Real Men Cry

Spiritual Food, ,

John 11:35 Jesus wept.

Luke 19:41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,

Picture this:

1977-The movie Roots; a young LeVar Burton played the role of Kunte Kinte, an African Slave brought here to America and forced to work, stripped of his identity, pride, and family. 

1989—In the movie Glory, a young Denzel Washington played the role of Private Silas Trip, a runaway slave who joins the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. He, too, had been stripped of his identity, pride, and family, now only to be in an army where he sees some of the same inequalities. 

I bring up bits of these movies and iconic scenes because everyone has probably seen them at one time or another. In both scenes, in two different movies, each character is forced to take a beating for standing up for themselves and others. For daring to say/do what everyone else was scared to do. In both scenes, the men are savagely whipped in front of a crowd, and in each case, they stood firm, looking the protagonists in the eye to say with their actions, “You can’t break me.” Then you see it, that one tear falling down their face. 

Because no matter how strong-willed, the pressure of the physical pain being inflicted, the stress of emotionally being pushed beyond human capacity, and the hurt of spiritually feeling betrayed that your savior did not step in and keep you from this all dripped 💧 down their faces in that single tear.   In a book I’ve recently started reading, The Body Keeps the Score.  One sentiment which remains consistent throughout the book is that whatever does not come up out of your mouth will come out as action in your body. This tear was coming out no matter how hard they fought but that anger it showed up in many different ways.  

Why do I bring up all of that? Because Jesus wept!! That’s right!!The most powerful man ever to walk the earth also wept…Publicly so that others could see His humanity.  He wanted us to see that Men cry and He was still the most courageous man who walked this Earth!!!

We, especially black men, have been told since slavery that it is not alright to cry, or in both of the scenes above, not to show our genuine emotions. And truly, I can say it was literally beaten out of us.  Yet, today the residue of those decades of holding back emotions and actions that lashed out in violence, addiction or other destructive habits, has lasted for centuries and were heavily reinforced as recently as in the last 75 years.  It has molded generations of men unable to display how they genuinely feel, not understanding the proper healing of a good cry. 

In both of the above texts, Jesus is seen crying at moments where we can easily see why His emotions could lead Him there (a death and a triumphant celebration). But He was the savior of the world; why would He cry? There is no need for Him to emote. He is able to change any and every situation. So why would He cry? Because He was, among many things, a teacher, and one who taught by example. It is human to cry when we are overwhelmed. It is OK to share your emotions honestly; the real lesson is that it is healing to emote. 

Scientifically, crying is a natural process that helps the body release stress hormones, reduce pain, and promote relaxation by releasing endorphins and oxytocin. Emotional tears contain unique proteins and hormones that protect and heal the eyes. 

The other great lesson that Jesus demonstrated in these two situations,  was the results of releasing pain and stress. Both times that Jesus wept, either a miracle or significant feat followed. 

In John 11:35, Jesus wept. Then Lazarus was raised from the dead. When. He cried in Jerusalem, Luke 19:41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, Jesus then prophesied about their future, ramshacked the money tables in temple and would ultimately become a sacrifice for us all; Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. After weeping for Jerusalem, Jesus would then turned around and die for them. 

God wants us to accomplish some major things in this life. After we release much of this stress we carry (alone) and the pain that we feel makes us “less than man,” we’ll find ourselves in the position Jesus demonstrated, allowing the Spirit of God to use every part of US (who we truly are) for His Glory.  

Go ahead and get in a good cry 😢

Can the Lord Get In Your Business

Spiritual Food

Luke 5:2-3 NKJV and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets.  3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

Peter was tired, smelly and most likely frustrated.  It was after a tough night on the job, they had toiled all night and caught nothing.  Have you ever worked hard, going at it hard, the right way with the right heart and yet caught nothing?  Imagine how disappointing that is, what kind of mood would you be in?  So how do you think Peter felt when this young guy hops in his boat and starts telling him what to do?  

