Do you feel that you're an ordinary guy, an average Joe? I do. I was browsing through a Christian bookstore a few years ago and was attracted to a book by Troy Meder, entitled, Average Joe. In a world obsessed with supermen and superwomen, this book was a refreshing reminder that God likes to use us ordinary men. We are just jars of clay (cracked pots and some crack pots:) whom God uses for His purposes and glory. He is the one who is super, not us.
Here's a good quote from Troy's book- “An ordinary existence, shapes a man’s integrity, moral
stability, resolve, and strength as we live life focused on faith, family and friendships-
this is what makes a man exceptional.” In other words, the day in, day out routines of faithfully going off to work, coming home after work instead of going to the bar, taking care of the car, the house, the bills, seeking to be a good husband, father, friend and man of God- these faithful acts God uses to mold us into His image. We may long for greater abilities, but the greatest ability is dependability. Such faithful men are rare in a world that will quickly compromise for selfish gain or cave in for personal pleasure. Their "loyalty" talk is cheap. "Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man, who can find?" Prov.20:6. Such hard to find, faithful men are collector's items which God seeks and treasures.
Semper Fi is Latin for "Always Faithful." This is the motto of the US Marines. (Mark Estrada and Dave Heidekrueger both served in the Marines, so they know that expression well.) It's a motto we have also adopted in M3- "Always faithful." Aren't you glad God is always faithful to us? He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. He is faithful to make a way of escape when we face temptations. He is faithful to keep his word and His promises. He is faithful to never leave us or forsake us. Jesus also faithfully carried out his mission of redemption for us. He faithfully went to the cross. Now he is looking for a few good men, faithful men, to advance his kingdom by His power for His glory. I'm so glad I'm with such a faithful band of brothers, committed to the mission of multiplying manly men.
Thank you for being a faithful man. Thank you for faithfully seeking to provide for your family. Thank you for faithfully seeking to be a loving man, and an M3 MANLY man. I know it's not always easy to blog and to score in GREAT ways, but God is molding you into a GREAT man. Just be faithful. Apply that same faithfulness you've developed over years of school and work and home life to your spiritual life. God is growing you into a very strong man of God. Keep faithfully working on GREAT things for God's kingdom. Then great will be your reward in heaven. Be faithful unto death and He will give you the crown of life and say, "Well done good and faithful servant!"
1.-What was a chore that you had as a kid that you were to faithfully complete? Share a little bit about it. It may not have been much fun, but it began to train you in faithfulness. Semper Fi!
2.-Read Prov.20:1-15 and share a verse of phrase that interests you and some of your thoughts about it. Then you know what to do- seek to faithfully enrich others with it.
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1. As a kid I often had to help my dad outside doing yard work, didn't like to do it because I always felt my friends got to go play while I had to help at home. Eventually my dad would let me go play after I helped for a while which at the time seemed like an eternity.
ReplyDelete2. Prov 20:3 'It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling."
We all know people that when we are around them all they want to do is argue about something. I always just keep my distance when possible from such people. Being around people like that just brings me down. I would much rather spend my time with someone that is receptive to me and not trying to contradict everything I have to say.
One of the first jobs that I got when I moved to the US at age 18 was moving lawns in the hot Texas summer... much harder than I ever had to do in Ecuador where the temperature never got above 75. So looking back I was being trained as a kid to prepare me for the future.
DeleteRoger, God has prepared you for advancing his Kingdom. You focus on cooperative and positive people, you show love to others and good works.
DeleteYou are a good example to all of us. PTL
Ah yes, the rub of having to do chores when the neighbor kids are playing!
DeleteI don't know if there is any correlation, but you are such a faithful man Roger. I am blessed to have you as such a faithful friend.
