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Key Bible Verse: A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man (Proverbs 24:5). Bonus Reading: John 18:1-11

As a teen, Don Coble used his natural leadership ability to form a gang. The town's deputy sheriff told him he'd better join the military or face the law. He joined.

Don rose from private to lieutenant colonel in the Army and held prestigious command positions. But he was tough on everyone, including his wife and kids. For years his wife, a devout believer, encouraged him to join her for church. He refused, believing church to be an irrelevance for the weak. But one day he went.

Entering church, Don was stunned to see two men who reminded him of his former drill sergeant. They said, "Welcome!" and shook his hand. "One almost broke my hand," he exaggerates; "the other dislocated my shoulder."

The pastor asked, "What are you going to do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" Struck with deep conviction, Don was compelled to accept Christ. The dramatic effects included a new love for his wife and kids. He gave up drinking, one day pouring out hundreds of dollars-worth of alcohol from his bar. He said, "God took away my X-rated mouth."

Now Don led for God. He launched a ministry called Life Ablaze to challenge men to know real masculinity found only in Christ.

—James Hilt in Wisconsin

My Response: Does my masculine strength promote God's plan?

Thought to Apply: In most of His workings, God starts with men. The shaping of a man is foundational to anything God sets out to do.—JACK HAYFORD (California pastor)

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Thank You, Jesus, for modeling true manhood for me. Give me the courage and strength to fill the role You marked out.

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