Regardless of the company, they have an expectation that those who endorse their product will lead a life that is reflective of the advertiser. However, we have seen individuals throughout the years who lost their positions as product endorsers because of misdeeds in their personal lives.

What does this have to do with the Christian? It is simple. When we receive Christ, we instantly become spokespersons for God’s timeless product of salvation. Thus, God expects us to be representatives of this salvation even when we are not in front of the camera; that is, involved in religious activities or among other Christians.

As Christians, we have to abstain from worldly lusts and demonstrate love, integrity, and character in our lives. This is how we remain respected kingdom endorsers of the work of Christ.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1-3 (KJV)

If we continually disobey the Word and choose our own ways and thoughts, we can be removed from service. If we are unfruitful in our Christian walk, Christ taught that one could be removed; that is, from effectual service in Him.

The Christian’s desire must be to please God, that He may use his/her life in any manner. In all that is said and done, let it represent God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Christian’s life has to be a solid Kingdom Endorser.

Hence, the question remains, Are you a qualified endorser of the gospel message? Does your lifestyle misrepresent the gospel message? Just know that you can make a difference as your life reflects the Christian faith.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful. If you would like more inspirational materials, this and more is included in my book, “Is there a Word from the Lord? (Book I),” which can be found at Kingdom Builders Publishing.

Photo by MSO Clipart

Every Christian male should ask himself this question: What makes me a man? More importantly, what makes me a godly man? If a man does not know who he is, he will not be all he can be in Christ Jesus. The Christian male has to understand that he can only define himself based upon biblical standards. This is because culture and Christianity have varying viewpoints about what makes  one a “man.” The Christian male, then, has to learn to define his manhood in terms of his relationship with Christ (righteousness and character), rather than by the culture (which focuses mostly on external traits -strength, money, stature, family, etc). Before going further the Christian male should understand:

*A man’s definition is not based upon external characteristics, but internal traits.*

*The Definition of a man is found in the image of God.*

*Culture cannot define a man.*

With this understanding, we want to offer seven primary qualities or traits of the Christian man.

1. He reflects Christ’s image. As Adam was made in God’s image, the Christian man has to be made in Christ’s image. He will reflect the characteristics of Christ. (Romans 8:29)

2. He is a man full of wisdom and integrity. The Christian man will not be a fool. He will not lack spiritual wisdom and insight. He will be full of faith. (Acts 6:3a)

3. His is an example of the believers in this world. The Christian man will set an example that others can follow. He will represent the Christian faith well to the world. (I Timothy 4:12b)

4. He leads his home in the worship of God. One of the qualifications for a bishop was to have his home in order. This same quality will be in the true Christian man. (I Timothy 3:4)

5. He follows the example that Christ set. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to follow his example as he followed Christ. This will be the same desire of the Christian man. He will only want others to emulate him as he follows Christ. (I Corinthians 11:1)

6. He is man of prayer. In the Old Testament, men offered the most powerful prayers. Contrary to popular belief, women are not more effective in prayer than men. Prayer is not woman’s work. Men have a responsibility to weep and mourn and intercede for others also. (Ephesians 6:18)

7. He is a student of the Word of God. The Christian man will have a desire to know God’s word. He will not shun corporate and personal study of the Word. He will also understand the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. (II Timothy 2:15)

Well, there you have it! Until next time, stand in the faith. Faithful is Christ who will be with us in the life and in the one that is to come. I have addressed this topic in detail in my book “What is Man? – Defining the Christian Male” which can found at Kingdom Builders Publishing and Amazon.com.

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Gen 4:5 (KJV)

The story of Cain and Abel is a clear representation of this phenomenon. Abel brought God his best and it was received. Conversely, Cain brought whatever he wanted and it was not received; Cain got upset. Today, examine your walk with Christ. Are you upset at other Christians who seem to be successful in their walk with God? It is probably because they are bringing God their best. But the “best” does not reside only in the quality of service, but in the character behind the service. Cain lacked both.

Remember, in the story of Cain and Abel, they each did bring an offering. So, our best is not revealed in performing religious activities and devotion, but in our attitude and approach. To bring God your best is to do it with the right motives and a sincere heart. Cain did not bring his best offering due to his attitude, while Abel’s proper attitude was revealed in him bringing the best.

The Christian, today, has to be honest. When you pray, read, serve, minister, and attend services, are you bringing God your best? Again, this is revealed in your attitude and approach. These are affected by your level of spiritual growth and development. Your character as a Christian will directly influence whether your are bringing God your best.

Do you do render service and faithful to God out of necessity and fear or from a pure heart with gladness. Gladness of heart comes from a place of mature character. David encouraged the worshippers to “serve the Lord with gladness.”

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalms 100:2 (KJV)

If not your service is not in gladness, ask for help and forgiveness because He will bless, heal, and restore. As you continue to develop your character, you can only “Bring God Your Best.”

Image from MSO Clipart

God is the author of life. His very words contain creative power. When He created the earth, He did it through the power of His famous words, “Let there be…” Until this present day, all things that were set in motion remain by the power of His word. From other scriptures, we discover that aside from the power of His words, God’s thoughts and intents will certainly happen. In the book of Isaiah, God declares,

The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand (Isaiah 14:24)

Whatever the will of the Lord is shall surely happen. Without even speaking, if God thinks or purposes to do something, it will happen. Thus, we understand that God possesses all power.

