A Devotional Plan For Husbands Desiring To Grow Closer To Christ & Closer To Their Brides

Hey guys,

On this theme of growing as men in our vocation (meaning, our calling from God) as husbands, I want to introduce to you (and for some reacquaint) to "The Exemplary Husband" by Stuart Scott. For our men's ministry, several years ago we went through this book together and it is both a great instruction in the biblical role of husband, but it also draws the reader to see, desire and need Christ more and more. In many ways, this is a "systematic theology" (you will see what I mean when you look to the table of contents) on a husband's role, goal and passion. From the outset one sees that Dr. Scott is not leading us to mere moralism. Instead, he is leading us to see, worship and follow "THE" Exemplary Husband - Christ Himself. I would encourage you that if you are looking for some devotional material that will draw you closer to Christ and closer to your bride - get this book and read it slowly, prayerfully with a focus on applying. Enjoy!

Our Soul As A Watered Garden

In light of this last Sunday's message when we looked at Mary's unashamed adoration of and devotion to Jesus (John 11:47 - 12:11), I wanted to pass on to you a quote from Mr. Spurgeon that speaks of having "one's soul under heavenly cultivation." Enjoy and have a wonderful day adoring our Savior!

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Their soul shall be as a watered garden. (Jeremiah 31:12)

Oh, to have one's soul under heavenly cultivation; no longer a wilderness but a garden of the Lord! Enclosed from the waste, walled around by grace, planted by instruction, visited by love, weeded by heavenly discipline, and guarded by divine power, one's favored soul is prepared to yield fruit unto the Lord.

But a garden may become parched for want of water, and then all its herbs decline and are ready to die. O my soul, how soon would this be the case were the Lord to leave thee! In the East, a garden without water soon ceases to be a garden at all: nothing can come to perfection, grow, or even live. When irrigation is kept up, the result is charming. Oh, to have one's soul watered by the Holy Spirit uniformly -- every part of the garden having its own stream; plentifully -- a sufficient refreshment coming to every tree and herb, however thirsty by nature it may be; continually -- each hour bringing not only its heat, but its refreshment; wisely -- each plant receiving just what it needs. In a garden you can see by the verdure where the water flows, and you can soon perceive when the Spirit of God comes.

O Lord, water me this day and cause me to yield Thee a full reward for Jesus' sake. Amen.

Growing More and More Acquinted With Jesus

Oh the daily drift! All too often, (daily, if not several times a day), I can find my affections drifting away from personally desiring fellowship with Jesus. Even when my mind is on "spiritual" things, I can find myself hunting for a "principle" or a "truth" about Christianity, rather than sitting to just admire, worship and acquint myself with Him as Scripture in the four gospels, presents Him.

As I was preparing for this week's men's discipleship group, Invest, I came across this outstanding quote by J.C. Ryle on why we are to study and read the Gospels. I trust his words here will be of good encouragement for your own soul as we are studying the Gospel of John together. Read. Enjoy. Apply. May we grow increasingly "acquinted with Jesus."

"It would be well if professing Christians in modern days studied the four Gospels more than
they do. No doubt all Scripture is profitable. It is not wise to exalt one part of the Bible at
the expense of another. But I think it would be good for some who are very familiar with the
Epistles, if they knew a little more about Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Now, why do I say this? I say it because I want professing Christians to know more about
Christ. It is well to be acquainted with all the doctrines and principles of Christianity. It is
better to be acquainted with Christ Himself. It is well to be familiar with faith and grace and
justification and sanctification. They are all matters 'pertaining to the King'. But it is far
better to be familiar with Jesus Himself, to see the King's own face, and to behold His beauty.
This is one secret of eminent holiness. He that would be conformed to Christ's image, and
become a Christ-like man, must be constantly studying Christ Himself.

Now the Gospels were written to make us acquainted with Christ. The Holy Ghost has told
us the story of His life and death, His sayings and His doings, four times over. Four different
inspired hands have drawn the picture of the Saviour. His ways, His manners, His feelings,
His wisdom, His grace, His patience, His love, His power are graciously unfolded to us by
four different witnesses. Ought not the patient to be familiar with the Physician? Ought not
the bride to be familiar with the Bridegroom? Ought not the sinner to be familiar with
Saviour? Beyond doubt it ought to be so. The Gospels were written to make men familiar
with Christ, and therefore I wish men to study the Gospels......Surely we cannot know this
Christ too well! Surely there is not a word, nor a deed, nor a day, nor a step, nor a thought
in the record of His life, which ought not to be precious to us. We should labour to be
familiar with every line that is written about Jesus." J. C. Ryle