tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55560902049531588002023-11-15T08:09:31.186-08:00Challenge The NormAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-74936816062992160662013-09-15T13:37:00.000-07:002013-09-15T13:37:12.942-07:00A Manly Characteristic - Determination
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever felt like you were out there by yourself? Or
have you ever experienced the feeling of being in a coordinated effort only to
sense everyone else just give up and leave you leading a charge of one? Well,
that describes what happened to this mighty man of David named Eleazar. Read
the text below:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And after him was
Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the mighty men with David when he
defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of
Israel had retreated. He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was
weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory
that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(2 Samuel 23:9-10 and 1 Chronicles 11:12)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eleazar saw the injustice of the Philistine attacks,
caught the vision of standing up against them, and threw himself into the fray.
The only problem was “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the men of Israel
had retreated</i>!” Oh, great! Eleazar is standing out there waling on the
enemy and his companions have all abandoned him. He could have easily tucked
tail and run with the rest of them, but he had something that marked him as
unique, different, uncommon and I mean in a good way. He had <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">determination</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Determination is one of those qualities that makes a man
finish a task regardless of whether or not the situation changes or the stakes
suddenly become heavier. Determination does not say, “Hey, now this is not
fair, this is not what I signed up for!” Eleazar showed up and then the rest of
his comrades checked out, but he stayed the course, he refused to give in, give
up, or go home. The calling was to stand against the enemy shoulder to
shoulder, but when everyone else gave up Eleazar reached into his heart and
adjusted the calling to simply stand against the enemy, period. In a culture
rife with so many wishy-washy, “fair-weather” Christians <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the need for “Eleazars” is immeasurable.</b></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another incredible symbolic message found in the life of
this hero is in the phrase, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and his hand
<u>stuck</u> to the sword</i>.” The Hebrew word for “stuck” is ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">da vak</i>,’ meaning to cleave, overtake,
attach, or stick together. It’s a word picture of two things being glued together,
in this case Eleazar’s hand and his sword. Now the word “sword” brings to mind
the “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sword of the Spirit, which is the
Word of God</i> (Eph. 6:17).” Eleazar displays for us the indispensable connection
of God’s warrior and his quick, sharp and powerful offensive weapon, the Bible
(Heb. 4:12). We should be so attached to this Book, so affected by its influence
that you can’t tell where your physical person ends and the Word of God begins!
With such confidence and training in the Word, it would be natural for a person
to be steadfast, immoveable, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">determined</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A phrase used in this passage that I pray will happen over
and over is “<em>the Lord brought about a great victory that day</em>.” If we as
spiritual leaders made the commitment to dive into the Word of God, allowing
that life-changing Book to penetrate our thoughts, actions, and attitudes there
would be no other result but great victories! Dive in with determination, my
faithful warriors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-81684433985826185842013-08-03T20:44:00.000-07:002013-08-03T20:44:31.405-07:00Men: Uniquely Qualified for Heroism
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serving strong, black coffee in a latte world is sometimes a
bit awkward, but we men function best when we are honestly challenged not
passively coddled. This is a cup of black, strong coffee intended to give us
men a firm jolt. Let’s be honest, in our worst situations the best seems to
pour out of us. Think of it, when times got a bit easy, David fell into
temptation and sin. Before, he was facing impossible circumstances from enemies,
both foreign and domestic, and that was when he shined the brightest, did the
most, and accomplished unmatched feats of bravery and courage. We have not
changed since that time. We men are equally at our best when the situation is
at its darkest. The difference currently is that we are living like it is
peacetime when there is a violent war going on all around us. If we would
simply recognize this reality it would sober us to become what has been
uniquely instilled in all of us – heroism. Gentlemen, we were made for this.
Though the evidence is lived out in our military, fire, and police personnel
daily, I will give you two physiological anomalies to prove my point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First, look at how our minds are wonderfully designed to
have ‘tunnel vision’ keeping us from realizing personal danger in order to
reach a goal or take down an obstacle. It is a mental wiring that is not found
in women. The adrenaline starts to flow and the lack of synapses connecting the
left side of the brain with the right side of the brain (a condition not found
in women) allows us to walk right into a burning building to save a total
stranger while blocking the brain’s reasoning of the possible consequences of such
a decision. Oh, don’t worry, women can mimic this action (especially when
defending their children or family members) but every test will tell you that
it is NOT natural. They have both sides of their brain firing at the same time,
allowing them to think about the infinite possible scenarios thus hindering
them from following through without great internal conflict. However, for men
it comes as natural as breathing. It’s a phenomenon exclusively inherent to the
male makeup and a requirement for heroes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Second, the biological design of muscle fibers in the human
body gives a dramatic advantage for men to be much stronger and perform much
greater physiological exploits than our softer counterparts. Even Peter calls
them “weaker vessels” in 1 Peter 3:7, and it had nothing to do with their
spiritual, intellectual, or psychological comparisons. The most conservative
estimates state that fiber per fiber man has roughly 50% more brute strength
than woman. There may be women that are stronger than the average man, but if
they were to be placed on a similar workout routine the average man would
outpace the average woman at a rate of 3:1 simply because we are programmed for
strength, while a woman is less so. The strongest and fastest women in the
world will never be able to compete at the same level as the strongest and
fastest men. We’re just built for strength and it, too, is a requirement for
heroes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you add these two up it is plain to see that God gave us men the natural ability to overcome tremendous odds, to tackle impossible resistance, and to perform at a greater level. The real enemy is simply our self. We choose to be lazy, non-confrontational, and accepting the status quo because it is just much easier. But I ask you, why did God equip us for so much more? Why did He not give these characteristics to our women? WE need to engage in the battle! Lead out against the onslaught of biblical dilution, the epidemic of apathy, and the cultural move toward anti-Christianity. Either that or we could just order up another latte and get a mani pedi.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-39096034942491665742013-07-31T18:49:00.000-07:002013-07-31T18:49:22.494-07:00Against All Odds, Part 2
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The title gives you a clue that we are looking at the
topic of being “against all odds,” a rightful description of the hero in 2
Samuel 23 named Adino. He had the “Rambo” experience of facing down 800
Philistines at one time and he kick serious backside. If you have forgotten the
story, it’s just below this blog. Let’s continue… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The characteristic necessary to advance someone to this
level of heroism is simply <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">tenacity</b>.
You see it in his resolve to not give up or give in to the pressure of the
hordes of opponents coming at him. It is an uncommon characteristic unique to
heroes – they just “hunker-down” and refuse to quit. It’s “to the death” and
they have no intention of dying! They cannot look at the odds-maker’s report,
the pundits, or the press, they are in this to win regardless of the personal
sacrifice or the buckets of sweat required. You just can’t help but admire this
characteristic even if you don’t like the guy. It’s very rare. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unfortunately, we ARE in an “against all odds” scenario
today. The church is now the underdog, the one the odds-maker is betting <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">against</b>. Looking at the current
statistics in church growth and development clearly explains this paragraph more
succinctly. We are now in the lower 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> percentile in the nation.