1. I was always in charge of cutting the grass. It wasn't an easy task because we had electric lawnmower. You always had to make sure the extension cord was out of the way. It was something I hated to do. Overtime I got use to it and got a system down in making it easier for myself. I know eventually when I get a house I'll have to cut the grass. So it was training for when that day comes.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 20.7.ESV The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him! This verse shows me I need to keeping striving and staying strong in gods word. So I could be a example for my future.
Amen brother James that is out purpsoe in life I believe
DeleteJames you might have to show me that system. I ran over the cord so many times they won't let me cut the grass anymore
DeleteLol Florencio
DeleteJames you are a great man of God and your children will be blessed by the Father to have you as their Dad
DeleteAh, you gave me a good laugh Flo! (What a clever way to get out of a chore:)
DeleteJames, I've had to use an electric, gas powered and an old manual push mower. My reco- Get a gas powered one when you get your home. Bet you never thought you'd get that kind of advice from me in M3 :)
DeleteHaha, oh james. Good words, I remeber the manual ones and mine used to come out uneven when done. I had to do it twice sometimes.
DeleteWell I gotta say that this brought back memories, my chore p preference when I was a kid was washing the fish tank with gold fish in it, even tho it was a lot of work, I always wanted to do it. Then when I didn't wanna do it I would get forces to do it, it was and is some what fun to keep it clean. It actually made me more responsible to clean the one I have now, even tho my daughters were the ones that bribed me into it. So now I teach them what I learned, I may give my oldest a break from cleaning it but my little one is the initial bystander. I guess she feels the same way I did when I was 9.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Ooh how many years did I live this way, I was never wise enough for years with in my addiction, I abused it and thought it was a form of life but like brother Robert said I graduated from the school of hard knocks many times over and over again. The lord came to me and gave me this worldly visual prayer of how my life should be. Semper Fi
t takes a patient man to clean a fish tank. I take my hat off to you sir.
DeleteGuillermo. Continue to be wise and stay focussed on our Lord -- you made the right decision and it will affect your children positively
DeleteAhh, I think it's nice that your daughter is following suit. And now God is also making you a fisher of men, not just the cleaner of the aquarium:)
DeleteThanks Dave Boer, it is a patience thing I guess and no other easier way to do it, Jack Rogers, thank you my friend it's a blessing to be involved with such good band of brothers. Thanks Dave amen to that
DeleteEphesians 3:14-19
ReplyDeleteFor this reason I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
What a powerful passage Guillermo! Thanks for sharing that.
DeleteProverbs 20;4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but find nothing. ... proverbs 20;1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. My friend use to tell me this when we were drinking as teens, I should of listened....I was the youngest child so I had no chores. the only thing I remember doing faithfully was to feed my dog, but he was my dog of course I was going to feed him
ReplyDeleteBut now you are listening Flo!
DeletePS- You gave me a good laugh with your comment to James! :)
Glad you are a faithful member of m3 now.
DeleteI remember having to throw out the trash and mow the lawn. Unlike James, we had man/boy powered mower. I push, blades rotate and cuts the grass. We had a small yard, so it wasn't too bad. I am still cutting my grass but I have a ride on tractor. Makes life easier :)
ReplyDelete2) Proverbs 20:6 (NIV) Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
I pray that we continue to advance the kingdom of God faithfully.
LOL Sam we had the same kind of push mower that is why I hated doing it so much. Funny thing is that when I moved to the USA at age 18 one of my first jobs was mowing lawns in the hot Texas summer...
DeleteSam, maybe that old lawn mower helped build leg strength for basketball success.
DeleteAlso, many talk the talk- but few walk the walk-- but you indeed are faithful
Growing up, we had one of those old muscle powered lawn mowers. That was a heavy beast for a young boy to pick up and carry to the lawn from the garage. And the blades must not have been sharp. Seems like I had to go over spots a few times. But you've got a riding lawn mower now. I hope James upgrades from my advice to your kind:)
Delete1. Starting around 10ish years old, I was given the honor and responsibility of mowing our families acre lawn. It would take me about 3-4 hours and I would receive $6. I remember having a warped sense of a proper hourly wage because of that. I felt that it was a matter of pride to be able to mow the lawn (a coming of age) so I always usually did it with pride as "a man of the family."