Honestly, it was the perfect scenario for Peter to miss out on destiny.  It was at Peter’s lowest that God got in his business.  Jesus asked Peter to get back to work so that others would be blessed.  Can Jesus use your business like that, to be a blessing to others while not benefiting you. Others can be helped, healed and h, but you seemingly are not impacted.  Now obviously, Perer had been a part of one of the greatest sermons, he’d ever heard, becausehe went from not knowing who this young priest was to believing in the very words that came out of his mouth.   

Jesus however did not even give Peter time to sulk.  The word said, When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.  The minute Jesus stopped speaking to the crowd, he directed Peter to go work another shift.  

This could have gone off the rails after all Peter was a notorious “cusser” (yeah i spelled it like that).  What would you have said (with all of your attitude, all of your expertise in the business)?  Peter, I’m sure felt that way because he told Jesus they were tired and had already tried for the night (Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing).  But Peter has just sat and listened to this man, something clicked because with all of Peter’s fishing know how, understand of fishing trends and market strategy, Peter laid it all aside and said; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.  I will listen to You and do what You said.  

Will I listen?  Will you listen…then do what He said.

A Touchless Society

Emotional, Family Ministry, God Loves You, Self Care, Spiritual Food, , , , ,

The Modern Day Leper

Mark 1:41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

We live in a day of Touchless Technology.  This technology is used in numerous settings, including restaurants, stores, schools, and was especially vital during COVID.  It allows us to interact with devices and systems without physical contact and was implemented to reduce the spread of germs and viruses.  However, we never returned to interacting with each other.  I believe that while the effects of  COVID increased this trend of usage for safety, today it is used more for convenience, than anything else.  We seem to be looking for convenient ways not to have anything to do with other people.  Sad Right; yet I believe that many people enjoy the isolation. 

Leviticus 13:50 The priest shall examine the plague and isolate that which has the plague seven days.

Isolate: to shut, to close, to be shut up.  

The definition is interesting; shut, closed and be silenced.  Isolation is physically shutting you up and shutting up the community around you.  In isolation the enemy’s voice often becomes the loudest, and in isolation we remove our access to some essential needs.  

What needs: of the top 5 things that are documented as critical needs for a newborn, like being fed, good hygiene, and safety, is the Parental or Caregiver’s affection and interaction.  The affection and interaction include holding, cuddling, talking to, and responding to the baby’s needs; each are vital for the emotional well-being of the child.  Well just like for the baby, Affection is very important to us as children and adults; it contributes significantly to our sense of well-being, connection, and a feeling of being loved.  This need of emotional and physical intimacy through affectionate touch, hugs, kisses, and words of affirmation are key to grown people feeling secure and valued in a relationship.

Leviticus 13:45-46 â€œNow the leper on whom the sore is, his clothes shall be torn and his head bare; and he shall cover his mustache, and cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’  46 He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.

So imagine this leper who is coming to Jesus; this man’s body is literally deteriorating before him.  Not only the physical pain in his body; but the emotional pain of utter neglect had to be excruciating.  A Middle Aged man in Jesus’ day would be married with a pretty large family. So you would have to think that this man had been isolated from the city, from his neighbors, from his wife and from his kids.  Yet not only isolated from them, the very ones who loved him.  But rejected by them because they did not want to catch what he had.  Ridiculed by the people of the city because they treated the lepers lower than vermin.  An even ostracized by the religious leaders as they proclaimed their leprosy was tied to their sin.  Imagine being berated physically, emotionally and spiritually for weeks, months, or even years.  We don’t exactly how long this man was with this agonizing disease but we do know it was long enough that when he went and told the people and church leaders what happened many believed because they knew his condition.  

What does this have to do with Touchless Technology?  We have unknowingly created a bunch of lepers today as we in general have disconnected physically and emotionally.  Just like the leper isolated, lonely and ill repute (the state of being held in low esteem by the public).  The impact of lack of touch and affection, can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and even decreased relationship satisfaction.

Phones and other tech have replaced simple dialogue, conversation and even just being present with others.  Hugs, holding hands, cuddling, and normal physical contact is missing.  And just look at the impact below of what we miss, taken from a summary of studies:

*Emotional connection:
Physical affection like hugs and cuddles releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and feelings of closeness, which is crucial for men and women to feel connected to their partner. 

