"Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle; and behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. When all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, even they also pursued them closely in the battle. So the Lord delivered Israel that day, and the battle spread beyond Beth-aven." -1 Samuel 14.20-23
Saul hears a commotion in the Philistine camp, and wants to know who from Israel has made a move against the enemy. When he learns that his son has left the camp, he immediately prepares for battle in order to save his son. However, when they get to the fight, they see that there is no need for a rescue mission, simply reinforcements to continue the victory. Victory is a powerful motivator.
Everyone wants to be on the winning side. There were Hebrews who had sided with the Philistines, probably acting as their servants, thinking that all was lost for Israel and that it might go better for them if they defected early. But when they see that Israel is winning the day, they return to their own people and fight for freedom. Those who had deserted and hid themselves in the hills hear that Israel has won a battle, and come to aid their fellow soldiers.
When people have hope of victory they are willing to risk their lives. When men know that they are not simply throwing their lives away in a lost cause, some are willing to give their last. Victory brings more support, are we willing to fight for it?
Men, everyone wants to be on the winning side, but every side doesn't always start out as the winning side. Are you courageous enough to risk losing? The only way victory can be achieved is if we risk a loss. No team ever won by staying in the locker room. No army ever won by staying in the barracks. If we would have victory, we must be willing to risk everything. But if we have victory, others will join the cause.
Let us be men who take the risk. Let us be men who fight against all odds. Let us be men who watch God bring victory.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Teamwork
"His armor bearer said to him, 'Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire.' ... So the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor bearer and said, 'Come up to us and we will tell you something.' And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, 'Come up after me, for the Lord has given them into the hands of Israel.' Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer behind him; and they fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer put some to death after him. That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half a furrow in an acre of land." -1 Samuel 14.7, 12-14
Jonathan has made himself available to God, and God has not rejected his offer of service. Jonathan throws out a fleece in order to know what God is instructing him to do, and God gives him victory over the Philistines. And Jonathan doesn't do it alone. He goes out with his armor bearer. He climbs with his armor bearer. He fights with his armor bearer. He is victorious with his armor bearer.
The Philistines call to the two of them, inviting them to come up so that they can teach these two Hebrews a lesson. And I imagine Jonathan was like, "Oh just you wait until I get up there." He arrives at the summit and begins going to work. Jonathan most likely went to work with is sword, cutting down any Philistine that came at him, then moving on to the next one. The armor bearer would then come behind, probably with Jonathan's spear, and kill those who had fallen. By working together, the two of them, kill about twenty men.
Men, there are times we will have to fight alone. There are battles find us, and no one is able to help us. However, this is not always the case, and I would dare to say that happens far more than it should. God created us to stand together, to fight side by side. He created us for teamwork. Our brothers may not always be physically with us when a fight comes our way, but they can be spiritually through prayer.
Let us be men who don't go it alone. Let us be men who realize that we need each other. When the opportunity is available to fight side by side let us courageously move forward together. But at all times, may we stand by each other in prayer. Let us be me who are engaged in teamwork.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Jonathan has made himself available to God, and God has not rejected his offer of service. Jonathan throws out a fleece in order to know what God is instructing him to do, and God gives him victory over the Philistines. And Jonathan doesn't do it alone. He goes out with his armor bearer. He climbs with his armor bearer. He fights with his armor bearer. He is victorious with his armor bearer.
The Philistines call to the two of them, inviting them to come up so that they can teach these two Hebrews a lesson. And I imagine Jonathan was like, "Oh just you wait until I get up there." He arrives at the summit and begins going to work. Jonathan most likely went to work with is sword, cutting down any Philistine that came at him, then moving on to the next one. The armor bearer would then come behind, probably with Jonathan's spear, and kill those who had fallen. By working together, the two of them, kill about twenty men.
Men, there are times we will have to fight alone. There are battles find us, and no one is able to help us. However, this is not always the case, and I would dare to say that happens far more than it should. God created us to stand together, to fight side by side. He created us for teamwork. Our brothers may not always be physically with us when a fight comes our way, but they can be spiritually through prayer.