And that’s in the Bible belt! We are fighting uphill against immeasurable
numbers and each year that continues to become more and more frightening. This
once Judeo-Christian, ethically-focused land has all but abandoned her former
cultural norm in favor of a more socially antagonistic mindset that blatantly
stands against basic Christian doctrine and principles. Today it is at least
800 to 1, and we are looking more outnumbered every day. Get yourself in shape,
mighty warriors, because the battle is just cranking up!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adino is translated as "slender," or "spear." You would think it meant "super-buff, gun-show, or ripped," or something of that nature. However, it shows a principle that is a part of the true makeup of a hero of God - the power not found <strong>IN</strong> the man, but "<strong>WITHIN</strong>" the man! The power of Almighty God working <strong>through</strong> the natural fabric of a simple, slender man that has chosen to sharpen himself with the 'whet stone' of God's Word, making every strike with precision, not wasting effort or energy since the battle demands that he work on such a way so that he remains standing in the end. This is the Adino of today! This is the demand for <strong>men of God</strong> today! We need men with tenacity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-26083726458801743122013-06-26T15:44:00.000-07:002013-06-26T15:44:41.172-07:00Against All Odds
Sorry I took a bit of a break from my blog. Selling a home, taking family vacation, and searching for a new place to live has rearranged my time. I'm back. Here is my next "Look at Godly Heroes."<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Against all odds</i></b>!” I go nuts over a
situation where an underdog is up against an overwhelming enemy and pulls out
all the stops and wins the battle. It’s just a rush of testosterone to any man
that reads, hears, or watches such a rare, nail-biting event. When we watch
someone else face an “against all odds” experience it is very different than
when we are personally involved. In the battle, you can’t see all the dynamics
of the situation. You really don’t understand just how deep in the hole you are
in, nor do you really care at that point. It’s all about survival, using your
wits, tools, skills, and anything else you can grab to give you the edge. Well,
brother, we are currently in an “against all odds” scenario – our most thorough
population demographic research puts those of us that believe in Christ and
support the ongoing work of His church in a position of minority status to the
tune of about 38% to 62%. With these kinds of numbers the heroic characteristic
that is needed today is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tenacity</b>.
The best guy to display this “against all odds” characteristic is the number
one mighty man in David’s arsenal by the name of Adino. Take a look at the
short passage of Scripture that describes this beast of a man. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">These are the
names of the mighty men whom David had; Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief
among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight
hundred men at one time.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(2 Samuel
23:8 and 1 Chronicles 11:11)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Talk about a “David vs. Goliath” event on a whole new
level, wow, this Adino guy is unbelievable! Yes, David was the underdog, but
gracious, he didn’t face 800 men at one time! What are the odds of facing 800
men and staying upright as the victor? Oh, that’s easy, it’s 800/1! But what
would it take to engage in such a challenge? I believe it is tenacity. Few have
it. Few have ever seen it in others. It’s a characteristic that turns a blind
eye to the statistics, refuses to stop and think how unfair the situation, it
simply visualizes what must be done next and slugs it out in spite of the pain
or exhaustion. It doesn’t matter that the rules have changed, that the
circumstances have become nightmarishly more difficult, you just throw yourself
in the battle with only one thing on your mind – to win! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>We need godly men that can throw caution to the wind, trust God on an uncharted level, fling themselves into the fray expecting victory that will exalt the name of Christ and bring Him honor and glory. That is the sweetness of the reward to know that we will hear, "<em>Well done, good and faithful servant</em>."</o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-35297275613075083652013-05-08T08:21:00.000-07:002013-05-08T08:21:01.611-07:00Being a Benaiah, Part 2
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The title gives you a hint that this is a continuation of thought. The earlier blog revealed the characteristics of a mighty man of David named, Benaiah, a man recorded as "more honorable than the other thirty," not an easy feat. He was so outstanding, David chose him to be his personal body guard (2 Sam. 23:23)! Wow, how would you like that responsibility! Personal body guard to the winningest warrior-king in the history of Israel, the one every other nation would love to destroy. We've looked at the nature of honor and how Benaiah won victories against the world, the flesh, and the devil, now let’s look at some other aspects related to this fascinating
warrior. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In fighting with the <u>Egyptian</u>, the Bible says he “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wrested the spear out of his hand and killed him with his own sword</i>.”
This shows a level of <strong>creativity</strong> to use the very weapons of the enemy against
them. I see us as current Benaiahs being effective in using TV, Movies, Radio, and Social Media (a
tool often used by our enemy) to “stab” our enemies and get the truth of the
Gospel into the hearts and minds of those that have been duped by the world,
the flesh, and the devil. Turning our enemy’s weapons back on them is a most
creative and effective means of warfare. Benaiah gives us a beautiful picture
of a cunning military maneuver.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
In fighting with the <u>Moabites</u>, the Bible describes the fact
that they were “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lion-like</i>,”
demonstrating the ferocity and blind focus of this enemy. Being <strong>on guard</strong>
against such a physically powerful enemy is vital in order to
survive. The Scripture also says that there were two of them, a clear picture
that this enemy comes in waves, never alone, and uses the strategy of flanking.
In every man’s heart is the tendency to drift into fleshly pleasures, self-gratification, and
carnality. We are prone to slip. Don't be lulled into thinking that this conflict with our flesh is not that big a deal. Seeing the battle from Benaiah’s perspective
helps us to keep our guard up and to realize that since the Bible calls these
Moabite’s, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">heroes</i>,” we must <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">be</b> a hero in order to defeat a hero! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The conflict with the <u>lion</u> is the most interesting. Notice that the Bible states that Benaiah "<em>had gone down</em>" to fight the lion. This shows personal <strong>initiative</strong> and <strong>confidence</strong> in doing the right thing. He didn't wait for the "fight" to come to him, but rather he engaged the enemy. Also, it shows the willingness to fight an impossible battle in the worst of situations. Samuel declares that Benaiah fought "<em>a lion</em>," the<strong> worst of enemies</strong>, "<em>in a pit</em>," the <strong>worst of locations</strong>, "<em>on a snowy day</em>," the <strong>worst of conditions</strong>! And, get this, he did it voluntarily! What a guy! What a great character to emulate and pattern our lives after. Here is the vital part of honor - doing what is right regardless of what it may cost, regardless of the circumstances, and regardless of the unforeseen consequences. Sadly, this characteristic is woefully lacking in our churches. Oh, Lord, please wake up some "Benaiahs" today!</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-33086152180218626922013-05-04T16:07:00.000-07:002013-05-04T16:07:24.809-07:00Being a Benaiah, Part 1
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Men that are real men – that’s what we desperately need!
