Gentle Man

Gentleman

gen•tle•man
[ jént'lmən ]


1. A polite and cultured man: a cultured man who behaves with courtesy and thoughtfulness
2. A man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior

Among several definitions, the above two came close to this brief message. And if we were to strike out the words "polite" and "cultured" before the word "man" and insert "godly"; then delete the second "cultured" after the colon in number 1 - number 2 would reflect Whose standard we're speaking of. Amen! .

Boaz Ministries 

Speak Lovely

"Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

Proverbs 16:24 NLT











Boaz Ministries

My Father's Prayer

My Dad recently underwent valve replacement surgery earlier this year. It was serious. And it was the first time in a very long time that my father had been in the hospital.  The time before was for hip replacement about 12 years ago... with excellent results. Daddy is 78 years old, soon to be 79 in November. Because of his overall good health and healthy lifestyle choices for the past 40 plus years, his recovery is coming along very well.

With that as the backdrop to my testimony, I wanted to share the awesome power of God through the love a father has for his daughter. You see, I called my father to check on him, and minister to him. But as we began to review our week and catch up on family information, there was a shift in the conversation. Now, I've mentioned my parents before, in a previous post on this blog - specifically, my father. When I say that my father is wise and discerning, it is no exaggeration.

My father spoke to me words of encouragement, and exhorted, admonished me to always have my loins girded... to never leave home without the whole armor of God. He challenged me to "kick butt", fight the foe, in the name of Jesus, because I am more than a conqueror! Oh...there's so much more that he shared with me that thrilled my soul! The most important piece was his closing "father-daughter prayer".

The human man that God gave to be my father, prayed to our Heavenly Father, that He take me the rest of the way on my journey. My father's prayer, the words of life he spoke concerning me and the ministry God has given me, is having an incredible impact on me; I was ministered to!  I am empowered. It is humbling to have another soul reach down into your depths, touching places you haven't shared with anyone BUT God....This is how the Spirit of the living God works. There is always confirmation of the truth when God is in it. Why was I even a little surprised?!

I've been revived - not having known I needed the revival! Hallelujah! I'm honored, and completely sold out to do whatever God says.  I will be still, and careful to listen for His voice for direction and guidance the rest of the way.

Thanking my Father above for my earthly father; and holding tightly to the fervent, heartfelt words and meditations from Daddy's lips to God's ears. Amen.

Going In On Anger and Forgiveness - Conclusion

Boaz Ministries

Bruce and I hope this series edifies and inspires readers to take another look at situations and issues - stuff that creates barriers to their peace of mind in the areas of anger and unforgiveness.

In Matthew 18, starting with verse 15, Jesus provides the perfect conflict-resolution plan. He tells us to go privately to our brother (or sister) who offended us, and let them know how we feel. There are specific steps to take, and the ultimate purpose is to gain, or regain, your brother/sister. The hope is reconciliation/restoration. However, while each individual, couple, circumstance and issue is different - the same peace of mind can be obtained when we know we have done all we can to release ourselves, and the other party, from the bondage of unforgiveness, and the shackles of anger.

Believers can escape the chains of resentment and bitterness that entangle those who refuse to show mercy. When the Lord reveals the names of people you need to forgive, get on it! Be brave, use wisdom as you choose to deal with those emotions. Allow God to set you free. It's about living with no regrets.

Ask me how I know!

Going In On Anger and Forgiveness - Part 3

Boaz Ministries 

Steps to Dealing with Anger

 A.    Acknowledge that you have been totally forgiven. God saved you by grace––not because you deserved it. He has freely offered His forgiveness your entire life.

B.    Confess your anger to the Lord. Recognize that your attitude has not been right. Be specific in describing your hostility and resentment.

C.   Recognize that unforgiveness is sin. Honestly admit that it is a violation of biblical principles.

D.   Ask God to forgive you. You may also need to admit to the other person that your attitude toward him or her was wrong.

E.    Lay down the anger. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and by an act of your will, choose to let it go.

How to Know You Have Forgiven

A. The harsh emotions you’ve had towards others will be replaced by compassion.

B. You’ll be able to accept others without feeling bitter, even if they never change. You will try to understand why they acted as they did.

C. You will feel thankful that God allowed the difficult experience to teach you more about the riches of His grace.

Restating My Position, Again...

In an effort to be clear about the insights I share on this blog, I thought it prudent to restate what I've said before in other posts: The Bible Ain't For Everybody .  So, I always preface my comments with "as believers, we...", with the understanding that not everyone who reads this blog is a "believer" in Jesus Christ, nor the Bible as the Word of God. Everything I express in writing is filtered through the spiritual lens that comes from the teachings of Christ, and the complete Bible - all 66 books.

The Bible is straightforward about the natural state of heart and mind we possess when we enter into this world (Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9). It also tells us that the carnal (or natural) mind isn't subject to the will of God, and neither can it be (Romans 8:7). Understanding this, my writings are admonitions to the believers who have embraced the teachings of the Bible, and who strive, by the power of God's Holy Spirit, to live according to His will.

Therefore, I do not "throw the Book" at those who don't subscribe to its teachings. However, I do pray that those who would be edified and encouraged by Bible principles will be curious enough to search the Scriptures further to gain profound blessings and fullness in their lives.

In secular teachings, being kind and loving - and forgiving - all have cleansing and liberating properties that help us enjoy life during our time on the planet. It's just good for the soul, whether you are a believer or not. However, I offer a way of living a wholesome and abundant life that I believe helps us do well in the present, with eternal benefits!

Amen