ReplyDelete2.A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring has nothing to harvest in the fall. (Proverbs 20:4 MSG)
Dave. It is always good to enjoy hard work and accomplishment as the Lord calls us to work hard always-- especially now as we work to advance his Kingdom
DeleteYes, I know that lawn. There is a lot to mow there and I vaguely recall seeing you at it. You had a big smile as you often do.
DeleteDave, i myself have mastered the art of mowing the lawn. If you can do a simple job good is only a matter of time before you are trusted with bigger more important jobs. Great job in doing small jobs to the best of your ability. This shows character and leadership.
DeleteDave, what an excellent attitude to have concerning your work! By the way, I do agree that mowing the lawn does make one feel like a man.
DeleteDave, love that version on your post. Thanks
DeleteMy house chore as a child was, throwing out trash and cleaning my room. When we got home we couldn't do anything or go anywhere without our room being clean. I figured out that if I wouldnt be lazy to just pick up before I went to school I would have more time after school to be out. So I got into the routine of cleaning up before I even went to bed, made my days feel longer
ReplyDeleteProverbs 20:2 The King's wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.
Jose. Hard work and organization lead to efficiency for you and it's great that it carried forward in your life. It allows us to enjoy the beauty of God's creation when we relieve the stress of dragging out our tasks
DeleteJose, that's a very good, practical way to get kids to do their chores.
DeleteExcellent childhood reflection, Jose. Even as an adult I strive to make efficient use of my time. If I can post to M3 during my lunch break, it frees time from my full schedule to spend with my wife (her love language is quality time spent together). That extra hour I can squeeze out of the day is like water in the dessert.
DeleteGreat way to organize you time and get your chores done ahead of time so you had more time to spend with friends.
Delete1. I also had a grueling dad who insisted that I work on the lawn and landscaping every day before doing anything else. So I went to school, went to practice sports with my team, pulled weeds, practiced on my own to be the best I could be, then homework and learned hard work.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had my daughter-- we had her do her chores for a short time, but then she got to enjoy life.
2- " wine is a mocker and beer a brawler, whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Proverbs 20:1
ReplyDeleteI have watched the destruction of many people close to me-- as they were led astray by alcohol. It's sad to watch a dad destroy the childhood of his children by his drunkedness and abuse, best friend from college drink so much that his liver failed at 40 and died living a lie to cover up to family and friends, another close friend and brother- in- law that hid scotch in light fixtures and coke bottles, and in the trunk of his car.
Please brothers fight off the temptation of alcohol and keep your focus on our Lord forever-- lean on him to help.
Sad memories but excellent advice Jack!
DeleteAmen Jack! Nothing comes good from alcohol.
DeleteAmen Jack! Nothing comes good from alcohol.
DeleteGrueling work, for sure, but it clearly built tremendous character in you (this from my few and brief impressions of you, Jack). The day God blesses me with my own children, I will have the devise a way to help them build character without being too heavy handed. One of the most valuable realizations I had early on was that my family was a team and no single member had the luxury to slack off. Still, I do wish I had enjoyed my childhood a little more. I feel I was too quick to grow up and missed out on something.
DeleteAs ma child I had to help my father in rehabbing our homes. At the time I didn't like it but I learned a lot from him and doing it. The funny thing as the old saying goes "The student has surpassed the teacher." By doing the work I became better at it than my father.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 20:12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both. What the Lord has created don't let man take or break down. There is another old saying "Believe half of what you hear and half of what you see." This quote was due to the media and their stories. For the most part the only thing you can believe in with open eyes and ears is what God is telling you. Everything else is a case by case basis. .
