pleased with Jesus. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we come into right standing with God.

Having a Humble Spirit

“Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud” (Proverbs 16:19). Many times, God’s principles contradict our natural understanding. In fact, they seem contrary to human nature. Our natural inclination is to hate our enemies, but God tells us to love them. When men hurt us, He says to forgive them. When others take advantage of us, he says to go twice the distance. Today’s proverb is baffling to our human reasoning as well. By nature, we all want to be with the “in crowd.” We desire acceptance, respect, and popularity. Yet, once again, God puts His emphasis on the inward man. A humble spirit with the lowly is better than dividing the spoil with the proud. Our world system and its mores are diametrically opposed to Kingdom principles. Proverbs 15:16 says: “Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.” I have found that the “Better…” proverbs, almost always contrast worldly perspectives with what God says is best. The point is: we cannot always trust our own understanding, which is precisely why God tells us to lean not on our own understanding but to acknowledge Him and He shall direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5,6). It is imperative that believers base their decisions on the unchanging Word of God. The world’s values and beliefs change daily. It takes humility to seek God’s will. The question is: Do we really want to do His will, or would we rather follow the fickle ways of the world?

Don't Believe Everything You Hear

“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going” (Proverbs 14:15). The major reason that cults and false religions are so prevalent today is because men do not know the Word of God. Since they do not know it, they cannot recognize heresy and false doctrine when they hear it. As a result, the church and her families are “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” (Ephesians 4:14). Without the Word of God, we are like a sailboat without a rudder. We have no direction, are totally dependent on the wind and waves and are carried about wherever they take us. When a pastor, Christian leader, or unsaved person (such as a boss at work) attempts to lead us, we have a responsibility to ourselves, our families, our brothers and sisters in Christ and our co-workers to make sure that the counsel we have been given lines up with the Word of God. When Paul instructed the brethren in Berea, “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11). The perversion of the gospel of grace will become more prevalent in the last days. “ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (I Timothy 4:1, 2). As men of God, we must contend for the faith and be prudent in our lives.

A Counterfeit Man

“A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame” (Proverbs 13:5). Lying is the very essence of hypocrisy. When we lie, we make a false representation of ourselves to others. The locker room boastings of youth are far too often carried into adulthood with men competing to outdo one another and pressuring others to conform to a worldly view of manhood. Authentic manhood is godly manhood, and it is far different from the picture we have been given. As Christians, we lie every time we go to church, put on our happy Christian masks, and act as if everything is wonderful, even as our world crumbles around us. It is easy to lie to others, when we are so used to lying to ourselves. Christians are no different from the world, in that we are afraid to be vulnerable, honest about our problems, and transparent in our struggles out of fear that we will be judged or perceived as weak. Instead of confessing our faults to one another (James 5:16) and having the strong lift up the weak (Romans 15:1), we play the church charade and hope that no one sees us for who we really are. When tragedy strikes, some Christians refuse to allow themselves to grieve because of a distorted belief that they need to show the world that they are “strong in the Lord”. However, they forget that Jesus wept, laughed, grieved, and experienced the entire gamut of human emotions that we experience. Suppressing how we truly feel is another form of lying and hypocrisy. Men of God, let us ask God for the courage to be real men and not merely a guise of the real thing. Abraham Lincoln once said, “If it is a crime to make a counterfeit dollar, it is ten thousand times worse to make a counterfeit man.”

Loving God's Word

I love the Word of God; even though there are times, it wounds me deeply. It cuts to the quick and exposes my selfish motives and desires. It is a mirror that reveals my sin, and the reflection I see is often ugly to behold. Like peeling an onion, each layer of self that is removed brings tears and pain, yet I thank God for the power of His Word and its ability to convict me of sin. Dwight L. Moody admonishes believers to: “Cling to the whole Bible, not a part of it. A man is not going to do much good with a broken sword.” General Robert E. Lee said, “The Bible is a book in comparison with which all others are of minor importance. In all my perplexities and distress the Bible never failed to give me light and strength.” II Timothy 3:16, 17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Men of God, do not run from the Word. We have a tendency to set the Word aside when we struggle with sin because we do not enjoy being convicted. Nonetheless, if we love knowledge, we will love the instruction that comes with it; the foolish, stupid man hates reproof. Continue to dig in the Word, godly men, and allow it to convict you. “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him” (Psalms 18:30).

Silence the Venom of Gossip

“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends” (Proverbs 17:9).
No one likes to be talked about or to have people gossip behind their backs. We all want to be given the benefit of the doubt, and if we have offended someone, we want him to come to us so that we can do our best to resolve the situation. Despite the fact that we want these considerations for ourselves, how often do we extend the same courtesy to others? Are we quick to spread tidbits or share “facts” that we have not bothered to confirm as truth? Do we tell talebearers that we are not interested in participating in their sin? Perhaps we do not even spread the gossip that we hear, but we encourage its telling by merely listening. The world sees nothing wrong in repeating a matter, and they usually could not care less if the information is true or not. Especially with today’s media, as long as it makes good copy or boosts ratings, then they are happy. They are not concerned that lives, marriages, and friendships can be ruined by the telling of tales. Talk shows, reality television, and the tabloids are full of gossip, half-truths, and lies and we consume tons of it daily. A godly man realizes the dangers in gossip and diligently avoids it. He understands that, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins” (Proverbs 10:12). “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins (I Peter 4:8). Men of God, be reconcilers and cover a transgression. Don’t be gossips, talebearers, or separators of friends.

Who's Influencing You?

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20).

When one of my brothers was a teenager, my parents tried to get him to understand the correlation between the friends he had chosen and the trouble that inevitably found him. He was not willing to give up these friends until he matured to the point where he could weigh the pros and cons of their friendship. He eventually realized that the cost for their friendship was too high a price to pay. For better or worse, the people we hang around influence us. During my freshman year of college, I received a care package from home. I eagerly tore into the box to find soap, shampoo, and my favorite cookies. I greedily stuffed two cookies in my mouth and immediately spit them out. They tasted like soap! The close proximity between the cookies and soap had cross-contaminated them. The cookies absorbed the pungent fragrance of the soap to the extent that it had lost its own uniqueness. When we walk with wise men, they will invariably rub off on us. Similarly, if we walk with fools, they will negatively influence us and eventually overpower us. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (I Corinthians 15:33). We can be in the world, intentionally witnessing to those around us, loving the lost with the love of God and still be separate. Jesus ministered to the sinners and publicans, but hand-chose his inner circle. We should follow the same example.