Just because a man can slam dunk a basketball, outrun everyone else on the
field, and bench press more weight than a building crane it does NOT make him
a real man, just a physically fit one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
seen athletes with these characteristics but they are selfish, conceited,
emotional babies that cry anytime someone else looks at them sideways. If they don't get their way, well, honor is NOT the word that describes them. What we
need are more men like Benaiah. Read this short passage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Benaiah was the
son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many
deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and
killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. And he killed an Egyptian,
a spectacular man </i>(the Chronicles account states the Egyptian was 5 cubits
in height and his spear was the size of a weaver’s beam).<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> The Egyptian had a spear in his hand; so he went down to him with a
staff, wrested the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his
own spear. These things Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did, and won a name among
the three mighty men. He was <u>more honorable</u> than the thirty, but he did
not attain to the first three. And David appointed him over his guard.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(2 Samuel 23:20-23 and 1 Chronicles 11:22-23)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
B<span style="font-family: Calibri;">enaiah was “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more
honorable than the thirty</i>.” Now, friends, that’s saying something! Those
thirty were the “best of the best of the best, yes, sir!” and to say that this
man was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">more</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">honorable</b> is staggering. The character quality of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">honor</b> has become a rarity in our culture,
making this study timely. Let’s tear open the wrappings around this fascinating
man and observe the components of an honorable hero. Honor is doing the right
thing at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all</b> times regardless of the
cost or unexpected circumstances. Though our world has lowered the bar
regarding honor (as well as the definition of what is “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">right</b>”) this was also the case in Benaiah’s day. Remember, they had
just emerged from the time of the Judges, an era where “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">every man did what was right in his own eyes</i>.” Sound familiar? See,
just as before, we need a generation of men that desire to be “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more honorable</i>!”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The characteristics that gave Benaiah the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">mantle of honor</b> starts with the subtle
explanation of the three battles that are listed twice in the Scriptures (noted
above). He fought an Egyptian, a couple of Moabites, and a lion. Interestingly,
Egypt is always a picture of “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the world</b>,”
the cultural norms and pinnacle of human achievements. The Moabites started out
through vile immorality and are constantly guilty of sensual, lascivious
actions that were a perverse and unfortunately strong influence on Israel; this
is a picture of “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the flesh</b>.” (Note:
Rahab was the ONLY bright spot in Moab’s history, and an encouragement for us
all.) The third battle Benaiah fought was with a lion, an obvious picture that
the Apostle Peter described of our most dreadful enemy, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the devil</b>.” So there you have the story in a nutshell – Benaiah
overcame the “world,” the “flesh,” and the “devil,” key ingredients of a man of
honor. We all face these three enemies on a daily basis, some more often than
others, but the man of honor learns how to defeat them all. It’s no surprise
that all of our armed forces use the word, “honor,” to describe the caliber of
warrior they desire to inspire.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take notice this week of the number of encounters you face with these three enemies. Mentally record the battles you win and the ones you lose. (Don't pretend you can't do that - we're men, we always keep score!) Go for the gold, my fellow heroic protege', and make the score an annihilation of the adversary, a complete victory, and give no ground over to these 'life-eaters.' This is a choice, a conscious decision. Make it, and make it again, and again. Be a Benaiah.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-14982016957577993102013-04-27T15:47:00.000-07:002013-04-27T15:47:10.798-07:00Issachar Intel, Part 2
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Of the sons of
Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do,
their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1 Chronicles 12:32)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To go to war without strategic intelligence (intel) is
just plain stupid! The sons of Issachar were blessed with the tools to
accomplish two great skills: 1) to understand the times and 2) to know what
Israel should do. Last week we looked at the first one and now we focus on the
second.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The phrase, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knowing
what Israel ought to do</i>,” is actually not as “crystal ball-ish” as one
might think. Yes, it did have a certain appearance of prognostication, but the
truth is they simply put two and two together! It’s really not a supernatural,
out of this world gift given to a special few. Since they could see the “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">times</i>” and realize that Saul’s continued
disobedience in refusing to listen to the wise counsel of Nathan (just like he
did with Samuel), his obsession with trying to kill David (a more godly man,
one called a “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">man after God’s Own heart</i>”),
and the abuse of power (along with the wasting of military resources) was a
recipe for disaster. They saw the current losses to the Philistines in
subsequent battles was only going to continue under the current leadership and
policies and “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knew what Israel ought to
do</i>,” i.e., get back to God-fearing governance and national obedience like
they had under Joshua. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The sons of Issachar were also listed as mighty men of
valor, a picture of able-bodied men that were a force to be reckoned with. This
demonstrated a level of comprehensive, well-rounded development in these guys,
spiritual acuity along with physical discipline and preparedness. Now is a good
time to quote the passage in 1 Timothy 4:8, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all
things</i>.” These sons of Issachar understood this principle as they
“exercised” godliness even more than they exercised their bodies, yet they were
physically an intimidating lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
clearly understood authority, or the chain-of-command principle, as it stated
that the 200 chiefs had the command over their brethren. This shows such a
genuine level of wisdom being able to put themselves under authority. In
Matthew 8, Jesus saw the centurion understand this principle and He claimed He
had “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never seen such faith, not in all of
Israel</i>.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The cry for heroes today that can see current trends and patterns from a biblical worldview and give futuristic advice, warnings, and strategy is at DEFCON 1! We have never had a more drastic abandonment of our children away from the evangelical church than we are currently experiencing. Oh my dear leaders, pray that God will raise up in your ranks some "sons of Issachar" that can give clear, confident, godly counsel to this emotionally-driven church culture. The time for godly heroes that can demonstrate and express what the church must do is NOW!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-64365547049989205022013-04-21T05:51:00.000-07:002013-04-21T05:51:43.802-07:00Issachar Intel
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The current topic is characteristics of Biblical Heroes and
how we can emulate those giant-killers. The need for solid, genuine, selfless,
Christ-like “Spiritual-Rambos” is unprecedented. Without some heroes of
biblical proportion our nation is likely to become a by-word and the church in
America will continue to slide into oblivion. I’d like to continue this topic
looking at the sons of Issachar and their valuable impact of being <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">mentally conditioned</b>. Check out this
passage:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Of the sons of
Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their
chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1 Chronicles 12:32)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If the description of the Gadites was small, the Issachar
boys’ is miniscule! The above verse (and 7:5, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mighty men of valor</i>”) is all that is said about them. Though the
information is limited, the skill and contribution they brought to David was
immeasurable. What price do military leaders put on good Intel!? This was
probably one of the most strategic pieces of the puzzle of David’s flawless
crusades. Ask any commander how important good, relevant, timely information is
to his decision making process. These sons of Issachar were worth their weight
in gold! They were <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">mentally conditioned</b>.
What exactly does that look like?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two statements are key: 1) “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">understanding of the times</i>,” and 2) “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knowing what Israel ought to do</i>.” This blog will focus on the first
one. In order to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">understand the times</i>
there must be a frame of reference, a base line of fundamental standards. One
cannot truly understand current conditions without having a grasp of historical
circumstances and events to overlay across present trends. When a person is
mentally conditioned he has an ability to see future successes in the here and
now because of the natural cause and effect relationship with obedience and
submission to Almighty God that has been proven throughout history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the case of Israel, the sons of Issachar had to know the
promises of God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the subsequent leadership of
Moses through the wilderness wanderings, and the successful venture of Joshua’s
direction into the Promised Land. The collapse during the time of the Judges leading
into the disappointment of the Kingship gave a clear picture to these alert
young men that certain actions and attitudes came with drastic consequences!
They had the ability to reasonably and logically conclude that disobedience
toward God and His principles would lead to negative outcomes for the entire
nation. They saw that following Saul was only going to continue the downward
spiral of defeat and national despair. David was not only a better option, he
was the only wise choice. The sons of Issachar saw future events by understanding
the former process of obedience and by refusing to embrace that failed
continuance of “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doing what was right in
their own eyes</i>,” the choice of Saul and the mantra of the time of the
Judges.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is a cry for men to stop coasting in
neutral and put it into overdrive! We need, like never before, godly men that
have a grasp of what God wants us to do here and now and to make that knowledge
vocal. Oh sons of Issachar, come out and be heard! Israel had these mental
giants, the times call for them again.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-52155349755360767142013-04-12T12:06:00.000-07:002013-04-30T12:23:59.008-07:00Personal DiversionI'm breaking off with my Characteristics of Biblical Heroes series to express a thought that still fits our topic. Bear with me as I take a personal diversion.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(David says to Goliath) “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This day the Lord will deliver you into my
hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will
give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and
the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God
in Israel.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Samuel 17:46 <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Big words from a little
shepherd boy! God uniquely designed us men with a strong desire to achieve. It
is in our DNA to do more, to do greater, and to accomplish something far more
spectacular. Over time we experience setbacks, disappointments, failures, and
shattered plans and dreams that can stifle this natural propensity for success.
