LRC, Houston - the weekends-free church in Houston, Texas

How does a man love a woman?

At Barnes & Noble you can find plenty of books to help you on that topic. Percy Sledge made a lot of money singing about it. John Gray made so much money on his book, Men Are From Mars & Women Are From Venus, that he followed up with dating guide book. It seems that men need a lot of help in this area. And all the women say AMEN!

So, if we men can’t take care of business here in the natural, on the home front, how can we handle the job of somehow loving that which cannot be seen, particularly when we’re talking about another man? Last night I spent my monthly meeting with about fifty men trying somehow to communicate that we NEED to have a more loving relationship with God! While I would admit that men have a deeper hole to crawl out of when it comes to this area, than women do, we all face the challenge in some form or fashion.

When you ask someone the twin questions of Matthew 22:42 and Matthew 22:29, what do you think about Jesus, and what do you think about the Bible, the answers are telling. Let me just deal with the men and last night as a specific example. Thoughts and questions about Jesus or God are answered by quoting Scriptures. Doctrines about Jesus are offered. Facts and information, good information, are proffered. Sadly so.

This exercise is just a confirmation of where the church in America is- without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We know ABOUT Him, but we don’t KNOW Him. We’ve not made the twelve inch transfer from head to heart. What I’m looking for, and what I pray the future will hold, are personal testimonies. What do you think of Jesus? Not a Scripture, but something like this.

He is the love of my life, my friend throughout the day. I can hardly believe the sacrifice He made for me. The forgiveness and grace that He offers me each day is amazing. My debt of gratitude is staggering: it cannot be repaid. With His help I can do anything He requires and I am more than willing to suffer persecution for His sake. I am able to love those around me more greatly because of how He loves me. I know that He will always be with me, that He will never leave me, and in Him is a love and friendship for all times!

I could go on and on, but do you see the difference? A person who does not know Christ, isn’t greatly helped by saying “Jesus is the Word“. While it’s a true statement, what’s it mean? And where is that statment going to lead? If we say anything or share with another that which is doctrinal, intellectual, or theological, we’ve off on the wrong foot. There will always be time for that. But what DRAWS people to Jesus to us is LOVE! And unfortunately for most men- that’s a problem!

A problem I’m on a journey to remedy in me- and any who will follow!”