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Man Up Rod!
Rod Shimabukuro1Kings 2:1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, show yourself a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go,
There’s a call to manhood in the Old Testament among the good guys and bad guys. Even in the face of their trial, the Philistine warriors call their colleagues to man up - to be men... and fight! To be strong - to be men. 1Sam. 4:9 Be strong, Philistines! Be men, or you will be subject to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Be men, and fight!”
David charged his son to show yourself a man. In today’s verbiage - Man Up! What does David mean? Is it to be a strong warrior, to do battle, lift weights and make sure your cardio and conditioning is great? David’s charge was to follow God - to obey Him. Following the requirements of God means following specific instructions and guidelines.
I hear the Lord saying - Man Up Rod! He’s not saying to train for physical battle to ensure being ready to physically defend my family or country. To be healthy, fit and in shape is nice - but God is calling me to specific obedience in several areas.
Financial Stewardship and Relational Integrity are 2 of those areas that come with some specific instructions. The details include sticking to a budget and being careful not to undermine others in subtle, deceptive ways.
Dear Jesus, Help me to live, not just talk or write a nice devotional about being a real man. Thank You for Your great love and initiative to guide me into truth. Thank You for friends who hold me accountable - men who are spiritual warriors, who love me more than my sin. Please help those battling cancer and other ailments - Lori, Kurtis, Richards, Bob, Dan, Murukami’s, Brub’s, Ramos’... I love You King and God!