Right before David said this bold declaration to a 9 foot, 6 inch giant, his
big brother condescendingly questioned why he was even there (v. 28). David
looked past the insult and saw the true prize – to take away this reproach from
Israel (and the king’s bounty wasn’t bad, either!).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I realized about three
years ago that my body had become a bit lethargic, slothful, and soft. I had
not really pressed myself to do anything athletic throughout my entire 40’s and
it had taken its toll physically. My son-in-law, a former PT (physical trainer) for the Air Force,
“provoked” me to do something about it. He recommended a workout video that he
had been using and I agreed that I would do it. For the first three weeks I
really did think I was going to die. No, I mean it! I could not think of one
nice thing to say about my son-in-law. I couldn’t walk right, sit right, nor
could I get up naturally from a prone position! I felt sick to my stomach every
time I worked out. There were times when I really felt I was near certain death
if I didn’t stop, and I actually would have welcomed it! I regretted having
asked him to help me. I thought of every excuse to quit, to not thoroughly
dread another workout, to stop the madness! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gutting it out did
eventually pay off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember starting
to count my push-ups. When I first began I was proud to get to 27. Months later
I was doing 50, then 70, then 100. Though improvement was ever so gradual,
noticing that I was getting fit was quite an adrenaline rush, a male source of
personal accomplishment and progress. It also helped that my wife took notice
and expressed her approval. It was taking all of 35 – 45 minutes a day, 5 days
a week of gruelingly painful exercise to reach these goals, though the 45
minutes seemed much longer! I had an experiential revelation during this era of
“self-flagellation;” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">men were made for
challenges</b> and we are at our best when we have and pursue goals that are
against-all-odds, a “David vs. Goliath” scenario. The discipline in my physical
life has bled into my spiritual disciplines making everything else have greater
perspective and clarity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My diversion this week is to encourage all men
to see that they have been specifically programmed to be more than the sum of
their parts. We have mind-numbing lostness in our current culture and in all of
our neighborhoods. This Goliath is real. It is big, smelly, and wants you to
just shut up and go away. Go find the stones that fit your sling and take his
head off! We were made for such a time as this.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-15211682875151323822013-04-05T17:35:00.000-07:002013-04-05T17:35:48.481-07:00Big, Bad Benjaminites! Part 2
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The passage of Scripture that we are studying in this
continued look at “Characteristics of Biblical Heroes” is 1 Chronicles 12:1-2 (it
is in the previous blog in italics). The Benjaminites were unusual in that they
possessed the ability to fight and fire weapons with both hands. We looked at
this importance of this characteristic in the last blog, but there is still
much we can learn from these big, bad boys. We each are equipped with skills,
abilities, talents, and natural tendencies that are unique and specialized and
we have these qualities through the combined “blessings” of giftedness, aptitude,
experience, and upbringing. That is what makes each one of us so different. The
“Weapons of our Warfare,” is still the Sword of the Spirit, the infallible,
inerrant, living words of Holy Writ. How we utilize, wield, and display our own
personal technique of “Sword play” is as unique as each one of us, allowing
those individual “blessings” to create our own style of methodology in
Weaponry. What we must do is learn the Sword and then allow that knowledge to
permeate our own talents, thinking, and skillset. Such a person is indeed
formidable!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Studying these Benjaminites also reveals that they were
the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">first group</b> to respond to
David’s leadership. This quality of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">immediate
response</b> to a calling or need is attractive and shows initiative and
commitment. Chronicles also describes them as blood kin to the present king, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Saul’s brethren</i>,” making the current
affairs of state quite personal being directly related to the sitting
leadership. They confronted the reality of Saul’s lack of obedience, irrational
use of military resources, and poor decision making skills. Notice how they
looked past the “blood is thicker than water” tendency and saw that David would
provide the type of godly direction Israel needed. Application? Heroes do not
give family or acquaintances <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a pass</b>
just because they are personally close. Equally as important they take the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">initiative</b> in creating the environment
for change. These two attributes together illustrate a critical attitude in the
heart of a hero.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The take away this week is the fact that we could all do a better job increasing our skill in using the Weapons of our Warfare, the Scriptures. We you consider that Jesus used this very weapon when tempted by the devil (Matt. 4, Mark 1, Luke 4), who are we to think that we could somehow do a better job with some other tool?! There is not a better exercise program we can engage in than to the one that extends our reach, builds our strength, and widens our target by the acquisition of God's Holy Word in our hearts and minds. In essence, Biblical strength training and conditioning <em><strong>IS</strong></em> the <strong>breakfast of Spiritual Champions</strong>!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-31856734206871050732013-03-28T18:11:00.000-07:002013-03-28T18:11:48.661-07:00Big Bad Benjaminites! Part 1
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our current topic is characteristics of Biblical Heroes.
We’ve looked at the lessons from the Gadites and determined that they scream
out <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Personal Discipline</b>. Let’s add
to their foundational skeleton the meaty message from the boys of Benjamin. Here is
the text.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Now these were the
men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still a fugitive from Saul the son
of Kish; and they were among the mighty men, helpers in the war, armed with
bows, using both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting
arrows with the bow. They were of Benjamin, Saul’s brethren</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1 Chronicles 12:1-2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unlike our previous examples (the Gadites) these
Benjaminites are given much less ‘air time’ in the Word. Only a brief
description is listed, but there are certain aspects that give us a clear
picture of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heroes’ Characteristic</b>
that is attributed to these 22 Benjaminites. One thing you pick up quickly from
these two short verses is that they were <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Weapon’s
Trained</b>. The A-K 47’s of their day were arrows, swords, and stones. These
guys had two of the three down very well!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love the fact that these Benjaminites were not
one-dimensional thinkers! They were not just good with their right hands, but
were equally as dangerous with their left! They didn’t just knock you out with
a perfectly thrown stone, they could bull’s eye an arrow right on your backside!