Sharing Good News

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).
With the exception of coming to Christ ourselves, leading someone to Jesus is the greatest thing we can do in this life. Bringing men to Christ is our mission and calling. “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). We are commanded by Jesus to go and make disciples in all nations (Matthew 28:19, 20). No one is exempt from the need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we have a responsibility to share the Good News. Research by Barna and Gallup indicate the percentage of Christians who actively share their faith is low. When I returned to Jesus after my prodigal experience, I remember feeling inadequate and unworthy of sharing my faith. I was apprehensive that I would say the wrong thing or offend the other person. I realize now that Satan planted these excuses to hinder me from witnessing. Once I discovered, as Dr. Neil T. Anderson said, that “Witnessing is sharing our faith in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God” I felt enabled to share Jesus. I have shared Jesus with many people since, and I have never had a bad experience. Even when a few people were rude or antagonistic in their worldview, I had complete confidence and peace that I had done what God wanted. Almost every individual I have shared with – even Muslims – have thanked me for caring enough about them to share the truth of Jesus. The greatest high I have experienced is the thrill of leading someone to the Lord. Men of God, be intentional in your witness. A lost world is waiting to hear our message.

Come, Lord Jesus

“Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12).
The more we desire something, the harder it is to wait for it. When I was a boy, waiting for Santa Claus to come was a yearlong event. The countdown for next year’s Christmas began on December 26. My anticipation grew daily as Christmas drew nearer. When the big day arrived, I would tear down the stairs along with my brothers and sister, wake up our parents and revel in the excitement of Christmas. Men of God, we should possess a similar attitude of expectation concerning the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (I Corinthians 15:51, 52). Those that love His appearing and look forward to it, will be rewarded with a crown of righteousness (II Timothy 4:8). Paul again exhorted Titus to “[look] for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (I Peter 5:4). Are our hearts longing for Jesus to return? Is our prayer that of John, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus”? Do our hearts skip a beat when we see prophecy fulfilled before our very eyes? Rest assured, men of God, Jesus is coming back. May we not be ashamed of His coming or be found sleeping.

The Contradictions of Christianity

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches” (Proverbs 13:7).
Kingdom principles are often difficult to understand and contrary to so-called common sense. We must die in order to live, be poor in order to become rich and take up our cross before we are set free. Jesus was the model of this apparent contradiction. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (II Corinthians 8:9).
The God who created the universe, who owns the cattle upon a thousand hills, became poor for us. “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:6-8).
Just as Jesus became poor, we must also become poor. The first beatitude says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew. 5:3). A man must realize he is lost before he can be found. It is only after he looks within and recognizes the wretchedness in his heart, that he will call out to the Savior and receive forgiveness. The man who feels he is “rich in spirit” will be poor for eternity. “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear” (Rev. 3:17, 18).

The Miami Heat Are A Picture of Most Christians

It's hard to feel bad for the Heat. With all the pre-season hoopla and empty promises of a dynasty, well, it all seems a little blustery now. There are some interesting parallels in the Heat and most Christians, and I thought I'd spend a few moments unpacking that concept.

With three superstars on a team, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James could never decide who was the go to guy. Each man expected the other one to carry the load. What ended up happening was that no one did anything, and three perennial all-stars ended up looking like regular joes. The Mavs, an old school basketball team, beat them with an unselfish pass game. As Christians, we are often just like the Heat. God has enabled each of us with superstar gifts and talents, yet we wait on the other all-star Christians around us to do the work that we were called to do. It's easy to shift the responsibility on others when we think they are more qualified and have more all star appearances than we do.

Also like the Heat, we are celebrating our victory before we have rightly attained it. No matter where we are in our Christian journey, if we are still on this side of the daisies, then there is work to be done. While there is nothing wrong with celebrating Christ's finished work on the cross, that doesn't give us the right to sit around basking in future victory when there is so much laboring that needs to be done in the meantime. When you begin celebrating before you obtain the prize, you have lost focus and have underestimated your adversary.

The Heat also did not follow a strong leader. In hindsight, a young, inexperienced coach may not have been the best choice for three headstrong youth. A wiser leader, who had been battle tested in the trenches of NBA warfare, would have been a better choice. It is difficult for NBA players to respect a coach that has not earned his stripes. Similarly, Christians often follow weak leaders, who tell them what their itching ears long to hear, instead of following strong, faithful leaders who speak the truth boldly. Like the Heat, when strong leadership is not present, Christians tend to point fingers, shift responsibility and sit around and cry over lost opportunities.

There is hope for the Heat. If they can learn to play as a team, each learn their role in the offense, play to each teammate's strengths, and come together as one body for the common goal of winning it all, then greatness is in their future. The same can be said of the Church. Let's not fall short of greatness like the Heat, when we are all All-Stars playing on the winning team.

Depart From Evil

“A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident” (Proverbs 14:16).
As boys, we are taught from an early age that we should be fearless. Maxims from our youth, such as “Big boys don’t cry’ and “Be a man,” have given us a false expectation of how we are to face the world. Many of the “truths’ we were indoctrinated with as children are not grounded in reality. For example, boys are taught to fear nothing, but there are some things we should have a healthy respect for: sin, evil, and a Holy God. A fear of sin and evil is wise because it serves as a protective mechanism to keep us far away from wickedness. Our fear helps us to weigh the consequences of falling into sin when temptation comes our way. A foolish man is confident and fears nothing. This kind of man is easily led astray because he places himself in no-win situations. He fails to recognize dangers and warning signs that a wise man would pick up on. “A prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished” (Proverbs 22:3). Godly men, I realize that the Bible says that we are to fear no evil (Psalms 23:4) and fear not what flesh can do to us (Psalms 56:4). However, the fear of the Lord and departing from evil go hand in hand (Proverbs 3:7). The fear of sin and evil is not a negative fear rooted in a lack of faith in God’s abilities, but a healthy fear ingrained in a love for God and a desire to live holy.

