Measure of a Man

Good morning guys. We hope this finds all well today.

Kathrine had loaned me, quite a while back, a book that was her late husband Ronnie’s, who also was a good, good friend of Deb and myself.

Deb, God bless her soul, got no more enjoyment anywhere that simply aggravatin the fire out of him.

She nicknamed him “Turtle,” after her and I getting behind him in our vehicle one day, with him in his. At first we didn’t know who it was goin SO slow down the highway. Then, once we were able to pass him, there he was, bigger than life sittin up behind that steerin wheel, his windows rolled down, and his hair…NOT EVEN BLOWIN!

The man was on a major highway, here in Central Florida of all places, holdin up the flow of traffic, poking along, with ALL HIS WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN, and…his hair not even movin.

Ronnie had found God the last year to year and a half in his life, and once Ronnie found God, this too was not unlike anything he’s ever done in his life…it was taken very seriously, and he poured himself into studying the Bible and researching any and every thing that he came across.

To have known Ronnie as Deb and I had, then to attend his service and hear his Pastor speak of Ronnie in the way he did was incredible to me.

Pastor Mike spoke of Ronnie calling him often asking, “Okay, I’ve finished these books in the Bible…where do I go next?”

Even telling of his need to roof his house one weekend, and because of this, he’d given Ronnie a little extra to study, with his intent being to “bury” Ronnie in study for a few days, literally…so he could fix his roof.

Well, Pastor Mike then spoke of being on his roof working on Saturday, and hearing the phone ring. His wife brought the phone outside and Pastor Mike asked, “Who is it?”

His wife’s reply… “It’s Ronnie…says he’s finished what you’d given him…wants to know where to go next??”

You know, I’m sure Pastor Mike spun this story just a little, but for all who knew Ronnie…that’s exactly the way he was.

Again, he’d dive headlong into a project, BUT ONLY, after studying how and why were the best ways to attack it.

He was quite a guy, and I think of him quite often to be honest.

I know Kathrine has made the statement a few times where she’d find something, a box of shells, or some fishin tackle she’d need, and state, “Ronnie is still helpin us out.”

I believe that these types of things do happen because…you’ll find something, or see something, or think back of something, and again, I too believe these things happen. I’ve experienced this in Deb’s regard as well.

Anyway, Kathrine had loaned me this book to read, again, of Ronnie’s, and a couple nights back, I started reading it in earnest.

Let me own up that my personal walk with God is filled with trials and tribulations from time to time, and it’s not an “easy” path, and the last few weeks I’d felt I was needing something to again, get me back on the right track.

I started reading this book, and very shortly, I’d gotten up, got a pen and notebook, and I went to scratchin down notes.

I was INTERESTED in what I was getting out of this, and I honestly was layin in bed readin, thinkin to myself, “Dern if ole Turtle ain’t…helpin me out!”

Along with God of course.

But anyway, I find this book very, very helpful, so much in fact, I thought I’d post of it today.

Actually, I’m goin to order 30 copies or so and pass them out to close friends, as it is literally a teaching tool, and thoughts can be shared among friends after reading a chapter or two, maybe once a week.
Basically a fellowship among friends and family.

My dad is on the list for receiving a copy of this book.

Although he and I get along well anymore, there were far TOO MANY years that we didn’t get along very well at all.

Neither of us are too old to get to understand and KNOW each other better.

Also, I’d kinda like to shock him with the mere fact that…I CAN read!

Many of you I know have probably read this book, but for those who haven’t, I literally consider it, a must read.

I’d like to share just a little of it with you guys this morning, if ya don’t mind.

The title…

“The Measure of a Man…(Twenty Attributes of a Godly Man)”

It was written by, Gene A. Getz.

As the title suggests, it lays out twenty attributes taken by the author from Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, profiling our maturity levels in Christ. (1st Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-10)

PAUL’S MATURITY PROFILE

1- Overall Spiritual Maturity (a well-rounded man)

2- Above Reproach (a man of good repute)

3- The Husband Of One Wife (morally pure)

4- Temperate (balanced in words, and actions)

5-Prudent (wise and humble)

6- Respectable (good role model)

7- Hospitable (unselfish and generous)

8- Able To Teach (communicates sensitively in a non-threatening and non-defensive manner)

9- Not Addicted To Wine (not addicted to substances)

10- Not Self-Willed (not self-centered and controlling)

11- Not Quick-Tempered (void of anger that becomes sinful)

12- Not Pugnacious (not abusive)

13- Gentle (sensitive, loving and kind)

14- Peaceable (non-argumentative and non-divisive)

15- Free From The Love Of Money (non-materialistic)

16- Manages His Own Household Well (a good husband and father)

17- Loving What Is Good (pursues Godly activities)

18- Just (wise, discerning, non-prejudiced and fair)

19- Devout (holy, devoted to God)

20- Self-Controlled (disciplined)

And there they are…

I don’t know about the rest of you guys, but it dawned on me pretty clearly that I was terribly lacking in most all of these.

Ending each chapter of this book, there are a few thoughts to ponder about yourself, and your relationship with God.

These I found most helpful simply because they make you stop and THINK, what areas do I need work…and why?

The book is literally a teaching tool, and should be shared

Examples of this I’ll use from the first chapter, “Becoming A Faithful Man.”

1- Why do some men grow rapidly in their Christian faith once they become believers, and why do others struggle, seemingly taking as many steps backwards as forward? (Think of examples YOU can sensitively share. If you feel free to, share your own personal experiences.)

2- As you look back at Paul’s Maturity Profile, what would you consider your areas of strength?

3- As you look at the same profile, in what one specific area would you like to grow the most? Can you identify the factor or factors that are holding you back?

It then asks for you to set a goal that you’d like to achieve as a result of this study.

Again I feel, at least in my case, that this book is simply an incredible learning and teaching tool, if for no one else…but me.

I know once completing this read, and taking a look back at myself, that this will be a tremendous plus if for no other reason, but understanding more about me, and my own walk with God.

If you feel so inclined, order a copy. If you’ve read it prior, I’d appreciate any feedback of what this book taught you. Possibly, through this, we may touch others, and actually, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?

Thank you all so very much for droppin in today, and God Bless you and yours.

Why don’t we close this out today with a little humor sent to me from our good friend Gary, over in Salt Springs, Florida.…

Catholic Dog

Muldoon lived alone in the Irish country side with only a pet dog for company. One day the dog died, and Muldoon went to the parish priest and asked, ‘Father, my dog is dead. Could ya’ be saying’ a mass for the poor creature?’

Father Patrick replied, ‘I’m afraid not; we cannot have services for an animal in the church. But there are some Baptists down the lane, and there’s no tellin’ what they believe. Maybe they’ll do something for the creature.’

Muldoon said, ‘I’ll go right away Father. Do ya’ think $5,000 is enough to donate to them for the service?’

Father Patrick exclaimed, ‘Sweet Mary, Mother of Jesus! Why didn’t ya tell me the dog was Catholic?

Again, you guys have a great day, and God Bless.

Please be sure to, “Keep a smile on your face, and one in your heart.

Dub and “Lucky”

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