Man of the House: Are you BEING the MAN? #ManUp #ServantLeader ~

For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body (Eph 5:23)~~ A key flaw in the mindset of many husbands is that being the “head of the wife” or the “head of the house” means he possesses some throne of greatness because of his ‘manhood’ and he can live like some lavish king being served by his subjects and catered to by his minions! Even if the truth is not as far gone as the example, the point here cannot be stated better than by Jesus Himself: “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43).

Being the head of the household and/or the head of the wife means work, duty and great responsibility. The “head” is the one RESPONSIBLE for what happens in the house and in the marriage and in the family. Look at the verse again – yes, it says Christ is the head of the church, but He is also SAVIOR OF THE BODY! That means He is responsible for its well being! Think about your body! Through your head comes what makes the body work! Through the eyes you see where your body is going. Through your ears, you hear what your mind and body respond to. Through your nose, you breathe what keeps your body full of oxygen to live. Through your mouth, you eat what nourishes the body. The head has the MOST to actually DO to keep the body going!!

Husbands, you cannot enjoy the privileges of “headship” and not be willing to shoulder the responsibilities that come with it. Being in the role of ‘leader’ doesn’t mean you get to sit and dictate and be served – in fact, you are to serve and MOST OF THE TIME you will serve more than you will BE served! You can’t franchise, subcontract or outsource your husband responsibilities without hurting your wife and your marriage. You are accountable to God for the physical and spiritual welfare of your family. Make your wife’s life easier by carrying all of your responsibilities dutifully. Your wife was not created to carry out her role and yours at the same time. Your wife should not live like a widow while you are still alive. You are the man, the CEO, Priest, Provider and Protector of the family. Act like it. Be involved, be present, take charge, work hard, pray, plan and execute.

Above all “husbands”, remember that your wife is your suitable helper, but you are her servant! Let her thank God that she is married to you! You are the “head” but are you “heading”? You are the MAN but are you BEING the man?

Servant Leader

#RiseUp – Return to God! ~

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him (Luke 15:17-20)~

No matter how far anyone has wandered away from God, no matter how deep we have gone into sin, whenever we turn around… (definition of repent), God is right there to receive us with open arms! God doesn’t care what we’ve done in our past! He only cares about what we’re doing right now and what we will do in our future! Thanks to the finished work of Jesus, no one ever has to be lost because of their past sins. We are only lost because we will not surrender (stop), repent (turn around), and accept (go back to) what Jesus has done for us.

If you have strayed away in your life, just stop, turn around and come back to the Lord! You made your bed and are lying in it, that’s true…but it’s time to rise up and return to God! YES, it’s that simple… no otherwise working it off, earning forgiveness or proving yourself worthy! Christ has done the work, by Grace He has forgiven us. We in our guilt tend to feel like we’re not worthy of His grace, but the devil is a LIE!!! My friend, we’re SO worthy that Jesus gave His life to prove it!

YOU are restored in relationship and covenant; redeemed of everything that separated you and reconciled to FULL authority and inheritance as a child of the Lord! God is eagerly awaiting you and will see you from Heaven as soon as you start to return to Him and He will draw you back to Him and meet you on the way – and what a meeting that is! Don’t stay away friend! God has the light from Heaven focused on you – waiting for you to turn and come Home! Just Come on Back!

Rise Up And Return To God! It’s That Simple!

Stay Vigilant! #Justice Is Coming! ~

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Gal 6:9); And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise (Heb 6:15)~~ And so I plead with you this day as we go ahead: remain committed to nonviolence. Our aim must never be to defeat or humiliate the other man, but to win his friendship and understanding. We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience. And that will be a day not of the white man, not of the black man. That will be the day of man as man. I know you are asking today, “How long will it take?” Somebody’s asking, “How long will prejudice blind the visions of men, darken their understanding, and drive bright-eyed wisdom from her sacred throne?” Somebody’s asking, “When will wounded justice, lying prostrate on the streets be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men?” Somebody’s asking, “When will the radiant star of hope be plunged against the nocturnal bosom of this lonely night, plucked from weary souls with chains of fear and the manacles of death? How long will justice be crucified, and truth bear it?” However difficult the moment, however frustrating the hour, it will not be long, because “truth crushed to earth will rise again. How long? Not long, because no lie can live forever. How long? Not long, because you shall reap what you sow. How long? Not long because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. (Martin Luther King, Jr.).