These were very well trained militia, equally as dangerous when
partially injured since you would have to take out both arms, not just one. Think
about it, comfortable using both hands- the natural and the unnatural! To be
even mildly adept at using your unnatural hand at anything requires an insane
amount of practice. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I played basketball in my youth. One of the skills that we
had to master was the ability to dribble with both hands and perform layups
(the shots directly under the rim) with equal ability from either hand. If a
guy shot a layup with his right hand from the left side of the basket he would
hear about it even if it went in! It was imperative that we had a more
versatile offensive weapon when close to the goal. I look like some kind
of freak when I try to throw a football with my left hand because I never practiced
that skill. However, I can still shoot a layup with my opposite hand best because of
the loathsome training I was required to endure. Make no mistake,
unnatural-handed training did not come easily to the Benjaminites, but it made
them quite a formidable enemy. Being fully trained to use weapons from either
hand made you much more of a threat and a desired ally. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is my point. According to Paul's Ephesians 6 description of our Spiritual Armor, the ONLY offensive weapon we carry is the "Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." WE MUST be trained, and I mean WELL trained, in the basics as well as the 'not-so-well-known' parts of this incredible Weapon. We must know and be able to use those parts that are "natural," popular and a natural fit for our personal giftedness and temperament. But we must also be trained in the parts that are obscure, unfamiliar to most, and not as "comfortable" with our personal wiring. Real heroes accept the challenge and make the difference so they can be effective at all times, regardless of the circumstances, climate, or environment. Train up, my good men, completely in the Holy Word.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-62718810776018147002013-03-18T05:22:00.000-07:002013-03-18T05:22:55.152-07:00Gadite Gridiron, Part 2
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We concluded last segment that heroism is not just being in
the right place at the right time and doing the right thing. Most of our
culture dictates that these are the key components, a kind of accidental hero,
but a true hero is one that expends the energies, willingly withholds personal
pleasures and comforts, and prepares himself for that “right place, right time,
and right thing!” It’s not just a flash in the pan, a moment for greatness, but
a mindset, an intentionality to be more, not to settle for ordinary. The
‘average’ person is quite content to be just status quo, your basic ‘average,’
and the pressures to be such start quite early unfortunately. As parents we
want our kids to fit in, be accepted, and avoid obvious criticism from their
peers, and unconsciously we press them into a mold that says, “Don’t strive to
be greater!” From our beginnings we are programmed to NOT become heroes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we continue to study the Gadites, (refer to previous
blog) the main ingredient they seemed to display was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">personal discipline</b>, demonstrated in their crossing the flooded
Jordan. Look at the description of these men. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mighty men of valor</i>” is a phrase used about 30 times in the Old
Testament to describe a “man’s-man” type of warrior. Though the phrase is also
used to describe some of Israel’s enemies, it is used enough to give you the
mental picture of a chiseled, elite military leader that has laser focus and
acuity. The fact that these guys were all “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">leaders
of hundreds, leaders of thousands</i>,” reveals that they had leadership
mentalities even if they lacked natural leadership qualities. The famous
Shakespeare quotation, “Some men are born for greatness and some have greatness
thrust upon them,” helps to describe the readiness of these men of valor. It
says they had “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faces like the faces of
lions</i>.” If you watch a lion pursuing its prey the eyes never leave the
target. These characteristics of focus, determination, leadership, and tenacity
are the necessary ingredients for personal discipline. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We must have a new breed of spiritual heroes. Our young men
gravitate to sports superstars, fictional characters, and Hollywood idols for
their heroes. Oh, dear friends, we must create an atmosphere and training
ground for developing and modeling spiritual heroes especially in the day when
the enemy is mounting such a furious attack on all that is moral, wholesome,
and right. We must put away the selfish fulfillments that give only fleeting,
immediate pleasure and set our sights on the unbelievable, impossible, uncharted
goals of righteousness with bravery. We must take back the ground that we gave
to the enemy that now controls our political institutions, educational halls,
and even in some of our churches. If you have lost the vision, given up, or
just got too tired of the pain and have backed down or backed out, I implore
you to take a deep breath, muster up all the courage you can, and make a
focused plan of attack. Start by getting on your knees and thanking God that He
made you to be a man, a leader, an example, a hero. Ask Him to supernaturally
fill you with a drive you’ve never had, to give you a fresh vision of what He
desires to do in your church, community, and beyond. Start NOW. See yourself as
a spiritual hero for such a time as this. Let’s cross our flooded Jordan!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-77298047586416033802013-03-09T10:43:00.000-08:002013-03-09T10:43:02.615-08:00Gadite Gridiron - Part 1
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ok, we’ve looked at some of the ways the modern church
has hindered the proper development of manly heroes, now let’s look at some of
the characteristics of biblical heroes found throughout the pages of Scripture.
The purpose here is to stimulate men to introduce the specific characteristics
necessary and then envision themselves being that type of man, a man called for
such a time as this. Here is the first group of heroes called, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the Gadites</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Some Gadites
joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men
trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like
the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains… These were the
sons of Gad, captains of the army; the least was over a hundred and the
greatest was over a thousand. These were the ones who crossed the Jordan in the
first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all
those in the valleys, to the east and to the west</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1 Chronicles 12:8, 14-15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our first illustration is found in the book of 1 Chronicles,
a group of eleven men from Gad that were quite impressive. The initial
paragraph above (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in italics</i>) lists their
accolades. Verses 9-13 gave the names and families of each of these 11 men, but
the verses quoted above describe six key elements of what made these men
Biblical Heroes. Here is that list:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“mighty
men of valor”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Courier New;"> </span>“men
trained for battle, could handle both shield and spear”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> “faces
like the faces of lions”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“swift
as gazelles on the mountains”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>“captains
– of hundreds – of thousands”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> “crossed
the Jordan…when it overflowed all its banks”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These were some really tough hombres! Notice some of the
phrases used – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mighty men of valor,</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">trained for battle, faces like lions, swift
as gazelles</i>, my gracious, these guys would bring home the Lombardi Trophy
every time! Did you catch how they crossed the Jordan during the monsoon season!?
These guys were beasts! When you consider it would take a very strong, healthy
man to cross the Jordan on a normal day, imagine the stamina required to cross
it when it was overflowing its banks! There is only one way these men could
accomplish such feats of wonder and that was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">selfless discipline</b>. They were in it <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ALL</b> the way! Men, this is your first characteristic to grab –
selfless discipline.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think about it. Ezer (the first Gadite listed in v. 9) did
not wake up one morning and say, “Hey, I’m going to cross the Jordan today while
it’s overflowing its banks, just to see if I can do it.” Hey, this is like trying to survive a flood! The amount of training
involved, muscle development, increased respiratory and cardio function, along
with the sheer determination to accomplish such a superhuman feat required a
significant amount of personal discipline that can only be measured in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">time</b>. Ezer had to have trained for months,
crossing the Jordan at normal levels first, adding to his strength and stamina,
working out steadily with increasingly more resistance and challenges until he
was at his peak. Put more succinctly, it didn’t just happen! Discipline is an
everyday kind of thing that requires TIME! It’s not the singular event that
makes a hero, but the preparedness and commitment to do what is right
consistently because it is right. This is the first lesson to being a hero – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">selfless discipline</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Part 2 of Gadite
Gridiron to follow.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-51417209261117356492013-03-03T15:03:00.000-08:002013-03-03T15:03:17.168-08:00Hero-Factories
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On a
cellular level, men and women are not even on the same planet. Not just the
obvious physiological differences but in ways not as easily recognized. For
instance, every muscle fiber in a man’s body has 50% more brute strength (fiber
per fiber) than the average woman’s. The average man has a lung capacity that
is about 30% greater than the average woman (the reason woman tend to faint
more easily), giving him a much higher consistency of oxygenated blood. This
super-charged blood allows him to have greater stamina, energy, and endurance.
Since this is true, our very bodies make it clearly obvious that God has
created us men to guard, protect, lead, defend, and be the hero in times of
danger and threat. It’s not that women can’t be strong or develop endurance; it’s
just that they are not as genetically fashioned to do so. So here is my point –
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since men are
designed to provide heroic leadership and protection, should not the Church
provide the best training grounds for such development? We should be a
Hero-Factory!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ok, reality
check – my opinion on this topic written in this blog is not going to make any
difference in the grand scheme of things. I can’t make a significant shift on a
western, church-culture paradigm with a simple 5-paragraph opinion column, but
if I can at least get some of you thinking on how to “undo” the damage to the
male psyche by our current trends, I will certainly put this in the “win”
column! I have been talking with a friend (Al Stone) that has given his
lifelong, ministerial energies to seeing Men’s Ministries develop and become an
established vehicle in each church. He has expressed a concern that the need
for such training as well as the opportunities for men to have an outlet for
using their unique gifts has grown to a dangerous level the last several years.
