Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Unpredictable. That’s life, right? And it seems like if we have plans for life, more times than not they fall through. Sometimes it’s no big deal, and other times it’s heartbreaking. But that’s life – unpredictable. If there’s one thing I’m learning, it’s not to put too much stock in those plans – those dreams. There’s nothing wrong with them, and I think it’s healthy to dream a little. And it’s certainly wise to make some plans. But don’t base your entire life on them. And the reason – well, it’s simple: chances are, those plans and dreams will not come true, more times than not.
And as hard as that is for us to accept, it’s really just a reminder of Who it is that’s really in charge. “I know the Master of the wind. I know the Maker of the rain. He can calm the storm, make the sun shine again. I know the Master of the wind.” Seems like we all want Him as our Savior, but what about our Lord? Are we really okay with Him steering our life in a totally different direction from that which we’ve tried to chart for ourselves?
It’s painful when change comes. It’s painful when the unpredictability of life sweeps us off our feet. And it’s painful when our dreams and plans are changed right before our eyes. And for those of us mere humans who can only see the right now, it doesn’t really make much sense. But to Him who sees the beginning, middle, and end of the parade we call life, all at once: it’s just all part of the Master plan.
Luke 12:6 – 7 tells us of our value to Him. He cares when a sparrow falls, so how much more does He care when we hurt? Just because He tends to steer us in a direction that may at times be painful, doesn’t at all mean He doesn’t hurt with us in those times.
So today, look up. He knows what He’s doing. Trust Him. And when you don’t know how to react, or what else to say, just remember: GIF. God Is Faithful. Always.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Dependability
Friday, September 03, 2010
Dependability. Being counted on. Being trustworthy. Can others count on you? For a short time (a couple years) I got the privilege of serving in the Fire Service as both a Chaplain and First Responder/Fire Fighter. I always found that regardless of whether or not it was a working structure fire or a chest pain call, when people pick up the phone and call 911, they expect you to be there. They expect those who serve in emergency services to be dependable, to be trustworthy, to show up when they need them the most. And rightfully so. But this morning that just has me thinking.
You may not be a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or emergency responder of any sort, but it stands to reason – there’s more than likely someone depending on you. Last night I had the awesome opportunity to meet with a group of parents who entrust their teenagers to me in my student ministry. I saw a group of people who know what it means to be trusted by someone else. For 13 or more years their kids have depended on them for things like a roof over their head, food in their belly, emotional support, teaching about life in general. And they’ve willingly accepted the task. And I tip my hat to them.
But today you’re going to walk into a school, or a place of business, or a home. And there are most definitely people there who look to you – they count on you. As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I have the answer for humanity’s sin problem. I have the solution to what ails the human race. I know how a person can have their sin forgiven, receive a relationship with Christ, and be headed for heaven. I’ve got all that, and whether the lost around me know it or not, they’re depending on me to share it.
And so share it I will. When God gives me the opportunity, whether in word, deed, or both – I want to share it. Dependability – it’s a crucial trait for us all to grasp, especially when it comes to our ever important job of sharing Him with them.
PS: would you please continue to lift up Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their families? Jake is still in CCU and only God has the power to change that. Thank you.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Dependability. Being counted on. Being trustworthy. Can others count on you? For a short time (a couple years) I got the privilege of serving in the Fire Service as both a Chaplain and First Responder/Fire Fighter. I always found that regardless of whether or not it was a working structure fire or a chest pain call, when people pick up the phone and call 911, they expect you to be there. They expect those who serve in emergency services to be dependable, to be trustworthy, to show up when they need them the most. And rightfully so. But this morning that just has me thinking.
You may not be a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or emergency responder of any sort, but it stands to reason – there’s more than likely someone depending on you. Last night I had the awesome opportunity to meet with a group of parents who entrust their teenagers to me in my student ministry. I saw a group of people who know what it means to be trusted by someone else. For 13 or more years their kids have depended on them for things like a roof over their head, food in their belly, emotional support, teaching about life in general. And they’ve willingly accepted the task. And I tip my hat to them.
