But the priests needed more help to skin all the burnt offerings. So their relatives, the Levites, helped them until the work was completed and the priests could make themselves holy. The Levites were more diligent in making themselves holy than the priests were. 2 Chron 29:34 (God's Word)
The priests (remember, as father or husband you are the priest of your home) needed the help of other family members to handle spiritual matters because their family was more diligent then they were! Ouch!
diligent adj. attentive, conscientious, devoted, ernest, passionate, sincere, steadfast, studious, untiring, zealous
Don't put your kids in the place of having to lead in spiritual matters. They should be working on their personal salvation, not everyone else's in the house, including yours. Don't make your wife be the one covering your home in prayer. She may be an awesome prayer warrior but YOU are the priest. Fight your way into God's presence and blessings and prepare the way for her to be free and even more effective in praying for your family and your needs!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
As for me and my house... Part 2
(Part two of trying to finish my last point from Sunday's sermon)
SANCTIFY THE LAND - 2 Chronicles 31:1
Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke the sacred pillars in pieces, cut down the wooden images, and threw down the high places and the altars--from all Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh--until they had utterly destroyed them all.
Even though they had cleaned the the temple, which took them 16 days, the "land" still needed to be cleaned up. Monday I told you how the pillars and wooden images represented the sexual immorality of our day.
What about the high places and altars? God had directed them that the only legitimate places of worship were at Gibeon (where the tabernacle was) and in Jerusalem (where the ark was). But they had erected altars all over the land, mostly in high places. Often, they worshipped false "gods," but even if they were worshipping Jehovah God, their worship was illegitimate because it was in disobedience, rebellion against God.
Where are your high places, your illegitimate worship? It can be lots of things, anything that is more important in your life than it should be. And it is definitely anything that gets in the way of your worship of God.
Hobbies. Friends. Television. Football (or whatever your favorite ball is). Golf. Fishing or boating. Hunting. None of these things are necessarily bad, but when they get in the way of more important things or take away your ability to serve God as He deserves, they are idols, places of rebellion in your life!
Even work, obviously a necessity, can be an idol. Especially those of us who are climbing the corporate ladder, and those addicted to their jobs. Spending more effort and time on our jobs than the reason for our jobs (our kids and spouse) is crazy when you think about it!
Two ways to easily measure your priorities is the amount of time you spend on something and the amount of money you spend on something. Sometimes, getting things in order is as easy as putting away the golf clubs and grabbing a basketball instead - put priority on your spouse and kids. And check that budget - how much discretionary spending is on them and how much is for you? Ouch! We're supposed to be the first ones to sacrifice, not the last.
God, help us reorganize our priorities. Help me keep the main things, the main things. Starting with You; then my family, those in my house; then my personal ministry, what You have gifted me to do for you. Keep me in check by your Holy Spirit. And as I spend them wisely, bless my time and finances to be more effective and enjoyable for my family.
SANCTIFY THE LAND - 2 Chronicles 31:1
Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke the sacred pillars in pieces, cut down the wooden images, and threw down the high places and the altars--from all Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh--until they had utterly destroyed them all.
Even though they had cleaned the the temple, which took them 16 days, the "land" still needed to be cleaned up. Monday I told you how the pillars and wooden images represented the sexual immorality of our day.
What about the high places and altars? God had directed them that the only legitimate places of worship were at Gibeon (where the tabernacle was) and in Jerusalem (where the ark was). But they had erected altars all over the land, mostly in high places. Often, they worshipped false "gods," but even if they were worshipping Jehovah God, their worship was illegitimate because it was in disobedience, rebellion against God.
Where are your high places, your illegitimate worship? It can be lots of things, anything that is more important in your life than it should be. And it is definitely anything that gets in the way of your worship of God.
Hobbies. Friends. Television. Football (or whatever your favorite ball is). Golf. Fishing or boating. Hunting. None of these things are necessarily bad, but when they get in the way of more important things or take away your ability to serve God as He deserves, they are idols, places of rebellion in your life!
Even work, obviously a necessity, can be an idol. Especially those of us who are climbing the corporate ladder, and those addicted to their jobs. Spending more effort and time on our jobs than the reason for our jobs (our kids and spouse) is crazy when you think about it!
Two ways to easily measure your priorities is the amount of time you spend on something and the amount of money you spend on something. Sometimes, getting things in order is as easy as putting away the golf clubs and grabbing a basketball instead - put priority on your spouse and kids. And check that budget - how much discretionary spending is on them and how much is for you? Ouch! We're supposed to be the first ones to sacrifice, not the last.
God, help us reorganize our priorities. Help me keep the main things, the main things. Starting with You; then my family, those in my house; then my personal ministry, what You have gifted me to do for you. Keep me in check by your Holy Spirit. And as I spend them wisely, bless my time and finances to be more effective and enjoyable for my family.
Monday, June 20, 2011
As for me and my house...