Let us be men who don't go it alone. Let us be men who realize that we need each other. When the opportunity is available to fight side by side let us courageously move forward together. But at all times, may we stand by each other in prayer. Let us be me who are engaged in teamwork.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, April 10, 2015
Making Yourself Available
"Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, 'Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few.'" -1 Samuel 14.6
The Philistines have gathered and are ready to fight Israel. Jonathan, one of the two men in the army with proper weapons, is not content to simply sit and wait for something to happen. Instead he takes his armor bearer and goes to see what God will do. He knows that God is not limited to using an army to save a people, and so he makes himself available for God to use however He decides to. Jonathan is willing to make himself available for God to do something with.
Nothing was happening simply sitting in camp. Saul is not taking any action to attack, simply sitting there with his men armed with farm tools. But Jonathan has a sword, and he is no longer content to simply wait for the attack. He isn't going to all out charge the line and be cut down, that would be foolish suicide. But he decides to see if God will use him by showing his willingness to be used.
Men, are you willing to be used by God? Are you making yourself available for His service? Or do you feel that because you are just one man, God does not have any use for you? Do you see an enemy waiting to strike, but refuse to be proactive because you are just an individual? God is not limited to using great numbers to do great things. The Bible has shown how He took Gideon's army of tens of thousands, and cut it down to 300. God doesn't need the numbers, He needs willing hearts.
Let us be men who are willing to serve. Let us be men who make ourselves available to God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The Philistines have gathered and are ready to fight Israel. Jonathan, one of the two men in the army with proper weapons, is not content to simply sit and wait for something to happen. Instead he takes his armor bearer and goes to see what God will do. He knows that God is not limited to using an army to save a people, and so he makes himself available for God to use however He decides to. Jonathan is willing to make himself available for God to do something with.
Nothing was happening simply sitting in camp. Saul is not taking any action to attack, simply sitting there with his men armed with farm tools. But Jonathan has a sword, and he is no longer content to simply wait for the attack. He isn't going to all out charge the line and be cut down, that would be foolish suicide. But he decides to see if God will use him by showing his willingness to be used.
Men, are you willing to be used by God? Are you making yourself available for His service? Or do you feel that because you are just one man, God does not have any use for you? Do you see an enemy waiting to strike, but refuse to be proactive because you are just an individual? God is not limited to using great numbers to do great things. The Bible has shown how He took Gideon's army of tens of thousands, and cut it down to 300. God doesn't need the numbers, He needs willing hearts.
Let us be men who are willing to serve. Let us be men who make ourselves available to God.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Fight with what You Have
"Now no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, 'Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears.' So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, and his hoe. The charge was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares, the mattocks, the forks, and the axes, and to fix the hoes. So it came about on the day of battle that neither sword nor spear was found in the hands of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan, but they were found with Saul and his son Jonathan." -1 Samuel 13.19-22
There is not blacksmith in Israel because the Philistines did not want the men of Israel to be properly armed with for battle. The Bible says that the only men with swords and spears are Saul and Jonathan. The rest of the men were armed with farm tools, and when one of these tools needed to be sharpened or fixed the men of Israel had to pay a Philistine blacksmith to do it. But when the time to fight comes, the lack of proper weapons does not keep the men away, they fight with what they have.
When I was young I took karate, and while there I learned that the various weaponry used in martial arts (staff, sai, nunchuck, etc.) were all farm tools that were turned into weapons because it was what they had. The some of the final Spartans at Thermopylae gave their last killing Persians with their teeth and bare hands, because it was what they had. Whenever I am somewhere that isn't my house my mind will prepare for the worst case scenario. If something were to happen where I needed to fight, what is available for me to use? I am constantly taking a mental inventory of my surroundings so I know what is available. Lack of proper equipment does not excuse a man from service, it simply demands he make good use of whatever he has available.
Men, what do you have at your disposal? What skills do you have? What weapons are available? Are you willing to fight with what you have? Are you willing to take the mattock, axe, or hoe, and go to the battlefield because if you don't your family will be enslaved? Are you willing to use what you have to fight for freedom?
There is a war going on, and there will be times when we aren't properly armed for the fight. Are you willing to use whatever you have, or will you stay at home on the couch?
