1/31/13
Christmas Issues
Check out the videos from Jim Staley and others you will see on this page. Then do your homework. Does it matter what it means to you, or just to God?
7/21/12
11/8/08
Countless Reasons
Here are some other lessons learned in my stint of parenthood:
If you spray hairspray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can sometimes ignite.
Legos will eventually pass through the digestive tract of a 6 yr old. However, Duplos will not.
A 3 year olds voice is louder than everyone else in the store when asking, “Why is that man so fat?” as a big man comes out of the bathroom. Their voice is also louder than anything in the store when pushed into the bathroom and blurting out before you shut the door, “Why does it stink in here?”
A 6 year old can start a fire with a magnifying glass even though a certain grown man/husband/father can’t, and furthermore swears to his wife that it can only be done in the movies or on TV. And a 6 year old can even do it on an overcast day.
Super Glue is forever.
Look, life sucks, but God’s good.
If you spray hairspray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can sometimes ignite.
Legos will eventually pass through the digestive tract of a 6 yr old. However, Duplos will not.
A 3 year olds voice is louder than everyone else in the store when asking, “Why is that man so fat?” as a big man comes out of the bathroom. Their voice is also louder than anything in the store when pushed into the bathroom and blurting out before you shut the door, “Why does it stink in here?”
A 6 year old can start a fire with a magnifying glass even though a certain grown man/husband/father can’t, and furthermore swears to his wife that it can only be done in the movies or on TV. And a 6 year old can even do it on an overcast day.
Super Glue is forever.
Look, life sucks, but God’s good.
Messages from The Men of The Way
I sit back and see no true radicals left for God. Do you? Look around at church on Sunday and see if you see any real radicals out there. No David has told the Israelites to stand up and fight and then shown them the guts to do it, lately. Don’t get me wrong, there are some great men of God out there, but where are the quiet elected men of God hiding
…church people to not act like church people. The church (not The Church)has long enough sat on the side of the road and toldA. the public: “I’ve given enough already”“Let’s let the younger people try” “Sunday is the only Christian Day!”“The church dictates God’s love and acceptance”“If I don’t agree with the Word, I’ll wing it”“#’s & $, that’s what we’re about”And B. it’s own people“This is an exclusive club”“Only top notch entertainment wins souls”“Tithing is enough” or “Tithing is just a good idea”“Cultural relevance means be like the world”“Biblical principle is secondary only to economic stability and family excuses”“It’s about the building, or the people, or the programs, or the music, or the #’s, orthe attention, or the leader(s), or the doctrine; instead of the Word
George Bernard Shaw once said, "The test of a man or woman's breeding is how they behave in a quarrel."Guys, fight fair. We all know every couple has their moments they don't see 'eye-to-eye'. Remember to fight fair.1. Always and Never statements ain't good.2. If she can't start the lawn mower, blame it on the lawn mower.3. Whether you do or don't want to do something, tell her why.4. If she has to ask "are you listening to me?", you weren't!5. Be honest, but don't be brutally honest!6. Ask yourself this before any argument, do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?
No matter what we hide behind, or how cool we think we are Satan can find our weakness. He will exploit the unobvious and bring the best of times crashing down around us. We must prepare properly and never let down our guard. He will hit you in the worst spot, the only uncovered area (like the lack of ability to do a magic trick!) when at our most vulnerable. But GOD is better
See, no matter how in control we try to be, we have no idea what God knows. It’s out there, waiting for us. Do you know what it is? Of course not! We’re all idiots about the universal scheme of things and couldn’t even handle it if we did know. So just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. God’s in control of my plans. And it’s going to be over with before we know it, literally!
War not determine who right, war determine who left.Man who drive like hell bound to get there.Man who farts in church sits in own pew.Man who lives in glass house should change clothes in basement.
Guys, love your wives. Period. Just love'em every minute you got a few minutes. Even when their jokes aren't funny, the TV's on, and the hot water's gone."The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." Theodore Hesburgh& I'll say to you the same thing I tell my daghter who knows everything, and tells me she knows everything after I tell her something: I know you know, I'm just reminding you.
What would I have felt like in Josephs sandals? Inferior? Inadequate? Useless? Third-Wheel type feelings? Proud?Was he a weinie or real tough guy? Did he do what was right? Was he ever Dad, or Daddy, or even Da-Da?
