Text: Mark 10:43–45

43 But so shall it not be among you:  but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 

44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.  

45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.    

THE SPIRIT OF A MAN AT HIS BEST

Memory Verse:        Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

A tall, strong tree standing in the middle of a storm with its roots deeply rooted into the ground, when the wind blows hard, the tree does not fall. That’s what a man looks like when his spirit is strong, pure, and connected to God, he stands firm no matter what comes his way.

A man like this is not strong because he is perfect. He is strong because his power comes from God. As Zechariah 4:6 says: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.” When a man’s spirit is filled with God’s strength, he becomes a warrior, not one who fights with fists, but one who stands for the truth and righteousness. He protects what is right and does not give up, even when things are hard.

He also becomes a father in the best sense, whether he has children or not. He speaks life, encouragement, and wisdom. He does not just give rules; he helps others grow by leading with love. He becomes a servant-leader, someone who leads by serving others. He lifts people up instead of putting them down. Like Jesus, he helps the weak, listens with care, and leads with humility. He becomes a witness; someone whose life shows others what God is like. People see his patience, honesty, and kindness, and they want to know where that strength comes from. His life points to Christ.

This kind of man is hard to manipulate because he knows the truth. He is hard to discourage because his hope is in God. He is hard to defeat because his strength does not come from himself, it comes from the Holy Spirit living in him. Just like the tree with deep roots, this man is steady. Storms may come, but he still stands. Life may be hard, but he keeps going.

You do not have to be perfect to be this man. You just need to stay close to God. Spend time in prayer, in Scripture, and in worship. Let God’s Spirit fill your spirit every day. Then you too can be the man God created you to be, strong, kind, and unshakable.

Covenant Gate Hymnals 29: SS&S 642: “WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD“

1. 1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word
   What a glory he sheds on our way
   While we do his good will, he abides with us still
   And with all who will trust and obeyTrust and obey, for there’s no other way
   To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

   2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies
   But his smile quickly drives it away
   Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh nor a tear
   Can abide while we trust and obey

   3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share
   But our toil he doth richly repay
   Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown or a cross
   But is blest if we trust and obey

   4. But we never can prove the delights of his love
   Until all on the altar we lay
   For the favor he shows, and the joy he bestows
   Are for them who will trust and obey

   5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet
   Or we will walk by his side in the way
   What he says we will do, where he sends we will go
   Never fear, only trust and obey

Today’s Prayer

1. 1. Lord, fill me with Your Spirit to live boldly, love deeply, and lead with humility.2. God, make me a man who stands for the truth and build others through love and strength.

   3. Father, raise men with strong, Spirit-led hearts who will reflect Christ in every area of life.