But today you’re going to walk into a school, or a place of business, or a home. And there are most definitely people there who look to you – they count on you. As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I have the answer for humanity’s sin problem. I have the solution to what ails the human race. I know how a person can have their sin forgiven, receive a relationship with Christ, and be headed for heaven. I’ve got all that, and whether the lost around me know it or not, they’re depending on me to share it.
And so share it I will. When God gives me the opportunity, whether in word, deed, or both – I want to share it. Dependability – it’s a crucial trait for us all to grasp, especially when it comes to our ever important job of sharing Him with them.
PS: would you please continue to lift up Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their families? Jake is still in CCU and only God has the power to change that. Thank you.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Persistence
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Persistence. “Stick-ability.” No matter how you word it, there are some things in this life worth sticking with – worth persevering through. This is what separates the “men from the boys,” those who simply casually want things from those who have a burning desire to see things happen. It’s the difference between craving a Dr. Pepper and craving a friend coming to Christ. The varying degrees of desire determine how long we’re willing to wait, and how much we’re willing to wait through. It was, after all, by persistence that the snail reached the Ark.
As a child, I was pretty stinkin’ persistent if I wanted something bad enough. As a matter of fact, as my parents and sisters can attest to, it got me in trouble a few times if I remember correctly. If we were at Wal-Mart and I wanted some new action figure or some new John Deere toy, it took a lot of work for my folks to shut me up. As a matter of fact, the threat of corporal punishment usually did the trick, but it was traditionally used as a last resort. I was a persistent little badger. And when the cause was just, it usually paid off.
Now fast forward 20+ years. How badly do I want things now? I have been known to drive clear across town to the 24 hour McDonald’s at 2AM because I want a Big Mac so badly. I’ve been known to persist through some tough stuff to quench a craving. But this is bigger. This is stronger. This is far more important than some silly craving. This is eternity.
I have a burning desire to see students come to know Jesus. I have a burning desire to see students get set on fire for Jesus and ignite a wildfire on their campus for the glory of Christ. I have a burning desire to see students fall so head over heels in love with the Lord that they want to worship Him every chance they get. I have a burning desire to see a Movement of God sweeping across this town.
And I know a few others who have that same burning desire. And I’m praying for more to acquire it. And guess what – that burning desire – that passion – it will persist through opposition, through hard times, through up hill climbs, through discouragement, through thick and through thin. And why? That’s simple: because there are countless eternities at stake. And God has called us to do something about it.
Jesus told His disciples in Luke 10:20 not to get too excited about the fact that they had the authority to command demons to obey. There was something far better to celebrate: their names were written in heaven. There’s something worth persisting for – more names being written there. Will you stick it out with me?
PS: take a moment right now and lift up the name of Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their family to the Lord, would you? He’s a friend of mine from my school days, and a tragic motorcycle accident has left him fighting for his life in ICU. Thanks.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Persistence. “Stick-ability.” No matter how you word it, there are some things in this life worth sticking with – worth persevering through. This is what separates the “men from the boys,” those who simply casually want things from those who have a burning desire to see things happen. It’s the difference between craving a Dr. Pepper and craving a friend coming to Christ. The varying degrees of desire determine how long we’re willing to wait, and how much we’re willing to wait through. It was, after all, by persistence that the snail reached the Ark.
As a child, I was pretty stinkin’ persistent if I wanted something bad enough. As a matter of fact, as my parents and sisters can attest to, it got me in trouble a few times if I remember correctly. If we were at Wal-Mart and I wanted some new action figure or some new John Deere toy, it took a lot of work for my folks to shut me up. As a matter of fact, the threat of corporal punishment usually did the trick, but it was traditionally used as a last resort. I was a persistent little badger. And when the cause was just, it usually paid off.
Now fast forward 20+ years. How badly do I want things now? I have been known to drive clear across town to the 24 hour McDonald’s at 2AM because I want a Big Mac so badly. I’ve been known to persist through some tough stuff to quench a craving. But this is bigger. This is stronger. This is far more important than some silly craving. This is eternity.