*Self-esteem boost:
Receiving affection can significantly enhance a person’s self-esteem and sense of worth. 

*Stress reduction:
Physical touch has been shown to reduce stress levels in men and women. 

*Communication tool:
Affection can be a powerful way to express love and appreciation, even without words. 

Although the technology has Changed Jesus Remains the same.  When we’re isolated and alone; Jesus is always willing  (“I am willing; be cleansed.”) to touch us!!  His touch restores and makes us whole.  

Mark 1:41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

Pleasing People

Spiritual Food

Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

Whenever I think about pleasing people, I always think of King Saul first. Maybe it is because he told Samuel that he feared the People rather than Obeying God. 

1 Samuel 15:24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.

We often pile on Saul because of this and multiple other actions, such as this during his time as king. After all, he disobeyed and had the kingdom stripped from him, was told about his replacement, and spent years attempting to kill him rather than to help train him up. Ultimately, he filed in the role of king and his role as a father. 

Yeah, that sucks, and he was terrible, and I guess as a people pleaser myself, I can relate. I have often feared what people would say and made decisions based on that fear. Usually leading to worse outcomes. Now, I wasn’t in the role of King where my actions impacted hundreds of thousands of people, but enough close to me have been affected enough to do damage. 

Why do I bring this up? I have compassion for Saul while also understanding the root of his people-pleasing. INSECURITY-(uncertainty or anxiety about oneself; lack of confidence)!! Look at what he told Samuel when he told Saul that he was the desire of Israel. 

1 Samuel 9:21 And Saul answered and said, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak like this to me?”

Saul belittled himself and his family, not out of humility but out of a lack of confidence in himself. We don’t know enough about Saul to understand why he was so insecure, but the Bible tells us he was from a lineage of Benjamites, including one ancestor who was a mighty man of power. Also, for Saul, there was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward, he was taller than any of the people. So he was Tall, Dark, and Handsome (1 Samuel 9:1-2). However, we do know that Saul’s insecurity would lead to poor decision-making that would impact people. 

Maybe Saul did not realize his lineage or how so many other people saw him, but it was very clear that he did not understand how God saw him and had selected Saul to be the anointed King and savior of Israel from the Philistines. Saul had what it took to be a great King, but that was not the case. He is known in the Bible as one of the most insecure kings of all time.

What if Saul knew what we know today, that Jesus Christ the righteous is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:1-2)? What if he knew that the Lord would say, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more (Hebrews 8:12).”

Well, maybe that is what we should remember. Maybe knowing that regardless of what we have done, God does not remember because of Jesus, and we have a clean slate because of the blood would help our confidence. 

Next, we’ll look at another Saul, who honestly is quite the opposite of this one. 

The God of Old Has Not Changed

Spiritual Food

Nahum 1:3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord has His way In the whirlwind and the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.

So I noticed this text in Nahum speaking of “The Lord.” It is the name Yahweh (self-existent or Eternal) or JEHOVAH. As I focus on the first part of this text, The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. I wanted to discuss a few quick things. 