I'm Not There Yet

Sometimes there are days that God lets you see yourself for who you really are, and although it is immensely painful, it is necessary for growth. After all, it is when you feel you have arrived in the Christian journey that you cease to grow. If I am being honest, I have been complacent lately. The routine of Christianity has lulled me to sleep, and I hate going through the motions. Sometimes a long stretch of I-26 and I-95 after a day visiting clients is a perfect time to take inventory of your life spiritually. Am I the man I claim to be? Do I excuse sin in my life as just being human? Have I grown accustomed to my life as it is that I have ceased to hope for something better? Do I still believe that God loves me and wants to bless me more than I can think or imagine? Has my pursuit of happiness become more important than the people God places in my path to reach and influence? Am I a good steward of my money? Am I preparing myself to be the husband that my future wife deserves?

As you can see it was a very long ride back from Charleston. My spiritual inventory revealed many places in which I am lacking. I was convicted to renew my spiritual journey with gusto. It is so easy when this world is pulling you a million different directions to lose your first love. Quite a few tears were shed when the Holy Spirit reminded me of all Jesus had done for me, how "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." (Psalm 40:2-3)

So tomorrow is a new day, a chance to begin again. Not just for me but for you as well. His mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:23), and if we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9). Who wouldn't want to serve a God like that?

God Is Our Refuge

“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge” (Proverbs 14:26).
God gives us many descriptions of his provision and protection in Scripture. One of my favorite descriptions is the picture Jesus gave when he wept over Jerusalem. “How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matthew 23:37) The protection of God’s wings is first mentioned to Israel when God said, “I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself” (Exodus 19:4). God compares himself to an eagle that “stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings” (Deuteronomy 32:11). When the eagle teaches her eaglets to fly, she nudges them out of the nest, but she does not leave them on their own. She hovers over them, and if they struggle, she will swoop underneath them and catch them on her massive wings. God does the same for us. We rest atop his nest and under the shadow of his wings. David said, “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings” (Psalms 17:8). “How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings” (Psalms 36:7). “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings, and our confidence is that when we fall, his great wings will gently catch us and set us down safely. What a mighty God we serve!

Hitting Rock Bottom

“Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard” (Proverbs 13:15).
No sane man would choose a life of sin if Satan showed him the ultimate consequences of that life in the end. For example, when Satan tempts a man to use drugs, he will appeal to the man’s curiosity or his sense of adventure. He may even convince the man that the drug will fill the void in his life; however, he will never show the man the results of his sin: loss of finances, his wife leaving him because of his addiction, the destruction and pain brought upon his children, etc. Revealing the consequences of sin would be foolish because not many men would fall into temptation. God loves us so much that He allows us to make bad choices. With our free will, we can choose to serve Him or choose to follow the road to destruction. Proverbs 14:12 says: “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” For some men, it takes hitting rock bottom before they recognize their need to be saved. As long as times are good and life is grand, most men will be content, but when tragedy strikes or the rug is swept out from under him, he will begin to question the meaning of life. He will search for something to fill the void in his soul. This is the crucial time when he is most open to the gospel and a relationship with Jesus Christ. Look around today; there are men throughout your sphere of influence who need to know about Jesus. Will you be faithful to share the Good News with them?

Calm in the Midst of the Storm

“And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” (Matthew 8:23-27)
The disciples had the Savior in the boat with them, yet they were afraid that they would drown in the storm. Jesus responded to their fear by asking them, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” As believers, Jesus is our righteousness, and He will keep us in the right path, if we follow Him. The wicked man, who does not have Jesus in his heart, will be thrown out of the boat and will drown in the stormy sea. What the disciples had was a lack of faith in Jesus. We have all had those moments.
In Mark 4:35, we are given another piece of the story. Jesus told the disciples, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” Notice He did not say, “Let us go to the middle of the lake and drown in a storm.” We can trust what Jesus says and we can trust Him to do what He says. The same Creator who has the power to calm the winds and the waves, can still the troubled waters in each of our lives. We must simply learn to trust Him to do what he has promised.

Has Your Heart Shifted?

“The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself” (Proverbs 14:14).
I have found that I do not have to worry about other people hurting me and doing me harm, because I am by far my own worst enemy. My flesh and its insatiable desires are considerably more destructive than anything others may do to me. For in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing (Romans 7:18). The backslider is filled with his own ways and given over to his flesh (Romans 13:14). A backslider must repent and begin to walk in the Spirit. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). God says, “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings” (Jeremiah 3:22). “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger is turned away from him” (Hosea 14:4).
Henry Blackaby said, “The greatest single pitfall for a [Christian] is the loss or turning aside from the love relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s the heart of it all. When your heart shifts everything else shifts.” At the heart of backsliding is leaving our first love, Jesus (Revelation 2:4). Only Jesus satisfies. When we turn from Him, we have forsaken the only One who can give us peace, happiness, fulfillment and lasting joy. Our flesh, with its voracious lusts, will destroy us. The man that trusts in Jesus and clings to Him will be delivered from himself.

Only God Sees the Heart

“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits” (Proverbs 16:2).
After God rejected Saul as King, the prophet Samuel was sent to Jesse the Bethlehemite to anoint one of his sons as king. Jesse called his sons to stand before the prophet, and each time, the Lord told Samuel that the son before him was not the chosen one. When Eliab, the firstborn, stood before Samuel, the prophet thought “Surely the Lord’s anointed [was] before him.” But the Lord said unto Samuel, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (I Samuel 16:6, 7).
Unfortunately, the outward appearance of a man is often very different from what is found in a man’s heart. If we judge according to the external, we will often come to the wrong conclusion, because we can only make an impression based on the superficial. Jesus called the outwardly religious Pharisees, “Hypocrites,” who were like “whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matthew 23:27, 28).
The world judges by visible appearance: how a man looks, what kind of car he drives, how much money he makes, etc. God judges a man by his heart. Has the blood of Jesus been applied to his life? Does he love God with his entire being? Does he love his brother as himself? Only God sees the heart.