I have a burning desire to see students come to know Jesus. I have a burning desire to see students get set on fire for Jesus and ignite a wildfire on their campus for the glory of Christ. I have a burning desire to see students fall so head over heels in love with the Lord that they want to worship Him every chance they get. I have a burning desire to see a Movement of God sweeping across this town.
And I know a few others who have that same burning desire. And I’m praying for more to acquire it. And guess what – that burning desire – that passion – it will persist through opposition, through hard times, through up hill climbs, through discouragement, through thick and through thin. And why? That’s simple: because there are countless eternities at stake. And God has called us to do something about it.
Jesus told His disciples in Luke 10:20 not to get too excited about the fact that they had the authority to command demons to obey. There was something far better to celebrate: their names were written in heaven. There’s something worth persisting for – more names being written there. Will you stick it out with me?
PS: take a moment right now and lift up the name of Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their family to the Lord, would you? He’s a friend of mine from my school days, and a tragic motorcycle accident has left him fighting for his life in ICU. Thanks.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Victory
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Victory. Such a beautiful word, don’t you think? We use it so much, that I fear it has lost its zing in our life. We hear it chanted at sporting events. We see it plastered on church signs. I see it constantly, because it’s the name of the local church that I serve at. But have you ever really stopped to think about the depth of this word, Victory?
Last night I got the awesome chance to see victory firsthand. The occasion: Cabot High School vs. Jacksonville High School. The venue: War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The rivalry: priceless. And there we were – neighboring towns, hoping to leave that football stadium as winners. Both teams have the same team colors, so I jokingly told someone I was with that it was hard to know who to high five and who to kick in the shin. No, I wouldn’t have really done that (the kicking part, that is). It was just a joke. But nonetheless, it was hard to tell the two teams’ fans apart.
It was a tough game – interceptions, fumbles, bad ref calls (against Cabot, of course…lol). But when it was all said and done, the final score was Cabot 28, Jacksonville 14. The victory was ours. And we celebrated. And the ride home was light hearted and fun. And we were on the winning side.
And in life – the same principle is so very true. Followers of Christ, listen closely: it doesn’t matter how many times our passes might be intercepted and it doesn’t turn out like we imagined it would, or how many times we fumble the ball and make a mess of the life God has given us to live, or even if life throws us some “bad calls” and we just don’t feel we’re getting a fair shake: we are on the winning team!
As a matter of fact, we’ve already won! When Christ hung on the cross almost 2,000 years ago, some of His last words uttered were, “It is finished.” If ever there were a victory chant that’s worth remembering, it’s that one. “It is finished” means our debt has been paid, God’s judgment has been satisfied, our eternity has been purchased. “It is finished” is the touchdown of all touchdowns – the score of all scores! Jesus has taken care of the victory! And just in case there were any doubts as to Who the victory belonged to, He got up on the third day after being buried in a borrowed tomb! His resurrections screams VICTORY!
So today, here’s a challenge: look different from the other team. Let the world see you, living for Him, loving for Him, pointing people to Him, and let them immediately know that you’re on the winning team. Lift up your head! We are not defeated, we are the winners! And until Jesus comes back to take us home, let’s recruit as many for our eternal team as we can!
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours!
Until next time,
Blake
A Thought From Blake is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com.
Sign up today to be an official follower and receive daily updates of the latest blog posted!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com.
Victory. Such a beautiful word, don’t you think? We use it so much, that I fear it has lost its zing in our life. We hear it chanted at sporting events. We see it plastered on church signs. I see it constantly, because it’s the name of the local church that I serve at. But have you ever really stopped to think about the depth of this word, Victory?
Last night I got the awesome chance to see victory firsthand. The occasion: Cabot High School vs. Jacksonville High School. The venue: War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The rivalry: priceless. And there we were – neighboring towns, hoping to leave that football stadium as winners. Both teams have the same team colors, so I jokingly told someone I was with that it was hard to know who to high five and who to kick in the shin. No, I wouldn’t have really done that (the kicking part, that is). It was just a joke. But nonetheless, it was hard to tell the two teams’ fans apart.
