Tag: men

From the book, Manna Moments, by Jim and Merry Corbett

I was once told that in the spiritual realm, we are surrounded by hosts of God dedicated to protecting us from any harm. At no time can the enemy pass that globe of protection. The spirits of lust, fear, anger or any other harmful agent are helpless to intrude into this powerfully protected area. They must remain outside and harmless to us.

Harmless, that is, unless we choose not to move according to the commands of the Word of God. Any time that we willingly choose to entertain any spirit that is not of God, these protective forces must obey our wishes, and allow for a breach in the perimeter so that whatever we choose to invite in can have access to us. The more that we allow this to happen, the easier that spirit is able to enter.

I am not sure how accurate this picture really is. I am sure though, that it portrays a concept that is well worth remembering. It is well known that our Lord is more than ready to come to our rescue in times of trouble and also that He will never leave us or forsake us. We, however, have a free will to do as we please, to entertain whatever our hearts desire. Our choice will be the difference between eventual life or death.

Let’s talk more!

Jim Corbett

From the book, The Father Factor, by Jim and Merry Corbett

In studying the pattern of the life of Jesus, we must come to realize that every aspect of His life pleased His Father. Several glaring examples stand out and should be applied to our own lives. They are attainable only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus was obedient to the will of His Father even to the point of His death. All of His heart determination fell in line with His Father’s desires. What the Father wanted, He did without question. Jesus considered nothing His own, even His life. Everything belonged to His Father. Jesus did nothing by His own reasoning or the logic of the day. Everything was done of His Father in heaven. Do you see the pattern that is acceptable and significant to God and the one we are to follow?

We have been bought with the blood of Jesus. We are owned by God. Everything we have is owned by God. Every breath we take is given to us by God. Every thought, action, dream, and desire is to be confirmed by God before it is determined valid enough to act upon. In this life and beyond, we are to be empty vessels, conduits so that the life of Jesus can be lived through us and the plans of God can be implemented through us, as seen through Jesus’ example.

Our true legacy is to impart the importance of leading a significant life for the glory of God to everyone with whom we come in contact throughout our time on earth. By the power of the Holy Spirit, this honorable legacy, then, is the impartation of the character and integrity of Jesus to everyone we meet through the way we live our lives, teaching them by our words and actions who He is and how He lived as an example for their lives. This continues the plans of God. This is important to God. This makes our lives significant to Him. This is our honorable legacy, which will continue uninterrupted through those who knew us and saw Jesus enough in us through word and deed, so that they, too, had the opportunity to choose and follow Him when He called.

Let’s talk more!

Jim Corbett

Often we forget that God is continually at work on our behalf and for the good of those we love. He has called us to the position of husband and father. He will equip us for the task if we seek Him for His power. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. He will continually advance His plan for our lives and the lives of those we love. There are no “off days” with respect to His hand on us accomplishing what He desires.

When the obligations of my offices overwhelm me, and my failures seem to far outnumber any semblance of success, I remember a comment made by a dear pastor who is now enjoying the Lord's company face-to-face.  He used to say, "There has never been an emergency meeting of the Trinity."  If we could only remember that every moment, maybe we could stop setting those meetings up down here because we see no evidence of change in us or our circumstances.

Is God  trustworthy  and all-powerful or not?  Of course He is! I guess that puts the ball back in our court. "Lord, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that has the ability to trust You completely!"

Let’s talk more!

Jim Corbett

Have you ever thought about the privileges we have as husbands and fathers? Though there are many, one of the most wonderful is the ability to hold those we love before the Father for His blessing upon them. Not only do we observe their days; we also have the honor of laboring in prayer for them as we see their needs.

Think of it. God has chosen us to be a valued asset in the lives of those we love, to lend a hand for their best interests, to undergird them in their times of need or challenge by presenting them before our mighty God for His faithful intervention. That’s some pretty powerful stuff!

The apostle Paul talked about being in pain as if in childbirth until Christ was formed in his circle of influence. He considered it his task to hold them before the One Who can do something about their real need. We can do the same for those we love. It’s our job, our moment by moment assignment! It’s our calling and privilege!

Let’s talk more!

Jim Corbett

Being a man who’s lost one of his children, I’m often reminded of the many wasted moments, wrong decisions, and times when other things appeared more important than devoting time to her. I look back and wish I had seized every opportunity to enjoy her, instead of placing other supposedly more important things ahead of her.

As husbands and fathers, we are truly blessed. We each have the honor of witnessing the lives of those God has given us. As we observe their days, it’s our privilege to share in the delights they experience and grieve with them when they’re in need of a shoulder to cry on. All investments in them add to the wonder of participating in the life God has given them.

At certain points in the din of everyday life, most of us lose the importance of time spent with those standing close to us. Instead of grasping every instant to appreciate those precious moments, challenges, decisions, needs, and schedules cloud the wonder of family life, sometimes to the point of being too late. How I wish I had redeemed the time! How I wish I had seized every opportunity I had to participate in my first daughter’s life!  Today I determine in my heart to not make the same mistake with those who remain.

Let’s talk more!

Jim Corbett