I didn't get to flesh out that last point yesterday and it was so important. But since it's just us today, I'll go a little farther than I could have gone yesterday.
SANCTIFY THE LAND - 2 Chronicles 31:1
Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke the sacred pillars in pieces, cut down the wooden images, and threw down the high places and the altars--from all Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh--until they had utterly destroyed them all.
First, they sanctified the temple, took them 16 days. And now it's time for the land! Not just your home, the places and possibilities of worship. Now into your daily life, your lifestyle, job, school, relationships. Every single aspect of your life, the whole land.
They broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images. The significance for you and me is they represent sexual sin. Is there a greater plague on mankind especially male-kind, than the sexual immorality that we are faced with every day? Pornography is the great unspoken addiction. Men struggle in silence because of the shame.
Today, begin tearing down those places in your life that bring the opportunities for sexual impurity. Think about it this way - a recovering alcoholic can't afford to leave a six-pack in the fridge. What can you not afford to leave around?
And not just for yourself. For those men that have young sons, you need to recognize the pandora's box of curiosity, excitement and even adrenaline that can be unleashed the first time your son sees what you left lying around! Or on screen. Clean it up, break the hold it has on you, cut it down or cut it out!
God, today help us be real, help us be mature and admit what we need, not chase after what we want. Help us daily realize the impact on our children of what we allow into our life! Forgive us for not being pure in our thoughts, hearts and bodies. Cleanse us by Your blood! Show us those places we need to clear out, those things we need to break or cut down. And give us the strength to do it. Amen!
Tomorrow, the high places...
SANCTIFY THE LAND - 2 Chronicles 31:1
Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke the sacred pillars in pieces, cut down the wooden images, and threw down the high places and the altars--from all Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh--until they had utterly destroyed them all.
First, they sanctified the temple, took them 16 days. And now it's time for the land! Not just your home, the places and possibilities of worship. Now into your daily life, your lifestyle, job, school, relationships. Every single aspect of your life, the whole land.
They broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images. The significance for you and me is they represent sexual sin. Is there a greater plague on mankind especially male-kind, than the sexual immorality that we are faced with every day? Pornography is the great unspoken addiction. Men struggle in silence because of the shame.
Today, begin tearing down those places in your life that bring the opportunities for sexual impurity. Think about it this way - a recovering alcoholic can't afford to leave a six-pack in the fridge. What can you not afford to leave around?
And not just for yourself. For those men that have young sons, you need to recognize the pandora's box of curiosity, excitement and even adrenaline that can be unleashed the first time your son sees what you left lying around! Or on screen. Clean it up, break the hold it has on you, cut it down or cut it out!
God, today help us be real, help us be mature and admit what we need, not chase after what we want. Help us daily realize the impact on our children of what we allow into our life! Forgive us for not being pure in our thoughts, hearts and bodies. Cleanse us by Your blood! Show us those places we need to clear out, those things we need to break or cut down. And give us the strength to do it. Amen!
Tomorrow, the high places...
Monday, March 28, 2011
Next
Notice I didn't say, "Now that we're finished."
What is next? That's the question. Hopefully, your marriage is better than it was 40 days ago. If you really took this dare to heart I can pretty much guarantee it's better - even if it was good before. Better, but not perfect. A marriage, a great one at least, is a process, a journey. So this last 40 days was a great part of the journey. But instead of seeing it merely as a part of the journey, see it as the part that makes everything else that follows it better.
So let's review, but personally. What was the most challenging part of the dare for you? What was the most enjoyable? What part of it had the most profound impact on you and your marriage? (I'd really like you to share some of the answers by comment)
Here are my last dares for you. First, answer those three questions. Look back through the dares again if you need to. But answer those questions and redo those dares, on your own.
Second, don't lose this blog address. Back up and review it again and again. And especially if you ever sense a lack of unity in your marriage or begin to feel distant from your wife, start over and do every single day. You are the man. No one else can make your marriage what it is supposed to be.
God's blessings on your continued efforts to grow into the husband your wife needs you to be!
What is next? That's the question. Hopefully, your marriage is better than it was 40 days ago. If you really took this dare to heart I can pretty much guarantee it's better - even if it was good before. Better, but not perfect. A marriage, a great one at least, is a process, a journey. So this last 40 days was a great part of the journey. But instead of seeing it merely as a part of the journey, see it as the part that makes everything else that follows it better.
So let's review, but personally. What was the most challenging part of the dare for you? What was the most enjoyable? What part of it had the most profound impact on you and your marriage? (I'd really like you to share some of the answers by comment)
Here are my last dares for you. First, answer those three questions. Look back through the dares again if you need to. But answer those questions and redo those dares, on your own.
Second, don't lose this blog address. Back up and review it again and again. And especially if you ever sense a lack of unity in your marriage or begin to feel distant from your wife, start over and do every single day. You are the man. No one else can make your marriage what it is supposed to be.
