So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well. God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. Don’t be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news. God saved us and chose us to be his holy people. We did nothing to deserve this, but God planned it because he is so kind. Even before time began God planned for Christ Jesus to show kindness to us.                2 Timothy 1:6-9 (CEV)
I just finished reading J. Lee Grady’s article, “Where is the Roar of the Real Men of God?â€. Here is an exerpt:
It’s time for God’s lions to come out of their cages of shame, defeat, condemnation and addiction. There is a new move of God stirring among men in this country—but it is not about “taking charge†or throwing their testosterone around. It is about reflecting the full nature of Christ—humility, compassion, integrity, gentleness and strength—and passing it on, as fathers, to those we are called to mentor and disciple. – J. Lee Grady (Contributing Editor, Charisma
I hope you will take time to read the entire offering and consider subscribing to his RSS feed. I find what he writes to be sometimes encouraging but always thought provoking and challenging.
I certainly do pray that more men will make the decision to put their relationship with God as #1 in life. However, I also heard and received Mr. Grady’s exhortation to release the Lion that has lived inside me since I made my commitment to Christ.
Too often I have a laundry list (what is a laundry list exactly besides long?) of excuses that keep me from outright sharing of the Good News. I don’t believe that I have to stand on a table at McDonald’s in order to obediently share the Gospel but that said, I also know that I have felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit to speak – and I don’t.
I am currently proofing a new book for the publishing company that I am in partnership with my husband. Rite of Passage (by D. Kevin Brown) has really found its way under that pretty, well-constructed wall of knowledge that I have from years of working with and loving people in their discipleship. The focus of his writing is the growing of teens and young adults into mature, strong disciples of Jesus Christ. I have examined my own life as a parent. In what areas was I a wimp? I have to be honest and say that my expectations for my children and their education was much higher than my expectations of their spiritual life. That is sad. I allowed my priorities for my children to be in the world instead of in Christ. I will continue to walk my life openly in front of them, praying that they will see the failures and victories and the importance of God in my life.
It may be a bit late in life but I am claiming and releasing the ROAR of the Lion of Judah in my life!
