[Faith-talk] for all the guys out there!great message!and challenge to the girls!

[Amy Ragain]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Stephen Smith <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Date: June 14, 2011 7:21:59 AM CDT
> To: Morning Thoughts 1 <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Subject: Morning Thoughts for Tuesday, June 14, 2011
> 
> Psalms 27:1-14 (NASB)
> A Psalm of Fearless Trust in God.
> A Psalm of David.
> [27:1] The LORD is my light and my salvation;
> Whom shall I fear?
> The LORD is the defense of my life;
> Whom shall I dread?
> [2] When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,
> My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
> [3] Though a host encamp against me,
> My heart will not fear;
> Though war arise against me,
> In spite of this I shall be confident.
> [4] One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:
> That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
> To behold the *beauty of the LORD
> And to *meditate in His temple.
> [5] For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;
> In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;
> He will lift me up on a rock.
> [6] And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,
> And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
> I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
> [7] Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice,
> And be gracious to me and answer me.
> [8] When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You,
> “Your face, O LORD, I shall seek.”
> [9] Do not hide Your face from me,
> Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
> You have been my help;
> Do not abandon me nor forsake me,
> O God of my salvation!
> [10] For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
> But the LORD will take me up.
> [11] Teach me Your way, O LORD,
> And lead me in a level path
> Because of my foes.
> [12] Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries,
> For false witnesses have risen against me,
> And such as breathe out violence.
> [13] I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD
> In the land of the living.
> [14] Wait for the LORD;
> Be strong and let your heart take courage;
> Yes, wait for the LORD.
> 
> Good morning my precious family!!  How beautiful are the feet of those who walk in courage, and that not of ourselves, but Jesus Christ, the Righteous.  This morning I watched the trailer for the movie "Courageous", coming September 30th.  It struck my heart - the cry of my soul - for us fathers to take courage in the Lord and be the protector and provider of our homes.  I am torn continually when I witness the destruction and desolation caused by absent fathers: boys, sperm donors, who refuse the responsibility and honor of becoming men - husbands to their woman, fathers to their children.  
> 
> Yet, how blessed I am as I watch men of God reach out and touch the lives of the fatherless, mentoring, encouraging, housing, clothing, training, disciplining, feeding lives for the glory of God.  God is so gracious to us as we stumble along this path of manhood, seeking to do right, but not really knowing how.  He has given us His Son Jesus as we seek His Face, empowering us by His Holy Spirit and sharing the wisdom of His Mind through the Word of God.  He has also given us brothers in Christ, with whom we can share, pray, encourage, challenge, and hold accountable.  
> 
> Are there men in your life who will join with you in the pursuit of holiness, godliness, and manliness?  If not, seek them out, join together - even as iron sharpens iron - study the Word and bond in the spirit of honor and compassion.  Bring into your circle the "boy" who has not yet manned-up to his mission in life.  Let us resolve today to pursue the rebuilding of lost relationships, particularly with our sons and daughters, only this time, in the power of God Almighty, with compassion and forgiveness as Christ taught in His Sermon on the Mount.
> 
> A challenge to our wives, girl friends, fiancee's, - pray for your man, that he would find, follow and obey Jesus Christ in all things.
> 
> With great love and hope, resting in the faith,
> 
> <3Steve:-))