E-Mail From God For Men

CLONINGER

THERE'S A BREAK IN THE CUP

We have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.

2 Corinthians

4:7

My Son,

>When you first began to follow me, I filled you with my Spirit until you were overflowing with my love, peace, and joy. You felt as though you could walk on water and nothing could ever get you down again.

But you can't cruise forever on the salvation experience. You need daily filling, because you are a broken cup. Your brokenness allows my love to leak out, and you are left feeling empty all over again.

So come to me and live in my presence daily. Receive a fresh filling of my Spirit every morning. You'll never have to be empty again.

The Love That Overflows,

>God

A GIVING HEART

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Acts

20:35

My Child,

>I want you to experience the freedom that comes from giving your possessions and money for the work of my kingdom. Everything you have is mine already, whether you believe that or not. But if you live under the misconception that you are the owner of all I've put into your hands, you will have a hoarding heart. When you have a hoarding heart, you are fearful of loss and suspicious of others, so you become a slave to your possessions. You are never satisfied and always want more.

I have instituted giving as a way for you to overcome a hoarding heart. Do you really think I need your money? I already own everything. I want you to give so that you will be blessed. I'm not talking about the "give so you will receive lots of money" doctrine. I'm talking about being blessed with a heart of freedom that looks for ways to bless others and build up my kingdom. Be wise with what I've given you, and relinquish your ownership to me. Then you will be truly free.

Owner of Everything,

>God

CLONINGER

A LAME SALES PITCH

These nations, which you are about to dispossess, give heed to soothsayers and to diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you so to do.

Deuteronomy

18:14 RSU

My Son,

>There are many people making sales pitches for modern religions. They view Christianity as a dusty relic in an antique shop.

"Don't you know there are more streamlined and culturally relative beliefs available at Faith-Mart around the corner?" they say. "These faiths can put you more in control. In fact, why would you want to worship God when we could set it up for you to be God. After all, isn't your personal spirituality about making you feel good?"

The only problem with this sales pitch is that there is no redemption, no solid foundation, no absolute truth. It's like painting a watercolor portrait in the rain. It doesn't last. But following me is like sculpting the perfect you in marble. You are my treasure, my son. Don't buy into cheaper faiths.

Your Father, >God

E-MAIL FROM GOD FOR MEN

A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART

When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed is before Him." But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

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1 Samuel

16:6-7

My Son,

>I am always seeking a man after my own heart. I sent Samuel to the house of David's father, Jesse, because I told him that there he would find a man after my own heart.

Jesse looked at the oldest and strongest and said that this must be the man. But it wasn't. He went on down the line from oldest to youngest and still did not find my anointed. The man I was seeking was a young boy who had not even been summoned in from the fields for the choosing. They were stunned to find that the boy, David, was exactly the man I wanted-humble-spirited and absolutely yielded to me.

You are my son, and my favor and love are with you. No matter what your shortcomings or hang-ups are, I want you to be my chosen one. If you will yield your heart totally to me, I will use you in powerful ways. Will you be a man after my own heart?

Your Father,

>God

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E-MAIL FROM GOD FOR MEN

A TRUTHFUL HEART

A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs

26:28 NOT

▼

My Child,

>What you say matters. It is so easy to fall into the trap of exaggeration or flattery or flat-out lying. Though dishonesty can sometimes get you what you want or help you avoid what you don't want, steer clear of it. Though others may tell "little white lies" and get away with them, I want you to be a man of absolute truth.

Why is honesty so important? It's not because I'm trying to make you into a prideful goody-goody. It's because I want to develop you into a man of character. I want you to experience the freedom that comes from shooting straight. I want you to be delivered from the insecurity that makes you exaggerate things to make yourself appear better than you are.

Honesty is a matter of the heart. Give me your heart, and together let's set honesty as our goal,

The Truth.