Passing the Test

“Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight” (Proverbs 12:22).
Recently, I watched “Remember the Titans” for the first time in quite some time. In the movie, the team captain, who was white, was placed in a situation where he had to make a split-second decision. His white friends pulled up beside him in their convertible and invited him to a party. He looked back at his black teammates he had just won a football game with and had to choose whether to stick with his teammates or go to the party with his prejudiced white buddies.
As I watched this scene, I realized that this was the dénouement of the movie (the moment where the protagonist confronts the antagonist in the story and makes the decision that will affect the outcome of the story). The team captain ended up doing the right thing: he stayed with his black teammates despite the peer pressure he felt.
Just as this young man faced his test and passed it, we, as godly men, must make hundreds of instantaneous decisions each day that affect our character, integrity and walk with the Lord. For example, when we are confronted with a difficult situation, we have a brief window to decide whether we will be honest or lie to protect ourselves. God hates it when we compromise our holiness for the sake of temporary gain. We are commanded to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 11:45). Men of integrity do the right thing even when they are in a difficult situation. Part of becoming a godly man involves taking responsibility for our actions and speaking the truth at all times – even when it is not convenient.

A Test of Character

“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel” (Proverbs 12:10).
It has been said, “Character is doing the right thing when no one else is looking.” A large part of becoming a godly man rests on this principle. When it is only God and us, it is then that we find if we are willing to stand for what we profess to believe. There is no better test of godly character than how a man treats those that are in subjection to him. When a man has power and authority over another human or even a beast, whether he chooses to act in mercy or cruelty reveals the kind of man he is. Once a man is granted power, many wicked traits bubble to the surface. These characteristics were in his heart the entire time, but power exposed them.
We will never become the godly men we desire to be without being faithful in the little things. There is a popular book called Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff in which the author encourages the reader not to make mountains out of molehills. I agree, but when it comes to pursuing godly manhood we definitely need to sweat the small stuff. The mundane, inconsequential decisions are the building blocks upon which our character is formed. If we are faithful to walk righteously in the small details of life, then when crucial decisions confront us, we will have no problem doing the right thing, because we have made a practice of acting with character and integrity.

Which Path Will You Take?

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
Ultimately, man must choose to go God’s way or his own way. God will not force His way upon us. We must choose to follow Him freely. He gives us a free will so we may choose the course for our life and whether we will serve Him or not. Our adversary, Satan, recognizes this truth and will do all that he can to make going our own way, apart from God, appealing to us. Sin is enticing, often pleasurable and even “fun”, but it is a mirage (what at first seems sweet, turns out to be bitter). Satan does his best to make rebellion against God look exciting and engaging, while making obedience look boring and unattractive. Having experienced both worlds, I can say that the very best Satan has to offer does not even begin to compare with the most minute of God’s blessings. Moses revealed this fact. He lived in Egypt, in the palace of the Pharaoh, but chose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward” (Hebrews 11:25, 26). No doubt, the life of sin may look appealing, but “the end thereof are the ways of death.” Every man must choose for himself the path that he is to take. “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him (Psalms 34:8).

Jesus Will Meet You Where You Are

“I love them that love me.” (Proverbs 8:17a).
How do we show our love to the people that are important to us? By spending time with them. The activities that we spend our time on are the things in life to which we are devoted. If I asked each man reading this devotional if he loved God, every single one would say yes? My question then, is how do you express your love? Do you spend time with Him? Is your relationship with Him alive or stagnant? Building relationships takes time- with people and with God. Adam walked with God in the garden. (Genesis 3:8). Enoch walked so closely with God that he was taken from the earth without ever seeing death. (Genesis 5:24). Noah was a just man and walked with God. (Genesis 6:9). Moses talked with God face to face as a man speaketh to his friend. (Exodus 33:11). David was a man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22). Abraham was called the friend of God. (James 2:23). These men loved God. Are you aware that God will meet you where you are? In John 21:15-19, Jesus discusses with Simon Peter his love for Him. Jesus’ first question to Simon Peter was: Simon, do you love [agape-unconditional love] me?
Peter replied: yes, Lord, you know that I love [phileo-friendship love] you. Jesus asked Peter again: Do you agape me? Peter said: yes Lord, I phileo you. Finally, Jesus asked: Simon, do you phileo me? To which Peter replied: yes, Lord, you know I phileo you. The Hebrew word for love in today’s proverb is ahab, which means to have affection as with a friend. (Strong’s). Isn’t it great to know that God is confident in His goodness? He knows that once we taste and see that He is good, we will desire to know Him intimately. We can progress from being a friend of God to His loving son.

Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid

“The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble” (Proverbs 12:13).
We have all heard the expressions; “He dug a hole for himself…” and “He made his bed, now let him lie in it.” These colloquialisms emphasize the consequences of our actions. When we shoot off at the mouth and fail to think before we speak, we lay a snare and entrap ourselves with our own words. As boys, most of us tried to talk our way out of punishment when we did something that deserved it. We often try to do the same with God. We attempt to make deals or convince Him as to why we deserve to be delivered from our present circumstances. In reality, all we have to do is trust God to deliver us. “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished” (II Peter 2:9). A large portion of our struggles and temptations could be avoided if we learned to keep our mouths shut. We bring most of our problems on ourselves by confessing negative thoughts, complaining and speaking from the flesh. When we are not led by the Holy Spirit, we are liable to say anything. The tongue seems to have a mind of its own and must be kept under subjection to the Spirit. If we allow our tongue free rein, it will continue to ensnare us and prevent us from becoming godly men. Listen to your conversation today. Are there unwholesome comments, negative confessions, or complaining statements that would have been better left unsaid? Be aware of what you speak and ask God to control your tongue.

Your Spiritual Heritage Doesn't Have to Define You

“The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand” (Proverbs 12:7).
Every man has a spiritual heritage that he has absolutely no control over. Some men have a godly heritage, while others have ancestors who may have been antagonistic toward God. What we do have power over is the spiritual legacy we leave to our children and grandchildren. Fathers spend their entire lives working, saving, and investing so that they will have an inheritance to leave for their children. Yet, how many of us expend the same amount of effort and energy in bestowing a godly heritage to our children? Our actions today will affect generations to come. “The generation of the upright shall be blessed” (Psalms 112:2). “Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever” (Deuteronomy 4:40). The money, land, and earthly riches we leave behind will eventually be spent, divided, and sold. Only our legacy will remain; it is eternal. What kind of heritage will we leave behind? Jim Elliot said, “When it comes time to die, make sure all you have to do is die.” “Live so that when the final summons comes, you will leave something more behind you than an epitaph on a tombstone or an obituary in a newspaper.” (Billy Sunday). Make sure you leave behind a legacy your children will be proud of.

