RENEW

 “And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Release the

Eternal 

Nature

Encounter 

Wholeness 

Where does the Holy Spirit fit into our lives? How do we minister to a lost and dying world without the life-giving power of God’s eternal nature at work within us?

In the Old Testament the Spirit of God covered specific individuals for a specific purpose. Prophets spoke the message, Priests proclaimed the blessing, and Levites led in worship. Everyone experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit and the anointing as an outward expression.

“Then the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded, and he went out to meet King Asa as he was returning from the battle. “Listen to me, Asa!” he shouted. “Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭15:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Under those conditions if you were chosen, you could not hold back the message. There are a few who tried to avoid speaking the message, or hanging the blessing into a curse, but none were successful. Even when God spoke judgement and punishment His goal was returning people to a place of blessing and wholeness.

“But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭20:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In the New Testament, Jesus invited all believers to experience the Holy Spirit from within. That same eternal nature flowing from God would, can and does transform us into the “priesthood of believers”. Our faith opens up the opportunity to release God’s eternal nature into the lives around us.

“Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” ‭‭John‬ ‭7:38-39‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever encountered a jar with the lid screwed on too tight? No matter what you try, that lid is not coming off! That jar is a representation of most of us at one time or another. We all have our reasons to deny the release of God’s life-giving Spirit: fear, anger, feeling unworthy, the thought “someone else will”, all of these and any others that keep the lid on our jars are attacks on our faith. Believe and Speak, God will accomplish the task.

“Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. … I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:2, 5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

People cannot teach us to be prophetic. There is no “How To” class that teaches tongues and interpretation, or any other operation of the Gifts of the Spirit. The only way to encounter wholeness is faith. The boldness to step out and act on our beliefs will renew our commitment to bring wholeness to others as well as allowing the healing power of Jesus Christ to work in us. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is reconciliation and wholeness.

“Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:16-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

RESET

 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Removing

Every

Stumbling block

Emerging

Triumphantly

How often in this age of technology have we experienced some sort of difficulty that required us to reset the system? Our games freeze. Our DVDs won’t be read. Right at the critical stage in an important document our word processor fails. Those moments are so frustrating. But, the worst type of system failure happens in our spiritual lives.

Unexpected events, illness, financial problems, changes great or small, basically any interruption to our plans can crush our spirits. Yet, in all these situations God’s word holds the answer. It’s time for a reset.  It’s so easy to see the need in others. It is much more difficult to recognize our own need for a spiritual reset. The time is now. Take the action that will start the process. I admit I need a reset; do you? 

“For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Getting a spiritual reset begins with examining ourselves. Take a hard look into where we are personally in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Are we staying on the path of righteousness, or have we taken a side road? This is not a one and done experience. Examining ourselves is a daily process.

“For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. … Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. … Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:2, 5, 7-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Often the door to our spiritual reset is hidden behind the rocks of offense and stumbling blocks we focus our attention on. Our perception colors our reality. We trust our interpretation of what we see rather than walking in faith, trusting God’s guidance. It is not easy to remove our stumbling blocks. Sometimes we need a friend to speak the challenging truth to us. Friends will not allow us to wallow in pity or self doubt. They will reach out, offer strength, and remind us of the promises God has given us in his word.

“Open rebuke is better Than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If a family had a life verse, that would be the verses that my family lives by, but everything is meant in the spirit of love. It may take a while to really sink in because for the most part we are “hard headed”, and removal of stumbling blocks is a work of the Holy Spirit, not the flesh.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139:23-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Only God can know our hearts. Only His Spirit can lead us along the path to everlasting life. He will lead us out triumphantly. Are you ready for a reset? I know I am! Allow the Lord into your life He will fulfill His promises. God can hit the reset, but we must ask for it.

“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, We were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing: Then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; Whereof we are glad.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭126:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God will give you a new dream, and accomplishing it will fill you with joy.

GATE

 “Lord, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea! Don’t turn away from me in my time of distress. Bend down to listen, and answer me quickly when I call to you. ... Tell them the Lord looked down from his heavenly sanctuary. He looked down to earth from heaven to hear the groans of the prisoners, to release those condemned to die. And so the Lord’s fame will be celebrated in Zion, his praises in Jerusalem, when multitudes gather together and kingdoms come to worship the Lord.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭102:1-2, 19-22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Gripping 

Attentive 

Transformatively

Engaging 

Over the course of the past two Sundays Michele and I have visited a growing church in Marana, Arizona. While I would never suggest driving 400 plus miles round trip to attend church every week, I will tell you the church is worth a visit from anywhere in the greater Tucson  area.

“Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.” ‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Both messages I’ve heard preached from the pulpit of the Gate church were gripping, clearly prepared, and memorable. How often can we remember what we heard in church two days after the message? These messages have been mulling over in my mind for a week and a half. The Spirit of God is listening to every prayer prayed, and the eyes of the Lord are open to the needs of His people.