>God

E-MAIL FROM GOD FOR MEN

A TRUTHFUL HEART

A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs

26:28 NOT

▼

My Child,

>What you say matters. It is so easy to fall into the trap of exaggeration or flattery or flat-out lying. Though dishonesty can sometimes get you what you want or help you avoid what you don't want, steer clear of it. Though others may tell "little white lies" and get away with them, I want you to be a man of absolute truth.

Why is honesty so important? It's not because I'm trying to make you into a prideful goody-goody. It's because I want to develop you into a man of character. I want you to experience the freedom that comes from shooting straight. I want you to be delivered from the insecurity that makes you exaggerate things to make yourself appear better than you are.

Honesty is a matter of the heart. Give me your heart, and together let's set honesty as our goal,

The Truth.

>God

CLONINGER

ASK ME FOR WHAT YOU WANT

You do not have because you do not ask.

James

4:2

My Child,

>Ask me for what you want. If you need direction, ask me. If you need knowledge, I will give it to you. If you need the freedom to be creative, I am the most creative being in existence.

Don't be afraid to ask me for anything. Don't assume that I will laugh at you or put you off. Sometimes you don't have the things you need because you simply don't ask. Don't doubt my love for you. Because I love you, I will give you only things that will bless you.

I'm not necessarily talking about your asking me for a million dollars or a fancy luxury car. You don't even know whether those things would be blessings or curses in your life. I know what you need, and I will provide all of your needs. That's a promise.

Your Provider, >God

===

E-MAIL FROM GOD FOR MEN

BE STILL

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

30+

Psalm

46:10 NOT

My Son,

>Be still and know that I am God. Seek stillness and calmness as other men seek money or power.

People move at such a frantic speed. If something isn't ready in under a minute, they ask, "Why is it taking so long?" This busy existence is the killer of the spiritual man.

Instant gratification is the mantra of the modern world. Sadly, it is also becoming a mantra which is chanted in the church. Some people want a spiritual drive-up window attached to my house.

Stillness is the life of the spiritual man. Calmness is a countercultural lifestyle in the midst of all the motion. When you sit still and know my reality, I give you clarity to see the lie of the fast and furious. Come into my presence. Take time to know me, to hear me, and to become who I am calling you to be.

Your Peace,

>God

4

CLONINGER

BRING IT TO THE TOMB

We were therefore buried with Him through Baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

▼

Romans

6:4 NIU

My Child,

>Whatever you take into the tomb and lay down next to Jesus is dead. More than that, it is resurrected into a new identity and set in order in the new you.

But whatever you refuse to take into the tomb and lay down with Jesus has not died in you, and it continues to have a stake in your life.

If you want to be a totally new creation, bring everything to the tomb. Bring it through prayer and repentance and lay it down next to Jesus.

Let the old man die with him through his sacrifice.

Your Redeemer,

>God

Then let him raise you to new life with him. Be totally redeemed in the light of his resurrection. Bring everything to the tomb and then pass through to new life.

E-MAIL FROM GOD FOR MEN

COME HOME

So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.... The father said to his slaves, "Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet."

Luke

15:20,22

My Son,

>Whenever you come home to me, I don't make you beat the door down and beg to be a servant in my house. I run to meet you. I restore to you what you wasted. I throw a party in honor of your return.

Don't think that my love gives up on you when you choose to leave me. I am not a father who holds you at arm's length. Instead, I wait to have you close to me. I wait at the window, running shoes on, ready to rush out and welcome you home.

You will always be my son, no matter what choices you make. My love is the robe that covers you. My grace is the ring I place on your finger. My acceptance is like a pair of magical shoes on your feet that always brings you home to me. Never hesitate. Come home.

Your Father.

>God

CLONINGER

CONVICTION IS NOT GUILT

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

▼ Romans

8:1-2 KJU

My Child,

>There is a difference between the conviction that my Holy Spirit brings and the guilt that Satan brings or that you place on yourself. Conviction always leads you to repentance and makes you want to get right with me. It produces a positive result-a restored relationship with me. Guilt tells you, "You're no good. You can't ever be right with God." Guilt doesn't lead to repentance. It leads to moral dishonesty and low self-esteem, which lead away from me and into more guilt.