  1. God is Merciful: The Lord is slow to anger. This is nothing new; we know that God has found ways to protect His creation from the sin that so quickly causes us to fall, whether it was covering Adam & Eve with animal skin and putting them out of the garden after their disobedience, sparing them from the potential of eternal damnation and or putting Noah and his family to work on an Arc that would protect them from the coming flood, or sending Jesus to die for all our sins so that we could live forever with Him in Paradise. God has proven Himself full of Mercy, slowing His anger to give us another chance. 
  2. God is Powerful: This goes without saying. God created the Heavens and the Earth. He created Man from the dust of the ground. He created rain and used it to flood out the corrupt world that sin had infiltrated. He repopulated the entire earth that He’d made. He parted the Red Sea to allow Israel to escape through and then used the same sea to drown and kill the most powerful army of its time. He has done miracle upon miracle as documented in the Bible and many not documented. So YES, God is Powerful, and He can do ALL THINGS!!!
  3. God is Consistent: God never changes. We know that the Holy Trinity, God (the Father), Jesus Christ (the Son), and the Holy Spirit (the Helper) were created in three different ways. We can relate to His Greatness. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the same: Consistent. He loves Us and hates Sin, which is why He was so creative in making a plan to make both principles executable. God dealt with sin consistently, punishable by death. In the Old Testament, many people died and were punished for sin and disobedience. Yet, God showed His consistency and Love in the New Testament by sending His Son, Jesus, to take on all the Sin that would ever enter the Earth again. 
  4. God is Brilliant: God allowed Jesus to be crucified with all Sin on the cross, demonstrating both His love for us by removing our Sin (there is an action we must take) & Hating Sin by destroying it forever on the cross with Jesus’ body. God showed His Mercy, Power, & Consistency in the most Brilliant move of all. He resurrected Jesus from the dead, overcoming death and the grave to annihilate Sin forever. This gives everyone alive after Jesus was crucified and then raised from the dead to take one action to determine their eternity. Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Once this action is taken, God then says: Hebrews 10:16-17 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Do not let anyone tell you that God is punishing you, that God is counting your sin against you, that if you sin, you are going to hell. That if you sin, it will keep you from heaven. When you take action (Romans 10:9), God says (Hebrews 10:16-17). Never forget it or let anyone try and confuse you. God is The Same!!!!

Generational Impact!!!

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This is from Pillar 3 of the Family Mission

Building Kingdom Wealth: (Duet 8:18)

  1. Tithe and Give Offering 
  2. Maximize You Earning Potential (Do Your Homework)
  3. Think and Dream Bigger Than You
  4. Teach Others Along the Way 

One of the things I get sick of hearing in my workspaces is how many companies are not spending due to the election.  They have established yet another predictable trend that only helps big banks and hedge funds grow because they can move the market based on the knowledge they have.  Each election since I’ve been in Oil & Gas, I’ve heard the same thing before each election (every two years); “everyone is waiting to see which party gets the White House or we need to see who is going to take over the Senate or House of Representatives.  Granted, there are some definite reasons financially you would want one party over another; however, historically, it shows that it’s the opposite of what everyone says.  Historically, The economy has prospered under democratic leadership for the past 60 years.  Opposed to what you hear.  Anyway….

What does that have to do with us and with the Word?  As believers, we should read His Word and understand that God determines our financial success.   It is God only who will empower us to build generational wealth.  He does it via HIS principles.  Not the economists, strategists, or Hedge Funds.  

Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV â€œAnd you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

We must remember that Philippians 4:19 NKJV And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  This is done  by honoring the following Holy Spirit-led principles:

*Tithing: The Lord requires the Tithe and provides us the opportunity to give offerings (this is an opportunity to partner with the Lord to be a Blessing to others).  Understanding and obeying the first 10% belongs to God and opens up the blessing on the 90%.  I don’t need to tell you all about this.  Malachi 3:10 NKJV Bring all the tithes into the storehouse That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, â€œIf I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

*Talent:  God has given each of us gifts and talents.  James 1:17 NKJV Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  We know that God has blessed us to maximize our gifts.  To do that, we must ask for knowledge/ wisdom; we must train or “fine tune” the gift/talent, not just sit on it.  lastly, we must be consistent in using the gift/talent; the Lord will give us opportunities (Proverbs 18:16 NKJV 16 A man’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great men).  When the doors open, we are to use the gift/talent.  While doing these things prepares us, we must discern the Lord’s direction; it is that we maximize we do these things we are Earning Potential.

*Thinking: Our mind can limit us if we allow it; we are Abraham’s Seed. Therefore we must think and dream bigger than ourselves.  God told Abraham Genesis 15:5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” We can never do what God calls us to do on our own.  He loves to do the most; Ephesians 3:20 NKJV Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  The Holy Spirit will empower us to exceed our greatest expectation.  