Let us be men who are willing to fight with whatever we have available. Let us not refuse to stand because we don't have the proper weaponry. Let us be men who stand against evil with what we have.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
There is not blacksmith in Israel because the Philistines did not want the men of Israel to be properly armed with for battle. The Bible says that the only men with swords and spears are Saul and Jonathan. The rest of the men were armed with farm tools, and when one of these tools needed to be sharpened or fixed the men of Israel had to pay a Philistine blacksmith to do it. But when the time to fight comes, the lack of proper weapons does not keep the men away, they fight with what they have.
When I was young I took karate, and while there I learned that the various weaponry used in martial arts (staff, sai, nunchuck, etc.) were all farm tools that were turned into weapons because it was what they had. The some of the final Spartans at Thermopylae gave their last killing Persians with their teeth and bare hands, because it was what they had. Whenever I am somewhere that isn't my house my mind will prepare for the worst case scenario. If something were to happen where I needed to fight, what is available for me to use? I am constantly taking a mental inventory of my surroundings so I know what is available. Lack of proper equipment does not excuse a man from service, it simply demands he make good use of whatever he has available.
Men, what do you have at your disposal? What skills do you have? What weapons are available? Are you willing to fight with what you have? Are you willing to take the mattock, axe, or hoe, and go to the battlefield because if you don't your family will be enslaved? Are you willing to use what you have to fight for freedom?
There is a war going on, and there will be times when we aren't properly armed for the fight. Are you willing to use whatever you have, or will you stay at home on the couch?
Let us be men who are willing to fight with whatever we have available. Let us not refuse to stand because we don't have the proper weaponry. Let us be men who stand against evil with what we have.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Overstepping Your Bounds
"Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance; and they came up and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were hard-pressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in cliffs, in cellars, and in pits. Also some of the Hebrews crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. But as for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. Now he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, 'Bring to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.' And he offered the burnt offering." -1 Samuel 13.5-9
The Philistines have suffered a defeat at the hands of Saul's son Jonathan, and they aren't going to take it lying down. They assemble with chariots and cavalry, with foot troops beyond number, and come out to avenge the fallen garrison in Geba. The men of Israel see what they are up against and they begin to desert the army of Saul. The king takes notice that his numbers are dwindling and rather than rally them with a stirring speech the lights a fire in them to fight for Israel, which is his duty as king, he oversteps his bounds as king and takes the role of the prophet.
He offers a burnt offering to God that he is unfit to offer, and God's judgment is does not overlook even a king.
Samuel arrives on the scene the moment Saul is finished with the offering. He tells him that he has acted foolishly, and that it will ultimately cost him the kingdom. God was prepared to establish his line forever, but this act has revealed Saul's true heart. Saul did not live in obedience to God, and so God seeks a king who would.
We see Saul's failure to do what a king should do, and instead take on the role of another. He should have presented a Braveheart, Gladiator or Kingdom of Heaven style speech to his men. Instead he decides to take matters into his own hands, make a sacrifice, and go to battle. He takes the quick and easy path, and it costs him, and his descendants, dearly.
Men, even a king is subject to God's judgment, and even kings must follow the rules. Saul's decision cost his son the throne, and by extension, his life. He forfeited being part of the Messianic line because he he refused to do his job.
Let us never be guilty of the sin of Saul. Let us be men who know our role, and boldly play it, even if it isn't the easy way. May we never overstep our bounds.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The Philistines have suffered a defeat at the hands of Saul's son Jonathan, and they aren't going to take it lying down. They assemble with chariots and cavalry, with foot troops beyond number, and come out to avenge the fallen garrison in Geba. The men of Israel see what they are up against and they begin to desert the army of Saul. The king takes notice that his numbers are dwindling and rather than rally them with a stirring speech the lights a fire in them to fight for Israel, which is his duty as king, he oversteps his bounds as king and takes the role of the prophet.
He offers a burnt offering to God that he is unfit to offer, and God's judgment is does not overlook even a king.
