How was your week? I mean really? Mine was wonderful-gonna post alot here because this week will be long and I am going to a conference on Saturday and then we are headed to Pigeon Forge Sunday and Monday to celebrate Brynna, Corley and Sarah Beth's birthdays!
This past weekend my bro, Hunter and his wife Jennifer and their son Robert were in town and we got to have dinner with them downtown and walk over at Coolidge Park. Always good to see them and I think they enjoyed Chattanooga.
They are expecting. Would you join us in praying for this child?
My week started off real well and finished extremely well but tired. Mondays are tough for me it takes me about 1/2 of the day to get back into the groove. So this week I said no more! and attacked Monday with a new focus and it went really well.
Gary (the other poster on here) and I walked Monday too and I think we solved most of the world's problems before we gave out.
So that lead to a great men's breakfast on Tuesday with words of encouragement from Pastor Mike Bower and some differences in our study on Prayer about Unction and Annointing. Very good.
Learned that Triple A Women's Services needs men to help in counseling here in town. This is something we do need to spread the word to men that have that on their heart. Bill Bennett heads this up in town and he spoke about it too. We need to pray for Bill too, he has six kids! See the link for more info. Men looking at this and have a heart to speak to young men going this is who Bill is looking for.
http://www.aaawomen.org/
Met two guys for breakfast this week that love the Lord and are BridgeBuilders at WP. At work, helped two leaders with people issues that they were appreciate of, did a leadership class, worked on a product camp coming up in New Jersey and Had a couple of discipline issues to look into and worked our sales training event for this next week.
We have good folks coming from England, Ireland, Venezeula, Mexico, Canada and several from the states to training this week. I believe this will be one of our best weeks as we have added some special things such as designers sitting in a session for what they like and don't like and two other people we don't usually have access to. Gonna be a long week with dinners and set ups but it is always fun to have them in.
The girls spring dance recital was excellent.
It was about Joseph and his life it was held at what is now called Grace Church. I am amazed at how this has grown just since the twins started in it 4 to 5 years ago. It was a neat worship service! and it is always double joy to watch Corley and Brynna. It always brings tears to my eyes to see them praising the Lord! Sarah was focused on her dance and she was very disciplined. She loves to dance and sing.
Fletcher had a "camp out" Friday night with his friends from youth. He had a good time, good stories and then slept most of the day Saturday.
Is Pollen getting to you yet? It is going to get worse before it gets better. I love this time of year just not the pollen. Local honey has been doing me really well so far this spring. Isn't it beautiful this time of year? The brown is going away and replaced with green. I thank the Lord for His thinking of the seasons to remind us of Him.
The Southern Baptists made the news this week over decreasing membership and lower baptisms. I will link you the NY Times story (you notice they are going to have a reduction in force in the newsroom this next week? could it be that people don't like the tint in the old gray lady of leaning to the far left?)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/25/us/25baptists.html?ref=us
The stats are in the this article in a link from the Dallas Morning News:
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/04/southern-baptist-baptism-numbe.html
What does all that mean? Well, I would look to the Pentecostals as to why they are growing first. Because they are. The other is demographics to me. The Boomers are in small churches all around the south and as this smaller churches start to "age" they tend to stay to themselves (I speak from three I know of in my area) and don't grow. They need to be working together to leave a legacy.
Also the article is right. When you stand on the word, you are going to have some issues with the world. I think the leadership of the SBC is clueless sometimes as they have fallen into this trap several times with the media. (ex. the boycott of Disney, the way women are to "submit"-the media doesn't understand scripture -ex. Mitt Romney's mormon faith that they did no homework about)
Mike Huckabee is a good example of "speaking" the language of the culture to them to show the inclusiveness of Christ. The SBC is "speaking" to a lost and fallen world in a language that they find offensive. I think we need to think better of how we do this in the love of Christ and maybe even learn what the pentecostals are doing under the radar of the media and some of it is Hispanic growth.
Media Focus
Tyler Owens got some pub this past week for his website and his desire to make conservative videos, way to go Tyler!:
http://web.mac.com/conservativemedia/I,_Reagan/Movies/Movies.html
You are going to see Prince Caspian right? Can't wait
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/narnia/
Ok, here are some new country songs you need to have in your playlist. I downloaded them today. 1) I saw God Today by George Strait-especially if you have a daughter, 2) Trace Adkins-You are Gonna Miss This-life moves fast.