Good memory there Mike and very good point- "For the most part the only thing you can believe in with open eyes and ears is what God is telling you. Everything else is a case by case basis.".
DeleteThat's awesome. Im looking to start doing the same with my father. Good memories I bet. Blessings Mike!
DeleteSo great that you were able to learn valuable practical lessons from your dad that arre with you until this day.
Delete1. I can't recall anything specific but I tried helping however and whenever possible.
ReplyDelete2. "It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel." Proverbs 20:3
Well Robert, somewhere along the line you developed a great work ethic, that's for sure!
Delete1. - As a kid the chore I faithfully completed was throwing out the trash. I could then stay out and play sport with my friends. As soon as I finished doing my homework I would get the trash ready to throw out. I sometimes I ran some errands for my mother and that was it. I had the whole afternoon to hand out with my friends. Back in the days we went out to socialize and play sports with your close friends. I was a good friend and we stay away from trouble. I thank God for allowing me to have faithfully friends and for giving me a great childhood. Amen, and Amen.
ReplyDelete2. - Proverbs 20:6 many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
Glad you got your chores done Oscar and could enjoy some great childhood friends and memories! :)
DeleteGreat to hear how even at that young age you did your chores and listened to your mom. Also glad that you had good friends to share your childhood with.
Delete1- Growing up I had a few chores I was responsible for. One of my main chores was that I was responsible to take out the trash. Over time it was something i did. My parents no longer needed to remind me of it. Often times when i was on my way out the door I would glance at the trash can and see if it needed to be taken out since I was heading out anyway.
ReplyDelete2- Proverbs 20:3
It is an honor for a man to dkeep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. -ESV
It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights. -MSG
At times I need to remind myself to just let things go. It is better to overlook something rather than just start a pointless argument. Of course if it is an issue that needs to be addressed then that is different but there is no point in arguing with an individual who is set on their way of thinking or doing things. Depending on the situation, (as work for example) I may try to find some common ground or a compromise that may benefit both.
Be faithful with the small Lou!
DeleteVery mature view of handling issues that come up Luis. Some things aren't with addressing. To others, we need to speak the truth in love.
DeleteGreat way of putting things that way.."my parents no longer need to remind me". It becomes second nature to us to do it, such is the same way of having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Delete1. Cleaning the yard. Cutting grass. Cleaning dogs mess. Didn't always like it, but I did it. There was incentive though...allowance.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 20: 7
The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
Our walks and our actions directly and indirectly impact the lives of the generations after us. As a 1st generation Christian I know that I am paving the way, developing my convictions, growing in character to lead my family in the ways of the Lord.
Your doing a great job at paving that way my bother. Keep up the good work.
DeleteEddie, you started with simple tasks know you are doing great work for the Lord. God bless you generations to come.
DeleteEddie Morales, you are a tribute to the ignorance of the American woman! :)
DeleteWhen the right one comes along, and she will, you will raise up a godly heritage.
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ReplyDelete1. One chore that I had as a child was cutting the grass. The horror! Every time I cut the grass I would get very sick. I would complain to my father but he didn't care or understand. We grow up not seeing a doctor. We would see the doctor only when we got sick or needed our shots. My father is old school and I am a first generation American. I would explain to my dad that I would get hives, red eyes, running nose, drowsy every time I cut the grass. Over time I found out that I had allergies. I explained to my father what I had and he would say it was in my head. No such thing, he would say. Never heard of it and it does not exist. I would get a healthy whopping for not cutting the grass. As I grow up and received heath insurance I went to the doctor. They told me I have sever allergies and need to carry an epi-pen. I explained to my father and he laughed and said sorry. Since then I have sought treatment and I a rare case. I have done all treatment and their is no cure. I need to take medication daily, year round. That grass was always cut but it prepared me for my first house. I never thought about the yard work at my current house. I have a huge lot and it can take me hours to cut the grass. I have a routine now. Medicine, long pants, long sleeves, plenty of water, shower as soon as I am done and a nasal flush. WOW, all if this for cutting my grass. The next house I purchase will have no grass!
