Binding The Strong man
Jesus said,"no one can enter a strongman's house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man,and then he will plunder his house."Mark3:27
In this context Jesus is referring to satan being the strong man who is not divided against himself,but is organized and powerful,comes to kill,steal and destroy..We can bind satan and plunder his house through the mighty name of Jesus Christ,the one who satan has nothing in.
If we look at the headship role for men and women in 1cor.11 we see that a man is the head of his family,and as such is the protecter of the same.Now if we take this role seriously,as godly men led by the Spirit of God,then it follows that we are responsible to be the strong man in our own homes and not let satan steal our strength away through his nefarious schemes and subtilities that he is so good at doing.
Too many men have taken a back seat in their homes as far as biblical leadership goes.This does not mean they are bad men,only that they do not understand the principles of godly leadership in the home.I have learned some of these principles the hard way and have the battle scars to prove it.It takes guts to be a real man who loves Jesus,and the task is not for the the fainthearted.Here are some of the things that i think a godly man should know.
1.Know well the state of your flocks and herds,in other words,manage your money or some one else will manage it for you.Too many christian marriages are plagued with financial woes because the man does not watch the money flow in his home.Most wives would welcome their husband taking the lead in financial matters instead of having all the financial responsibilities thrust on them,and taking the blame when things go wrong.Most of us have a limited amount of income to get us through the next week or month and need to plan ahead.
2.Speak peace into situations that are volatile,As men of God and priests in our homes we need to project an image of Godliness in all our actions.Don,t be negative, but be real as we all are prone to making mistakes.In the O.T. the high priests were forbidden to tear their garments or show dismay.This was because they were representing God and His holiness.and so are we as leaders in our homes.Aways be kind so as to represent God well.
3.Be a man of purpose,and have goals that define your life and the kind of man you want to be.From time to time goals will need to be redefined as God leads.Take time to reflect and ask yourself where you want to be a year from now.No goals,no progress.Goals equal success,and fulfilment of dreams.
4.Spend a lot of time listening to God,and fellowshipping with Him.I have found life is meaningless without Him.Every good thing and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights with whom there is no variation or shifting of shadow...
Lastly;this is not an extensive list,but only some of the things I have learned in my walk with Jesus,and want to share to make a difference.Pastor Lynn.

Dog lessons from God.

I have a dog who rides in my truck.For seven years he has been my constant companion on the road.To say we are close is an understatement.He was a puppy when he started riding with me and I would hate to leave him behind ever.You see I've set my love on him.
God used my dog to teach me an object lesson on His love,"He first loved me," "while I was yet a sinner Christ died for me,""He loved me and gave Himself for me."
There are a lot of dogs out there,but I loved this one little mutt personally.That is the way God loves you and me,it is a personal thing.
My dog slipped his lease and wondered off one day,not very far,but I was frantic because I couldn't see him.When I found him God spoke to me about how He alwas seeks the one who strays ,searching until he is found,bringing him back to the fold."Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
As the dog grew more acustomed to my ways he paid more attention to my commands."His commands are not burdensome,"and "my sheep know my voice and they follow me".I can turn my dog loose now and when I call he runs back to me."they go in  and out and find green pasture."
By the way did you know dog spelled backwards is God?