Category: MASH United

In the last days, the Bible says men's hearts will fail them for fear. It also says men will cry out to the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from the face of Almighty God. In those times, it is said that whatever has been your god will be that which is used to destroy you. If you have served pride all your life, then the pride that will not allow you to bend your knee to Jesus will destroy you. If hatred and anger are your gods, then cursing God Himself for the distress He is allowing will be a natural outflow from that kind of heart, etc., etc. It is amazing to me how people interpret strong warnings about the end times, which I believe are just around the corner. Instead of accepting and heeding them as the love warnings they are, people tire of them and continue to serve the gods they have served throughout their lives. It's almost as if a purposeful challenge is being sent back to God - a challenge for Him to actually prove that the things He promised in His Word will happen. No one can conceive that a loving God would actually allow these things to occur. Believe God. Please, believe God. His endtime scenario is a portrayal of real people very much like you and me, and they didn't heed the strong warnings that were given a short time before the end. They were strong warnings very much like those we hear today, in times very much like these, to people very much like us. What changes do you need to make so your family is prepared for the challenges that are on the horizon? How willing are you to make them? Let's talk more! Jim Corbett

There is a familiar story about an individual who belonged to a small church. Several years previously, he experienced a dramatic conversion to Jesus Christ and had followed Him diligently ever since.

One day, he enthusiastically approached the pastor to inquire how he might best serve in the fledgling congregation. The only open position was that of a greeter, which he joyfully accepted.

Every Sunday without fail for many years, this man greeted everyone who came to the church for services. The congregation grew, due in part to the hearty, loving welcome people received as visitors. This man's ministry made a difference at this church.

After a time, the man - now in charge of many greeters - grew disillusioned with his position, and wanted what he considered a more important position in the church. When he was asked to remain as the head greeter, he felt the church did not really appreciate him, so he left. Eventually he became more disillusioned, and fell away from the Lord.

The first love qualities of service, unashamed love, and child-like enthusiasm are the qualities of Jesus. When we lose them, we lose real life. Are you comfortable with being a servant to your wife? Do you consider it a privilege that you are supposed to care more about the significance of your children's lives than your own vision? If your answer is "no" on either question, you might want to take it up with the Lord!

Let's talk more!

Jim Corbett

As God continues to reveal your shortcomings, be of good cheer! God is doing the wonderful work in you that He promised so you can fulfill your roles as husband and father. A while back, you didn't even know those things were part of you, did you?

I used to see everything I wasn't as a totally negative experience - probably my pride as much as anything else. Now, as the Lord gives me continual reminders of just exactly who I am and how far I have to go to be like Jesus, I am more able to give myself over to Him, knowing only He can change me and that He wholeheartedly desires to do so. My appreciation of Him has increased as He also builds the faith in me to believe that He really is Who He says He is.

What chance would my family have if I chose not to respond to the changes the Holy Spirit is always ready to do in me? Where would we be if God never exposed me for who I really am? Probably sitting comfortably in some church pew with no clue as to the rude awakening in store for me down the road. Have you seen any shortcomings lately?

Let's talk more!

Jim Corbett

Men, in general, function on an action-reaction basis. If you hit a nail with a hammer - action, the nail will be driven into the wood - reaction. Sometimes it's hard for us to understand God's action-reaction principles. Let's take prayer for instance.

If we take the time to pray - especially about something specific - we wonder why we don't immediately see the results of our prayers. We forget that the simple act of praying - turning our need over to God instead of just handling it ourselves - glorifies God. That act in itself is the right thing to do, especially when we put aside something we deem important to do it. We honor God by praying and recognizing that He is the source of our answer. (In His great love, He even provides answers throughout our lives for things that aren't even on our radar screen, just because He chooses to bless us.)

Those seeming delays to our prayer requests accomplish far more than we can imagine. Only God can see the whole picture. While we're waiting, He's refining heart motives, orchestrating circumstances, clearing a path, developing patience ... and maybe even preparing our hearts to receive the answer to our prayers. This may take some time. In terms of action-reaction time, it could become days, months, even years! As husbands and fathers, we need to put aside the concept of immediate answers and trust in the principles of the kingdom of God.

If you are seeking God for a specific need, don't give up if He hasn't chosen to work on your timetable. He started swinging the hammer at the time of your prayer, maybe even before. The nail will be impacted in God's proper timing.

Let's talk more!

Jim Corbett

The two reasons you or I would never have access to dinner with the Queen of England are: first, we haven't been invited; and second, we don't have the credentials. Only those who have fulfilled the requirements it takes to qualify will ever partake of a meal with the Queen.

Our flesh will never be able to gain an audience with God. Flesh simply doesn't have the credentials to do so. Adam and Eve were removed from His presence as soon as their fleshly nature controlled their decisions. Their reasoning ability separated them from the purpose for human creation - to be in a position where God is our God, and we are His devoted, dependent people.

Men, pride is the most distinguishable cause of why we don't want to submit to God's requirements, although ignorance and a myriad of other reasons also stop us from going there. Fact is, we simply want to be in control of our lives and are unwilling to give that up, even if it means that we may never have the answers we need to become the husband and father our Lord intends; or worse yet, will never enjoy the true presence of our Creator God. How foolish!

Let's talk more!

Jim Corbett