tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.comments2013-05-05T07:07:26.276-07:00Challenge The NormAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-86951928691484055922013-05-05T07:07:26.276-07:002013-05-05T07:07:26.276-07:00Alan,
another good post!
I think the other s...Alan, <br /><br />another good post! <br /><br />I think the other side of being a real man is facing who we are and the reality that at times we will fail; intentionally, unintentionally, stupidly, and sometimes sinfully. Accepting who we are allows us to fully depend on Jesus. We have no righteousness except for the righteousness of Jesus. We can do no good thing except for the power of the Holy Spirit in us. <br /><br />What if Adam, instead of blame shifting, had fallen on his needs and cried out, "Forgive me Father!"<br /><br />Peter's response to Jesus' prophetic statement of the denials to come was full of pride. Peter wanted to win the battle, He wanted to be Jesus' man, but he was trying to do it in his own strength. <br /><br />We need to move forward in Christ and we need to do it solely in the power of the Holy Spirit. <br /><br />Recognizing our own weakness and propensity for failure and sin also prepares us mentally to accept the failures of those around us. A critical element of fighting the good fight is to use the powerful weapon of forgiveness. Jesus thwarted the schemes of the devil by allowing Himself to be the sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins... while we were yet dead in our trespasses!<br /><br />Jesus' demonstrated this in His life also when He was bitterly betrayed by His close associate, Peter. Jesus did not cut Peter off relationally, He did not condemn Peter to eternal hell, but instead said, "...I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Lk 22:32 <br /><br />Is there any sin greater than to deny Christ and yet Christ had prayed for Peter with a vision for him to return to ministry. Powerful!<br /><br />May we diminish so that Christ may reign supreme in our lives and shine forth brightly to the whole world. <br /><br />blessings, MattMatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06011920230883863627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-80281132772624096982013-03-27T16:35:15.689-07:002013-03-27T16:35:15.689-07:00Dan, Wow, what an encourager! I really love you, m...Dan, Wow, what an encourager! I really love you, my man! Thanks for the comment. Praying for New Morning!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-58924784046540827472013-03-25T04:16:37.112-07:002013-03-25T04:16:37.112-07:00Great two parter. Did Ezer train in light gear or ...Great two parter. Did Ezer train in light gear or in full military regalia? One would think he trained for the mission in mission gear else he would fall short of the goal on the big day. For us, it's like trying to face the world without first reading our Instruction Manual and putting on our own helmets, buckler, shields, and swords. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00809287586097246896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-42058798224430223792013-03-06T07:30:55.829-08:002013-03-06T07:30:55.829-08:00Matt, Great read! I loved the point you made that ...Matt, Great read! I loved the point you made that "all the good works God has prepared for us is a big adventure!" Appreciate your encouragement!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-76911248978673075262013-03-04T05:33:44.044-08:002013-03-04T05:33:44.044-08:00Alan,
I like your thoughts on this topic. There...Alan, <br /><br />I like your thoughts on this topic. There are other movements going on to help men be men but they seem rather misguided like those that direct men to get in touch with their missed childhood or finding their great adventure. <br /><br />The reality is that nobody missed their childhood. What it was is what it was and there's no going back to rewrite it now. To change a verse, man is given once to be a child and then to die... er, grow up!<br /><br />Life itself is a big adventure and the question is what we're going to do with it.<br /><br />For Christians we know that God has work He wants each of us to participate in. We're saved by grace, and made new creation in Jesus, for good works which God has prepared for us! (from Eph 2:8-10) <br /><br />Finding all the good works God has prepared for us is a big adventure. <br />Doing the good works is a manly task.<br />The process, though at times hard, will contain the sweet joy of Jesus that's better than any childhood memory.<br /><br />blessings, MattMatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06011920230883863627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-65742044154865723312013-02-28T11:53:43.108-08:002013-02-28T11:53:43.108-08:00Bobby D, you have encouraged me today. I am very g...Bobby D, you have encouraged me today. I am very grateful for you kind comment. Let's lock arms and get more men to stand up to their rightful calling and place.