*Teaching: We create generational wealth by ensuring that we Teach the next generation and the generation after that (and after that).  Just as Paul commanded Timothy to Teach others, we are to do the same with these principles (1 Timothy 4:11 NKJV These things command and teach). We cannot be selfish with what God gives us.  We must ensure our kids have the wisdom, work ethic, and wealth to plan, prepare, and pass along to future generations.  Also, remember that it is not just for our generations; we are to share and empower others along the way.  Those we can impact and those who have the desire and capacity to follow, we should Feed.  God is a multiplier; He did not only bless the Jews but also blessed the entire world. He impacted as many who were willing to follow Him. 

These are the Principles God has given us to produce and reproduce wealth for generations to come.  However, there is one thing that we must remember when weathering comes into play: Jesus tells us just as he told the disciples of old…John 15:5 NKJV “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing.  

I’m Going Fishing

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John 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing…..

If you’re unfamiliar with this story, I encourage you to read John 21:1-14 (which can be found at the bottom). I, however, was stopped right here two weeks ago when I read Peter’s declaration these friends and confidants. “I am going fishing… He didn’t have to say another word. So, I share these thoughts:

1. What does this scripture SAY about me, Lord?  

I’m not much different than Peter; I have the same trauma response.   

OK, Let’s paint this picture quickly of what has Peter here at this point of the text.  The Disciples have just been through a world win of emotions in a short period of time.  They had walked the streets of Jerusalem behind Jesus, the Messiah, the King who had chosen them by name to be with Him and to reign with Him in His Kingdom.  The entire city was a blessing, praising, and honoring Him as they entered Jerusalem, and they were there to witness it all.  It was finally coming to pass. They had been with Him for nearly 3 years, and they were about to see the thing they had been waiting for: Him to be Proclaimed King and them to be raised up into leadership, probably the highest positions of power they’d ever been in.  

Only to see that entire dream be crushed, ripped away, and completely destroyed in a night.  The arrest, the beating, the humiliation, and ultimately death of Him who they were following, Jesus.  What a turn of events; now they are on the run for having the same relationship that was about to put them in charge of everything.  Not to mention, their friend and mentor, their Messiah, was gone.  They are completely devastated.

Then now, in the midst of their grief, they find the grave is empty.  Confused but excited because this would Signify that Jesus has been raised from the dead (they remember what He did for Lazarus).  Or is someone playing tricks? Is this all a lie?  They are not quite sure what is true and what is hopeful imagination.  They hide in this room, where they are scared, they will be killed next.  Then appears their savior, Jesus.  He is alive; what relief, what joy, what confusion.  Oh, let us hug you, only to be told no, I’m not here for long, leaving, and putting you in charge.  Wait What???

2. What ATTITUDE in my heart do You want me to change?

It is OK to be overwhelmed, exhausted, and out of sorts.  You can be human!  We feel like we have to be Superman because we are Christians with a growing relationship with Christ.  We have to power through.  

Look at Peter, his emotions are all over the place.  There is so much to process; maybe he should see his therapist.  Face it: Peter is overwhelmed and does not have the answers.  Everything he thought to be true was just flipped on its head.   In that situation with a broken heart, an unsure future, and a new position he didn’t think he would ever be in… Peter does what we all often do when physically, spiritually, and emotionally overwhelmed.  We go back to that thing that brings us a sense of normal.  That place, that person, that poison, whatever it is, whether healthy or dangerous.  It is an Escape from the present chaos.  Often, that place we went to before we met Jesus.

3. Abba Father, what lesson do You want me to LEARN from this?

For Peter it was Fishing, what is it for you?  For me, it used to be women (familiar or random) or maybe food and never really alcohol or drugs because I watched that damage many around me growing up.  I sought the women for the affection I needed (and never really got as a kid). I sought someone to hug me, maybe rub my head, and tell me it would be OK.  But back then, it came at a cost because that affection was associated with sex, porn, or masturbation.  The other go-to was having a favorite food or meal (that reminds me of a time when life was joyful/peaceful).  Both actions proved to be damaging to me, my relationship with God, and the purpose He’d created me for.  For Peter, it took him back to the place where he had no faith (toiling all night and catching nothing).

