Men

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        The Race

The men's meeting followed our usual pattern.  We discussed things.  All things.  Things that troubled and confused us.

Men, just like women, have issues.  Every third Sunday at 7pm, the men of our church meet and discuss our issues.

One of the youngest men, Antonio (21), pulled up his pants leg and showed us the ankle weights that he was wearing.  Antonio lost a foot race to a much older man at the church, and he was determined not to lose again.  Thus, the weights.

As each man discussed his personal issues and other men commented on how they had successfully handled the same issues, Antonio kept coming to mind.  Not the weights, we all have weight of one kind or another, but the race.

I saw the race.

All of us are in a race in one form or another.  The race is not necessarily against an opponent, but it's often a race with our own destiny.  Speed is a factor, we don't have unlimited time.

I began to see all of the issues the men discussed in terms of the race.

Some issues were obstacles in the path. You couldn't avoid them to get to the finish line.  You either must move the obstacle or hurdle the obstacle.  There are some things that you MUST deal with and conquer.

Other issues were distractions on the sideline. They made a lot of noise.  They upset emotions.  They had a lot of movement and attracted a lot of attention, but they were really NOT in the way of the man's destiny.
They were distractions.

Many of the men had stopped the race and stood wrestling on the sidelines with distractions.

As I opened the revelation to them, they paused and I could see light bulbs go off above their heads.  They could clearly see that many of the things they were wrestling with were not really in the way of their destiny at all.

Perhaps with many of you it is the same.

You've been stopped on the sidelines by distractions and the things that you are so wrapped up in are not in your way at all.

Perhaps it is time to get back in the race.

"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."  (Heb 12:1 KJV)
 

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MEMORY VERSE: Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth (Proverbs 5:18).

Here is a good test for married couples. Estimate the number of years you have left together. Figure the number of hours that totals. Divide the number by three and subtract the answer from the total to find the number of waking hours together. Now divide the remaining amount by two to arrive at the approximate time apart because of work. How do you intend to spend the hours that remain?

How many hours do you intend to spend arguing? In hand-to-hand combat? Pouting? Administering the "silent treatment"? Grumbling? Finding fault? Putting one another down? Criticizing one another before friends? Being apart unnecessarily? Now that you've removed the clutter, what will you do with the time that is left to invest?

How many hours have you reserved for expressing your love for each other? Holding one another? Complimenting? Walking together? Laughing? Sharing projects of mutual enjoyment? Relaxing together? Planning new adventures? Enjoying your children or grandchildren? Praying together? Studying the Bible? Attending church services? Telling others of God's blessings?

Generally, we do not think about how quickly life escapes. The Bible speaks about the importance of "redeeming the time." Unless priority is given to rejoicing together, as God intends, couples may waste most of their lives in unpleasant tasks or sour attitudes, thereby missing God's will for their lives.

Rejoice with the wife of thy youth. And enjoy your husband while he's with you. It's the Bible way to live!

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                The Resume of Jesus Christ

                          Address: Ephesians 1:20
                            Phone: Romans 10:13
       Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart.
Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

Qualifications
      I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
      I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
      I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
      I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
      The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background
      I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
      I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
      My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills Work Experiences
      Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
      I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
      Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background
      I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6.
      In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
      My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto
      your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
      I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments
      I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
      I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
      I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
      I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
      There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References
      Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance

In Summation
Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into
everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).

Send this resume to everyone you know, you never know who may have an
opening! Thanks for your help and may God bless you! 

MEN'S LINKS

www.promisekeepers.org     Promise Keepers is a Christ-centered organization dedicated to introducing men to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord; and then helping them to grow as Christians.

www.mentodayonline.com -You probably know the longstanding outreach site for women, run by
TruthMedia in Canada.  From the same team, a new site for men using the same effective principles
has been launched.

www.manontheroad.org -Are you a truck driver? A salesman? Do you work in the entertainment industry? If you travel for a living, this site is for you. Browse around. Request our free products. Our goal is to help you live a life of integrity and purity on the road.

www.mensministryconnection.com    helping men connect with God and with each other.

www.inhis.com/mens    This area of "InHis.com" web ministry is geared toward improving the Christian Man's total walk with the Lord.

www.religionjournal.com 's weekly news briefing helps busy Christians pay and communicate more knowledgeably.

www.centoday.com  Christian Emergency Network will activate when the secular media gives round-the-clock coverage, and many lives in the USA are affected by any given natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other national crisis. The Christian Emergency Network Web site will provide updated preparedness, prevention, and provision information during and between activation.
 

www.divorcecare.org Some Christians might be surprised to learn that the Bible has a lot to say about divorce. It is an issue that should not be ignored, especially in Christian circles. Men and women who are going through divorce experience intense pain and loneliness, and frequently take years to recover. To meet this need, Church Initiative has created DivorceCare, a seminar/support group program called to help churches minister to those going through
separation or divorce. They also have created an intensive five-week course, "Before You Divorce," that has saved many marriages.
 

www.season.org If anxiety, fear and panic attacks cripple you or someone you know, Season of Peace Ministry wants to help. Russell Pond, creator of this ministry Web site, found peace and healing through Christ and now helps other fellow strugglers. Read personal recovery stories, find helpful links and subscribe to a weekly email devotional.  Let Season of Peace--and the Lord--minister hope and healing to your anxious and fearful heart.

www.hollywoodjesus.com Hollywood Jesus, a family-oriented film review Web site, addresses the spiritual perspective behind many blockbuster hits.  Preview Family Movie and TV Review offers film reviews and additional information, including entertainment and acceptability ratings.  This film review Web site is another valuable tool especially for families making movie-viewing decisions.

www.restministries.org  Rest Ministries, Inc.™ is a non-profit Christian organization that exists to serve people who live with chronic illness or pain, and their families, by providing spiritual, emotional, relational, and practical support through a variety of resources.

www.peggiesplace.com/fathershouse.htm Enjoy church without ever leaving your computer desk--no pews and no offerings! With dozens of links to worship resources such as online sermons, inspirational music, prayers, and Scripture readings, you can experience a private worship service anytime you need to renew your focus on God.

www.troubledwith.com  TroubledWith was created to help you and also to be a resource for you to help friends and family you're concerned about....Our goal was to create a place where people can find practical solutions to their problems, as well as an underlying message of Christian hope.

www.christianrecovery.com A coalition of ministries dedicated to helping the Christian community become a safe and helpful place for people recovering from addiction, abuse or trauma.

Disclaimer:  The above ministries and links have not endorsed God Speed Ministry or support God Speed Ministry in any way.  The links are provided as a means of growth and education.  The above logos are there to help our visitors build recognition with that ministry.  If we have used this logo against your wishes, please email me @ support@godspeedministry.com and we will remove the logo ASAP.  Thank you and God Bless you!

1-888-NEED HIM

1-888-633-3446

1-704-473-4212

for prayer and salvation

God Speed Ministry, Inc.  141 E. A. Bingham Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 704-473-4212

Send mail to renee@godspeedministry.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 02/05/10