3) Kenny Chesney-Don't Blink 4) For dads with daughters-Cleaning this Gun by Rodney Atkins
You can grab this link to listen:
http://www.ontheradio.net/songs/top/country.aspx
We were simply thrilled to watch the Dove Awards live Wednesday when we got home from church. Gospel Music Television is wonderful and a good ad to Direct TV. Here is a link to the winners, I Tunes has a wonderful page for downloads:
http://www.doveawards.com/
On being a man:
I have a daily leadership thought calendar on my desk at work that I have had for years. This week I wrote down this one and wanted to share it with you. John Maxwell says this on integrity:
"When you live a live of integrity, people listen to you and follow you. Always remember the goal of influence is not manipulation-it's participation.
Only as you include others in your life and success do you personally succeed."
May you as men continue to develop relationships with others and do life together, that in your workplace people will see a difference in you. That you will enjoy your time with your family and if you are going thru a struggle that you know He is with you. Always. Hebrews 13:8
Did I mention that He is with you?
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Church of Oprah
After watching this link below, I knew this was the main Saturday blog. Wow. Reminds me of Whoopi Goldberg's interview with Bill O'Reilly about two years ago when she said that she didn't care about facts, she just went with her gut feeling. You have to love that.
Oprah Winfrey is falling for the same thing that happened in the past to people who want to have their ears tickled and learn new things.
Notice in this dialogue and interview you will hear Oprah Winfrey say, " God is a feeling experience and not a believing experience. If God for you is about belief or a belief system then He is not God."
Of course, this is not scripturally based, she hasn't taken the time for that and right now she won't.. Watch and be informed. Know this is what Jude warned about, Paul warned about and many more.
http://www.newmanmagazine.com/e-magazine/041708/video.php
As a man be informed. As Paul said you need to know what is in the world but you are not of it. If you come across people that are pulled into this false gospel be prayerful, be full of love and the grace of Jesus Christ.
The problem with Christians today is that we aren't setting an example of Jesus with "flesh" on. Think about that. At work would people see you as someone who is a good named worker? that you are always encouraged and upbeat? Lifting others up? How can I love people more each day at every place?
More of Him and less of me. Be encouraged in your faith today. Ask God to give you more of Him and less of you....
Franklin Graham Ministries is in Knoxville next weekend. Toby Mac-Michael W. Smith and more. Here is a story about a couple with passion for those that don't know Christ:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/apr/19/running-on-faith/
Tyndale signs Ohio State coach
Tyndale House Publishers has signed Ohio State University (OSU) football coach Jim Tressel to a book deal to publish The Winners Manual: For the Game of Life.
Co-written with Chris Fabry, The Winners Manual will be released July 15, coinciding with the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Orlando, Fla.
The book will focus on Tressel's "Big Ten" fundamentals for success, blending football stories, spiritual insights, motivational reading and practical application, Tyndale officials said. The Winners Manual will also feature eight color pages of photos from Tressel's family album as well as the OSU and Youngstown State football programs.
NBA playoff start today. Haven't followed them in 15 years. Will this year for the possibilities of the Celtics and Lakers finale.
Sorry to see the Preds lose last night in OT. Red Wings are tough.
Heard CSS's Braves broadcast was out for two hours last night. Direct TV was fine.
We watched the season kickoff last night of Doctor Who on Sci-fi. It was a good episode-90 minute movie really. Tonight the finale of the last season is on BBCAmercia. We will see what the Doctor does in this third and final episode when all seems lost against "The Master." Last night the Doctor's best line was I am the Doctor. I am 939 years old and am a Time Lord. Anymore questions? Good fun.....
New movie releases:
Iron Man is rated PG-13. Sad. Fletcher is dissappointed.
Speed Racer is rated PG....Checked Plugged in for seeing Christian themes in the movies and the good, bad and ugly.
http://www.pluggedinonline.com/
Did you catch last week's American Idol when they sang Shout to the Lord and didn't use the word Jesus? I was sitting there laughing at how silly it is today to not say that name, was just flipping channels and heard them singing it and didn't know they got some flack...here is a story about it:
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080411/31905_%27American_Idol%27_Brings_Jesus_Back_to_Worship_Song.htm
I am just thankful for the exposure. There are so many contemporary Christian songs that should be on the top 40 playlists and I just don't get that. Do you?
Willow Creek has began the process of moving forward on discipleship. To God be the Glory. All churches need to be passionate about discipleship! May they be a catalyst as they have been for evangelism and small groups. May God get the glory of calling us into a deeper relationship and understand that our time is limited here...this is our training ground for heaven. May you take the calling of Christ serious in your life to make an impact on everyone in your life. Details of the Willow info is below
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2008/04/live_from_shift_1.html
May the Lord bless you today.