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 20:4 Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. This verse is very interesting. Reminds me of the saying "Opportunity knock on you front door," well this is far from the truth. Opportunity does not knock on your front door you need to go looking for it. I here people talk about how bad it is, they have no job, they get no breaks. When I ask them what they have done lately to improve their situation they say nothing. They didn't even go looking for a job or fill out an application. One must want to advance and have a drive to succeed in life.
Ugh! Sorry to hear what you've had to endure Horacio. But you gave me a good laugh at the end- "The next house I purchase will have no grass!"
DeleteAnd I agree re. opportunity. It is the people who need to knock on opportunity's door.
Wow Horacio sorry to hear about your severe allergies. I also have to take medication every day otherwise I am miserable during the summer months.
DeleteAs a boy, it was my responsibility to mow the lawn. I always mowed it just the way my mother liked, and I gradually developed my own signature lawn mowing touch. We didn't have an edge trimmer, so I'd rim the edges manually with a large pair of hedge clippers. I would meticulously round the bushes and trees throughout our lawn. It was hard work in the Texas heat, particularly during the summer (which spans 3/4 of the year in Texas), but it was MY job. My father would come home after dark most days, and weekends were family time. My mother would have mowed it herself, but what are sons for if not to treat their mother like a queen. On day's when I'd sleep in and she'd get an early start, the sound of the lawn mower sprang me out of bed and out the door to reclaim the lawn mower from my mom.
ReplyDeleteWhen my dad passed, I was the eldest son in the household, and so the self-appointed man of the house. I continued to mow the lawn religiously, but it wasn't my only responsibility any more. It was now my job to care for the home my father had left us...a home his hard work had paid off before he died. To this day, mowing the lawn of my own home is the closest I feel to home (and I don't let my wife do it, though she likes to and does herself when I am not around to stop her).
A man is king of his home, but what is a man who does not make the world better, starting with his kingdom? As stewards of Christ, entrusted with the care and upkeep of His kingdom, the church, we each have a role to play and responsibilities to carry out faithfully. Blessed are the days when we faithfully fulfill our duty. We are each doing our part to advance the kingdom of heaven on Earth.
Proverbs 20:12 "Ears that hear and eyes that see--the Lord has made them both." Listen to God's calling in your life. For this reason has He given you ears that hear. Hear the cries of the poor and downtrodden for help. Hear God's will in all you do. Seek opportunities to reflect God's mercy and love. For this reason has He given you eyes that see. Do not turn a blind eye to the suffering of others. Offer the strength of your arms to lift them up. See all people as God sees them, lovingly and with great compassion.
Very good Osiris! Your words remind me of Balain's words in the movie, Kingdom of Heaven, "What man is a man who does not make the world better."
DeleteI'm certain that's where I got them from, Dave. It's one of my favorite movies.
Delete1) a chore I had as a child? Where do I begin...I was an only child till I was 15 so I had a lot of chores. One chore i did not like but did it faithfully was dusting. My parents had a 4 shelf cabinet with a BUNCH of little figurines, I had to dust them
ReplyDeleteALL everyday as well as the tvs and anything else that could be dusted. You know what though, it is just another lesson my parents instilled in me and I try to pass on to my kids. "Nobody likes to come home to a dirty house", a famous quote by a great man, My Dad.
2) Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”? (Proverbs 20:9 NIV) I like this verse becaus it is something that really nobody can say
I like your quote Ricardo and the one it came from- "Nobody likes to come home to a dirty house", a famous quote by a great man, My Dad.
Delete1. A chore I had was mowing the lawn every week. I never had a problem mowing the lawn. I enjoy being outside and love the hot weather even if I'm sweating buckets.
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 20:16 Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
It's easy for us to say and commit to something but actually doing it is another. We need to make sure that we stick by our commitments so that we are not known as unfaithful people.