It was a tough game – interceptions, fumbles, bad ref calls (against Cabot, of course…lol). But when it was all said and done, the final score was Cabot 28, Jacksonville 14. The victory was ours. And we celebrated. And the ride home was light hearted and fun. And we were on the winning side.
And in life – the same principle is so very true. Followers of Christ, listen closely: it doesn’t matter how many times our passes might be intercepted and it doesn’t turn out like we imagined it would, or how many times we fumble the ball and make a mess of the life God has given us to live, or even if life throws us some “bad calls” and we just don’t feel we’re getting a fair shake: we are on the winning team!
As a matter of fact, we’ve already won! When Christ hung on the cross almost 2,000 years ago, some of His last words uttered were, “It is finished.” If ever there were a victory chant that’s worth remembering, it’s that one. “It is finished” means our debt has been paid, God’s judgment has been satisfied, our eternity has been purchased. “It is finished” is the touchdown of all touchdowns – the score of all scores! Jesus has taken care of the victory! And just in case there were any doubts as to Who the victory belonged to, He got up on the third day after being buried in a borrowed tomb! His resurrections screams VICTORY!
So today, here’s a challenge: look different from the other team. Let the world see you, living for Him, loving for Him, pointing people to Him, and let them immediately know that you’re on the winning team. Lift up your head! We are not defeated, we are the winners! And until Jesus comes back to take us home, let’s recruit as many for our eternal team as we can!
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours!
Until next time,
Blake
A Thought From Blake is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com.
Sign up today to be an official follower and receive daily updates of the latest blog posted!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Change
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Change. Come on, let’s face it – nobody really likes it that much. Sure, politicians campaign on it and it wins the support of untold masses, but when it’s all said and done, the vast majority of us like the status quo. We like being comfortable. We like our routine. Our rut. And at the end of the day, if we’ve managed to survive that 24 hour period with little change we’ll consider ourselves a success. But is that really possible?
See, I have this theory: change is inevitable. The world is constantly changing, and so are we. After all, would you consider it healthy if, at the age of 26, my vocabulary still consisted of “dada” and “goo goo?” Or if I still needed someone to pick out my clothes for the next day, or bathe me? Surely if that was the case it would mean that there’s been some type of issue along the way in my development, right? The same is true with life.
As we grow, things change. Some changes come because we’re human, and some come because we’re a Child of the King. Nonetheless, change comes.
I’ll have to admit, as I look back over the past 12 months of my personal life, there have been a few changes that not only took me by surprise, but that I’d really not have chosen for myself had I been given a say in the matter. But, considering where my life is right now, I’m thankful for the change, painful as it may have been.
So what about you today? God has promised change, did you know that? He wants to change us into new creatures when we come to Him. And even after we come to Him, the boat of life sometimes makes us think that the change we’re experiencing is too much to bear – a storm of sorts. Luke 8:24 reminds us that Jesus has authority, even over the wind and the waves.
So when change comes, and it will, set your eyes on Jesus – the unchanging One. He can calm the storm, and He can calm His child. And at the end of the day, as you look back and who you’ve been for Him that day, ask yourself: is that change I can believe in?
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Sign up to be an official follower today!
You can write to Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com!
Change. Come on, let’s face it – nobody really likes it that much. Sure, politicians campaign on it and it wins the support of untold masses, but when it’s all said and done, the vast majority of us like the status quo. We like being comfortable. We like our routine. Our rut. And at the end of the day, if we’ve managed to survive that 24 hour period with little change we’ll consider ourselves a success. But is that really possible?
See, I have this theory: change is inevitable. The world is constantly changing, and so are we. After all, would you consider it healthy if, at the age of 26, my vocabulary still consisted of “dada” and “goo goo?” Or if I still needed someone to pick out my clothes for the next day, or bathe me? Surely if that was the case it would mean that there’s been some type of issue along the way in my development, right? The same is true with life.
As we grow, things change. Some changes come because we’re human, and some come because we’re a Child of the King. Nonetheless, change comes.