“My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:15-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The promise God made regarding the Temple is conditional. If we abandon His instruction He will uproot His people. To continually preach transformatively engaging messages we cannot allow pride to gain a foothold in our lives. The Spirit of God is transforming lives. Continue in the work God has given you, but remember:

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:5-7‬ ‭KJV

BITTER

 “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Bad

Intentions 

Tied

To

External

Regrets

My great nephew Zak is nine years old. He loves any type of play on words - puns, idioms, metaphors - he thinks they are all great fun and when he employs them in conversation they are always followed by, “Do ya get it?” As much as he loves word games, I hate shaving. I usually only shave every third day. 

One Sunday during quarantine he came into my room while I was getting ready for my Sunday morning live stream of service. He looked me straight in the eyes and said, “Russ, I think it’s time to mow the lawn.” When I didn’t get it, he rubbed his hands up and down on my cheeks. When I was finished getting ready, he returned to check my work. Running his hands again across my cheeks, he said, “You did good. You took it right down to the dirt that time.”

Today I want to take this message, “right down to the dirt.” Disappointment, betrayal, and heartbreak are part of life. Everyone has a story and ministry is messy. Dealing with feelings can take us down the path to becoming bitter.

““O Israel,” says the Lord, “if you wanted to return to me, you could. You could throw away your detestable idols and stray away no more. Then when you swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’ you could do so with truth, justice, and righteousness. Then you would be a blessing to the nations of the world, and all people would come and praise my name.” This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: “Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns. O people of Judah and Jerusalem, surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the Lord, or my anger will burn like an unquenchable fire because of all your sins.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭4:1-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Bitterness is a choice. Focusing on everything negative that happens to us will drag us away from God. Bitterness creates bad intentions within us that will surface and infect everything we touch. Nothing good can grow out of cursed ground, especially if we have cursed it ourselves.

“An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:19-21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Collecting injustices focuses energy on external influences and multiplies regrets. Recently Michele and I were attending a church, new to us, as I pulled into the parking lot, Michele said, “Hey you forgot to shave.” I replied, “I’m sending a message.” Michele looked puzzled and asked, “What message would that be?” My response, “Unapproachable!” Too often the external happenings color our relationships but, our relationship with God is based on our heart response, which is spiritual and internal. To avoid becoming bitter scripture offers these verses.

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:13-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

CHILD

“I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.” ‭‭3 John‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Creatively

Humorous

Inquisitors

Lacking

Direction

    How do we experience the wonder of God’s creation? He has given us a world of possibilities, beauty and creativity. Our arrival into this life is always a miracle of creation, but from our first breath the harsh reality of evil begins its assault on our creativity, joy, inquiring minds and godly potential. The world is relentless in its attack.

    Families are falling apart because we have allowed the voice of truth to be twisted, perverted or worse silenced. Children are the most precious gift God has in trusted to us! They should be protected, natured and trained. That process begins and ends in the home - the Christian home. 

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Our society has problems. Everywhere we look we can see any number of evils. Homelessness, drug addiction, abuse, neglect, poverty all these are real and all of these affect our children. But, God in His wisdom established institutions to address all of these. The family, the church, and government were all established by the will and power of God. Government cannot legislate morality. The church cannot punish those who break the law. The family can impact the direction of society.

““Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities. For your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth. I will make your towers of sparkling rubies, your gates of shining gems, and your walls of precious stones. I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace. You will be secure under a government that is just and fair. Your enemies will stay far away. You will live in peace, and terror will not come near.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54:2-3, 5, 12-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Creativity, humor, and questions are the way children learn. They are not attempting to torture us with their questions as if they were personally overseeing the Spanish Inquisition. They are searching for direction. If they do not find their way at home, they will look outside of the safety of the Christian home. Allow your children to ask you the difficult questions and give them honest answers that build up their faith.

“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:13-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Families your challenge is to do the job God assigned to you!

““Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:4-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Churches your challenge is to do the job God assigned to you!

““The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name. They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin. “The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” ‭‭Malachi‬ ‭2:5-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Government, your challenge is to do the job God assigned to you!

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:1, 4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    We need to remember we are each a child of God, but as we grow in faith we must replace our lack of direction with LOVING DEVOTION.

“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:11-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

MOMS

“Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8:1, 32-33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Moral

Opportunities 

Managed 

Strategically

    It's Impossible to predict what will be remembered from childhood or how accurate those details will be. The only thing we know is, consistency matters. Moms, you have an awesome responsibility. Teach truth by example. Teach faith through experience. Teach love in your compassionate involvement.

    When I was in seventh or eighth grade, one of my social studies teachers was attempting to help his class understand the ideological differences between Communism and American democracy. In that lesson religious differences were discussed.

    The teacher said, “Communist fought hard to remove the influence of religion by breaking down the family, But, were unsuccessful because while parents were put to work and the state was educating the children, grandmothers were moved from the rural areas into the urban centers to care for the children. Grandparents continued to teach the moral values of the church.” Moms and grandmothers you’re important.

