Tag: men

I know a man who doesn’t consider himself rich, and I suppose he isn’t by the world’s standards. This man works hard each day at a physically demanding job to support his family.  Even though his days are long, I doubt there is much money left at the end of the month for anything other than the essentials.

But, oh my! You should see the light that shines from his family. His wife has a joy that spreads to everyone she sees. She is a companion and fellow servant, and a guardian of virtue and instructor in the things of God to her daughters.  She is a true helpmate to her husband.

And his five daughters! Wow! Not too long ago, I had the privilege of observing them standing in a circle with my daughter, just talking, laughing, and being themselves. Their brightness, joy, open-hearted love, and all-around beauty was a sight to behold. Each of them is an incredible example of the integrity won at the cross. Each of them is a woman of virtue and an incredible example to anyone of their generation. They are truly a wonderful legacy for their father and mother.

As far as I’m concerned, this man is one of the wealthiest men I know. I’m convinced that one day he will stand before the Lord and hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” because of the atmosphere he’s created for his family to prosper in Christ. He set the pace for all of them to overcome the world, just as Jesus did. In this case, true wealth is not found in silver or gold, or in how much “stuff” they have. It’s found in six lives living each day to bring honor and glory to the Lord. This man is rich beyond measure!

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Jim Corbett

How many of the men’s groups around this land are no more spiritually filling than the pancakes and sausage breakfasts that are considered valuable gatherings? How many men’s groups do nothing more than gather as a social get together? How many men’s group leaders have real answers for men attempting to restore their marriages or rescue their children? Look around; there are seemingly very few.

God is in the process of rebuilding Christian families, because they are the most powerful witness available to a dark and dying world.  A proper marriage tells others about the relationship between Jesus and His church. A proper family builds a legacy that not only impacts those around them, but potentially generation after generation to come.

Men, the power, love, and wisdom needed to walk with God in order to help restore those offices will not come from one more pancake breakfast or weekly social gathering for men. It will not happen through weak leaders who have no answers for themselves. The power to help turn marriages and families around will only come to a man who desires to see wholeness restored as He seeks God in His throne room.

If the leader of your men’s group (even a pastor for that matter) is not a frequent visitor to the throne room of God, where he can receive what is needed to help rebuild marriages and families, he is nothing more than a blind guide. He’s probably a very nice, very caring guy; but, more than likely, he’s incapable of helping anyone who really is serious about God’s plan for the family, which is the key unit for all He does.  That man is unable to share and give away whatever is needed if he doesn’t own it himself.

Today is the day to look around at those you are following and those who are walking with you in life. Are they heading in God’s direction, or are they remaining where they are, hoping that things will one day get better? Are they hearing the call to become servant leaders, first in their marriages and families, and then to those around them? If they aren’t, it might be time to make some changes, so you don’t find yourself with no answers and no one to encourage you to go to God for inspired answers when they are needed.

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Jim Corbett

Many years ago, I met a man who was having difficulties at home. His family was disjointed in opinions, needs, and direction for their lives. He spent most of his time putting out fires and filling the wants of some very needy family members. After several instances of pouting, crying, and just plain self-focus, it became very clear what the dynamics of his family were. In the course of a conversation, the man expressed to me that his goal in life was to keep his wife and child happy. It was all he wanted to do. It was the reason for his life. This goal kept him incredibly busy on a never-ending journey from morning ‘til night each and every day of his life.

As I observed the family in action, it became very clear that the pattern he had set was joyfully embraced by those involved. His wife and child were very needy and continually looked to him to fulfill the need, whatever it might be. Yes, there were legitimate needs, but whims and personal desires became gods to be served. His days were quite involved in finding ways to bring comfort rather than taking the time to figure out with his family a more reasonable way to function.

The saddest part of the whole situation was the fact that the man had been called to a faith ministry. For several years, he walked in his calling. As the Lord was building his faith through trials and difficult circumstances, his wife grew increasingly alarmed and uncomfortable. What changed the direction in his life and caused him to abandon his calling began with her statement, “I never want to walk in a faith ministry again.” So began the dissolution of an outreach that was touching many people.

Men, your job is not to find ways to keep your family happy. Your job is to provide an atmosphere that allows them to become everything they can be in Christ. Sometimes that will mean hardships and journeys far from their comfort zones. It may require you to stand by, dig yourself in with the Lord, and watch them squirm while He is dealing with their selfishness. It’s called real love. Will you walk in it?

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Jim Corbett

According to Ephesians 6:12, our real war is against the principalities and powers in the spiritual realm - not flesh and blood - and the Lord has equipped each of us to overcome those powers. The covenant He has established with us is an unbeatable contract, which supplies all we’ll ever need to function high above the demands of this world and its harmful challenges.

As I’ve stated many times before, the highest offices God has created are the offices of husband and father. To help us function in those offices, He has given us an amazing spiritual arsenal we can call upon whenever we face a battle. It’s called the armor of God. These spiritual weapons are crucial in addressing and overcoming any obstacle, and they are readily available and effective for the man whose heart, thoughts, and actions are aligned with God.

All you need to do is look around to see the havoc the enemy has created through distorting the criteria God established for these offices in the minds of both men and women. Through misinterpretation and the foolishness of worldly reasoning, he has accomplished a great deal to help nullify the effectiveness of the roles of husband and father, which results in a standard for the family unit that is far from God’s intentions. The standard of today is a disjointed, weak, unruly, powerless family that has little ability to overcome the world.

Men, it’s time for you to do what’s necessary so the Lord can reveal the spiritual power that is available to you to reclaim your marriage and family. If your marriage and family are not bright, world-overcoming examples for others to follow, perhaps you need to make some changes prior to standing before the Lord. He has given you a stewardship and every tool that is necessary for you to see that stewardship prosper and function as God intends. What is stopping you from pleasing God by flowing in what He desires and knows you can be?

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Jim Corbett

It is rarely understood how important the offices of husband and father are to God. He has placed these often-misunderstood offices in a key position in creation and shows favor to the man who comprehends their value and endeavors to walk in the roles of husband and father with God’s purposes in mind. He even revealed Himself to all mankind as Father, so we could begin to comprehend the worth He places on that office.

In the spiritual realm, God has set a ranking and order in place to accomplish His plans. This order is followed by all of His creations, beginning with the angelic beings right on down to all of mankind. Within that structure, God has designated the offices of husband and father as the primary offices through which He can display His power, mercy, and love. A man, who is truly in line with the Word of God in regard to his wife and family, is an example of the relationship between Christ and His church. This is very important to Father God because that relationship is meant to display His character to those who are watching.

Regardless of your station in life, the testimony you give to others falls pale if your relationship with your wife is even remotely cold or your children’s actions show your lack of understanding of your offices. If you really want to touch people and be in line with the perfect will of God, then make what is important to God very important to you. He considers the offices you hold of immense importance. It would be wise to do whatever it takes to function properly in them.

Let’s talk more!

Jim Corbett