I like that great work ethic and faithfulness you have Chuy.
DeleteI was seconds away from calling my mother to ask her about this but as I thought, it occurred to me that I hadn’t had any chores, I had obligations. If I didn’t do my task(s), someone else had to because it HAD TO GET DONE. My father ran my mother over with a car while strung out on heroin when I was 7 years old. My little brother was the ripe, old age of 6 and my older brother was a seasoned 11 years old when this happened. The household responsibilities laid squarely in the lap of children; the cooking, the cleaning and grocery shopping were conducted by 3 children with an aggregate age of 24. My mom was stuck in a bed for about two years and told that she’d never walk again. Well she did, she does now and it’s only because of God’s grace. Although I wasn’t specifically assigned “chores,” things always had to be done. If anything, I learned that initiative was huge. Reliance on others’ initiative was something else that I learned to become quite dependent on also. If I didn’t carry my pack, someone else had to and the only available people available to assist were my brothers but they were already carrying their own weight so…..I was out of options. I had no choice but to do it.
ReplyDeleteProv.20:6 = Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
Reminds me of:
John 15:13 = Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
I wrote about self-preservation yesterday. We, naturally are selfish. Children don’t have to be taught to be selfish. They actually have to be taught the contrary, to share. My time as a child complimented what I was taught in my 20-year tenure as a Marine; care more for others than yourself.
Semper Fidelis
Wow Marc, I never knew you had a childhood like this. It just goes to show how big and amazing is the God that we serve. That story is truly an inspiration of hope and such a great testimony. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteWow Mark! I didn't know that. Write the book!
DeleteSame here Mark, great way of sharing your heart
DeleteI had to take out trash not a big deal but some responsibility.
ReplyDeleteMany a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man? A righteous man who walks in his integrity- How blessed are his sons after him. (Proverbs 20:6-7 NASB)
I was really blessed by the share today. God can use ordinary men to do extraordinary things.
Amen! Good stuff brother Nic!
DeleteIsn't it good stuff men are sharing?! So glad you are part of this band of brothers Nic. As Robert once said about M3, "What's not to like about it?"
Delete1. When I was a kid I would have to faithfully make my bed and clean my room as a chore. Now days, it's taking out the garbage and cleaning the cat litter.
ReplyDelete2.Proverbs 20:12 Ears that hear and eyes that see, the Lord has made them both.
Great verse. Praying for you bro.
DeletePlus, going off to work everyday! :)
Delete1- A chore I loved doing when was a kid was washing dishes. Especially when it was hot. It would calm me down when I wanted to get angry. Weird I know but hey it worked.
ReplyDelete2- Proverbs 20:7 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
A good verse that shows us starting a good legacy. That if we set a good example our children will duplicate.
1. As a kid I did the regular chores. Taking the garbage out doing the dishes. My mother was a single mom and was working all the time. I would stay with the Mexican nuns until she got off of work. There was not much structure in the house so basically we just did whatever mom asked us to do. I was the second youngest of a the 8 kids.
ReplyDelete2. Pro.20.3." It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel." going through a divorce, there is a lot of strife in the house. So to avoid it is pretty hard. but we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.
Brother George, I picked the same verse you did, Prov 20:3. I cannot imagine what you are going through in this divorce situation, but a verse came to mind when I read your post.
DeleteRomans 12:14-19 says, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God...."
I don’t remember having any assigned chores growing up. I remember doing dishes, vacuuming and taking out the trash but I think it was after being asked. I’m the 2nd oldest of 9 kids so I’m sure there was a lot to do.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 20:7 The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. Children will imitate their parent’s actions so it’s up to the parents to be a good example for their children to follow.
