Mark 1:17
“Come follow me,” Jesus told them,“ and I will make you fishers of men.”
The real test of a man is not when he plays the role that he wants for himself, but when he plays the role destiny has for him.
Vaclav Havel
Find your Purpose, Build Authentic Relationships, Discover the Answers to Life’s Challenges
The most dangerous man on earth is the man who has reckoned with his own death. All men die, few men find their God purpose, their role in destiny.
Life’s First Half. Typically, we are in the 24/7 warrior mode, leaving us barely enough time for anything else. Every day required increased focus and intensity, as we marched towards fulfilling our obligations and the crown of success. Mission accomplished.
Staying in the Game
Life’s Second Half. Trading in our warrior suites for the full armor of God. When the pursuit of success isn’t enough. Now what? How do I navigate the journey from success to significance? I know what I believed, but I don’t know what to do about what I believed.
The Man Challenge
No man fails on purpose. And yet, too many men are doing just that—even within the church—and the collateral damage is staggering. From the locker room to the board room, in all walks of life, men mask their pain and discouragement, unable to escape the questions boiling underneath, “Is this it”? “What am I missing”? “Why do I feel unfulfilled”? “What’s my purpose”?. No amount of worldly success or playground distractions calms that inner voice. What is at stake has eternal consequences. Jesus said “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds”.
- Growth and comfort do not coexist.
- Fear is a liar; the great unknown holds boundless treasures.
- Treasure hunting requires a lifetime of hard work.
- Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.
01/07
02/07
The Church Challenge
This Sunday, unlike so many Sundays before, he musters up the courage to walk through the church doors. He might get a handshake or a greeting “welcome”, “good to see you”, “thanks for coming” or maybe not. He cautiously navigates his way to the worship center and finds a seat, back row for an easy escape. He stares forward, making no eye contact, for fear one of these crazy Christians are going to talk to him, find him out. The worship begins, hands raised and swaying to the music, a chorus verse is repeated five times in an effort to conjure up an emotional flock awakening.
Next, two lines of kids come down the center aisle dressed as angels, the Pastor blesses them and off they go to the youth area. The lesson begins, the Pastor says turn to Ephesians 6:3, Tom, an asphalt laborer, lawyer, salesman… looks bewildered with this foreign object in his lap, I give him the don’t worry about it wave off. He stairs forward, almost motionless, as he counts the minutes. The service ends in prayer, “go in peace”. He thanks me and off he goes, never to be heard from again. He used all the courage he had to walk through the door that Sunday, motivated by pain, isolation and emptiness, and left disappointed. That went well.
Most churches aren’t equipped to serve men. Let’s help fix it. Why don’t we offer a Ministry to Men experience? A place where men are comfortable being men, and a plan to help disciple men for entry into the body of Christ, the church.
03/07
Leadership
Heavenly Father, Thank you for pouring your Wisdom, Discernment and Knowledge into me, as I daily read your words and seek you in prayer. I know, my example helps other men to be courageous, for the Kingdom and Your glory.
Every man that steps through our doors is part of the leadership team. Whether you hold a door for someone, unload a seniors grocery cart, or shovel a walkway. Or simply greet someone with a smile and hello.
Every man’s Godley mind-set makes a difference. Our growth as men comes Monday – Saturday, pursuing Gods word and putting into action how He leads our hearts. Serving one another, a cord of many is not easily broken.
Edgar Guess
I’d rather see a sermon, than hear one any day, I’d rather someone walk with me then merely tell the way, the eye’s a better pupil, more willing than the ear, fine counseling is confusing, but example’s always clear.
04/07
Relationships
No area of Man’s lives has more potential for improvement than his relationships. Most men, in pursuit of the good life, leave a trail of broken relationships. No amount of success at work will ever be adequate to compensate for failure at home. We are the sum of our decisions; we decide who’s first, second, and third in our lives. If we fail in this area, we fail completely. If you don’t have enough time for your family, you can be 100 percent certain you are not following God’s will for your life.
Building lasting friendships is no different, it requires as much forethought, and effort to succeed. The price of meaningful friendship is personal vulnerability. Frankly, few men are willing to take the risk. The fragile male ego and the complicated dynamics of a close friendship make for hard work and limited results. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Whether it’s a call from the hospital or a late-night text from a friend that’s says, I can’t sleep or a proud father calling to share some good news. Jonathan said to David “whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.” 1 Samuel 20:4
05/07
Pride is a Cheater
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny…because you demand your own way. I cheat you of contentment…because you “deserve better than this.”I cheat you of knowledge…because you already know it all.I cheat you of healing…because you are too full of you to forgive. I cheat you of holiness because you refuse to admit when you are wrong.I cheat you of vision…because you’d rather look in the mirror than out a window.I cheat you of genuine friendship… because nobody’s going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love… because real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven… because you refuse to wash another’s feet on earth. I cheat you of God’s glory… because I convinced you to seek your own. My name is Pride. I am a cheater.You like me because you think I’m always looking out for you. Untrue. I’m looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don’t worry… If you stick with me, You’ll never know.
Proverbs 11:2
06/07
Integrity
07/07
Money Trap
The world is built to take our money and keep us in financial bondage. The bible teaches principles for our financial freedom. Freedom from the debtors oppression.
- Earning: Little by Little.
- Save: Little by Little.
- Sharing: Where to Store Your Money.
- Avoid Debt: Stop Pretending
Men of M117 Company
Ch.001 - "Mark" | Wild at Heart: The Series
Mark is a man with a wild and untamed heart, a renowned artist from the Welsh countryside, who’s always felt like an outsider. As he steps into his story and faces his past, Mark encounters the wild and fierce love of Jesus, awakening a strength and passion he thought was lost.
Ch.002 - "Pablo" | Wild at Heart: The Series
Pablo, a husband and father, is reflecting on the wreckage of his life, facing the brokenness in his marriage. Journey with him as grace leads him to a deeper understanding of his heart and the fierce battle he must fight for those he loves most.
Leo is a man haunted by the silence left by his father. A basketball coach from Texas, Leo is grappling with the ache of an unanswered question—Why did you leave? In his quest for healing, Leo encounters the Father he’s been longing for, setting him on a path toward redemption and restoration.
Our Growth As Men Comes Monday Through Saturday
Be on your guard.
Stand firm in your faith.
Be men of courage.
Be strong.
Do everything in love.
Commitment to God
Relationships
Our Core Values † The Man Code
As followers of Christ, our core values guide our mission and actions. We are dedicated to:
Honesty † Authenticity
Willingness to Learn
Gratitude † Thankfulness
Courage † Faith
Work Ethic † Stewardship