Samuel arrives on the scene the moment Saul is finished with the offering. He tells him that he has acted foolishly, and that it will ultimately cost him the kingdom. God was prepared to establish his line forever, but this act has revealed Saul's true heart. Saul did not live in obedience to God, and so God seeks a king who would.
We see Saul's failure to do what a king should do, and instead take on the role of another. He should have presented a Braveheart, Gladiator or Kingdom of Heaven style speech to his men. Instead he decides to take matters into his own hands, make a sacrifice, and go to battle. He takes the quick and easy path, and it costs him, and his descendants, dearly.
Men, even a king is subject to God's judgment, and even kings must follow the rules. Saul's decision cost his son the throne, and by extension, his life. He forfeited being part of the Messianic line because he he refused to do his job.
Let us never be guilty of the sin of Saul. Let us be men who know our role, and boldly play it, even if it isn't the easy way. May we never overstep our bounds.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Prayer and Instruction
"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way." -1 Samuel 12.23
In the midst of reminding the people of God's greatness, Samuel inserts this statement. He tells them that in spite of their evil, because of who God is, He will still be present with them if they will fully pursue Him. Samuel then tells them that he will not sin against God by no longer praying for the people. It is his role as God's chosen prophet to act as a mediator between God and the people. He does not have the authority to cease doing the job he has been given to do.
In addition to his prayers on their behalf, he will also teach them to follow God, living in a good and right way. He has opened his own life up to their scrutiny because he has lived in a way that warrants none to be given. Now he tells them that he will teach them to live the same way. He offers his prayers on their behalf because he has a relationship with God and his prayers are heard. He tells them he will instruct them to live holy and righteous lives, and he is able to because he has lived a holy and righteous life. He has lived well, and he offers what he has gained from that life for the benefit of the people.
Men, this is how it is meant to be. This is the way God intended it, a life well lived that is then invested into others so that their lives may be lived well. This is how the masculine journey is intended to unfold. Along the way we offer prayers on behalf of others. This is part of the role that God has given to men.
Let us be men who live well. Let us be men who offer our prayers and instruction.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
In the midst of reminding the people of God's greatness, Samuel inserts this statement. He tells them that in spite of their evil, because of who God is, He will still be present with them if they will fully pursue Him. Samuel then tells them that he will not sin against God by no longer praying for the people. It is his role as God's chosen prophet to act as a mediator between God and the people. He does not have the authority to cease doing the job he has been given to do.
In addition to his prayers on their behalf, he will also teach them to follow God, living in a good and right way. He has opened his own life up to their scrutiny because he has lived in a way that warrants none to be given. Now he tells them that he will teach them to live the same way. He offers his prayers on their behalf because he has a relationship with God and his prayers are heard. He tells them he will instruct them to live holy and righteous lives, and he is able to because he has lived a holy and righteous life. He has lived well, and he offers what he has gained from that life for the benefit of the people.
Men, this is how it is meant to be. This is the way God intended it, a life well lived that is then invested into others so that their lives may be lived well. This is how the masculine journey is intended to unfold. Along the way we offer prayers on behalf of others. This is part of the role that God has given to men.
Let us be men who live well. Let us be men who offer our prayers and instruction.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, April 6, 2015
Because of Who He is
"Samuel said to the people, 'Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. You must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things which can not profit or deliver, because they are futile. For the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself... Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you." -1 Samuel 12.20-22, 24
The people have done evil in the sight of God. Samuel has opened his life up for inspection so that he can show them how they have failed to live righteously before God. The people have demanded a human king, and in so doing have rejected God as their king. They come to realize their sin, but Samuel assures them that God will not abandon His people because of who He is.
The people, though they now have a king, must still be faithful to God. Though they have a king to rule over them, God is still in charge. They are to follow Him diligently, serving Him with all their hearts. If they do not, they will pursue futile things that bring no lasting benefit or satisfaction. God will not abandon those who follow Him because of His name. Those who seek Him are His people, and God is pleased to make them his people. He will not discredit His name, a name of holiness and righteousness, but abandoning those He has promised to protect and provide for.
With this promise of God's presence is the repeated command, issued to the people since the time of Moses, fear the Lord and serve Him with all your heart. There is the call to think of everything that God has done if they need a reason to follow Him. Because of who God is, He will not abandon or forsake His people. It is not because they people are righteous, but because God is.