Sons and Scorners

“A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1).
There are two kinds of men: wise sons and scorners. A wise son heareth, but the scorner heareth not. A scorner is someone who not only ignores his father’s commands but also detests and mocks them. He hates the authority over him and chafes at the restrictions placed upon him by a loving father. In the spiritual, there are also sons and scorners. Scorners hate God and all that He represents. They rebel against His commands and the boundaries set in place for their protection. They believe they know what is best for them: they are their own god. A wise son trusts God to know what is best for him. He listens to God’s voice and heeds it. He allows his Heavenly Father to instruct him and teach him. The word instruction is translated in other passages as chastisement, or correction. It is a warning to get back on track, and it is given in love. On the other hand, the Father rebukes the scorner. While still given in love, a rebuke is harsh and often painful. Its purpose is to bring the scorner to repentance. As men on the quest for godly manhood, there will be times when we are chastised and disciplined by God. We should not become discouraged. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then ye are bastards, and not sons” (Hebrews 12:6, 8). Do not forget that we were all scorners before we became sons. Do not write off a scorner as beyond redemption, but share the Good News with him. Yes, he may scorn God, but he may also repent and become a son.

What Is Your Legacy?

“A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised” (Proverbs 12:8).
What kind of man do we want to be known as when we die? If today were our last day on earth, what kind of legacy would we leave behind? As our family emptied our drawers, cleaned out our closets, opened our safe deposit box and scanned our computer files, would they find anything that contradicted the lifestyle of holiness we professed? If they did, what kind of message would that send? Our loved ones would no doubt question whom we really were – the person they knew or the man living the double life. People may have praised us for our godly character and wisdom all our lives, but if they find out at death, that we had secret sins, it will be all for nothing. No one wants a tarnished legacy. When we are faced with temptation- even if we think no one will ever know – remember that, “The torment of the temptation to sin is nothing to compare to the torment of the consequences of sin” (Edwin Louis Cole). We can never outrun sin: it will catch up to us in this life or the life to come. Make sure that your freedom in Christ and assurance of salvation does not cause you to sin. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1, 2) Men of God, our legacy will remain long after we are absent from this body and present with the Lord. Let us leave behind a godly inheritance worthy of the name of Jesus, whom we serve.

The Dangers of the Prosperity Gospel

“The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish” (Proverbs 14:11).
Every godly man wants his house to flourish, but many men become discouraged when God does not bless them in the way that they feel they should be blessed. As a result of the prosperity message so popular today, many people have come to equate financial and material blessings with God’s favor. The same doctrine was prevalent in Jesus’ day, and he reproved it (Matthew 19:23-26). God is God, and He can bless us in any manner He chooses. Why are we serving Him anyway? Is it simply out of a desire to be blessed or to make our lives easier? When rough times come, do we feel that God has abandoned us? Are we ready to jump ship? Many of Jesus’ disciples abandoned Him when His teaching became too difficult. He asked His twelve disciples, “Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the Living God” (John 6:67-69). Because God is just, we can trust Him to do what is right. The house of the wicked will eventually be overthrown, even if it appears that he is prospering in this life. Likewise, the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish, even though it seems that he is oppressed, downtrodden, and destitute. Stand firm in your faith, for God will balance the scales of judgment on the Last Day.

Are You An Enemy of God?

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight” (Proverbs 15:8).
Even men that have no relationship with the Lord unconsciously attempt to appease Him. They know in their hearts that they will one day stand before a Holy God and give an account of their lives. A general fear of God keeps many men “in line”. A large number of people strive to allay God’s wrath through generic prayer, baptism, church attendance, giving alms, being “good” people, and helping others. They fail to realize that their sacrifices and efforts to reach God are an abomination to Him. Since God is the One who has been offended by sin, He is the only one who has the right to declare what will pacify His holiness. Two thousand years ago, God’s holiness was satisfied when His Son Jesus died on the cross, shed his blood, and became the atonement for sin. If we try to gain access to God through any means but by the blood of Jesus, we are trespassers and uninvited guests. Only the man that has been born again and has the blood of Jesus applied to his life is entitled access to God (Romans 5:2). When we possess the righteousness of Christ, we can “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). We can be certain that our prayers are heard and a delight to God. When we see our fellow man attempting to reach God through human means, we need to inform him that God’s divine plan of redemption through Jesus Christ has already been completed and has satisfied God’s judgment and holiness.

Seeking Afrter God

“He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him” (Proverbs 11:27).
All Christian men profess that they desire the favor of God. We claim to want God to use us, bless us, and transform us, but do we really? Do our actions confirm or deny our profession? I have noticed in my own life, times of hypocrisy when I told God I wanted a deeper walk with Him with my mouth, but my heart was far from Him. The Holy Spirit within me caused me to desire the things of God, but there was a battle between my regenerated spirit’s desire to do the will of God and my flesh’s desire to commit sin. This is a daily conflict in my life and in the life of every believer. When we make a decision to follow God, we must follow through. If we half-step, we will never achieve full victory. The Holy Spirit will encourage us in our quest for godly manhood, but He will never coerce us. He will strengthen us when we fall and walk alongside us, and He longs for us to trust Him with childlike faith. When we have confidence in His goodness, we can place our hand in His and allow Him to lead the way. “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments” (Psalms 119:10). When we seek after God with all of our hearts, we will walk in His favor. If we choose to seek after mischief, we will find it as well. The key to the Christian life is to follow after God with total abandon. It is only as we empty ourselves of our selfish hopes, dreams, and desires, that God can fill us with His Spirit and guide us in the paths of righteousness.