Hank
Oprah Winfrey is falling for the same thing that happened in the past to people who want to have their ears tickled and learn new things.
Notice in this dialogue and interview you will hear Oprah Winfrey say, " God is a feeling experience and not a believing experience. If God for you is about belief or a belief system then He is not God."
Of course, this is not scripturally based, she hasn't taken the time for that and right now she won't.. Watch and be informed. Know this is what Jude warned about, Paul warned about and many more.
http://www.newmanmagazine.com/e-magazine/041708/video.php
As a man be informed. As Paul said you need to know what is in the world but you are not of it. If you come across people that are pulled into this false gospel be prayerful, be full of love and the grace of Jesus Christ.
The problem with Christians today is that we aren't setting an example of Jesus with "flesh" on. Think about that. At work would people see you as someone who is a good named worker? that you are always encouraged and upbeat? Lifting others up? How can I love people more each day at every place?
More of Him and less of me. Be encouraged in your faith today. Ask God to give you more of Him and less of you....
Franklin Graham Ministries is in Knoxville next weekend. Toby Mac-Michael W. Smith and more. Here is a story about a couple with passion for those that don't know Christ:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/apr/19/running-on-faith/
Tyndale signs Ohio State coach
Tyndale House Publishers has signed Ohio State University (OSU) football coach Jim Tressel to a book deal to publish The Winners Manual: For the Game of Life.
Co-written with Chris Fabry, The Winners Manual will be released July 15, coinciding with the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Orlando, Fla.
The book will focus on Tressel's "Big Ten" fundamentals for success, blending football stories, spiritual insights, motivational reading and practical application, Tyndale officials said. The Winners Manual will also feature eight color pages of photos from Tressel's family album as well as the OSU and Youngstown State football programs.
NBA playoff start today. Haven't followed them in 15 years. Will this year for the possibilities of the Celtics and Lakers finale.
Sorry to see the Preds lose last night in OT. Red Wings are tough.
Heard CSS's Braves broadcast was out for two hours last night. Direct TV was fine.
We watched the season kickoff last night of Doctor Who on Sci-fi. It was a good episode-90 minute movie really. Tonight the finale of the last season is on BBCAmercia. We will see what the Doctor does in this third and final episode when all seems lost against "The Master." Last night the Doctor's best line was I am the Doctor. I am 939 years old and am a Time Lord. Anymore questions? Good fun.....
New movie releases:
Iron Man is rated PG-13. Sad. Fletcher is dissappointed.
Speed Racer is rated PG....Checked Plugged in for seeing Christian themes in the movies and the good, bad and ugly.
http://www.pluggedinonline.com/
Did you catch last week's American Idol when they sang Shout to the Lord and didn't use the word Jesus? I was sitting there laughing at how silly it is today to not say that name, was just flipping channels and heard them singing it and didn't know they got some flack...here is a story about it:
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080411/31905_%27American_Idol%27_Brings_Jesus_Back_to_Worship_Song.htm
I am just thankful for the exposure. There are so many contemporary Christian songs that should be on the top 40 playlists and I just don't get that. Do you?
Willow Creek has began the process of moving forward on discipleship. To God be the Glory. All churches need to be passionate about discipleship! May they be a catalyst as they have been for evangelism and small groups. May God get the glory of calling us into a deeper relationship and understand that our time is limited here...this is our training ground for heaven. May you take the calling of Christ serious in your life to make an impact on everyone in your life. Details of the Willow info is below
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2008/04/live_from_shift_1.html
May the Lord bless you today.
Hank
Thursday, April 17, 2008
"Reality is like fine wine, it will not appeal to children"
I read a line in a book this week that said, “Reality is like fine wine, it will not appeal to children.” Interesting don’t you think? Pause and think about that a minute……
I remember in my drinking days, that’s right…. I had those days, I acquired a taste for a really good dry red wine with a good steak. I still like wine with steak, but I stopped drinking it because most Baptist stubble over drinking and I’m a Baptist. I might add, I did have a problem with drinking too much, so that’s another reason for staying away from the evil brew. I think I can handle it now, but there are many in this country that can’t so I’ve decided not to encourage them. There may be a little wine at the marriage supper and I’ll have a glass there, if you don’t mind.