You and I both don't remember having any chores, I told the guys in my post that I was spoiled :) Now, that makes two of us :)
Delete1
ReplyDeleteI remember as a child that i was tasked to prepare meat for grilling in the afternoon during the summer as well as washing dishes and making sure the house was clean since I stayed at the house all day. My parents were definitely appreciative of this as they gave me the objectives
2
Verse 20:6 Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
It is a rare person to find that is faithful, and committed to his brother; like such a person that is in M3
1) As a kid I was not faithful at doing my daily chores. My mom would usually have to remind me to make my bed, cleanup the bedroom, take out the garbage, clean the basement etc. I procrastinated doing them until I was told. But one summer I wanted to cut the grass with the electric lawn mower. So without being told I just went out and did it. I did the best job I could, but the grass did not quite looked the same as when Dad did it. When my dad came home he expressed how proud he was of me and gave me a few tips on how he did it. Dad never had to cut the grass again while I lived at home. Nor did he ever have to ask me to do it. I started to do other chores without having to be told , as I learned that I preferred the appreciation rather then the rebukes from my mom.
ReplyDelete2)
Proverbs 20:15 - Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
How blessed we are with the truth and godly knowledge that Dave G shares with us daily on M3. And it is multiplied by the insight and experiences shared by the men of M3.
When I was a kid we had a push mower to cut that heads and I thought it was the most fun thing in the world.every week I would tell my dad that I will cut the grass as he cleans the yard. So growing up my dad just would assign that to me.
ReplyDeleteI remember on the weekend if I would be relaxing and then I would hear the lawn mower start I would rush out to take over for my dad. He did the same thing too with the snow; it would have only snowed 1 inch and he would start shoveling and go over it a few times before going in the house. It was a great way to learn patience.
Delete1. When I was younger, I did normal chores such as sweeping, cleaning the kitchen & the front room, doing the dishes, and other jobs. My family typically had a cycle in which my brothers and I were assigned which chores to do. Needless to say, I absolutely dreaded being assigned a week of washing dishes (especially with my family's size).
ReplyDelete2. Here are two verses:
Proverbs 20:13 "Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare."
Proverbs 20:9 "Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;I am clean and without sin”?"
The second one I see as an important reminder to keep one's head from getting too big. We need to stay humble.
Hi Alex, I can totally relate. Especially when my mom burned that big pot of whatever she was cooking.
DeleteOn my brother, Alex's, above note:
ReplyDelete1) I remember as a kid being in charge of doing the dishes in the kitchen at certain intervals. One thing I did different on my turn was to make sure to clean every single dish (pots, pans, etc) that was all over the house or in the sink and on the stove. I wanted to do a job right the first time. I try to keep that mind set with me for any task I do.
2) The verse I found is:
Proverbs 20:4 "Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing."
This really stuck out to me as a warning to sieve the moments that God puts in front of me, and not be stayed by laziness or worry. I love how this is a calling it in this. To really do what the Lord calls now, so when it comes time to harvest, there will that which to reap.