There is so much going on in life today that it makes us constantly wonder IF, much less when things will get better. May God’s Word encourage and remind us to hang in there; to continue doing the right things and trusting Him through the process. There is a great promise that He has for us and God has never failed or gone back on a promise. We are ensured that as we patiently endure what we go through, not losing heart, that our light affliction is for but a moment but in His promise, we are being setup for a far exceeding weight of eternal glory! Yes, this “stuff” is light in God’s eyes and we are best to remember that because if we trust in Him and leave it to Him, we have peace knowing that it’s nothing He can’t handle! It may take a while, it may seem to be lifelong, but all things work together for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose! Trust! Believe! While we wait it out, God is working it out! Amen! Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Rev 22:20)

The Arc of the Moral Universe Is Long, But it Bends Toward #Justice

He Gives Me #Strength –

My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me (Ps 63:8)~ so many instances I have to be thankful and grateful because if I didn’t have His hand to hold me up… To order my steps…to walk with me through the peaks and valleys!!! My life is engulfed in His hand and there is no place I’d rather be.

There is such strength in His hands, but also great gentleness. In my childlike weakness, I rest in my Father’s strength. I know a place of security. How great is the hand of God? Out of the depths of His love and mercy, He ordained that He would provide Himself as the payment for our unpayable debt. He knew there would be no other means of rescue. So out of eternity, God reached forth His mighty, loving hand into the pit of destruction to gather His people unto Himself. He undertook to do for us what we were unable to do.

The Bible tells us that once we were darkness, now we are light (Ephesians 5:8). Our sin has been forgiven, our debt has been cancelled, and we have been transferred from the kingdom of evil to the kingdom of God. We are rescued by His hand and pulled safely out of the darkness into the light. We are a radical transformation…in His hand!

🙌🏾

#ThoughtsAndPrayers – We’ve Thought Long Enough! Ready to Pray? ~

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting (1 Tim 2:1,8)~ Prayer is not to be confined to any one particular house of prayer, but we must pray every where. We must pray in our closets, pray in our families, pray at our meals, pray when we are on journeys, and pray in the solemn assemblies, whether more public or private. We must pray in charity; without wrath, or malice, or anger at any person. We must pray in faith, without doubting, and without disputing.

As bad as things are… WE MUST PRAY without ceasing!!

Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. God has strategically placed each of us in the right place. Every day we encounter people, whether strangers, colleagues, friends, enemies and even family who desperately need to experience a life-changing encounter with Christ. There may be times when you can share a clear witness that helps them find Christ. At other times such a testimony may be impossible. But you can always pray. People may not understand why they are being drawn toward Christ and that it’s so strong they can’t resist it, but you will know. They may not realize why you are filled with peace when everyone else is anxious, but you will understand. God intends to use your life to be a beacon of light for those in your experience. Pray passionately, then watch and see who God brings across your path next. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).

Pray!!

Get Your Head Together! #Think Differently ~

Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom 12:2). But if the mind, heart and spirit be made new, there will be newness of life; here we must begin with our own way of thinking. If you still think like you did with the junk and drama that you were in and kept up, it doesn’t matter what you do, you will continue to be in … junk and drama! You can’t expect things around you to change for the better while your mind is stubborn and stuck on old ways of thinking. How can a negative minded person ever live happily?? You have to start thinking differently. Seeing things differently. Having a new mindset!

Changing what you do is only and action that LOOKS like change…but if you still look at life the way you did, your actions will become a burden to you because you really don’t want to do these things…they just look good on the outside.. all for show to others but so superficial and unreal for you. You will come to resent anyone that is paying attention to your activities of change because they are expecting you to maintain what you really don’t want to do… your mind is comfortable being the same old you.

By now your head is probably spinning because of all of the drama and craziness from even THINKING about the situation being like this. So again… change only begins for real when you renew your mind! Here is the important part: That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Eph 4:22-24).

Think Differently!

To Beat Fear, Your #Faith Is Required! ~

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7)~~ Yes! The enemy brings that spirit of fear; that weakens us, makes us timid about what ISN’T as we worry that it could be; and keeps our minds uneasy! Now God has given us the spirit of power, of courage and resolution, to boldly face difficulties and dangers; the spirit of love to Him, which will carry us through opposition, and the spirit of a sound mind, peace and quietness of mind.

Understand, the Holy Spirit is not the author of confusion, a timid or cowardly disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear our afflictions well, when we acknowledge our strength and power from God and the ability of those gifts to enable us to bear tribulations. You have all you need to overcome anything that could possibly push you toward fear, but your faith is required in the truth… because faith casts out fear! Faith is based on the TRUTHS you KNOW where fear is based on falsehoods that attempt to challenge the truth with man’s interpretations that instill fear and confusion and change with the times.

The truth of God never changes no matter what the times. His Word is everlasting and uncompromising. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever (Isa 40:8). Fear Not, Only Believe! — May we find courage in Him, to stand up and be counted, to stand up for others who cannot stand up for themselves. To stand up for ourselves when it is needful to do so.

Let us fear nothing more than we fear the Lord. Let us love nothing more than we love Him, for then we shall fear nothing. Let us have no other God before Him, whether nation or party or state or church; no position nor possession shall we let replace Him. No circumstance nor situation shall we let circumvent our FAITH in Him! Let us seek no other peace but the peace which is of Him, and may we be its instruments, opening our eyes and our ears and our hearts, so that we should know always what work of peace we should do in His name. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength (Isa 26:3-4)!

