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Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus to all. Last time we left off with the charge to allow what God has given to us, our "suitable helper" to do just that, help us. Some may be asking, "exactly what does that mean?" Simply put, our wives are given to us to complete us. We men; and this can be a reality check for most of us, can be a self-centered, overly prideful, egotistical, double-minded, negatively-competitive, sex driven package that is contained within a layer of God loving, church going, spirit filled, prayer directed packaging that from the outside, looks and acts like we have it all together. Looks pretty good to most from the outside. Can you imagine packaging all that up and giving that present to your wife on her birthday or for Christmas? Wait, did you forget to put the ribbon, bow, and card with that present? What will be her reaction when she opens up that package?
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Looks really empty doesn't it ... except; however, for our faults. But God knew this about us long before we were born. In the Garden of Eden, God saw that we were totally incomplete and were lacking, requiring someone to complete us or as some scripture says to "complement" us. This is where Eve came into the picture; more specifically in Genesis 2: 18,20. From the very beginning, God gave Adam and Eve this one-flesh team the ability to fight against Satan and all of his principalities. But Satan also had his plans as well, and until the fall, we were well equipped. But once again, knowing the beginning and the end, God had other battle plans and equipment for the men.
In Ephesians 6:11, 13-18, God provided man with following spiritual equipment:
- Helmet of Salvation to cover our minds and protect our thoughts;
- The Breastplate of Salvation that covers our heart as only Jesus can change hearts;
- Our loins girded with Truth; and Truth of the Word gives light;
- Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace that we are to carry His message throughout the world; and
- The Shield of Faith which is to be used both in offensive and defensive postures.
Obviously, these are not physical things that we wear on the outside but rather on the inside. And when put together and used on a daily basis, people begin to see not of who we are on the outside but rather on the inside. So what's more important, what's on the outside or on the inside? I trust everyone said "the inside." So now, let's rid ourselves of all of that other stuff that the enemy has placed within us and replace it today with what our wives, and for that matter, everyone else should see.
The face of Christ is the ultimate image we should see within ourselves when we look into the mirror. It is the image our wives need from us to make them complete as well. Though all of us will always continue to struggle with things of this world, we always have Jesus to call upon.
For the next few weeks, while this writer enjoys time with his family, go back to the Home Page and re-read each of the previous "Nuggets." As this year comes to an end and another begins, so will our journey as Valiant Men of God. Be blessed in all that you do, and whatever it is that you do, do it with the Spirit of God in your heart.
Until next time, keep
your eyes on Jesus !
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