A Lie Doesn't Care Who Tells It

“The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (Proverbs 12:19).
I have often heard that “A lie doesn’t care who tells it,”– even a godly man. Once we tell one lie, we usually end up telling a few more to cover up the original. It is an easy cycle to get into and a hard one to break. Why do we tell lies? Usually, it is because they are easier to tell than the truth. When your boss asks if you mind putting in a little overtime, you say you would be glad to do it, when in fact, you know it will strain the little family time you already have. Inevitably, the truth comes out and your integrity is tarnished. My dad used to tell me, “Say what you mean, and mean what you say.” This includes telling the truth even when it is inconvenient. Our conversation must be absolute truth. Men should never have to question or wonder if we are speaking the truth or if we are “exaggerating, stretching the truth or telling a little white lie.” The very truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is painful to many, yet we have a responsibility to share it. The Word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword, and it cuts to the soul: it lacerates and exposes the thoughts and intents of our hearts. Jesus is the Truth, and is He is an offense and a stumbling block to many. Nonetheless, He is the truth that sets us free, and there is no salvation in any other. You have probably heard the axiom: “The truth hurts,” or Jack Nicholson’s line in A Few Good Men: “You can’t handle the truth!” Perhaps some people can’t handle the truth, but as godly men, that does not remove our responsibility to speak the truth in love.

Swift to Hear and Slow to Speak

“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).
When I was a boy, I would occasionally get into trouble, and I would try to talk my way out of it. Usually, the more I talked, the deeper I got into trouble. Like a fly caught in a spider’s web, the more I struggled to get out of it, the more entangled I became. A similar experience occurs when we talk excessively. I am sure everyone knows at least one person that appears to talk merely for the pleasure of hearing his own voice. If you give these foolish men enough rope, it will only be a matter of time before they hang themselves. Interrogators use this tactic when interviewing suspects. If they can get the suspect to start talking, they know chances are good he will eventually incriminate himself. Ecclesiastes 5:3 says, “A fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.” The more we talk, the more opportunities we provide ourselves to sin with our words. James 1:19 admonishes us, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak.” I have heard several of my elders share the axiom: “God gave us two ears and only one mouth; therefore we should listen twice as much as we speak.” Good advice for old and young alike. As godly men, we should possess control over our tongues. “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23). "Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding"
(Proverbs 17:28). We have enough trouble without bringing any more upon ourselves. May we speak only that which is profitable for edification and encouragement to those around us and not talk merely to bring honor to ourselves.

Obtaining God's Favor

“A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord” (Proverbs 12:2).
Every man reading this blog desires the favor of God and wants to walk in His anointing. We would love to have Samuel’s testimony, who “was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men” (I Samuel 2:26). We yearn to be like Jesus, who increased “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Job knew what it felt like to experience the favor of God. He said, “Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit” (Job 10:12). David knew both the favor of God and His judgment. “For thou, Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield” (Psalms 5:12). “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalms 30:5). When we were born again into the Kingdom of God, we received the favor of God, and we now have total access to His throne. “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:13, 14). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The favor of God is dependent on one thing: the blood of Jesus. We cannot earn God’s favor by keeping the law, doing good deeds, or trying to impress Him with our worthiness. Our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Thank you, Jesus, for the favor we have with the Father. Because He is pleased with You, and we are in You, then He is pleased with us.

In God We Trust

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
No one can intelligently deny that the United States of America was founded upon Christian principles. The Founding Fathers were –almost without exception – Christian men actively involved in a local church who professed to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. These men of God were praying men. They opened their sessions with prayer; they installed a chaplain for Congress, and they actively sought out wisdom from God when framing the government of the Republic. Our nation was founded upon the principle of religious freedom. The vast majority of the early New World inhabitants immigrated to escape religious persecution and state-run churches. It is because of this godly heritage that America is what she is today. Righteous men seeking God and His will for our nation exalted America as the greatest country in the world. Today, “In God We Trust” is no longer the motto for most Americans (more like “In gods We Trust). Our corporate sin as a nation is a reproach to God. He will not wink at America’s injustices and travesties much longer. We have abandoned our godly heritage and gone aside to serve other gods. We must return to the Lord our God. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).

Don't Be A Tattletale

“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” (Proverbs 11:13).
When I was a child, about the worst thing anyone could call you was a tattletale. When anyone snitched to an adult, we would all sing song a nursery rhyme that said: “Tattletale, tattletale, hang your britches on a nail. Hang ‘em high, hang ’em low. Hang ‘em on a stereo.” Now that I’m an adult, I have no idea what the semantics mean (I doubt I knew then), but I know that the purpose of the rhyme was to shame the tattletale. Children are big on unity. When one child disassociates himself from the group and exposes another child in an attempt to curry favor, the pack mentality of the group seeks to get the offending party back in line and preserve the integrity of the group. When did adults lose this perspective? We may not be tattletales or talebearers ourselves, but we implicitly encourage them by listening to their gossip. Then there are the “righteous talebearers”: these are the busy bodies that share information about others, so you can pray specifically for them and their situation; however, all along their motivation is to spread gossip, rumors and discord. Talebearers are some of Satan’s greatest tools for disunity and mistrust in the church. Who wants to be real and expose his inner struggles when he knows they will only be fodder for the gossips? Godly men, we must discipline the busybodies in the church, so that God’s house can become a sanctuary and haven where men feel safe to be themselves and tackle the struggles that hinder them in their quest for godliness.

Having A Heart of Compassion

“He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it” (Proverbs 11:26).
Compassion is a godly characteristic believers should exemplify. In the Gospels, Jesus is frequently said to have been “moved by compassion.” He saw the needs of others and desired to help them. Are we moved by similar compassion, or do we turn a blind eye to the disadvantaged around us? Have we grown so accustomed to the homeless, panhandlers and addicts that we no longer see them as individuals infinitely loved by God, but as menaces to society? Where is our heart of compassion? How have we become so cold? God said we should have “compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous” (I Peter 3:8). Unfortunately, compassion is also lacking in the Church. Our brothers and sisters in Christ should never have to do without the basic necessities. The essential needs of individual believers should be provided by the corporate body of Christ. “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (I John 3:17). When God has blessed us abundantly, we have a responsibility to share what he has given us with those less fortunate. When the blessed horde their blessings, their selfishness and lack of compassion becomes a stumbling block. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

Doing Right When No One Is Looking

“He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit” (Proverbs 12:17).
Have you ever noticed that you are never tempted to lie if there are no consequences to face? We lie for selfish reasons – to get out of trouble, to save face, to sugar coat the truth, to make ourselves look better, seem smarter, sound funnier, etc. The plain truth is often deemed boring and so we spice it up with embellishments. As a result, we compromise our character and integrity to tell a funny story or magnify our accomplishments. When George O’Leary was fired as Georgia Tech’s football coach for falsifying his resume, many other coaches quietly altered their own resumes: they feared they would receive a similar fate if their own fabrications were discovered. Shortly thereafter, several Division I football coaches made smaller headlines when they proofread their resumes and biographies published in school programs and “discovered that inaccurate statements had somehow made its way into information compiled by assistants.” The Holy Spirit within each believer is the Spirit of Truth (I John 5:6). “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight” (Proverbs 12:22). Christian men must be beacons of truth, willing to speak the truth even when it is not “convenient” to do so. Part of becoming a man transpires when we do the right thing when no one is looking; this is true evidence of character.