Men, do you faithfully serve God, or have you turned aside to futile things? Have you forsaken the pursuit of righteousness in pursuit of the next promotion? Have you given up attaining holiness in order to obtain material possessions? Do you seek to advance yourself in the world, or to grow into Christlikeness? It is because of who God is that the holy option is possible. It is because of who God is that you can forsake selfish living and seek holiness. Consider all that God has done and see if serving Him is not the best option.
Let us be men who live for the glory of God. Let us be men who live in humble gratitude for all that God has done. Let us be men who consider the great things God has done.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The people have done evil in the sight of God. Samuel has opened his life up for inspection so that he can show them how they have failed to live righteously before God. The people have demanded a human king, and in so doing have rejected God as their king. They come to realize their sin, but Samuel assures them that God will not abandon His people because of who He is.
The people, though they now have a king, must still be faithful to God. Though they have a king to rule over them, God is still in charge. They are to follow Him diligently, serving Him with all their hearts. If they do not, they will pursue futile things that bring no lasting benefit or satisfaction. God will not abandon those who follow Him because of His name. Those who seek Him are His people, and God is pleased to make them his people. He will not discredit His name, a name of holiness and righteousness, but abandoning those He has promised to protect and provide for.
With this promise of God's presence is the repeated command, issued to the people since the time of Moses, fear the Lord and serve Him with all your heart. There is the call to think of everything that God has done if they need a reason to follow Him. Because of who God is, He will not abandon or forsake His people. It is not because they people are righteous, but because God is.
Men, do you faithfully serve God, or have you turned aside to futile things? Have you forsaken the pursuit of righteousness in pursuit of the next promotion? Have you given up attaining holiness in order to obtain material possessions? Do you seek to advance yourself in the world, or to grow into Christlikeness? It is because of who God is that the holy option is possible. It is because of who God is that you can forsake selfish living and seek holiness. Consider all that God has done and see if serving Him is not the best option.
Let us be men who live for the glory of God. Let us be men who live in humble gratitude for all that God has done. Let us be men who consider the great things God has done.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, April 5, 2015
A Righteous Life
"Here I am; bear witness against me before the Lord and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? I will restore it to you." -1 Samuel 12.3
Saul has been anointed king and has begun to do what kings do. Now Samuel addresses Israel and opens his life for their judgment. He asks if he has stolen any animal or cheated anyone. He asks if he has oppressed anyone or taken a bribe and distorted justice. He says that if he has then he will make it right, restoring what has been lost. He opens his life up to scrutiny because he knows he has lived righteously. No one can place any blame on him, and he is willing to open himself up to that because he knows there is nothing that could be pinned on him.
Men, what if your life looked like that? Are you willing to open yourself up to public scrutiny as Samuel did? What accusations would be brought against you? As men, and as leaders, it is important that we live righteous lives, that are willing to be opened to the public for inspection. A life that is willing to be opened shows that it has nothing to hide, that it is not ashamed, and that it has striven to live with justice and righteousness.
Let us be men who live righteous lives. Let us be willing to open ourselves up for inspection because we know nothing can be found.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saul has been anointed king and has begun to do what kings do. Now Samuel addresses Israel and opens his life for their judgment. He asks if he has stolen any animal or cheated anyone. He asks if he has oppressed anyone or taken a bribe and distorted justice. He says that if he has then he will make it right, restoring what has been lost. He opens his life up to scrutiny because he knows he has lived righteously. No one can place any blame on him, and he is willing to open himself up to that because he knows there is nothing that could be pinned on him.
Men, what if your life looked like that? Are you willing to open yourself up to public scrutiny as Samuel did? What accusations would be brought against you? As men, and as leaders, it is important that we live righteous lives, that are willing to be opened to the public for inspection. A life that is willing to be opened shows that it has nothing to hide, that it is not ashamed, and that it has striven to live with justice and righteousness.