I wrote about reality a while back if you remember. I said reality was about redemption and I still believe that to be true, but this analogy about reality being like a fine wine is a good one. Life is complex to say the least and this analogy speaks to that complexity. The writer of this statement was talking about how maturity, like a fine aged wine, learns how to understand life and how to deal with it. The process of maturity takes time. The more time given to wine the better it gets, and life should be the same. God is redeeming mankind one person at a time, and one day at a time. This redeeming begins with our spiritual awakening to the fact that Christ is Lord, and that He is worthy to be followed. After that awakening the maturing begins and continues until we depart to the next life called heaven, and will continue there for eternity. We will never stop learning about the greatness of our creator, and the greatest of his creation….us in particular.
This complexity in life never disappears and it’s this complexity that leads us to make a mistake, we tend to make life into a formula. We want life to be predictable, a set of steps if you will. We want it to be something we can control. If we do this, then we’ll get this. The problem with that kind of thinking is…….. it just isn’t so! How many times have you thought if you do the right thing everything will be OK. Then something goes really bad, and you think….what happened? Life can’t be broken down to a set of rules that will give us a predictable outcome.
God did something different in His creation, something we would never have done, He made life relational. If you think about this long enough I believe you’ll agree, life as a formula would never come close to the life God intended. Relationships can be complex, but the love and the beauty experienced in them cannot be equaled in any other way. Love is unpredictable, there is no way to find the depth or width of it….. and that is why love is so wonderful.
Here’s the problem we have with this relational stuff, we just don’t trust anybody. We are afraid if we get too close we’ll get hurt or we’ll get rejected. So the solution is to make life into a formula, something that doesn’t require getting close. This leads to an even bigger problem, we do the same thing with God. If you study the life of Jesus you will see how He was continually trying to get His disciples to trust Him, to believe Him. It was totally relational. Jesus would not give them a formula to follow, He told them to follow Him. Nothing has changed, it’s still about following Christ. Trusting Christ is what makes trusting people possible. Relationships are complex, and unpredictable but rich in life.
Life will not get better as we get older but will become one of many regrets if we don’t take time to develop meaningful relationships with people and with God. We have to stay close to Christ, we have to believe Him, we have to Trust Him, then we’ll learn to love Him. Jesus said, “follow me”.
I remember in my drinking days, that’s right…. I had those days, I acquired a taste for a really good dry red wine with a good steak. I still like wine with steak, but I stopped drinking it because most Baptist stubble over drinking and I’m a Baptist. I might add, I did have a problem with drinking too much, so that’s another reason for staying away from the evil brew. I think I can handle it now, but there are many in this country that can’t so I’ve decided not to encourage them. There may be a little wine at the marriage supper and I’ll have a glass there, if you don’t mind.
I wrote about reality a while back if you remember. I said reality was about redemption and I still believe that to be true, but this analogy about reality being like a fine wine is a good one. Life is complex to say the least and this analogy speaks to that complexity. The writer of this statement was talking about how maturity, like a fine aged wine, learns how to understand life and how to deal with it. The process of maturity takes time. The more time given to wine the better it gets, and life should be the same. God is redeeming mankind one person at a time, and one day at a time. This redeeming begins with our spiritual awakening to the fact that Christ is Lord, and that He is worthy to be followed. After that awakening the maturing begins and continues until we depart to the next life called heaven, and will continue there for eternity. We will never stop learning about the greatness of our creator, and the greatest of his creation….us in particular.
This complexity in life never disappears and it’s this complexity that leads us to make a mistake, we tend to make life into a formula. We want life to be predictable, a set of steps if you will. We want it to be something we can control. If we do this, then we’ll get this. The problem with that kind of thinking is…….. it just isn’t so! How many times have you thought if you do the right thing everything will be OK. Then something goes really bad, and you think….what happened? Life can’t be broken down to a set of rules that will give us a predictable outcome.
God did something different in His creation, something we would never have done, He made life relational. If you think about this long enough I believe you’ll agree, life as a formula would never come close to the life God intended. Relationships can be complex, but the love and the beauty experienced in them cannot be equaled in any other way. Love is unpredictable, there is no way to find the depth or width of it….. and that is why love is so wonderful.
Here’s the problem we have with this relational stuff, we just don’t trust anybody. We are afraid if we get too close we’ll get hurt or we’ll get rejected. So the solution is to make life into a formula, something that doesn’t require getting close. This leads to an even bigger problem, we do the same thing with God. If you study the life of Jesus you will see how He was continually trying to get His disciples to trust Him, to believe Him. It was totally relational. Jesus would not give them a formula to follow, He told them to follow Him. Nothing has changed, it’s still about following Christ. Trusting Christ is what makes trusting people possible. Relationships are complex, and unpredictable but rich in life.