Well, I agree with Al, and I would at least like to give some ideas that can
help create an environment that will allow some ‘Davids’ to be birthed,
developed, and freed to defeat the Goliaths in our current era. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My earlier
blogs touched on the focus of our contemporary worship services and how they
tend to leave out the manly man. I’m not going to get on a rant here, but at
least look at your music selection and make sure there are some “token” manly
songs included. Try not to repeat phrases over and over to elicit an emotional
response. Men are uncomfortable in that arena. Sing it a couple of times and go
to another song. Preach <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">strong</b>
doctrine to men. Stop diluting the tough standards and directives from the
Scriptures to men that need and desire to be spoken to firmly and
unapologetically. Every David needs a Nathan that will point their finger in
our face and declare, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thou art the man</i>!”
Strong preaching will create strong leadership from your men! We NEED tough
messages that get in our face!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is a
suggestion that I have some experience with and a passion for seeing implemented.
Try to develop ministry opportunities that allow men to use their giftedness,
interests, and muscle. For instance, create a construction team that uses
mission’s moneys to help rebuild porches, walkways, simple home repairs, or
additions for single moms, seniors, or someone that is less fortunate. A car
ministry team that has a special day each month to change oil, do simple repairs,
etc. for widows, single moms, and the less fortunate in your church and
community. Have a team of men that teach marksmanship for bow and gun to
younger boys. Provide annual father/son camping adventures with fishing,
hunting, and survival techniques emphasized. Have men with experience or
knowledge in a particular sport provide lessons for up and coming young men so to
give them an advantage when they begin tryouts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coordinate the classes to begin right before
each season (example – ‘baseball basics’ on Saturday afternoons in February,
basketball fundamentals in September), using men with experience, talent, and a
willingness to invest in kids. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">We need our
heroes. There has been a glut in the Goliath market, in every sector, every
community. Let’s provide the Lord a place to raise up a host of Davids to match
them. If every church <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">viewed</b> their
men and the men in their community as mighty warriors looking for a place to do
battle against immeasurable odds … well, we might just do things differently.
We ought to be a hero-factory!</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-45587892840077084622013-02-24T12:03:00.000-08:002013-02-24T12:03:12.251-08:00Black Coffee vs. Half-Calff, Peppermint Macchiato with Low-fat Whip Cream
<br />
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m a man.
Not a metro-sexual, hyper-sensitive, skinny-jean, manicured nails, poster boy. Don’t
confuse me, I realize that we are all different, having unique personalities,
gifts, tastes, and proclivities that create a cacophony of humanity. I also
realize that I have a tendency to glamourize the true Renaissance man, the guy
that can speak fluently using just the right words at the right time, play a
musical instrument, be a crack-shot with a gun or bow and arrow, and have a physical
demeanor that would make an enemy second-guess messing with him. You know, a well-rounded
man, just the right amount of brute strength and cultural poise. The reason I
am drawn to such is because they usually produce the greatest number of
world-changing champions. However, these guys are not typically drawn to our
current church environments. Why? Here is issue number 2.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second
characteristic that is has become mainstream in the current church model and
that is oblivious to its leadership is the overemphasis on emotions. Although
real men have emotions and know exactly how to use them and control them, they
are NOT the lead! In most of our modern Worship Services emotions are the
pinnacle of the Sunday experience. We strive for more and more emotive
responses from start to finish! Let me explain my thesis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The most
important part of our Sunday Service is … what? Well, it’s NOT the reading of
the Scriptures, the explanation of the text, the application of the message, or
the giving of the tithe. We certainly <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">don’t</b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">stand up</b> and get excited about that
part of the service! In my frequent travels I observe most congregants are very
disconnected with the aforementioned elements of the typical service. See for
yourself, the most important part of the Sunday morning experience is the song
service. We all stand up for that part. Interestingly the only time the
congregation of Israel ever stood up was during the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">reading of the Law</b> (Nehemiah 8:5), not the song service! You see we
are placing a higher value on music than God ever intended! We should be
standing when God’s Word is read, displaying physical agreement to those
precious holy words that are infallible, inerrant, and God-breathed. Today we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">worship</i> music, which is why we now call
music, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Worship</i>!” The shift was
subtle, but effective – men are less inclined to be involved in something that
is mostly “emotive” and less substantive. Music is emotional. An emotional
response only lasts a brief moment, and though it is important to include
emotions in our service, it should NOT be the pinnacle, the apex, or the linchpin
since it does not last. A changed heart, a changed mind will always outlast an
emotional high. God’s Word is the tool that changes hearts and minds, not well
performed, emotionally charged music. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me
explain it another way. Instead of feelings-based activities, sound doctrine
boldly proclaimed and connected to applicable, relevant opportunities should be
the center of our Worship experience. Each worshipper should find as the
highest part of the service the Word of God being connected directly to the
daily applications in their lives giving them answers and mental pictures of
how they can fulfill God’s will for their life. They should be given a vision,
a calling, and a purpose for their special abilities, insights, and gifts. Men
tend to find little opportunity for the exercise of their unique wiring. Few
programs are offered that allows manly men to be given a challenge. For the
modern Renaissance man, the disappointment is the watering down of the godly
mandates of Scripture. We are so afraid to offend that we actually offend the
very nature of the typical, practical-driven man. Real men want genuine facts,
clearly and boldly proclaimed, and applications for their lives. In other
words, these guys want their coffee black but we’re serving them some fancy
party drink and wondering why they’re not happy.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More to
follow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-79090242249010523802013-02-15T18:59:00.000-08:002013-02-15T18:59:01.210-08:00Are You Running Off Potential Heroes?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">If this
is your first visit to this blog it might be best to read the short edition
right below this one to get some perspective. The topic at hand is how <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we are unwittingly driving away or
emasculating our true male heroes</b> from the modern church. To start with I
want to clearly point out that this is not an attack or even a hint of
disrespect leveled at our </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“women folk.” They have historically
been the ones to carry the weight of actual church ministry and have always outnumbered
their bearded counterparts. They were the only ones to show up at the most important
grave side gathering! We are indebted to them and this is not an attack on
their contributions or their value to the church. The person of the Lord Jesus
was unique in that He perfectly represented the natural strengths found in both
sexes. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My point here is that He demonstrated a
complete picture, both necessary elements for a healthy church – (1) the
caring, accepting, forgiving <b>Nurturer</b>, and (2) a confident, strong,
disciplining, masculine <b>Leader</b>. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, we
only have half of that combination in most of our churches. Church life has
become very emotive, feeling, and nurturing with strong emphasis on deeds over
creeds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we all know Jesus was “meek
and mild, gentle and kind,” but He also cleared the Temple, making a whip out
of cords and driving out the money changers, overturning tables, and notice, no
one stood up to Him! He called one of his best friends “the devil,” and don’t
forget the 30 years of grueling carpentry work! He did NOT look like those
Renaissance pictures of some girlie-man with long hair, frail and effeminate.