Let us be men who live righteous lives. Let us be willing to open ourselves up for inspection because we know nothing can be found.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, April 4, 2015
The Actions of a King
"Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and he said, 'What is the matter with the people that they weep?' So they related to him the words of the men of Jabesh. Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily when he heard these words, and he became very angry... He numbered them in Bezek; and the sons of Israel were 300,000, and the men of Judah 30,000. They said to the messengers who had come, 'Thus you shall say to the men of Jabesh-gilead, "Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you will have deliverance."' So the messengers went and told the men of Jabesh; and they were glad... The next morning Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp at the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together." -1 Samuel 11.5-6, 8-9, 11
Saul is now king, and he receives word that some of his people are in danger. He doesn't sit idly by, letting them fend for themselves. Instead he becomes angry that some other nation has dared to threaten his people. He calls the men of Israel to arms and goes to the aid of Jabesh-gilead. He then leads the charge and defeats the enemy, making it safe for his people. That is what kings do.
The purpose of leadership is to protect and serve the people who follow you. When his subjects are threatened, a king must ride out and deal with the threat. A king is not given power to sit comfortably as his people struggle for life and liberty, it is his job, as king to provide them with the security and freedom to enjoy life.
Men, you were born to be a king. Some of you will lead large corporations, and some will lead a small business. Some of you may lead cities, or even nations, others will simply lead our families. But regardless of the size of the kingdom, the role of a king remains the same. As king you must protect and provide for your people.
Let us be kings who take action. Let us ride to the defense of our people. Let us make the world a safer place for them.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saul is now king, and he receives word that some of his people are in danger. He doesn't sit idly by, letting them fend for themselves. Instead he becomes angry that some other nation has dared to threaten his people. He calls the men of Israel to arms and goes to the aid of Jabesh-gilead. He then leads the charge and defeats the enemy, making it safe for his people. That is what kings do.
The purpose of leadership is to protect and serve the people who follow you. When his subjects are threatened, a king must ride out and deal with the threat. A king is not given power to sit comfortably as his people struggle for life and liberty, it is his job, as king to provide them with the security and freedom to enjoy life.
Men, you were born to be a king. Some of you will lead large corporations, and some will lead a small business. Some of you may lead cities, or even nations, others will simply lead our families. But regardless of the size of the kingdom, the role of a king remains the same. As king you must protect and provide for your people.
Let us be kings who take action. Let us ride to the defense of our people. Let us make the world a safer place for them.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, April 3, 2015
What the Enemy Seeks to do to Men
"Now Nahash the Ammonite came up and besieged Jabesh-gilead; and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, 'Make a covenant with us and we will serve you.' But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, 'I will make it with you on this condition, that I will gouge out the right eye of every one of you, thus I will make it a reproach on all Israel."
The enemy is afraid of real men, because real men are powerful and dangerous. When real men are resolved to do something it is very difficult to stop them. In an attempt to control men, the enemy, and the world, seek to either distract or emasculate them. Pharaoh tried the first part of that tactic to keep Israel from following Moses. "Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words." (Exodus 5.9, see the post form May 10, 2014 "Buried with Work"). That tactic didn't work so well as Israel is currently in possession of the Promised Land. When that tactic fails the enemy will try another one that is more deadly.
The Ammonites attack Jabesh-gilead, and the men seek to surrender. The leader, Nahash, is willing to accept their surrender, but only by shaming them and making sure they can never rise against him. He will make peace with them only after he has put out the right eye of the men. In our present world this might seem like a mere painful inconvenience, but back them it would have been truly emasculating.
Most people were/are right handed, and in the ancient world where hand to hand combat was the only way of fighting, the right eye is essential to a right handed warrior. A warrior could hide behind his shield, peering out around the edge with is right eye, allowing him to be able to fight while still keeping most of his head protected behind his shield. A man with no right eye cannot maintain the same level of safety. To take the right eye of a right handed warrior is ultimately to make him useless as a warrior. That is what Nahash sought to do, and that is what the enemy seeks to do still.
Men, you possess God given strength and power that the enemy does not want you to understand, develop, or use. He is going to do whatever he can to keep you from fighting back. At first he'll try something civil, like keeping you busy so that you can't become the man you were created to be. When that fails he becomes more violent and will seek to take you out of commission and make you useless as a warrior. When we compromise and come to terms with the enemy, we allow ourselves to be blinded in our right eye.