Life will not get better as we get older but will become one of many regrets if we don’t take time to develop meaningful relationships with people and with God. We have to stay close to Christ, we have to believe Him, we have to Trust Him, then we’ll learn to love Him. Jesus said, “follow me”.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Muffins
Ah, muffins. I'm not talking about the small ones. I'm talking about those larger than life ones. I have had my five year quota of them over the past few days.
Was headed to Nashville for the National Coalition of Men's Ministries Conference and we stopped at a exit that was growing this past summer when we went to Promise Keepers. {You know see what has grown}
Well, alot had. We arrived as breakfast was still on and Mimi's Cafe was open.
http://www.mimiscafe.com/menu.aspx?ID=18
You can view the muffins above in that link.
We had begun our meal and the manager came by and asked if we would mind moving as they had a business party that was supposed to go where we were at.
We didn't mind and she said -Your dessert is on the house!
Well, our server felt bad. She brought us both a four pack of muffins.
What was so special about this muffin that we carried them with us to the 23rd floor of the Marriott in downtown Nashville?
Well, glad you asked. They were our breakfast for three days!
I just love how the Lord provided some food for three meals. I still don't know what a couple of the flavors were. Neither did "Peanut."
Well, I was blessed in Nashville, encouraged, affirmed and met many men that are leading the charge with me all across the country. Will update you on some more this week. Be encouraged. There is a stir of the men's movement in a different way!
Got ideas, questions answered and learned much. Lifeway Conference Center hosted the event and I had no idea Lifeway occupied six blocks in Nashville.
While Iron Sharpens Iron is coming back to Chattanooga in September, Joe White's Men at The Cross events are starting this year too. ISI has 50 plus conference planned for 2009 and FOTC looks to be doubling from this year.
Reggie Dabbs has left PK this year and moved to Foot of the Cross. Both events are at $50 price points. ISI is going to be excellent in 'Nooga again lots of folks asking for packets already according to Jim Rice from Silverdale. Promise Keepers is in Atlanta on August 1st and 2nd and ISI in Nooga on the 13th of Sept. Men at the Cross will debut in Charlotte in late September.
More information at www.ironsharpensiron.net and http://www.menatthecross.org/Charlotte,%20North%20Carolina.aspx
Do you get depressed when Monday comes around? Check this out.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/jobs/23mgmt.html?_r=2&8dpc&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
It has been awhile since I have posted. Have got some stuff to share this week so be watching. Thanks as always to Gary for sharing. His words are meaningful.
But those muffins were da bomb.
Was headed to Nashville for the National Coalition of Men's Ministries Conference and we stopped at a exit that was growing this past summer when we went to Promise Keepers. {You know see what has grown}
Well, alot had. We arrived as breakfast was still on and Mimi's Cafe was open.
http://www.mimiscafe.com/menu.aspx?ID=18
You can view the muffins above in that link.
We had begun our meal and the manager came by and asked if we would mind moving as they had a business party that was supposed to go where we were at.
We didn't mind and she said -Your dessert is on the house!
Well, our server felt bad. She brought us both a four pack of muffins.
What was so special about this muffin that we carried them with us to the 23rd floor of the Marriott in downtown Nashville?
Well, glad you asked. They were our breakfast for three days!
I just love how the Lord provided some food for three meals. I still don't know what a couple of the flavors were. Neither did "Peanut."
Well, I was blessed in Nashville, encouraged, affirmed and met many men that are leading the charge with me all across the country. Will update you on some more this week. Be encouraged. There is a stir of the men's movement in a different way!
Got ideas, questions answered and learned much. Lifeway Conference Center hosted the event and I had no idea Lifeway occupied six blocks in Nashville.
While Iron Sharpens Iron is coming back to Chattanooga in September, Joe White's Men at The Cross events are starting this year too. ISI has 50 plus conference planned for 2009 and FOTC looks to be doubling from this year.
Reggie Dabbs has left PK this year and moved to Foot of the Cross. Both events are at $50 price points. ISI is going to be excellent in 'Nooga again lots of folks asking for packets already according to Jim Rice from Silverdale. Promise Keepers is in Atlanta on August 1st and 2nd and ISI in Nooga on the 13th of Sept. Men at the Cross will debut in Charlotte in late September.