Because of the awesome power of God, He can turn around the unclean things of our lives. The Book of Job asks, “Who can bring a clean out of an unclean?” – God can. God brings impossible things to fruition. The Bible abounds with accounts of God doing the impossible in the midst of man’s impossible situations. Jesus reminded the disciples that with God, all things are possible.

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

Though men readily accept the awesomeness of God’s power, some do not believe that this power is available in times of personal failures. If God is able to do all things, then our failures in life do not frustrate His work.  He is able to turn them around. This is assured if we desire His will for our lives.

Whatever God has purposed for your life will come to pass if you continue to follow Him. However, many members in the Body of Christ become complacent in their relationship with the Lord because they believe they have made too many mistakes. This leads to self-doubt, regrets, depression, and frustration. These things will bring death to one’s relationship with Christ.

The Bible is full of stories describing man’s failure and God’s restoration. Even God’s choicest servants failed. Yet, they were able to recover and receive what God had for them in their lives. From Genesis to Revelation, the cycle of failure to redemption to destiny is repeated. This cycle is repeated in the lives of believers today. However, understand that God is willing to restore and renew.

Allow Him to turn around the past contraventions, your present’s contentions, and your future concerns. Develop fervor in allowing Him to transform your life. God can turn it around.

What do women really want from their men? When a woman looks for a spouse or mate, what characteristics does she find attractive or repulsive? Depending on the woman’s background and past experiences, it may seem as if she does not know what she wants. Regardless of all the contributing factors to a woman’s preference in a spouse or mate, I believe there are 4 personality types that every woman wants her man to have.

I. THE PIRATE - A pirate is known for his bad boy image underscored by his quest for wealth and new experiences. He will risk life and limb to achieve these. However, the pirate is also a man of skill knowing how to navigate through rough waters. Women want men who have an “edge” to them. Not so much that there are dangerous to be around, but mysterious enough to evoke curiosity and jealousy from others. Women like their men to be goal oriented and not afraid to explore uncharted territories and discover new things in the course of their relationship. Women also want their men to be able to be there for them and know how to bring them through the hard times that life can bring.

II. THE PRIEST. A priest is known for his vows and unwavering devotion to his belief. Priests are known for being committed and being confidants to parishioners. Women want men who will be exhibit the devotion of a priest in their relationship. They want men who will be committed to the relationship and its development. Women want men who they can confide in without fear of being judged or ridiculed. The same way a priest lives for God, women want men who count their relationship one of the most important parts of their lives, not an accessory.

III. THE POET. A poet is known for his sensitivity and ability to express himself. Men sometimes think that expressing themselves makes the “women,” weak, or vulnerable. Women want their men to be “men,” but they want them to be able to share their feelings, thoughts, and emotions; especially, where she is concerned. Women ask men repeatedly what they are thinking because they want to know where they stand in the man’s mind. Men who take on the persona of the poet will calm their woman’s fears and insecurities in the relationship, while strengthening its overall stability.

IV. THE POSTMAN. A postman is known for his ability to deliver the mail. Remember the postman’s creed to deliver the mail in the rain, snow, night, etc. Simply put, women want men who are to deliver on time. Regardless of the need or circumstance, women want men who will make every effort to come through for them and the survival of the relationship. Though men have their own concerns, women want to know that when a problem arises, their men will do what it takes to solve it.

There you have it. What your woman wants from you, even if she doesn’t say it.

PATERNAL – I know it sounds a little cliche’, but I had never experienced these types of feelings before. When I saw my son for the first time, I realized that I am responsible for this child’s development. Whatever I said and did would directly affect who he would be in the future. This type of responsibility transcended those which were common to life (going to work, paying bills, etc…). I felt a connection to this new life though we had never had a conversation or enjoyed an afternoon outing.

PRIDE - No, I did not have the ‘proud dad of a son’ syndrome (OK, maybe a little!). The type of pride I felt was that of appreciation and future expectations. To me personally, it signified a complete entrance into adulthood. I also was overwhelmed with a sense of duty: I would be the best father that I could be. Not that I would try to be like or unlike any other father, but I would be the best that I could be. It gave me a sense of foresight that when I am old and gray, I could rest in knowing I did what I thought was best for this child.

PROMISE – Up until this time, my outlook on the world was somewhat bleak. With all of the many problems and ills of society, I could not see why anyone would want to bring a child into this world. However, I realized that new life brings new hope. If I bring him up in a positive fashion, the world may be a little better. And, I had renewed hope and promise that he did not have to be negatively affected by all that was happening in the world. If I made it through many things, he could also.

PERSPECTIVE – I never envisioned how much I would change at the birth of my child. I thought I would still be me, even though I was a parent. However, my whole perspective changed. It was no longer just me or at this point ‘me who was married.’ My approach and perspective to life changed drastically to accommodate parenthood and all of its dynamics. Now, the change in perspective has definitely been beneficial. It has challenged me as a man, husband, and father to be in tune with what occurs around me. Because I am reminded daily: “This child will be a direct reflection of who I am.”

There you have it! These are the confessions of a new father. Emotional transitions and realizations once frustrated me and I resisted them. Today (4 years later), I appreciate them all; knowing that they have changed me for the better and will help me to be a better father.