That image is not the Son of God that was beaten and bloodied, whipped and
crucified on a rugged tree, hanging for three long hours. When you compare
those classic paintings with the description of Him in Revelation 19:11-16 you
just have to scratch your head.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Have
you noticed the current move in our society to render real men impotent? Owning
guns is now considered a Neanderthal practice, hunting is viewed even worse,
and contact sports is doing all it can to lower the aggressiveness so to
eradicate any possible injury although the very nature of the activity is to
crash wildly into each other in an effort to win. The word I’m looking for here
is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RISK</b>! </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
most content men alive are those that have been given a larger-than-life
challenge and the opportunity to achieve that impossibility (a definition of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">risk</i>). However, when men are not
challenged at home, at work, or at church they can easily slide into taking
other “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">secret</b>” risks. These can
develop into aberrant behavior and suck the very “hero-style” life out of them
leaving them disillusioned and in their wake destroyed sons, daughters, and
families.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
key ingredient in the development of a hero is a nebulous<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>“something”- it’s this larger than life quality that he is willing
to die for as well as live for, and it requires a large dose of risk before it
clicks. This, of course, is melded with godly fear. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without it, men go back on the shelf, living
out their “manliness” vicariously through some fictional TV character or worse,
some professional sports icon. The bottom line is without this hero mentality
they DO nothing. You may have unknowingly shelved heroes, not to mention
overlooked the supermen that are in your community, men that will never darken
the door of your church because they believe “stallions go to bars and geldings
go to church,” and you give them no reason to think otherwise! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here
is my first observation that points the finger at how the church has
contributed to the “emasculated men syndrome.” Some of you are NOT going to
like this! Just try to critically observe the “worship” music that has become
very popular in many of our contemporary settings. This is NOT a rant on
contemporary music; however some of the lyrics are extremely feminine, speaking
of love affairs with Jesus in words that no real man would ever consider using
with another man. Just stop and read some of those lines. You need to realize
that men visualize Christ as our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Commander
and Chief</b>, our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">King</b>, our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lord</b>, and believe it or not ladies,
this is a type of male intimacy. But when almost every song is touchy, touchy,
feely, feely we are unable to sing those words with any self-respect. To us,
those words come out as forced, disingenuous, and it’s like an affront to how
He created us as men. There are plenty of contemporary songs that appeal to men
(i.e., the “Promise Keepers” litany of albums) but they are rarely used, opting
for the more “emotionally charged” songs. I’m just asking for some
consideration, a balance, more songs on His character, nature, holiness and
less on how we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel</i> about Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This
phenomena in music is completely unintentional, but with men making up less
than 34 % of the average church membership, and even less of them actively
involved, it’s time for us to start contemplating what is keeping away those “mighty
men of David.” We desperately need strong, biblically-seasoned, male heroes.
This is observation number one, and there are several more to follow. Stay
tuned!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-33468787093382789152013-02-07T18:05:00.000-08:002013-02-07T18:05:17.434-08:00Where Are Our Heroes?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heroes.</b> The Bible
is full of them! Some are globally popular, like David, the giant killer. But
there are others, like Benaiah who killed a lion in the pit on a snowy day, who
are basically unknown and stay in relative obscurity. The stories of burning passion
mixed with super-human strength are actually quite common across the pages of
God’s Word but they seem to lie unread, untapped, and thus left in oblivion. It
seems that in every age there are these tough hombres that saw themselves as
capable men, able to make a difference by defending Israel and the Kingdom and
fighting against immeasurable odds. I read about them, study them, and then
stop and ponder – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">where are these guys
today</b>? Is the only location for these “gladiator” style super-heroes on our
sports channels? Oh, please, NO!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me whet your appetite by giving you some examples of
such biblical heroes. There is a man called “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Adino</b>” that was challenged by 800 Philistines and he routed them all
by himself (2 Samuel 23:8). Man, I want THAT guy on my team! There are the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gadites</b> that crossed the Jordan during
the monsoon season, when the river was overflowing its banks (1 Chronicles
12:15). Hey, it’s hard enough to cross the Jordon in normal conditions, and
these guys did it when the flood warnings had been issued. I’d take any of them
to be on my defensive line and pity any quarterback or fullback that gets the
ball. These men are beasts! Or how about <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eleazar</b>
that stood up and attacked the Philistines until his hand was so weary it
literally stuck to his sword until the battle was over (2 Samuel 23:9). You
talk about a committed warrior, a true man of principle, yet this guy’s name is
virtually unknown. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I spoke of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">David</b>
and his famous battle, but did you know that he fought 4 other giants later in
his reign as King? Check out 2 Samuel 21:15-22 and see how he obviously needed
all of those “5 smooth stones!” I mentioned a man named <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Benaiah</b> that fought the worst of enemies (a lion), in the worst of
places (a pit), in the worst of conditions (on a snowy day). He also fought two
lion-like heroes of Moab and a spectacular Egyptian to become one of the mighty
men of David. He is briefly mentioned in Scripture but what a great role model.
He was brave (willing to fight the most deadly of enemies), creative (he
wrested the spear from the Egyptian and used it against him), and showed
initiative (he went after the lion, not waiting on the lion to come to him).
What father would not want to model and teach these attributes to his sons! But
I must ask the question again - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Where
are these guys today?</b> Where are the Davids, Adinos, and Eleazars?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe these guys are here today! I believe in the hearts
of many of our young men (and matured men) is a longing to be more. To be the
lion killers, the nation-savers, the ones that will answer the call to fight
against all odds. I believe our culture has been slowly and meticulously
emasculating our men removing all the tools and environments that create these
heroes. Unfortunately, I also believe our churches have unwittingly done the
same thing. In the weeks to come I will address some of the current trends that
I believe are rendering impotent the seeds of heroism in our men. These are
dreadfully desperate days and we need heroes, fully devoted risk-takers to
stand in the gap, face the impossible odds, and allow their hands to grow weary
while slinging the Sword, never giving up. Unless there are some significant
changes in our “training fields” this battle will never even begin. Bear with
me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-21224853913777039642013-02-01T13:10:00.003-08:002013-02-01T13:10:29.582-08:00Shift from Professional Ministers to Lay Leadership
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This installment is another possible development that I have
recently detected but I must remind you that I am not a prognosticator. There
are oversized rats that can beat me every year on February 2nd! The almost 3
years in this position as Area Missionary for the North Central region has
allowed me to see trends that were not noticeable to me before. This blog is
written to describe the patterns I currently see developing and give a
heads-up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seminaries continue to pump out young, energetic ministers
by the thousands while scores of servants in the pew feel a supernatural
calling to be in “full-time ministry.” The way leadership will be chosen in the
coming years will see a significant change as I see a …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shift from Professional-Experienced
Ministers to Trusted-Layperson Leadership<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t expect this idea will find much excitement in
ministerial circles, nor do I particularly find this appealing myself since it
affects my livelihood and daily occupation. Once the trained, educated,
Christian “professional” could simply point to a place on the map, go there,
and find a suitable position or outlet for his giftedness and calling. Those
days are gone – long gone! Even highly gifted, talented, well-educated leaders
are finding ministerial moves exceedingly challenging to say the least. This is
an area that I have recent insight and expertise. Rarely does a month go by that
I do not speak with an exceptional minister that is struggling to find a place
of service. When you consider that I represent over 137 churches, spanning 5
counties in the Metro area, representing 4 Associations, as well as having
close relationships with several other Associational Missionaries, placement
should be a snap. However, the reverse is the case. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I received in my “inbox” about a month ago a follow up
letter from a man outstandingly qualified, desperate for ministry, who has all
the “tools” necessary for a successful undertaking, yet he is reminding me that
he has not heard from anyone, anywhere for over 8 months. I know he is doing the
leg work, sending out resumes, meeting Associational Missionaries, visiting
available churches, and getting his name out there. The Bible Belt should be a
goldmine, yet all he is getting is the shaft! At the same time, 4 of my larger
churches have recruited new staff members, not from stacks of resumes, but from
within – from current members that have proven their character, integrity, and
have shown giftedness for the needed role, though they have NO FORMAL TRAINING.