God's blessings on your continued efforts to grow into the husband your wife needs you to be!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Day 40 - Love is a Covenant
Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.
—Ruth 1:16
TODAY’S DARE
Tell your wife that you want to renew your vows but not in a wedding re-do. Set aside some time after the kids have gone to bed or whatever and sit down together and write out a renewal of your vows. And place them in your home. You can print them beautifully and frame them or just put them somewhere that you and your wife will see them regularly. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God’s eyes and the high honor of being one with your wife.
It may be appropriate to make arrangements to formally recite them before a minister. Don't plan a wedding, spend all that money and require your family and friends to come to an event. Just meet with a minister and recommit to one another.
For example, if you've been married many years, restating your vows in front of a minister would have great value. I've had couples do that right in my office with me.
Or if your marriage has had a rough go of it the past few years, that's an even greater reason to formally renew your vows. If your kids have witnessed you trying to kill your marriage, by all means, they should hear you and your wife renew the covenant.
Today is Day 40 - we're officially done. But come back again tomorrow because I have a wrap up message I want to share with you.
—Ruth 1:16
TODAY’S DARE
Tell your wife that you want to renew your vows but not in a wedding re-do. Set aside some time after the kids have gone to bed or whatever and sit down together and write out a renewal of your vows. And place them in your home. You can print them beautifully and frame them or just put them somewhere that you and your wife will see them regularly. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God’s eyes and the high honor of being one with your wife.
It may be appropriate to make arrangements to formally recite them before a minister. Don't plan a wedding, spend all that money and require your family and friends to come to an event. Just meet with a minister and recommit to one another.
For example, if you've been married many years, restating your vows in front of a minister would have great value. I've had couples do that right in my office with me.
Or if your marriage has had a rough go of it the past few years, that's an even greater reason to formally renew your vows. If your kids have witnessed you trying to kill your marriage, by all means, they should hear you and your wife renew the covenant.
Today is Day 40 - we're officially done. But come back again tomorrow because I have a wrap up message I want to share with you.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Day 39 - Love Endures
Love never fails.
—1 Corinthians 13:8
TODAY’S DARE
Spend time in personal prayer then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your wife. Take the time to do it the old school way - with pen and paper. It will be much more meaningful, as well as romantic. In your letter, tell her why you are committing to this marriage until death and that you have purposed to love her no matter what. Then leave it in a place that she will find it.
—1 Corinthians 13:8
The world has no idea what true love is anymore. This world's love is based more on lust than anything else. A perverted emotional bond of sexual tension. An ooey-gooey feeling in your stomach. And many of us have let that idea creep into our spirit, too.
Listen, no one falls in love. The problem with falling in love is that if you can fall in, you can fall out. If love is based on sexual tension - well, it should be obvious that's why a lot of marriages fail. We grow into love through a relationship. It is a connection that is made over much time. True love is a decision. True love lasts longer than good looks and is richer than the biggest bank account.
So make a decision today to truly love your wife. And make sure she knows - regardless of what happens tomorrow or 20 years from now, you're not going anywhere.
TODAY’S DARE
Spend time in personal prayer then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your wife. Take the time to do it the old school way - with pen and paper. It will be much more meaningful, as well as romantic. In your letter, tell her why you are committing to this marriage until death and that you have purposed to love her no matter what. Then leave it in a place that she will find it.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Day 38 - Love Fulfills Dreams
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.
—Psalm 37:4
Later today, ask your wife about her dreams. What does she dream of for her life? Finish school? An addition to the house? Opportunity to truly enjoy her favorite hobby? Some women have a martyr complex and will tell you they just want everyone else to be happy. If that's your wife then you'll have to prod a little harder with the questions to get to the answer. Once you do get a few dreams out of her, let her know they are also important to you. Even if you could care less about them on the surface, they matter deeply to you because they are her dreams! Then tell her you want to begin praying about them with her and developing a plan to help her realize her dreams!
—Psalm 37:4
God designed your wife. He gave her traits and quirks. She has talents and passions that He picked out for her. He was dreaming big dreams for her even before she was born. And He put some of those dreams in her heart as well.
And due to all of those things and a lot more, she has dreams.
How long has it been since you asked her about her dreams? Man, this love dare doesn't quit messing with you, does it? Then let's fix it, beginning today.
TODAY’S DARE
Later today, ask your wife about her dreams. What does she dream of for her life? Finish school? An addition to the house? Opportunity to truly enjoy her favorite hobby? Some women have a martyr complex and will tell you they just want everyone else to be happy. If that's your wife then you'll have to prod a little harder with the questions to get to the answer. Once you do get a few dreams out of her, let her know they are also important to you. Even if you could care less about them on the surface, they matter deeply to you because they are her dreams! Then tell her you want to begin praying about them with her and developing a plan to help her realize her dreams!
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