I’ll have to admit, as I look back over the past 12 months of my personal life, there have been a few changes that not only took me by surprise, but that I’d really not have chosen for myself had I been given a say in the matter. But, considering where my life is right now, I’m thankful for the change, painful as it may have been.
So what about you today? God has promised change, did you know that? He wants to change us into new creatures when we come to Him. And even after we come to Him, the boat of life sometimes makes us think that the change we’re experiencing is too much to bear – a storm of sorts. Luke 8:24 reminds us that Jesus has authority, even over the wind and the waves.
So when change comes, and it will, set your eyes on Jesus – the unchanging One. He can calm the storm, and He can calm His child. And at the end of the day, as you look back and who you’ve been for Him that day, ask yourself: is that change I can believe in?
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Sign up to be an official follower today!
You can write to Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Back in the Saddle again...
Good morning world! Well, it's been some time since my last blog was written, and to be honest there are a variety of reasons for that. You see, I blog when I have something that just can't wait to "get out" of me. Everyone needs an "out" when they get stressed or put under pressure. For some, that's a round of golf or a 3 mile run. For me, I've found, it's sitting down with a laptop in front of me and writing. I love to write. So here I am, for the first time in a while, venting my overflowing heart to you, my faithful few. And can I just begin with a very simple phrase that is so HUGELY filled with truth - God IS faithful!
So approximately 3 months go my world changed - TOTALLY. Without going in great detail for the benefit of others, choices were made that weren't in my scope of control, that turned everything I knew upside down. And for a moment - a brief, passing moment - I didn't think I could stand to live in my new reality. I didn't think it was worth it at all. My dreams, my plans, my goals - all flushed in an instant. And everything, or so it seemed, had changed and vanished before my eyes. But there were those faithful few that stood around me, though my gratitude at the time was lacking. There were those who drove miles and miles to simply be there with me. They did my laundry, did my cooking, cleaning my house, and even just sat in the same room as me, even at all hours of the night, so I wouldn't be alone. They love me - unconditionally. And this time those that claim that love really do mean it - they prove it daily.
So time has passed since that horrible valley. The darkness has faded into light. The deep, dark valley is fallen behind me and the sunny mountaintop is within view again. I actually find myself smiling for absolutely no reason again. It's been a long time since that's been my reality. But nonetheless, here I am. And it's all because of three little letters - GIF. God IS Faithful. Even when we don't understand why He's allowed such horrible circumstances to fall upon us, He is faithful. Always. Never fails. Boy, that's medicine to a sick soul!
And so today I woke up "giddy." Seriously. I have some folks that have become very important to me in recent days. I won't launch into a list of thank yous, because the list would be way too long for a blog, and I'd inevitably leave someone out and hurt their feelings. But my family, my PB, my LH family, my FD family...and my new best friend...you've all held me up when I couldn't stand on my own. And for that I'm grateful. The "under shepherd" got to be ministered to in a time when he really wasn't up to ministering. God gave all of you to me for such a time as this. And a bright future lies ahead, I can feel it in my bones.
Jim, our FD mechanic, an amazing man of God with a testimony that would make you fall to your knees, told me just a few weeks after that life changing day that I would eventually be "happier than I've ever been." I respect him, but I also thought that though he'd been where I was, he didn't understand my particular situation. I thought that it just wasn't possible to be happy period, let alone "happier than I'd ever been." But boy did God have different plans. And though I don't know what tomorrow holds when the "right now" ;) is over, I know this: He's shown me I can smile again. He's shown me I can trust again. He's shown me I can have a friend and be a friend again. And He's shown me I can experience a deeper fulfilment and joy than ever before again.
So guess what...GIF! And because of His faithfulness, I'm back in the saddle again, and loving every minute of it. What a life He's given me - and a joy to be the one living it. GIF!
Until next time,
blake
That's just a thought from my heart, and I welcome your's.