For those who are in my Son, Jesus Christ, there is always hope and a way out of the negative guilt cycle. When you sin, hear my Holy Spirit's call of true conviction. Repent honestly. Accept my forgiveness through Jesus, and allow him to move you onward and upward.

Your Forgiver,

>God

E-MAIL FROM GOD FOR MEN

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS AND MOVE ON

Not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

3:9

♡

1 Peter

My Child,

>Lots of men are disappointed in the way their parents raised them.

Some of them live their whole lives trying to undo childhood wrongs. Others spend their entire lives harboring bitterness toward their parents.

I am calling you to be a new creation. If you're still struggling with things your parents did wrong in raising you, here's what I suggest. First, make a list of everything that your parents did right and be grateful for them. Then make a list of all the things your parents did wrong. Take this list of wrongs and surrender it to me in prayer, or pray about it with a friend or pastor. Then burn the "wrong" list, and choose to move on. Even if you feel as if you never inherited a blessing from your parents, when you forgive them, you will inherit my blessing of being free from resentment and bitterness. Don't let your past rule your present or your future. I am making you a new creation.

Your Hope for Healing.

>God

CLONINGER

COVETING AND CONTENTMENT

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.

Exodus

20:17 QUEUE

My Child,

>Why waste your energy worrying about what other people have that you don't have? "Do not covet" is a commandment that's in your own best interest, because I know how coveting can steal your peace. I'm far more interested in your inner peace than in your outer prosperity. Peace and a grateful heart are riches you can possess now, whatever your financial state.

The world sells you on the idea that contentment can be found only on the other side of your next purchase or standing on the next rung up on the financial ladder. But contentment based on finances will always remain just beyond your reach. The only true contentment is found in me and our relationship. So, whenever you're tempted to covet, spend that energy in prayer and worship instead. Contentment will follow.

Your Peace Giver, >God

E-MAIL FROM GOD FOR MEN

DON'T BE AFRAID TO DECIDE

Deal courageously, and may the Land be with the upright!

2 Chronicles

19:11 RSU ▼

My Son,

>Don't become paralyzed by spiritual indecision. Life is as much about prayerful action as it is about prayer. Jesus spent time alone with me, but he also made some pretty hard decisions on the spot, in the midst of the crowds. He wasn't paralyzed with indecision, because he knew he was connected to me.

Your Confidence,

>God

I definitely want you to pray about the choices you make, but I don't want you to be afraid of making a hard, fast decision if you have to. If you are submitted to me and are seeking to follow my direction, you don't need to be a timid decision maker. You can be an empowered one. Seek me in prayer and in the Scriptures. Live your life for me. and be empowered to make confident decisions.

CLONINGER

DON'T CRITICIZE THE CREATION

Will the clay say to the potter, "What are you doing?" Or the thing you are making say, "He has no hands"? Wee to him who says to a father, "What are you begetting?" Or to a woman, "To what are you giving birth?"

Isaiah

45:9-10

My Son,

>You are my perfect creation. I am totally pleased with you. It hurts me when you aren't pleased with yourself. If you are critical of the way you are made, then you are being critical of me, the Maker.

If you built a beautiful piece of furniture for your best friend and all that friend did was take it home and complain about the color and the shape, it would hurt your feelings. That's how I feel when you cut yourself down.

You are wonderful to me. That's how I see you, and that's how I want you to see yourself.

Your Builder,

>God

E-MAIL FROM GOD FOR MEN

DON'T HOLD IT ABOVE THE WATER

A certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

♡

Acts

5:1-2 KJV

▼

My Child,

>During the Crusades of the twelth century, some crusaders hired mercenary warriors to fight in their place. Because it was a war being fought for "religious" reasons, the crusaders required the mercenaries to be baptized before going off to fight.

As they were being baptized, the mercenaries let themselves go under the water, but they held their swords above the water because they didn't want to submit the use of their swords to Jesus.