4. How do You want me to APPLY this scripture to my life? 

When we find ourselves in the same situation as Peter, it is normal to feel it in our flesh first.  However, our response should always be to get to Jesus.  There is a song by Stephen Hurd, a gospel singer who used to be my first real church’s praise and worship leader.  The title was Lead Me To The Rock.  The song’s first verse said “When my heart is overwhelmed, my prayer is, lead me to the Rock (my solid rock).  We need to get to Jesus so we have a safe space to be truthful.  Peter was going through a difficult time, but his mindset was to retreat to what was familiar.  Fishing was what he was doing before he met Jesus; what was I doing before Jesus?  What brought me peace back then?  Why go back to satisfying my flesh when I have a Rock to settle myself on?  The above-mentioned song goes on to say, “Lead me to The Rock, that’s higher than I, oh Lord.”  Jesus will remind us that His ways are not ours, not His thoughts like ours.  His plans are trustworthy even when we cannot understand what is happening.  We need to lean on the firm foundation of Christ, the Solid Rock.  

Guess where Peter was now: in the same boat that he first met Jesus.  It was where he would first encounter Christ and find his faith. It was where Jesus knew he and the other disciples would be.  Jesus knows us, what we do, where we go, how we respond, and He always shows up for us.  People don’t always show up, but Jesus does.  Even though they were lost and unsure about what was next, Jesus showed up!!!  Share what you are feeling, where your heart is at that moment, what your emotions are feeling like, what you are afraid of, because when you do, like for Peter, you will find Jesus is waiting for you, arms wide open and with the very thing you are “fishing for!!!”

John 21:1-14. https://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/john/21.html

Brothers In Christ (BIC) Golf Tournament 

God Loves You, Self Care, Spiritual Food, , , , ,

Thoughts from the weekend…

So, if I had to sum up the weekend I spent at Myrtle Beach for the BIC (Brothers In Christ) Golf Tournament, it would be this: To God Be the Glory. 

This Tournament is about God and golf and how, when these men prioritize God correctly, they can be used to Dive Deeper in our walk with Christ, disciple those looking for encouragement and practical steps, and draw those who are on the verge of dynamically changing their lives. 

Dive Deeper:

Matt 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled. When we come together as men, we are a powerful force. When we show up in numbers, the whole world takes notice. (Everyone wanted to know what was happening when these 70 men were together on one accord; they were fearful, frustrated, and then fascinated by our presence in the different courses and restaurants over the weekend). 

When we search for righteousness, the Lord is eager to remind us of what He did to provide it. He reminds us that it is free because He paid the cost and of the power when we walk in it. 

Those who come to fellowship with other like-minded individuals are always blessed. When they are opened to hearing from Christ, they will not be disappointed because He inhabits a group of men who praise and honor Him. This is when we can dive deeper into Jesus. 

Disciple Men: 

Ps 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

There were men at this tournament that were not committee to God. Some were curious about what total commitment looked like, and some were saved brothers who just needed some encouragement & practical steps that would help them apply the word to their everyday lives. They needed men who could walk with them during this short time to build relationships and would take some practical steps with them as they returned home. This is when these men who may work on their gold game pretty regularly can now work on their walk pretty regularly. Discuss practical steps that help produce discipline in areas of life that were missing. 

Lastly,

Drawing Men to Christ:

John 12:32-33 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

The consistent focus on Jesus throughout the weekend helps to distinguish the gap of life without Jesus and the eternal promise of hope that only comes with a relationship with Jesus. The real area of passion I could see is the men who showed up just for the golf and to bang out away from home. This is where God is really excited because many of these men were not thinking about Jesus, yet the atmosphere of every event and group setting is to lift up the name of Jesus. When that atmosphere is set, many of these men meet Jesus face to face and have the opportunity to say yes to a God who has been drawing them for some time. 

The week excites me, and I am looking forward to attending in the future and taking a more active role in prioritizing Jesus so that He can execute these three steps in men’s lives. 

The Backstory: Jeremiah 29:11

God Loves You, Spiritual Food, When Going Through Chaotic Times

What is a Backstory? A backstory, background story, background, or legend is a set of events invented for a plot preceding and leading up to that plot.