I welcome your emails anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
So approximately 3 months go my world changed - TOTALLY. Without going in great detail for the benefit of others, choices were made that weren't in my scope of control, that turned everything I knew upside down. And for a moment - a brief, passing moment - I didn't think I could stand to live in my new reality. I didn't think it was worth it at all. My dreams, my plans, my goals - all flushed in an instant. And everything, or so it seemed, had changed and vanished before my eyes. But there were those faithful few that stood around me, though my gratitude at the time was lacking. There were those who drove miles and miles to simply be there with me. They did my laundry, did my cooking, cleaning my house, and even just sat in the same room as me, even at all hours of the night, so I wouldn't be alone. They love me - unconditionally. And this time those that claim that love really do mean it - they prove it daily.
So time has passed since that horrible valley. The darkness has faded into light. The deep, dark valley is fallen behind me and the sunny mountaintop is within view again. I actually find myself smiling for absolutely no reason again. It's been a long time since that's been my reality. But nonetheless, here I am. And it's all because of three little letters - GIF. God IS Faithful. Even when we don't understand why He's allowed such horrible circumstances to fall upon us, He is faithful. Always. Never fails. Boy, that's medicine to a sick soul!
And so today I woke up "giddy." Seriously. I have some folks that have become very important to me in recent days. I won't launch into a list of thank yous, because the list would be way too long for a blog, and I'd inevitably leave someone out and hurt their feelings. But my family, my PB, my LH family, my FD family...and my new best friend...you've all held me up when I couldn't stand on my own. And for that I'm grateful. The "under shepherd" got to be ministered to in a time when he really wasn't up to ministering. God gave all of you to me for such a time as this. And a bright future lies ahead, I can feel it in my bones.
Jim, our FD mechanic, an amazing man of God with a testimony that would make you fall to your knees, told me just a few weeks after that life changing day that I would eventually be "happier than I've ever been." I respect him, but I also thought that though he'd been where I was, he didn't understand my particular situation. I thought that it just wasn't possible to be happy period, let alone "happier than I'd ever been." But boy did God have different plans. And though I don't know what tomorrow holds when the "right now" ;) is over, I know this: He's shown me I can smile again. He's shown me I can trust again. He's shown me I can have a friend and be a friend again. And He's shown me I can experience a deeper fulfilment and joy than ever before again.
So guess what...GIF! And because of His faithfulness, I'm back in the saddle again, and loving every minute of it. What a life He's given me - and a joy to be the one living it. GIF!
Until next time,
blake
That's just a thought from my heart, and I welcome your's.
I welcome your emails anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Saturday, October 24, 2009
What is a "Real Man?"
It's been some time since my last blog post, which has much to do with the leg of this journey of life that God has me in right now. The current time is 2:55am on Saturday morning, and since I was awakened unexpectedly by a phone call which was followed about 15 minutes later by a fire department call, and I don't see myself going back to sleep anytime soon, I decided to make good use of time. I have had millions of thoughts racing through my mind over the past several weeks, many of which I am honestly not ready to share yet openly. One that has been racing through my mind that was raised this morning is the issue I'd like to tackle: What is a "real man?"
Hollywood would have us believe that a "real man" is 6'8" tall with biceps as large as the average watermelon, and an ego to match them. But let's not just go after Hollywood - it has become apparent to me that many of us in the world of "church" have absolutely no idea what a "real man" is, either. I have been made aware of this due to the fact that some that are very close to me that I have been in worship times with for years have an apparent massive misunderstanding of the definition of a "real man." So I thought instead of looking at a man's attempt to define the term, we might look at God's.
First off, in Genesis 1:26, God's Word says that He created man "in His own image." That's something we all have in common as humans - we are a "triune being," that is we have a body, mind and spirit, just as God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So we were born in His image in that respect. However, anyone that understands the concept of salvation remembers that when we come to Christ we are "born again" as Jesus said in John 3. So when that rebirth happens, Scripture tells us that we then begin the journey of being "transformed into the image of Christ." That takes this thing to a whole new level - what does it mean to look like Jesus?