Your Faith Is Required!

#FearNot ~ God’s Got You! ~

Fear Not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand—Isaiah 41:10

You know when you’re in the thick of it—facing tough financial circumstances, or maybe a problem with work or a relationship, or a health issue or an addiction? You know that “I just don’t know what to do” feeling? Most of us do, maybe all of us. The thing is, we actually do know what to do—we know exactly what to do. It’s just hard, in those moments, to remember … to have faith . . . and to trust.

But we must remember, have faith in and trust our Father God. He sees and He knows . . . and sometimes He allows. We must not be “surprised at the fiery trial,” therefore, “as though something strange were happening” (1 Peter 4:12). When He allows hardship, though, it’s always for good—even if that’s not, at first, very obvious (James 1:2-4; Hebrews 12:1-11; Romans 8:28).

And we must remember, have faith in and trust our King, Jesus Christ. He is truth. He teaches us what to do in any ordeal. He knows like no other. “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:17-18).

And we must remember, have faith in and trust our God the Holy Spirit. He’s always with us, in every moment (John 14:16). And he can help and strengthen us, whatever the hardship. The “Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead” exists within us, and can certainly bring new life to our circumstances too (Romans 8:11).

If you’re in the thick of it now, trust that God has a plan; follow your King, as He knows the plan and knows the way; and ask the Holy Spirit for help. Fear not, for He is with you!

Fear Not!

Don’t #Worry ~ Let God BE God! ~

Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s (2 Chr 20:15); And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28)~~

…if you know everything will work out in the end then why do you worry in the midst? Don’t worry anymore. Don’t stress about what you can’t control. Control what you can control; that’s your emotions and your effort. Do what you can do and let God do the rest. Let God show you why He’s God. Let God do what man can’t do. Let God be real in your life. Don’t get mad. Don’t curse Him. Don’t forsake Him because remember… He won’t forsake you.

God meets our needs over and over again, especially on the days we need it most; sometimes not to the exact point that we want, but always to the exact point that we need. You can call it the law of attraction. You can call it “the Universe.” You can call it happenstance, coincidence, destiny, fate, luck, or whatever else you want to call it… But I call it GOD – Nothing more, nothing less, just God!!!

When you trust and believe and praise Him even through the pain, He shows up and shows out and lets you know that you’re not here alone. You are fearfully and wonderfully made and no matter what your intellect, you can’t imagine the heights nor the depths of God. So stop trying to figure Him out and just let God be God..

I dare you to try it… Trust Him…wholeheartedly.. and I promise you He won’t fail you!! But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isa 40:31).

Let God BE God

Have #FaithOverFear ~ God Has Not Forgotten! ~

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent (Ps 22:1-2)~

In times of “grief and tears” we all feel forgotten – even by God. The “fear” of being forgotten by Him brings with it frustrations: “I can’t figure out why this is happening to me – and why is it taking God so long to bring me out of it?”. We’re in a crazy place where nothing seems to be going right; everything’s falling apart, no one else understands or even cares. (Ps 22:12-18) – all of your strength is dried up and you’re ONE step away from losing your mind. And GOD is silent (?!?!??!???).

When God seems silent; don’t let your faith get low because the enemy wants you to operate in fear. Fear is the darkroom where the devil will take you to develop your negatives! Look again at the frustrations that have started and where it takes you from there. You become cynical about how things go in your life, about how people are and how your life itself is. You become a negative person and you look for the negative in everything – and to your own detriment, you realize the truth in the phrase “Seek and ye shall find” because now everything around and about you is NEGATIVE. In the eyes of the enemy, you are “picture perfect”.

But friend: BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND. No matter how you feel; no matter how things look – you have to remember, God is right there. Resist the devil and he will flee from you! You have to fight those negatives with positives. Rather than complain, you have to praise the Lord for strengthening you through your trials. Say to the Lord “I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee” (Ps 22:22). Wherever you find yourself, “life” will know God is there by your praise. You have to be at a point that your love for God is so strong it causes you to refuse to be afraid of the attacks of fear on your mind that the enemy throws in your life. All of this can be done JUST by your love for God! Because there is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).

Don’t succumb to the fears and torment of the enemy….don’t allow yourself the suffering of negativity in your life! When God is silent, don’t assume He’s gone from you or that He’s betrayed you. Don’t let your heart fill with worry and your mind start conjuring thoughts of doubt and disbelief in the promises of His Word. Stand on what you know of Him, not what you think He might be doing. God is not ignoring you, He hasn’t forgotten you and He CERTAINLY will never leave or forsake you! The devil is a lie! God is always there, even in His silence. Be at peace… in Him!

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