We should be pretty familiar with it as movie lovers. All of our favorite movie franchises eventually add one, if not more. It is the new sequel. It is where a great franchise like Star Wars wants to make more money, so they go before the movies we love to create a background of how the characters we know came to be. 

I believe that is needed here for one of the most quoted scriptures of Jeremiah the Prophet. 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Wow, what great encouragement to know that God has thought about our future and has made plans accordingly. Plans that will bring about peace and give us hope for the future. Man, that must feel good. And while this feels so good to us now, can I tell you how exponentially better it was for Israel to hear those words when Jeremiah wrote them?

We live in a very chaotic time now; fear and anxiety are rampant like never before. Both of these feelings make companies and corporations Billions of dollars monthly so there is no reason they want to see those things change. 

Well, imagine living at a time where you are living in a country where the leaders don’t serve the Most High God but numerous other Gods (easy, right; 2 Tim 3:1-6). Well, now, imagine living your life during that time, then out of nowhere, another country comes in and destroys your land, kills many people, and then takes you and most of who you know that might still be alive captive and forces you to move (walking). 

And get this: today, the distance between Babylon and Jerusalem is only 750 miles (a much more direct route). Well, the route the travelers took in those days was more along the rivers, so they had to walk approximately 1,700 miles. So you are far from home and now captive, living as slaves. A new country is demanding you serve them; they have different rules, food, and customs. Everything is different. 

But check this: not everyone was taken captive; some people were ordered to stay back in Jerusalem (some family members) and forced to live in their homes under Babylonian rule. So they were ripped apart from their families and taken miles away. At the same time, their homeland became colonized by another powerful country (sounding way too familiar, but the devil has one play sheet to kill, steal, and destroy).

Now, as you go through this transition, people are speaking and telling you what the Prophets are saying. Now, a prophet back then was their voice directly from God. Usually, the country has one or two to three Prophets known and allowed by the King to speak, and everyone listens. Well know many prophets were rising up and numerous voices were saying “Thus says the Lord” yet they were not saying the same thing imagine the complete chaos this would bring? 

Many prophets were telling the people to rebel and to try to escape and go back to Jerusalem. Others were saying stay but rebel and do only what we did in Israel. Don’t do what they are telling you to do. You do not know what the mess is going on and what will happen next. “We are doomed.” With all of this background in steps Jeremiah, who had been called and known by the Lord from before birth. His was the most respected voice as what he’d prophesied always came to pass, and everyone knew God’s hand was on him. (It would be as if Pastor Joel came to our house and told us this is what God told me to say to you…). 

First he tells them in chapter 29:4-10 to live, dwell, do life. Live the best life you can, get married, have children, dwell in this land, and make the best of it because you will be here for the next generation (70 years is what he told them). Grow and increase where you are. Keep praying to God; He will give you peace where you are and still be with you in this foreign land. Don’t be fooled by those who say they are from God, but don’t speak for him (know your Word, and no one can fool you…It Is Written Matt 4:4). In all this, once the 70 years are over, I will step in and take you back home. Then comes this most powerful voice; how much more powerful is this verse now, given the backstory??? 

We live in a crazy time; but none crazier than when it was actually spoken to God’s people. So receive this same word today and everyday to help you navigate today’s crazy. I hope this encourages you. God’s Got Plans For You and they are sooo so Good. 

Don’t Hold It In…

Emotional, Self Care, Spiritual Food

Pro 29:11 A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

I think that this scripture at its face value is somewhat of a detriment to us as men. It almost tells us do hold in our feelings.

However, Strongs defines feelings (in Hebrew rÝaḼ): from a wind (resemblance of breath); a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively life or anger; by resemblance spirit (but only of a rational being).

This word only speaks of two types of feeling and in completely opposite ends of the spectrum. The truth is we have many feelings and if we hold them in, it actually makes us more likely to be angry, bitter or frustrated. Solomon was the wisest man next to Jesus but whoever interpreted this for us didn’t do us a real favor.

Now with that being said the word for feelings here is mostly negative so he is smart to tell us not to vent all of those because that causes contention, consternation and sometimes chaos. So while I get the message from Solomon, I wish I would not have taken it so literally.