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-65779097912149219012013-02-26T17:33:02.222-08:002013-02-26T17:33:02.222-08:00Alan, you have an awsome insight into the men of t...Alan, you have an awsome insight into the men of the church! The guys in the church need to stand up and be MEN!<br /><br />Bobby DUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15394657467476909832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-6918723773634438222013-02-22T13:52:56.937-08:002013-02-22T13:52:56.937-08:00Absolutely, Bella Michelle! Your operative word is...Absolutely, Bella Michelle! Your operative word is "subtle." The same tactic the enemy has been using since the very beginning! Thanks for sharing!<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-24689458658162299512013-02-21T08:55:42.727-08:002013-02-21T08:55:42.727-08:00Great thoughts! Unfortunately many of our institu...Great thoughts! Unfortunately many of our institutions (church, schools, etc) often seem like torture chambers to the males among us! This is just another example of how subtle the influence is!Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15600433643318115707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-58611456148879451092013-02-18T09:30:49.109-08:002013-02-18T09:30:49.109-08:00Dan, I have several of my pastors that work comple...Dan, I have several of my pastors that work completely w/o a salary. It's quite a blessing to see that type of unfettered commitment. Blessings to you for having such a heart. Thanks for commenting!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-22417767815505609512013-02-17T04:09:45.820-08:002013-02-17T04:09:45.820-08:00As a lay minister I'd like to offer a side pos...As a lay minister I'd like to offer a side possibility - the church budget. I accept no stipend of any kind, and have no issue with that whatsoever. Isaiah said, "Here am I, send me." Jesus said, "For the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve..." Many lay ministers, or workers, believe in serving without gain here for the gain of eternity with the Lord. In churches struggling with making budget, their calling to serve is a priceless commodity.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00809287586097246896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-71729208088743156532013-02-12T13:28:11.407-08:002013-02-12T13:28:11.407-08:00Excellent example, Daniel, and not such an obvious...Excellent example, Daniel, and not such an obvious choice. Your insight is refreshing. Thanks for adding such a rich depth to this concept of heroes!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-67266093784134246672013-02-11T14:35:11.088-08:002013-02-11T14:35:11.088-08:00One of my heroes is Joseph, earthly father of Jesu...One of my heroes is Joseph, earthly father of Jesus. He took Mary at her word, raised a boy 'not his own', followed God without wavering, and left that as a legacy. He was a strong, silent, loving, and caring man, husband, and father, a model sadly lacking today.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00809287586097246896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-78408096348369812432013-02-08T14:06:42.047-08:002013-02-08T14:06:42.047-08:00Thanks, Bella Michelle. I am certain your advice d...Thanks, Bella Michelle. I am certain your advice did not just penetrate their ears. Your sons got it. They could sense the seriousness in your tone and the appeal is one that men, young and old, truly appreciate - the call to be manly men! It's a buzz in the psyche of men.<br /><br />Thanks for passing this down to your sons. Tell them that I am pulling for them, and I need them so desperately!<br /><br />Blessings!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-76750120061615125762013-02-08T08:52:37.552-08:002013-02-08T08:52:37.552-08:00I can't wait to read more!!! This is our pare...I can't wait to read more!!! This is our parenting hot button. Rearing 2 boys keeps us focused on how much our world needs mighty, Godly men and how so very hard it is to do in this culture. <br /><br />The morning after the recent Presidential Election, at the breakfast table, I spoke very candidly with our boys about how our world needs them more now than ever before and it was up to their generation to lead the way God desires. We need a strong, Godly generation to rise up for the Kingdom, our Nation, our families and our future. It was a call that I hope their hearts heard and will latch on to.<br /><br />Thanks for being an advocate for men (which in turn only makes you an advocate for women and families)..."If Satan can get our men, he has our families..." a wise man once said!!!Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15600433643318115707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-42379178157056465692013-02-04T05:01:42.104-08:002013-02-04T05:01:42.104-08:00Great point, Bella Michelle, and I agree that many...Great point, Bella Michelle, and I agree that many today have not been satisfied with just a spectator Christianity. Definitely a valid point that helps explain this phenomina. Appreciate your insight!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-40737482422431315602013-02-03T14:04:04.466-08:002013-02-03T14:04:04.466-08:00It is truethat it is imperative that regardless of...It is truethat it is imperative that regardless of who is in charge that each church family must remember and seek the direction of the true head of the family, Jesus. <br /><br />This is an interesting perspective to ponder and I can't help but wonder if it is also an outgrowth of Pastors who invest a great deal of teaching and mentoring into their congregations and in essence educate their own leadership. Also, take into account many more of the population in many areas is much more educated (many with advanced degrees by proportion) than in the past. I would think this coupled with church bodies that reach and push their membership to deeper relationships with Christ would produce a new version of "minister."Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15600433643318115707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-1572850966430721622013-01-25T14:10:38.065-08:002013-01-25T14:10:38.065-08:00Thanks, Bella Michelle, for the kind words and for...Thanks, Bella Michelle, for the kind words and for the confirmation to my blog! Hold down the fort in Florence, dear!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-57667352834197220542013-01-25T14:08:38.746-08:002013-01-25T14:08:38.746-08:00Thanks for the affirmation. Thanks for the affirmation. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-12866480047670819232013-01-25T12:25:20.401-08:002013-01-25T12:25:20.401-08:00You hit it right on the nail! Today's Christia...You hit it right on the nail! Today's Christians don't want to be entertained; they want to be equipped to minister.R. E. Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12633122812689562519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-37687794220050953542013-01-25T04:08:31.391-08:002013-01-25T04:08:31.391-08:00I am so thrilled to see you blogging! We have mis...I am so thrilled to see you blogging! We have missed your words and insights. <br /><br />As far as the cultural shift is frightens me be beyond belief for my children and beyond. It didn't come crashing in it dripped in little by little and we have become desensitized to the that dripping sound so much that many don't even now seem to hear the waves crashing around us. Thank you for sharing your heart!Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15600433643318115707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-72470950829514673952013-01-21T09:39:15.886-08:002013-01-21T09:39:15.886-08:00Talmadge, well said. How we respond will definitel...Talmadge, well said. How we respond will definitely reveal what is in our heart. My goal is simply to alert the body that the environment has changed, though the call and charge is the same - "Make disciples!" We must not expect it to work using the same tools we have used in the past. The message is the same, the method must adapt to the new cultural environment. Great point about loving our enemies!<br /> Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-10935201113227104372013-01-21T09:35:07.025-08:002013-01-21T09:35:07.025-08:00Bless you, dear friend. The best advice in times l...Bless you, dear friend. The best advice in times like these is the two most frequent words used whenever an angel (or the Lord) speaks to men - "Fear not!" We must do the work of making disciples from a different perspective. "Y'all Come!" just doesn't work anymore! Bless you, dear, sweet lady!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-80554957884758511472013-01-21T07:39:12.277-08:002013-01-21T07:39:12.277-08:00And yet, we are to stand in the gap in the name of...And yet, we are to stand in the gap in the name of our Savior. It does sadden me to acknowledge that many, "in the name of Jesus", have angrily, sometimes with violent speech, have done exactly the opposite of what we have been commanded by our Lord to do: love our enemies and pray God's blessing on those who do bad things to us. Forgive them because they don't know what they are doing.Talmadge Hobbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16647714510462513893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-36341686616109916522013-01-21T02:45:54.963-08:002013-01-21T02:45:54.963-08:00As usual from you, very eloquent and well written!...As usual from you, very eloquent and well written! Scary and fearfully true. It makes me want to weep and makes me ready to see Jesus all the sooner! Can't wait to read more from you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08285069675817978991noreply@blogger.com