1 Corinthians 14 - God Will Bring Revival

        I’ve got some great Christian friends.  They are the real deal, genuine Christians.  I’m constantly learning and encouraged by them.  They bring God up in every conversation.  They remind me that we must share with all people God’s goodness and righteousness (Psalm 145:7).  They remind me that Jesus will return when He is good and ready.  In the meantime, we get this amazing life to live - one shot to exercise self-control (Proverbs 25:28) and follow our King.

        As men of God, we ignore Scripture and the plain commands of the Spirit of Christ at our peril.  Let’s face it.  Men want praise from people.  I do.  Who doesn’t want to be a bit of a big deal?  We want to be popular.  And non-offensive.  And generally acceptable to the world.  It’s kind of the Canadian way.

        Jesus' men seek to please Him alone.  We recognize that His Way is different, better, harder, yet sweeter.  It is a way that makes love our highest goal.  Not being right, leading for selfish ambition, acquiring more stuff, or controlling others.  That gets old fast.  And brings no satisfaction.  It is loving other people with self-sacrificial service that is God’s way.  God wants to see that we really love him and follow His way.

        He is the Creator.  He created men to be different than women and women to be different from men.  Thank God!  My wife and I are one.  She is so much stronger, wiser, nicer, kinder, and better than me in so many ways.  Yet God, says that as the husband I have a spiritual role that is different than hers.  Kari could not take my God-given abilities and role if she wanted to (she doesn’t).  God does not give them out that way.  God can use any person for any purpose.  And the Bible is filled with stories of women heroes.  Mary, Ruth, Naomi, Deborah, and Rahab come to mind.  But God never shows these strong women in any way to be clamoring for a role that defies His commands.  That’s not their heart.  On the contrary look at Deborah’s example.  The Israelite men would not lead.  Like many of us today they were weak, cowardly, and sinful.  Deborah honored God, but she made it clear to Barrack that if he did not do as God commanded he would lose the honor God offered him.  Barrack was scared.  He had faith, but that of a boy.  He wanted Deborah to lead.  And yet, interestingly, he did muster the courage in the end - who knows how Debroah encouraged him but thank God she did.  Ultimately it is Barrack who is in the Hebrews Hall of Fame.  He, finally I suppose, stood up when his number was called.  Will we?

        If the law says for women to be submissive to men (14:34) then that means something.  Drive past Jesus’ command (14:36) at your peril.  The angels are watching (11:10).  We need to get this right as a church for God’s blessing, and I suspect for revival.  It is not so much about long hair or short hair or speaking or praying or customs.  It is about recognizing our authority and earnestly attempting to honor Jesus.  My authority is Christ.  I don’t live like it so often, but I need to.  

        Lord Jesus, please forgive my stubborn heart.  Forgive me for doing things my way, not yours.  And for my failure to love and serve my wife and family as courageously as you command with love and encouragement and sacrifice.  Please bless my friends today.  Please pour out your blessing and favor today on them and their families.  On their work and their ministry.  Give them bold plans today.  Big dreams.  Courage in the face of imminent battle.  And like Barrack, give them success.  And may they too be in your everlasting Kingdom.  Help them to be the men of God that you want them to be.  Amen.

With Kari, Abe, and Sol at the Biltmore, Asheville, NC.