What is it that you are holding out of the water right now in your Christian walk? What is it that you feel you can do a better job of controlling than I can? There's nothing to fear, because you know that I have your best interests in mind. I want to bring those high and dry areas of your life under the water of baptism and use them to bless you and not to harm you.

Your Father,

>God

CLONINGER

DON'T LOSE THE WONDER

Why did I come forth from the womb to see toil and sorrow, and spend my days in shame?

▼ Jeremiah

20:18 RSU

My Son,

>Don't lose your awareness of the mystery of life or the beauty of being alive. I know that it can be so tempting to just fall into the rut of checking things off your daily list and going to bed, only to wake up the next day and start all over. There is more to life than that!

I have placed beautiful things in the world for you to see on your way to work. Open your eyes to see them. I have given you moments in every day to notice the goodness that is still in humanity. Notice them. Most importantly, I have given you a will to choose the wonder of daily living over the despair of daily dying. Choose the wonder. If you have fallen asleep to what's all around you, it's time to let me wake you up to this celebration called life.

Creator of All Life, >God

E-MAIL FROM GOD FOR MEN

DON'T TRY TO GO BACK

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians

3:14

My Child,

>I know it's tempting to look back at a mountaintop time in your spiritual journey and think, I just need to get back to that place. But the spiritual journey is not about getting back to any place, no matter how good that place was. It is about moving forward towards the goal.

Today is the best place you've ever been, regardless of the current circumstances. That's because today is full of miraculous possibilities. I have brought you to this point in time for a purpose, and I am leading you on to achieve the goals I have for you.

If you're not in a "good" place right now, don't be tempted to reminisce about more spiritual times in your life. Thank me for the sanctity and awesomeness of this place and time. I love you just as much today as I did on that mountaintop. Don't spend your energy trying to get back there. Start exactly where you are, and let's move on to even more amazing places together.

The Guide on Your Journey,

>God

FASTING AGAINST THE FLESH

Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day.

Esther

4:16 RSU

My Child,

>A lot of people misunderstand the power of fasting and prayer. They think that fasting is a way to show how serious and holy they are, but that's not the point.

Fasting is a great way for your spiritual man to tell your fleshly, or carnal, man to take the backseat. If you're always giving your flesh what it wants, you're placing it in the driver's seat. At that point, it's no wonder that it steers you wherever it wants you to go. But if you deny your flesh on a regular basis, your spirit can be focused and in control.

If you're having trouble conquering temptation, fasting is a great way to master the flesh. It doesn't mean that you're more holy than someone who doesn't fast. It means that you're willing to ask for help in the battle over your own flesh, Submit to me, and I'll help you in the battle.

Your Strength, >God

E-MAIL FROM GOD FOR MEN

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

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Romans

15:13 RSU

My Son,

>Expect me to work wonderful things in your life. I will. Even if you doubt that you are worth it, expect my merciful touch and my transforming grace.

Because you are my son, I have plans to develop you into a top- notch person. And because I love you so much, I get a kick out of going beyond good in your life and increasing it to great. Even earthly fathers who love their sons want to give them the good things. How much more do I want you to have joy in the life I've given you!

Now that you're mine, you are going to have a growing, expanding life; a greater and deeper group of friends; an ever-broadening set of experiences and gifts. You are an heir to my kingdom. Don't sell yourself short. Let's grow your life together.

The Lord of Great Expectations, >God

==

CLONINGER

HAND IN GLOVE

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

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Genesis

1:27 ID

My Child,

>I created you in my image. In the same way that a glove was created in the shape of a hand, I have made you into my shape.

Without a hand to fill it, a glove isn't fulfilling its purpose. But with a hand filling the glove, that glove can accomplish amazing things. The same is true of your relationship with me. I made you to be filled with my presence and my purpose for your life. You aren't shaped to be filled by anything else. That's why other things will never fill you completely. You were made for me.

Let me fill you, son. Let me show you the wonderful works I have created for you. Let me fulfill the purpose for which you were created.

Your Indweller, >God

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