Christ as God has many character traits that tell us what a "real man" is, as He was the ultimate "real man." One was compassion, therefore a "real man" has compassion. When He sees someone that has fallen, He feels their hurt to the extent that it motivates him to do what he can do to help them. So, "real man", do you want to help people? Another trait is integrity, as Jesus was the same "real man" when people were around as when people weren't. So, "real man", do you have integrity, or are you living a life of secrets having to constantly watch over your shoulder to see who's able to see what you're doing at that moment? Oh, and then there's forgiveness - Jesus even prayed for the forgiveness of those who were crucifying Him. "Real man" - are you forgiving, or do you want to get even all the time? Of all of the many traits that Jesus had that a "real man" will possess, there's just one final traitI want to mention: commitment. A "real man" honors his commitments. When Christ was on His way to the cross, it wasn't fun, and it didn't look easy, but He had committed to accomplish the mission that God the Father had given Him to accomplish. So He did. There's no other way to look at it - He just did. In a world where commitment is a joke - where it's as simple as one choice to break our commitments - where nothing is permanent, even the institution that is built on the premise of a "life long covenant" - a "real man" keeps his commitments, even when it's not easy, convenient, or he doesn't feel like it.
A "real man" will be a blessed man, according to Psalm 1, because he won't "walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers, but rather he delights himself in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night." Wow - a "real man" is a man of the Word. So "real man" - how much time do you spend in the Word on a regular basis? Does the occasional "picking up my Bible for church" constitute as "meditating day and night?"
Jesus Himself said in Luke 9:25, "What is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" A "real man" has the right priorities. The stuff of this world - the pleasures of this world - all that this world has to offer - pale in comparison to the leadership of God in his life and what God is saying to him about his life's direction. So, "real man", where are your priorities - fun, pleasure, your happiness above all else, or God's will based upon His Word?
There's one more aspect of being a "real man" that's worth mentioning in this age of promise breaking. In Ephesians 5 Paul had strong words to say about what a "real man" is. In verses 25 - 27, Paul tells us that a "real man" will love his wife as Christ loves the Church. He tells us that not only will the "real man" love her unconditionally, but that he will also look out for her well-being. That his goal for her will be nourishing her in the walk with the Lord that she has, and even being willing to sacrifice himself for her well-being if required. He goes on to say that this is the entire point of the Scripture that says, "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh." A "real man" marries into a life-long commitment of "cleaving" - that is, to holding on for dear life to the woman God has given him, through sickness and health, poverty and wealth, good times and bad, better or worse...you get the idea. He doesn't just hold on "until he has found something better." You see, a "real man" doesn't see anything better. The one God has given him is the best in the eyes of the "real man."
So I present to you at this amazing hour of the day that there are many in this world that think that their height, weight, muscle mass, or ego size determines that they are a "real man." When they stand before God, if that's all that they've had in this life, they will be sorely disappointed when the ultimate "Real Man" says to them, "Depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you." Oh, they may have thought their "manhood" gave them the ability to fight their way out of anything here. They may have been able to whoop anybody that came into their path in this world. But when faced with the reality of the very presence of the God of the universe, who they really are, and their tiny spiritual stature will be all that matters.
And to all you "little guys" out there - guys who aren't 6'8" tall, who don't have watermelon sized biceps, and certainly don't have the egos to match them - but you love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and strength: even if nobody in this world sees it, even if there don't seem to be any women that see it, and even if sometimes you don't even see it - you have no need to worry. You are a "real man." And regardless of the opinions of all those that seem to surround you - the One that you serve, the One that you'll stand before some day soon - the One that sustains you and gives you all you need in this life to serve Him - He's sees you. And believe you me - He knows what a "real man" is.
Until next time (hopefully not 3am then...),
blake
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
Hollywood would have us believe that a "real man" is 6'8" tall with biceps as large as the average watermelon, and an ego to match them. But let's not just go after Hollywood - it has become apparent to me that many of us in the world of "church" have absolutely no idea what a "real man" is, either. I have been made aware of this due to the fact that some that are very close to me that I have been in worship times with for years have an apparent massive misunderstanding of the definition of a "real man." So I thought instead of looking at a man's attempt to define the term, we might look at God's.