Nobody Likes A Whipping

“In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding” (Proverbs 10:13).
If I misbehaved when I was a boy, I knew the consequences for my actions: a whipping. The same principle occurs with the discipline of God. We know that our sin will find us out, that we cannot hide our transgressions from God and that because of His holiness, He must deal with our rebellion. Like any good father, He cannot look the other way while we bring harm to ourselves. He disciplines us for our own good, and although it hurts Him, He does it because He loves us. While it is true that the rod is for the back of the foolish man, we must be careful not to attribute everything that happens in our lives to the correction of God. Some trials in our lives are attacks from Satan sent for the purpose of stealing, killing, and destroying (his specialties). (Luke 22: 31; John 10:10). Satan desires to tear us down, discourage and condemn. Tribulations that come from God are for the purpose of conforming us to the image of Jesus (Romans 8:28, 29). God tells us to rejoice in temptation, because “the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:7). When we go through a difficult time in our lives, we should seek the face of God to see if what we are experiencing is a test from Him, an attack from Satan or chastisement because of disobedience. Our response will depend on what we are facing: joy for the test, warfare against Satan or repentance for chastisement.

Doing for the "Least of These"

“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor” (Proverbs14:31).
I wonder how the innkeeper would have felt had he known that the poor couple he turned away from his inn was Mary and Joseph. Would he have responded differently had he known that Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, was due to be born that very night in Bethlehem? Surely, he would have found room in the inn, even if it meant giving up his own bed. A pastor friend told me about a house blessing ceremony he attended for an affluent, older parishioner. When he prayed, he felt led to say, “Lord, I don’t know why you have blessed this family in such a large home in their latter years. Surely, it must be so that they can provide help to people in need and assist those going through hard times. May this couple use this home to bring the love of Jesus to others.” Two weeks later, the pastor received a call from a seventy-year-old traveling missionary, who was stranded at the bus station and needed a place to spend the night. Immediately, the parishioner with the large home came to the pastor’s mind, so he called the brother to ask if he could shelter the elderly missionary for the night. The man paused for a long time and said, “How do we get ourselves in these situations?” The pastor told the man not to worry about it, then went and picked up the missionary, took him to his small parsonage, changed the linens on his own bed and slept on the couch along with his wife. I wonder … would the brother with the big house have hesitated if Jesus had needed a place to stay for the night? What about Billy Graham, or a famous politician? I would venture to say that he would have rolled out the red carpet for these dignitaries. The elderly missionary – who could have been an angel in disguise – was turned away, even though he had plenty of room. Godly men, remember that what we do unto the least of these, we have done to Jesus.

A Church Where Even Hyprocrites Are Welcome

“An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.” (Proverbs 11:9).
No one wants to be a hypocrite, yet if we are honest, we have all been a hypocrite at one time or another. The word “hypocrite” comes from the Greek word hupokrites, which means “an actor under an assumed character; stage player.” (Strong’s). In Greek plays, men portrayed all of the characters, both male and female. They wore masks for each character since one man might act out several different parts in the play. Unfortunately, church life can also be a full-scale production with Christians wearing various masks as they play out their different roles. Believers are often afraid to expose their hurts, struggles and temptations for fear of being judged or condemned as somehow “less than Christian.” We have a tendency in the church to kill off our wounded, instead of nursing them back to spiritual health. When a brother struggles, do we come to his aid, or do we gossip, back-bite, and kick him while he is down? Hypocrites! How can we condemn a man when we are guilty of sin ourselves? Are any of us without sin, that we may cast the first stone? Men of God, our churches are full of the walking wounded, who need the healing touch of the Great Physician and nurturing care from the body of Christ in order to fully recover. If we really want to do the Lord’s work, we will make our churches accessible to the wounded and hurting. We must either provide a safe haven for believers to be genuine and to confront unresolved issues that hinder their walk with the Lord, or we can continue to be hypocrites, wear our happy Christian masks and allow the show to go on.

Where Are You Getting Your Advice?

“Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14).
When godly men desire wisdom, the first place where we should go is to God. Nevertheless, God recognizes the importance of men surrounding themselves with other godly men. He said, “In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Men with godly wisdom are needed to challenge us, help hold us accountable and guide us back on course when we stray from our commitments. When God blesses us with mature men in our lives, we should not ignore their wisdom, once we have sought it out. In I Kings 12, young King Rehoboam “consulted with the men that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, ‘How do ye advise that I may answer this people?’” Instead of following the advice that the elders gave, “He forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him and which stood before him.” Because King Rehoboam ignored the advice of the elders and treated his subjects with harshness instead of grace, the Hebrew nation split into two kingdoms. We can make similar mistakes when we fail to acquire godly wisdom or ignore the counsel we have been given. Even godly men cannot make it on their own. I have heard it said: “There are no Lone Rangers in the Christian faith.” Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto by his side – what about you? Do you make an effort to surround yourself with mature, godly men, or are you just waiting to fall because of your lack of counsel?

So You Think You Are A Superhero? Really?