This is not a surprising trend, as the current economy has accelerated this
process. Whenever a church hires a new minister and he proves to be just “good
on paper,” this also makes the church leadership feel they can “do better
themselves!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The future “job market” for ministry is going to transition
in a way that is unfamiliar to current church-staff models as the trained
professional minister is more frequently replaced by the committed layperson
member. There are unforeseen variables that could pitch the ship one direction
or the other, but the one constant that we must recognize and agree on
regardless of how this is played out is this – the church today is not healthy,
she is not in any condition to weather out a storm much less proceed in
favorable weather. We need <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Spiritual
Renewal</b>, desperately, immediately, and genuinely. Whether she is led by
professional, experienced ministers or faithful laypersons from within, her
leadership must return to the true Commander-in-Chief, the Anchor of our Faith,
the One Who is THE Truth – the Lord Jesus Christ! HE, the Good Shepherd, will
fit His under-shepherds suitable for His bride regardless of their education
and skill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-59590552514890359932013-01-23T16:10:00.000-08:002013-01-25T07:34:24.925-08:00Shift from Entertainment to Accountability Fellowships<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In my earlier blog, I described the noticeable shift from a non-Christian culture to a more aggressive, anti-Christian culture. I would like to discuss a possible trend that could be an outcome of such a seismic change. When considering the enormous abandonment of young people toward evangelical Christianity, those few that do embrace the faith will … </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shift from Consumer-Entertainment to Practical-Accountability Fellowships</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">With our current climate less than hospitable toward believers, it is not mental gymnastics to conclude that “genuine” young Christians are going to be more diligent in finding an environment that will provide spiritual enrichment, encouragement, and ammunition for the fight they currently are experiencing. No longer will the large, loud, impersonal “youth gatherings” with high sensory stimulation and big-name entertainment be the draw, but rather a deep, meaningful, like-minded fellowship will become the mainstay in order to provide needed accountability and structured encouragement as well as ministry outlets. I can see a move from the mega-church phenomena to a more mid-size or even the small church venue in order to meet the needs of having personal, practical relationships (this is already starting to happen on several fronts). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I also wonder if the current bizarre popularity of social media will start to wane as people that have either grown up with, or that have become enamored with this “cyber-relationship tool” will realize it is a weak substitute for having a commitment-centered, small accountability group in the development of their Christian disciplines. It may stay active as an outlet for expression of faith, but the realization of having a more organic, face to face encounter with fellow believers for true development will replace the frequency of “having to stay connected.” (I have seen several Facebook posts about young people "fasting" from their cell phones for several days each week!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Two of the unfortunate consequences of the mega-youth models are (1) that so few members are given any opportunity for leadership and (2) so many uncommitted can “hide” in the anonymity of the masses. Problem 2 is simply “too many wolves with the sheep” and this analogy needs no explanation. This first problem however deserves some clarification. Without personal opportunities for leadership, in other words the chance to actually make decisions and be strategically involved, there is no developed loyalty, no “bye-in.” The results of this “lack of an outlet for ministry development” has already been documented in countless books, and most of us can recite the mantra –<strong> “by the time active churched youth leave for college, more than 82% will never darken the doors of a church again!”</strong> Although we’ve read this, heard this, and lamented its reality we are not currently attacking the problem at its core – connecting our youth with actual leadership opportunities within the church, giving them true ownership! Hence the forced solution of involvement with smaller, more opportunistic fellowships that provides higher accountability.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If larger churches address this issue by offering more opportunities for hands-on ministry it will curb the future departure, but the “song and dance,” performance-based student ministry model will not provide the necessary elements of true disciple-making. The line in the sand is becoming more noticeable and our young people are on the front lines of this battle. Although those of us that are older can see it, they are sweating it out firsthand. For the faithful few that will remain we must provide genuine centers of spiritual development and experience. Babysitting and entertaining them is over.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556090204953158800.post-91203197970486767142013-01-20T17:01:00.001-08:002013-01-20T17:01:41.876-08:00Shift from Non-Christian to Anti-Christian Culture<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Check out this very short description of some superheroes that served under King David! "...<em>the sons of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do</em> (1 Chron. 12:32)" Man, that's pretty much all it says about them, but they were so necessary. What they had can be summed up in one word - VISION! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t consider myself a “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">son of Issachar</i>,” nor am I a “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prophet,
or the son of a prophet</i>,” and my prognostication skills have never been my
strong suit, but I would like to look at an important trend facing the future
church. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Shift from “non-Christian” to “Anti-Christian”
Culture</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most people living today in America do not remember Bible
reading done in their public schools. They may have heard about it but have no
personal experience of a thoroughly Judeo-Christian ethic being the norm of all
of society. It dictated how the family lived, how the “village” operated, and
it was all directly connected to the church. Our society was a moral haven, not
that everyone was a Christian, but the acceptable bar of behavior centered on
the precepts of Scripture and especially the Big Ten. That is why the French historian, Alexis de Tocqueville
made the famous phrase in 1840, “America is great because Americans are good.”
Well, Lexi, times have certainly changed!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For
the last half century our common struggle has been the world’s encroachment on
our children, the humanistic philosophies stealing the hearts and minds of our
future. We have watched a non-Christian world slowly bleed out our sons and
daughters spiritually, leaving them morally incompetent and inept. Although you
may still see yourself in this fight, the times have changed yet again. No
longer are we living in a non-Christian culture, we have changed the address to
an “Anti-Christian” culture. Today we are considered wrong, nay I say, evil,
for having Judeo-Christian principles that guide our lives. We are boldly and
loudly called names like intolerant, homophobes, Neanderthals, flat-earthers,
and “hate-criminals” if we hold to the basic ethical doctrines of God’s Word. Any
moral challenge we give to an aberrant behavior from a Biblical perspective is
met with vicious outrage, even borderline violence, which is considered a just
reward. Our Christian students are not only fighting the immoral onslaught of
secular hedonism and rampant sensuality, they are fighting for their lives. One
reason most are very timid about sharing their faith is not the embarrassment,
it’s because of the popular opinion that Christians are the new Nazis. We are
no longer at odds, we are at war, and the culture is the one waging it! What
used to be a line drawn in the sand has become a rampart with bludgeoning
repercussions. It’s no longer the 90’s! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If a man makes a poorly produced “YouTube” video that
portrays Mohammad in a bad light he will spend over 3 months in jail. Would he
have been given the same treatment if he had done the exact same thing defaming
the person of Jesus Christ? Think about it. On April 7, 2009 in an unclassified
Department of Homeland Security report, “right-wing extremist” were considered
a major homegrown threat to national security. It goes on to clarify groups
such as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christians</b>, returning US
Soldiers, supporters of far-right candidates, homeschoolers, and NRA members
should be assessed as a high level of threat. The outcry was deafening and because
of that they have since pulled this report, but the fact is our government sees
us, Judeo-Christian ethic, Bible believers, as a national security threat! Because we stand for something holy we are
now guilty of hate-crimes! How long before they issue another such declaration
and there is no outcry? The new culture is Anti-Christian!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05640664204105770917noreply@blogger.com6