First off, in Genesis 1:26, God's Word says that He created man "in His own image." That's something we all have in common as humans - we are a "triune being," that is we have a body, mind and spirit, just as God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So we were born in His image in that respect. However, anyone that understands the concept of salvation remembers that when we come to Christ we are "born again" as Jesus said in John 3. So when that rebirth happens, Scripture tells us that we then begin the journey of being "transformed into the image of Christ." That takes this thing to a whole new level - what does it mean to look like Jesus?
Christ as God has many character traits that tell us what a "real man" is, as He was the ultimate "real man." One was compassion, therefore a "real man" has compassion. When He sees someone that has fallen, He feels their hurt to the extent that it motivates him to do what he can do to help them. So, "real man", do you want to help people? Another trait is integrity, as Jesus was the same "real man" when people were around as when people weren't. So, "real man", do you have integrity, or are you living a life of secrets having to constantly watch over your shoulder to see who's able to see what you're doing at that moment? Oh, and then there's forgiveness - Jesus even prayed for the forgiveness of those who were crucifying Him. "Real man" - are you forgiving, or do you want to get even all the time? Of all of the many traits that Jesus had that a "real man" will possess, there's just one final traitI want to mention: commitment. A "real man" honors his commitments. When Christ was on His way to the cross, it wasn't fun, and it didn't look easy, but He had committed to accomplish the mission that God the Father had given Him to accomplish. So He did. There's no other way to look at it - He just did. In a world where commitment is a joke - where it's as simple as one choice to break our commitments - where nothing is permanent, even the institution that is built on the premise of a "life long covenant" - a "real man" keeps his commitments, even when it's not easy, convenient, or he doesn't feel like it.
A "real man" will be a blessed man, according to Psalm 1, because he won't "walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers, but rather he delights himself in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night." Wow - a "real man" is a man of the Word. So "real man" - how much time do you spend in the Word on a regular basis? Does the occasional "picking up my Bible for church" constitute as "meditating day and night?"
Jesus Himself said in Luke 9:25, "What is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" A "real man" has the right priorities. The stuff of this world - the pleasures of this world - all that this world has to offer - pale in comparison to the leadership of God in his life and what God is saying to him about his life's direction. So, "real man", where are your priorities - fun, pleasure, your happiness above all else, or God's will based upon His Word?
There's one more aspect of being a "real man" that's worth mentioning in this age of promise breaking. In Ephesians 5 Paul had strong words to say about what a "real man" is. In verses 25 - 27, Paul tells us that a "real man" will love his wife as Christ loves the Church. He tells us that not only will the "real man" love her unconditionally, but that he will also look out for her well-being. That his goal for her will be nourishing her in the walk with the Lord that she has, and even being willing to sacrifice himself for her well-being if required. He goes on to say that this is the entire point of the Scripture that says, "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh." A "real man" marries into a life-long commitment of "cleaving" - that is, to holding on for dear life to the woman God has given him, through sickness and health, poverty and wealth, good times and bad, better or worse...you get the idea. He doesn't just hold on "until he has found something better." You see, a "real man" doesn't see anything better. The one God has given him is the best in the eyes of the "real man."
So I present to you at this amazing hour of the day that there are many in this world that think that their height, weight, muscle mass, or ego size determines that they are a "real man." When they stand before God, if that's all that they've had in this life, they will be sorely disappointed when the ultimate "Real Man" says to them, "Depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you." Oh, they may have thought their "manhood" gave them the ability to fight their way out of anything here. They may have been able to whoop anybody that came into their path in this world. But when faced with the reality of the very presence of the God of the universe, who they really are, and their tiny spiritual stature will be all that matters.
And to all you "little guys" out there - guys who aren't 6'8" tall, who don't have watermelon sized biceps, and certainly don't have the egos to match them - but you love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and strength: even if nobody in this world sees it, even if there don't seem to be any women that see it, and even if sometimes you don't even see it - you have no need to worry. You are a "real man." And regardless of the opinions of all those that seem to surround you - the One that you serve, the One that you'll stand before some day soon - the One that sustains you and gives you all you need in this life to serve Him - He's sees you. And believe you me - He knows what a "real man" is.
Until next time (hopefully not 3am then...),
blake
That's just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Feel free to email me anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com .
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