Let us be men who refuse to make peace with the enemy. Let us accept nothing less than total victory over him. Let us die in battle before we give up our right eye and become useless in the fight.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The enemy is afraid of real men, because real men are powerful and dangerous. When real men are resolved to do something it is very difficult to stop them. In an attempt to control men, the enemy, and the world, seek to either distract or emasculate them. Pharaoh tried the first part of that tactic to keep Israel from following Moses. "Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words." (Exodus 5.9, see the post form May 10, 2014 "Buried with Work"). That tactic didn't work so well as Israel is currently in possession of the Promised Land. When that tactic fails the enemy will try another one that is more deadly.
The Ammonites attack Jabesh-gilead, and the men seek to surrender. The leader, Nahash, is willing to accept their surrender, but only by shaming them and making sure they can never rise against him. He will make peace with them only after he has put out the right eye of the men. In our present world this might seem like a mere painful inconvenience, but back them it would have been truly emasculating.
Most people were/are right handed, and in the ancient world where hand to hand combat was the only way of fighting, the right eye is essential to a right handed warrior. A warrior could hide behind his shield, peering out around the edge with is right eye, allowing him to be able to fight while still keeping most of his head protected behind his shield. A man with no right eye cannot maintain the same level of safety. To take the right eye of a right handed warrior is ultimately to make him useless as a warrior. That is what Nahash sought to do, and that is what the enemy seeks to do still.
Men, you possess God given strength and power that the enemy does not want you to understand, develop, or use. He is going to do whatever he can to keep you from fighting back. At first he'll try something civil, like keeping you busy so that you can't become the man you were created to be. When that fails he becomes more violent and will seek to take you out of commission and make you useless as a warrior. When we compromise and come to terms with the enemy, we allow ourselves to be blinded in our right eye.
Let us be men who refuse to make peace with the enemy. Let us accept nothing less than total victory over him. Let us die in battle before we give up our right eye and become useless in the fight.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Courage to Lead
"Thus Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found. Therefore they inquired further of the Lord, 'Has the man come here yet?' So the Lord said, 'Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage.'" -1 Samuel 10.20-22
The time has come for Saul's public declaration as Israel's king. Samuel gathers the nation and begins the lot casting process to reveal God's choice. The lot falls to Benjamin, then the Matrite family, and finally on Saul the son of Kish. The issue is that Saul is no where to be found. He has already been chosen by God privately, and experienced the truth of Samuel's words. But when the time comes for everything to become official in the eye's of the people, he is no where in sight.
I don't know why Saul hid. Maybe he was scared of being king. He was from the smallest tribe of Israel, and the lest family in the tribe (1 Samuel 9.21). But even so, he stood out among the people. He was head and shoulders over them, and has a heritage of valor and bravery (1 Samuel 9.1). He has experienced the power and presence of God's Spirit in his life, but now that it is time to take up the leadership he has been called to, he hides. Maybe he felt overwhelmed by the responsibility, but whatever the reason he is not present at the ceremony.
This causes certain, worthless men, to despise him. No leader is going to have the love and support of everyone, no matter how good of a leader they are. But our actions can dissuade some from following us who would have. If God has called us to leadership, and affirmed that call, then we must have the courage to lead, knowing that He will be with us.
Men, as a man you have been called to leadership. God has called you to be an example of His strength, justice, and love, in both your family, and also the world. It is a big calling, and many choose to hide from it. Let us not be found among the baggage.
Let us be men who have the courage to lead.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The time has come for Saul's public declaration as Israel's king. Samuel gathers the nation and begins the lot casting process to reveal God's choice. The lot falls to Benjamin, then the Matrite family, and finally on Saul the son of Kish. The issue is that Saul is no where to be found. He has already been chosen by God privately, and experienced the truth of Samuel's words. But when the time comes for everything to become official in the eye's of the people, he is no where in sight.