“The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him. O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31:1-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Opportunities to do the right thing are everywhere. Teaching the next generation to recognize and respond to every opportunity managed strategically is a worthy goal. We learn appropriate Christian responses from our moms.

“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” ‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Moms, Dads, Grandparents strategically managing opportunities to address moral issues within our society is the battle for the family. The only way to be victorious is wholehearted return to God. No family is perfect. There will be mistakes. But God accepts repentance.

“Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” ‭Isaiah‬ ‭58:9-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

DADS

 “Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73:1-3, 15-17, 24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Discovering

Amazing

Destinies 

Simultaneously 

    Writing doesn’t always come easily. Speaking publicly is at times a challenge and ministering to couples is often the most elusive aspect of pastoral life, at least for me. I never know the impact of what I’ve shared, but recently I have focused my attention on marriage and family. Which brings me to dads. 

    Before diving into an ocean of philosophies, expectations and emotions, take a step back with me to 2001. I was stepping into the pulpit of my first church as Pastor. I had been a credentialed minister since 1996, but this Sunday I was Pastor. The sermon was prepared, the worship leader was handing the service off to me. Just at that moment he leaned in and asked, “Pastor, when you preach, do you tell them how it is or, how it ought to be?” I pray today that this message is a balance between what is and what can be.

“A man might have a hundred children and live to be very old. But if he finds no satisfaction in life and doesn’t even get a decent burial, it would have been better for him to be born dead. Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭6:3, 9-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Having children doesn’t make us dads and getting married doesn’t make us husbands. Discovering, developing and demonstrating satisfaction in our callings transforms us into examples of God’s strength, provision, love and protection. If we have no reverence, compassion or understanding of God’s design for the family, we will doom ourselves and successive generations to meaningless lives.

    Dads are busy, not chasing riches but, discovering the amazing gifts God has imparted to their families. Everything God does is amazing. We must remind everyone around us of the truth in love.

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    The first step toward becoming the dads this world needs is recognizing we have not yet arrived. We are all still discovering who we are in Christ. We take what we know and invest that knowledge into the hearts and minds of the next generation. 

“Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:1, 3, 5, 25, 30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Are we teaching our children to develop their gifts or to envy the gifts of others? Are we discovering our own amazing destinies and simultaneously helping our children to discover who they are in Christ? 

“You must love the Lord your God and always obey his requirements, decrees, regulations, and commands. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. For you are about to cross the Jordan River to take over the land the Lord your God is giving you. When you take that land and are living in it, you must be careful to obey all the decrees and regulations I am giving you today.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭11:1, 19, 31-32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Each of us is unique. Comparing ourselves to others frustrates them and us. Dads know, accept and teach this truth. We all have a part to fulfill in God’s plan, but we are not all the same. 

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:10, 20-21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

HUSBAND

 “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:2, 6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Humble

Uncompromising 

Seeker

Boldly

Achieving 

Nexus

Dedication 

    Within the past few weeks, several situations have come up at work. Each issue is multifaceted and requires teamwork to get the most positive outcome. One of these puzzles that needed a solution came up so I approached my supervisor asking how it was going to be addressed. If you know anything about teachers, you know we are not shy in sharing our opinions, or asking difficult questions.

    After a few rounds of questions most of which started with the words, “How will…” or “What if…” my very wise and understanding supervisor responded with, “Gees, Garlit, I don’t know. Just stay in your lane.” That got me thinking with all the changes that have taken place in my life and ministry over the past two years and more specifically the past three months, “Where exactly is my lane?”

“But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:17, 19-20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The lanes of influence we travel are to say the least complex. We are sons, husbands, fathers, and whatever function we fill in our careers. Today I want to talk about being a husband. What does Scripture say about this important role?

“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Giving honor to our wives calls upon each of us to be humble before God. Humility begins our journey to become the spiritual leaders in our homes.

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18:1-2, 26-27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    To be the husband, priest of our homes, and trusted servants of God being humble is key. We move from there to become uncompromising with evil. These may seem to be stark contrasts to each other but humility does not mean being a doormat and we can be humble without compromising.

“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    We become seekers of truth, committing ourselves to finding and following God’s will. He holds our future, blesses our families and forgives our past. Finding the treasure of His kingdom reveals the lane we travel into eternity.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” ‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Once we have identified and confirmed the path, we travel it with boldness and confidence.  We have the ability to approach God humbly, uncompromisingly seeking His goals for us achieving glory for His kingdom. Success is a sure thing when our lives are committed to being the husbands Scripture is orchestrating. The music of our relationships display the glory of God’s design.

“Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. He is the Lord our God. His justice is seen throughout the land. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant:” ‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16:11, 14, 17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Again, being humble, uncompromising, seekers of truth, boldly achieving nexus in our dedication is the essence of being a godly husband. Success comes from staying in our own lane. For me that includes being a pastor/teacher. Through those activities I achieve the nexus (living connection) impowering, informing and shaping my sphere of influence. This gives me and can give you dedication to complete our journey.

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:13, 15-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