Ahh, the "Reap, Sow" principle :) Continue to sow godly seeds and hard work and you will see an abundance of fruit in your life and for your labor :)
Delete1.- I'm sure revisiting forgotten memories this pass week. I'd like to share something I and my brother were in charge of doing when I was a 8 and 9 year old kid. Our job was to wash the family clothes at the laundromat (parents, 5 boys n 4 girls). My mother would set out all the family laundry that needed to be washed, she separated and arranged the clothes in plastic bags with the appropriate amount of detergent and amount of clothes for the right washing machine to use, large or small load, and also the amount of money per machine. This was mind and my brothers job on washing days, my brother is 3 years older than I and after we put all clothes in machines to wash he would leave me alone there to take clothes out of washers and put in dryers and fold all clothes while he was out running in the neighborhood with his friends. I remember spending most of the day there finishing the washing and waiting for my brother to return to help me carry the washed clothes back home. At times I would get embarrassed when folding my mother n sisters clothes, I mostly just stuff their clothes in bag quickly. In time I also learn to make the best of this chore and use to explore and play below the vaulted sidewalk with friends in front of laundromat. I spend a lot of time at our local laundromat years ago. 2. - Prov. 20:9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"? No one is without sin, but those who sins have been forgiven have clean hands and a pure heart, given by God's grace. 1 Jn. 2:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. Ps. 51:2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Ps. 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
ReplyDeleteLol... when you wrote "At times I would get embarrassed when folding my mother n sisters clothes, I mostly just stuff their clothes in bag quickly". I am sure all their clothes was wrinkled due to no folding :) You had a servant's heart then as you do now :)
Delete1. I honestly do not remember having any chores that I was responsible for, I was a good kid :) I mean a spoiled kid :) Literally, my mind is drawing a blank, Sorry guys :)
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 20:3 says, "Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel." --We should always remain far from a quarrel or fight. A wise prudent man will not only abstain from causing quarrels or arguments, but will keep himself far from all Contention. This is honorable in God's eyes, which is exactly opposite to what the world teaches-- that a man gets honor when he seeks revenge, to avenge a wrong. This is the world's way! M3 Manly Men should do our best to stay away from quarreling and better yet, make it a habit of life.
1 My chore was to clean the kitchen. I had that chore on a rotating basis usually 1 week per month. It was not an easy task for a kid in a family of 9, but I am very thankful that my parents had us do chores; it builds character and teaches the importance of hard work.
ReplyDeleteStarting in 7th grade I took a job as a janitor at some businesses near my house and after working there for 9 years I really learned to like cleaning. It is very satisfying to see a messy room and then leave with everything nice a clean.
2 3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
This verse stands out the most to me. It tells me to avoid quarrels as much as possible.
1. As kid growing up every Saturday morning mom used to wake us up (family of 5 children) around 7 a.m to clean the house. Every child had a in the house had a chore to do individually, whether one was polishing wood furniture, to sweeping/mopping, to mowing the grass, vacuuming, etc.. We didn't like it, but after we were done with those chores, mom would gather us all at dining table and waiting there would be a bulk of pancakes,eggs and sometimes bacon(mmm).. after she would thank all of us and would say at times"hopefully you'll understand really what we're trying to do here for you guys (cleaning), it is not to make you do things, but to understand the value in it when a group comes together and gets the job done, responsibility and everything in order".
ReplyDeleteNow, some times I end up being neat freak but I get what parents were trying to do. Thank you Lord for such parents that I have, not perfect by any means but grateful I have both to receive their values and love from.
http://bible.com/8/pro.20.3.amp It is an honor for a man to cease from strife and keep aloof from it, but every fool will quarrel.
Glad I'm out of this phase, as kid I was a troublemaker, not sure why the only thing can cross my mind was I wasn't getting enough attention from parents because they worked too much that I hardly see them but Anywho, thank my Lord Jesus Christ for instilling his love unto me and to give it back now.
I guess I'm the oddball here with this first question. Uh...
ReplyDelete1. I never had chores when I was a kid. Never. None. I was 21 years old and owned my own home when I did my laundry for the first time. My entire life as an adult has been incredibly difficult as a result. My father, with the best of intentions, wanted my sister and I to "enjoy our childhood, since the rest of life was going to be so hard..." Well, had he known the struggles my sister and I now face, I know he would've chose differently. I am 33 years old, married for 12+ years, father of 3 kids, ages 5, 7, & 9. Every single day I struggle with selfishness on a level that I do not believe is common for most. In addition to not have ANY chores I also pretty much got whatever I wanted almost whenever I wanted it. This further compounds the previously mentioned struggle.
2. Prov 20:3. Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel.
I'm a nitpicky, hyper critical brute of a husband and father. My children's spirits are nearly broken. My wife's has been shattered for many years now. I don't know how to just shut up. I always feel like I NEED to say something. Nothing good ever comes from it. Yet, I feel like I cannot stop. Like what I am saying actually NEEDS to be said.