“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Some may ask, “Why would I use that verse to accompany such an encouraging picture?” Let me explain.

Here are two men who had never met — Shannon’s (on the right) home is in Kansas, while Steve’s (on the left) is in Utah. Shannon was going to Montana with his wife and family to a cousin’s wedding. He saw that Steve’s address was on the way to Montana, so they decided to arrange for a visit with each other.

Steve and Shannon attend the same Monday evening Christ Quest Institute’s Zoom class where they have spent almost a year of class time plus several private phone conversations together. In the classes, they realized that although circumstances might vary, all men (when they are un-Christ-like) have the same problems in their marriage; in that they are not able to care for their wife or family as Jesus’ emissaries, which manifestation is lacking due to their un-Christ-likeness.

However, they both (along with the other 8 men in their class, as well as the men in our other three Christ Quest Institute Zoom classes) have been turned into warriors who are being taught how to win the war against their sin nature as they are becoming more and more Christ-like. They’re now fellow warriors.

Let me recite a memory I have from being alive during the Second World War. When the soldiers came home from being in the horrors of their life-threatening battles, civilians would ask them what the battles were like. As they mentioned the extreme circumstances of what it was like, civilians would say things like, “Wow, man (interested in the details about the battle), tell me more!” The warriors soon realized that non-warriors couldn’t identify with the horrors of war — nor could anyone who wasn’t a fellow warrior.

These two Christ Quest Institute warriors are being specifically shown how to “…wrestle against (their) flesh and blood, (and) against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Parenthesis and emboldened mine.) And they’re being taught how to win. That’s what Steve and Shannon experienced in their time of fellowship in Utah, the ability to relate with each other’s similar struggles. They’ve experienced common victories and have common battles that remain for them to be coached about, so they will experience greater victories there too!

Another fact, anywhere any one of the Christ Quest Ministries’ warriors go, if there is someone who has also been trained through the Christ Quest Institute who have experienced wartime victories, and they can meet with other warriors — they will discover a deep comradery and have instantaneous spirit-to-spirit fellowship. This is also true for their wives.

Being able to record this, is an enormous joy for Tim and me also.

On the 19th of this month, I get to celebrate 88 years on this earth.

Although this is not the average Phoenix, Arizona sunrise, however, it was this morning. This picture is taken from the park where Nancy and I go at 5am to walk barefoot in the grass to do our “grounding” or “earthing”.

Grounding (also known as earthing) is when you stand on the ground or earth to have bare-foot contact with the ground or earth. This connects your body to the natural electric charge of the earth, transferring electrons into your body. 

How Does It Work?

The earth is electronically active, with lots of electrons floating on the surface. The human body naturally absorbs electricity from the earth, which produces changes in our bodies that can support our health. 

Historically, people were more connected to the earth. They spent more time outdoors with their feet and bodies directly on the ground. But nowadays, most people have little direct contact with the earth. As a result, our bodies build up positive static electric charges that can’t be released unless we connect to the ground. Grounding neutralizes those positive charges by absorbing negative electrons to balance you out. 

When connected, the electrons we absorb work as natural antioxidants that neutralize the positively charged free radicals that can damage your body. Exposure to the electrons is vital for functioning at your best. It can improve sleep, heal wounds, and reduce inflammation linked to a variety of health ailments.

And it gives Nancy and I another opportunity to be together while we maintain our healthiness… for the next 32 years.

Are we men ready?

Revelation 12:10 (KJV) says, “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (Emboldening mine.)

Keep in mind that he (Satan) was cast down — to where? To earth. We don’t know when that took place. But whenever it was, he infected Adam and all of ensuing mankind with a sin nature. Paul admits to that in Romans 7:16-20.

Remember too, that God gave dominion over the earth and everything on the earth to man, Adam and Eve. That’s recorded in Genesis 1:26.  However, when Adam yielded to Satan’s temptations (see Genesis 3:6 and 7), he (Adam) at the same time, yielded his dominion over earth to Satan by eating the fruit.

But it wasn’t eating the fruit that was the sin — since Adam was singularly, the only one God instructed to not eat of it — the sin happened when Adam decided to employ his thinking and conclusions instead of honoring God’s instructions. His eating of the fruit was only the manifestation of his/the sin. Surely, you’ve noticed that under Satan’s reign the earth has become dark and evil.

Please, also note, that “brethren” are applied in Revelation 12:10 — it’s brethren (all of them), not brother (just one). Take note also, that it was God’s Spirit that prompted/inspired the Apostle John to write the book of Revelation and in this case, he exclusively addresses men — not women.

Why is that? Because God knew He was going to place the responsibility upon the husband for being a living example of the Christ to his wife, his family and the world. As a result of being Christ-like, he would be qualified to reflect godly spiritual principles and leadership in his home.

The proof of God’s charge to husbands is being emphasized in Colossians 1:27-28 (KJV), “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” (emboldening mine.) Ephesians 5:25 through 27 has more about the charge God lays upon the husband.

That’s an enormous responsibility! Are husband’s ready? If not, contact us at ChristQuestMinistries.com.