I don't know why Saul hid. Maybe he was scared of being king. He was from the smallest tribe of Israel, and the lest family in the tribe (1 Samuel 9.21). But even so, he stood out among the people. He was head and shoulders over them, and has a heritage of valor and bravery (1 Samuel 9.1). He has experienced the power and presence of God's Spirit in his life, but now that it is time to take up the leadership he has been called to, he hides. Maybe he felt overwhelmed by the responsibility, but whatever the reason he is not present at the ceremony.
This causes certain, worthless men, to despise him. No leader is going to have the love and support of everyone, no matter how good of a leader they are. But our actions can dissuade some from following us who would have. If God has called us to leadership, and affirmed that call, then we must have the courage to lead, knowing that He will be with us.
Men, as a man you have been called to leadership. God has called you to be an example of His strength, justice, and love, in both your family, and also the world. It is a big calling, and many choose to hide from it. Let us not be found among the baggage.
Let us be men who have the courage to lead.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Spirit Guided Freedom
"Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man. It shall be when these signs come to you, do for yourself what the occasion requires, for God is with you." -1 Samuel 10.6-7
Saul has been anointed king by Samuel, and now the prophet is telling him what will take place to confirm what has happened. He tells him that the Spirit of the Lord will come mightily upon him and that he will be a changed man. When that happens he is to do whatever the occasion demands, and that God will be with him. Again there is this language, of the Spirit coming upon someone for a purpose. When the Spirit is guiding our actions we are free to do what the occasion requires.
The Spirit transforms and empowers us, and this is essential for a king. A king who is not full of the Spirit of God is not guided by Him to live selflessly as a servant of the people. A king who is not full of the Spirit of God does not always act justly and righteously. If anyone is going to undertake godly leadership the presence of the Spirit is essential. Saul is the Lord's anointed king, and the sign of this is the presence of the Spirit in His life.
Men, have you changed since you came to faith in Christ? If the Holy Spirit is present in you life there should be a noticeable change in your demeanor and actions. If the Spirit is guiding your life, there is a new found freedom in your life. I once heard it said this way, "Love God. Love others. Do what you want." This is the freedom that a Spirit guided life has. If I truly love God, then everything I do will be motivated by my love for God, and it will flow naturally out of that love. The Bible is clear that if I do not love people, then I cannot love God (1 John 4.20). So by truly loving God I will naturally love people. When my life is guided by the genuine love of the Spirit, I am free to do whatever is needed, because my actions are based on true, self-sacrificial, love.
The Spirit of God brings freedom to act, because the Spirit of God brings the freedom and power of God's love to our lives.
Let us be men who are full of the Spirit. Let us be men who truly love. Let us be men who are free in the Spirit.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saul has been anointed king by Samuel, and now the prophet is telling him what will take place to confirm what has happened. He tells him that the Spirit of the Lord will come mightily upon him and that he will be a changed man. When that happens he is to do whatever the occasion demands, and that God will be with him. Again there is this language, of the Spirit coming upon someone for a purpose. When the Spirit is guiding our actions we are free to do what the occasion requires.
The Spirit transforms and empowers us, and this is essential for a king. A king who is not full of the Spirit of God is not guided by Him to live selflessly as a servant of the people. A king who is not full of the Spirit of God does not always act justly and righteously. If anyone is going to undertake godly leadership the presence of the Spirit is essential. Saul is the Lord's anointed king, and the sign of this is the presence of the Spirit in His life.
Men, have you changed since you came to faith in Christ? If the Holy Spirit is present in you life there should be a noticeable change in your demeanor and actions. If the Spirit is guiding your life, there is a new found freedom in your life. I once heard it said this way, "Love God. Love others. Do what you want." This is the freedom that a Spirit guided life has. If I truly love God, then everything I do will be motivated by my love for God, and it will flow naturally out of that love. The Bible is clear that if I do not love people, then I cannot love God (1 John 4.20). So by truly loving God I will naturally love people. When my life is guided by the genuine love of the Spirit, I am free to do whatever is needed, because my actions are based on true, self-sacrificial, love.
The Spirit of God brings freedom to act, because the Spirit of God brings the freedom and power of God's love to our lives.
Let us be men who are full of the Spirit. Let us be men who truly love. Let us be men who are free in the Spirit.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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