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” ( Proverbs 12:15).
Superman, Spiderman, The Green Lantern, Daredevil, The Incredible Hulk … What do they all have in common? They represent the mentality of most men today: we perceive ourselves as superheroes-one man against the entire world. We believe that we possess superpowers, but all too often, our weaknesses – whether to Kryptonite or sin – get the best of us. Rarely do superheroes seek counsel, and men take their cues from their boyhood heroes. We depend on ourselves and make the most of whatever talents and gifts (superpowers) we have and attempt to scrape by. Rarely, do we commit mistakes in our own eyes. When we fail, we usually blame someone else or something beyond our control. If we want to become godly men, we must put away the childish notion that it is us against the world. In the Christian faith, God makes it clear that we are members of an army, not a lone soldier. In fact, we are not even Commander-in-Chief, God is. Christian men must learn to seek out wise counsel from other godly men. We need Christian brothers to guard our flank, our rear, and to point out weaknesses in our battle plan. We are in a spiritual war – a war for the hearts and souls of our wives, children and loved ones. Superheroes cannot win the battle alone. It will take an alliance – a Justice League, if you will – where our weaknesses are covered by our brothers’ strengths. Lord, help us to put aside the superhero mentality and learn to depend on other godly men.

Your Tongue, Your Words and the Power of Death and Life

“The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” (Proverbs10:11).
What would our response be if every word we spoke was displayed on one of the gigantic, HD billboards in Times Square? Do you think we would be more careful about what we said? Jesus said: “That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” (Matthew: 12: 36). For a man whose sins are not under the blood, that should be a scary thought. The following anonymous poem should cause us to stop and ponder our idle words:

If all that we say in a single day, with never a word left out,
Were printed each night in clear black and white,
It would be a strange reading, no doubt.
Then just suppose, ere our eyes we would doze,
We must read the whole record through.
Then wouldn’t we sigh, and wouldn’t we try a great deal less talking to do?
And I more than half think that many a kink
Would be smarter in life’s tangled thread,
If half that we say in a single day were left forever unsaid.

Our words are important, and they carry spiritual power. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs18: 21). Are our words life, or are they death? Is our mouth a well of life? Do people come to us to receive cool, refreshing words of encouragement from our well of life (our mouth), or do they avoid the bitter, pessimistic, vitriolic words that spew forth from our mouths like arrows shot from a bow? People desire to be around godly men who build them up, speak words of life into their spirits, and encourage them in the faith. Do we have that kind of reputation?

Being Faithful With All We Have

“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” (Proverbs11:25).
When God prospers his children financially, it is not solely for their benefit but to give them the resources to finance His Kingdom work and to help others in need. “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” (II Corinthians 9:6-8). As we faithfully use what God has given us, He will give us more. He will not entrust to our care more than we can handle, for he gives “to every man according to his several ability.” (Matthew. 25:15). When we are faithful over a few things, He will make us rulers over many things. (Matthew. 25:21). We do not have to worry about our well running dry when we pour out our lives into others. God will fill our well, as we water others. We should not boast or be prideful in doing what is expected of us as believers. The only One who deserves the credit and the glory is God. Paul said: “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” (I Corinthians 3:6-8). May we be faithful with the resources the Lord has given us.

Shine Your Light

“The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.” (Proverbs 13:9).
The Amplified Bible translates today’s proverb: “The light of the [uncompromisingly] righteous [is within him-it grows brighter and] rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked [furnishes only a derived, temporary light and] shall be put out shortly.” It is imperative for godly men to be uncompromisingly righteous. When we begin to compromise our standards of integrity, it is the same as hiding our light under a bushel. Jesus said: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew. 5:14-16). When a godly man begins to compromise with the world, his light will grow dim. It will grow so faint that it is no longer good for the purpose in which it was intended: to shine light into the darkness. D.L. Moody said: “The Devil does not mind if a man’s heart is divided, but Christ must have it all or none.” When men look at us, what do they see? Are we a beacon on a hill-a lighthouse safely directing men to the Savior? Is our light so bleak that it barely casts a shadow on the world of darkness? Have we compromised to the point that we are no different from ungodly men? If so, then we have lost our savor, and we are good for nothing. Godly men, do not be afraid to be uncompromisingly righteous. Yes, you may lose friends or be called a fanatic, but the lost world needs to see the light of Jesus Christ in us.

"What Are You Talking About?"

“The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.” (Proverbs 10:31)
Far too often, we voice every thought that our minds process. I am sure you know someone who verbalizes every creative idea, good or bad thought, absurd speculation, perverted imaginations and unfounded opinion that cross their mind. Instead of filtering his ideas and speaking only what is necessary and profitable, he feels compelled to share every thought and meditation. This kind of man reveals his immaturity and lack of rule over his spirit. He fails to realize that all his thoughts do not originate from his mind. Some thoughts come from our soulish man, some from our spiritual man, a portion from the flesh and others from the pits of hell. Satan constantly shoots fiery darts of temptation, lust and perversion at men. (Ephesians 6:16) We need to pray for discernment to be able to identify and categorize the thoughts that we have that are not Christ-like. In II Corinthians 10:5, Paul exhorts believers to cast down imaginations, thoughts, reasonings and arguments that do not line up with the truth of God’s Word. Any thought that raises itself up against God must be taken captive and brought unto the obedience of Christ. Do not dwell on thoughts and fantasies, godly men, which you know are not pleasing to God. Be careful what thoughts you voice, because once they are spoken, they take on a life of their own. Our words are powerful and can be used for good or evil. May we use our mouths to speak words of wisdom, healing and exhortation.

Are You Still A Bully?

“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” (Proverbs 11:11)
“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:10) Our words carry the power of life and death. We can wound people with our words, and in some cases, kill their spirits. Frank Peretti’s autobiographical book, The Wounded Spirit, is a must- read for anyone who has struggled with an untamed tongue. His heart- wrenching story recounts how the words of bullies and other insensitive people affected his spirit and self-esteem. He mentions how easy it is for people to criticize and judge others, especially those who are weak or different from the majority. Many men are guilty of the ultimate hypocrisy: we experienced pain and brokenness at the hands of bullies, yet at one time or another, we bullied someone ourselves. Our tendency in the flesh is to tear down others in order to build ourselves up. Unfortunately, some men have never outgrown their playground mentality. They still bully people whenever they can, and they wound anyone they come in contact with. Regrettably, we have bullies in the church who wreak havoc and destruction on the family of God. It is a godly man’s responsibility to protect his brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as to defend the defenseless. He has the duty to guard his own tongue, speak blessing and not cursing and to confront other men who wound with their words.