More information at www.ironsharpensiron.net and http://www.menatthecross.org/Charlotte,%20North%20Carolina.aspx
Do you get depressed when Monday comes around? Check this out.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/jobs/23mgmt.html?_r=2&8dpc&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
It has been awhile since I have posted. Have got some stuff to share this week so be watching. Thanks as always to Gary for sharing. His words are meaningful.
But those muffins were da bomb.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
"boot straps"
Does the independent spirit, the spirit of the John Wayne, “pull yourself up by the boot straps” and the Frank Sinatra, “I did it my way”, philosophy work in real life? It seems to work really well in Hollywood.
I do not pretend to be an expert about this, but I know in my own life it doesn’t work. Life can get mighty heavy when we carry everything ourselves. The John Wayne of Hollywood never needed help, he could take care of anything and anybody. We see this independent spirit celebrated in our National symbol of the eagle. The eagle is a strong bird that flies high, and is very independent. But he flies alone, he’s a “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” kinda bird. Teddy Roosevelt didn't think too much of that bird, he called the eagle a “glorified buzzard”. Teddy was a grizzly bear man.
This kind of independence seems to imply we should improve our situation by our own effort. Most will agree that it is hard to change anything without personal effort, but there is little praise for friendship and community in this John Wayne independence.
Christianity is about personal responsibility “yes” but it's also about relationships. It’s about friendship and community. It’s about having friends who will support, help, encourage, and hold you accountable to Godly principles. Who do you talk with about the actual living and doing of Christianity? Who do you trust? Many of us struggle because we have no one to show us what Christianity really looks like. We have no model to learn from. Jesus promised us an abundant life, but where is that life? Does that question haunt you?
After I became a Christian my life was like a yo-yo….. up and down. I stayed discouraged because the abundant life was so elusive, it was like trying to close your fist around smoke that would just disappear. God began to show me over and over the importance of relationships. As I listened to God’s prompting I finally started moving out of my comfort zone and opening my heart to other men. I found out that most men were struggling just like me, and after a long search I found a few godly men who invested their time in me one on one. Things changed.
This process of finding mentors opened my eyes to something I should have seen a long time ago………… most Christian men are “pull yourself up by the bootstrap” kinda guys who dug out a somewhat consistent Christian life, but still lacks the abundant life Jesus offers.
Those with an abundant life will always stand out……….their smile is real and they make a difference in the life of others. We have to die a little and trust a lot to open our hearts for all to see………..but the light that comes in from such courage changes everything. God rushes into a heart that is open, and the abundant life begins……..
I do not pretend to be an expert about this, but I know in my own life it doesn’t work. Life can get mighty heavy when we carry everything ourselves. The John Wayne of Hollywood never needed help, he could take care of anything and anybody. We see this independent spirit celebrated in our National symbol of the eagle. The eagle is a strong bird that flies high, and is very independent. But he flies alone, he’s a “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” kinda bird. Teddy Roosevelt didn't think too much of that bird, he called the eagle a “glorified buzzard”. Teddy was a grizzly bear man.
This kind of independence seems to imply we should improve our situation by our own effort. Most will agree that it is hard to change anything without personal effort, but there is little praise for friendship and community in this John Wayne independence.
Christianity is about personal responsibility “yes” but it's also about relationships. It’s about friendship and community. It’s about having friends who will support, help, encourage, and hold you accountable to Godly principles. Who do you talk with about the actual living and doing of Christianity? Who do you trust? Many of us struggle because we have no one to show us what Christianity really looks like. We have no model to learn from. Jesus promised us an abundant life, but where is that life? Does that question haunt you?
After I became a Christian my life was like a yo-yo….. up and down. I stayed discouraged because the abundant life was so elusive, it was like trying to close your fist around smoke that would just disappear. God began to show me over and over the importance of relationships. As I listened to God’s prompting I finally started moving out of my comfort zone and opening my heart to other men. I found out that most men were struggling just like me, and after a long search I found a few godly men who invested their time in me one on one. Things changed.
This process of finding mentors opened my eyes to something I should have seen a long time ago………… most Christian men are “pull yourself up by the bootstrap” kinda guys who dug out a somewhat consistent Christian life, but still lacks the abundant life Jesus offers.
Those with an abundant life will always stand out……….their smile is real and they make a difference in the life of others. We have to die a little and trust a lot to open our hearts for all to see………..but the light that comes in from such courage changes everything. God rushes into a heart that is open, and the abundant life begins……..
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