Bruce Lee said, "To become different from what we are, we must have some awareness of what we are." One of the first questions the Men of The Way asks is who are you. What would you name yourself if you could?"timid one with an eye for panic""a guy just trying to be myself""a determined man on a predetermined road""a good father when I'm there""a powerful being created in God's image to do God's work"Take some time to evaluate yourself to see where it is you need to go. Reflect and regroup. Remember to take time for yourself, just not to much time!
A man was walking with God and was given the opportunity to have a very clear conversation with Him. The man asked, "Lord, what is a millions years like for you?"God said, "A million years is like a second to me.""Well, what is a million dollars like to you?", asked the man.God replied, "A million dollars is like a penny to me."The man sincerely asked, "Father, may I have just a penny from your hand?"God smiled upon Him and answered, "Sure, just a second."Sometimes we shouldn't ask God the questions, since the answers are so far beyond us we won't get them.
Did you know the apostle John was sentenced to death in a pot of boiling oil? The soldiers who reported back to Roman Emperor Domitian said he just continued preaching from the pot! He also survived a forced poisoning but wasn't hurt (as promised in Mark 16:18). He was then banished to the remote island of Patmos. It was here he was given the vision which was to become the book of Revelation.PS He returned to the church at Ephesus 2 years later, when Domitian had died. John lived to be the oldest of the disciples, dying in peace at 80.Hang on my band of brothers!
Jesus said we should go.He never said we would come back
Acting like a Christian on Sunday? Starting prayer at the table? Opening the Bible first? Knowing the religious answers? Volunteering at the Church or mission? Looking flawless? Talking Holy? Staying clean on the outside? Being a "good friend" or not saying anything?I know how I hide. Do you?
My wife's body is brighter and more fascinating than a flower, shier than any animal, and more breathtaking than a thousand sunsets. To me her body is the most awesome thing in creation. Trying to look at her, just trying to take in her wild, glorious beauty. . . I catch a glimpse of what is means that men and women have been made in the image of God.- Mike Mason The Mystery of Marriage
Try: it is the difference between moving forward and staying still. Trying: It's what we as men of The Way are required/demanded/expected/charged to do for the love of Christ, no matter what the cost or pain or annoyance. Tried: What we can only hope to say, of every moment we were here, to our Lord face to faceThe success is try, trying, or having tried.
So at church this guy gets up and finally says aloud what he feels God is really telling him to say, and the response is equivelant to crickets chirping on a silent night. Well, he did tone it down more than I would have. I would have said for those of you already working in ministry currently (preaching, children, youth, elderly, outreach -notice I don't include choir people- or other direct ministry) can get up and we have nice thank you chicken-noodle dinner for ya.The rest of you are going to hear me speak and you should all come forward at the end.PS There will be buckets at the door to pay for the meals for those already involved and eating because you should have been involved already and eating down there also, you slackers.
Has it yet dawned on you that as disciples of The Way we have been living out a story that, no matter how bad and tragic and lonely and helpless and despaired we may get, no matter what we face and no matter what will kill us, the story ends, "...and they lived happily ever after."
The general issued a rousing battle cry: "Onward to victory!"An urgent message came through the ranks to reach him: "Need further instructions. Victory not on our maps."It's in your map fellas. Are you reading it?
Will yourself to stand ready and courageous on the battlefield. In this way, all that is difficult or dangerous will be yours.
I finally realized why older couples don't argue as much. It isn't perfection, having worked out all the kinks, or years of experience.They just can't hear each other anymore.Listen to the woman guys. Really listen.
Hey, when was the last time you found out something you never knew before about you wife? Really, when was the last time you knew something new about her?
Need to know the elements of romance:1. The element of the unexpected.2. The element of dating.3. The element of the impractical.4. The element of creativity.5. The element of the daily.6. The element of commitment.adapted from H. Norman Wright
…church people to not act like church people. The church (not The Church)has long enough sat on the side of the road and toldA. the public: “I’ve given enough already”“Let’s let the younger people try” “Sunday is the only Christian Day!”“The church dictates God’s love and acceptance”“If I don’t agree with the Word, I’ll wing it”“#’s & $, that’s what we’re about”And B. it’s own people“This is an exclusive club”“Only top notch entertainment wins souls”“Tithing is enough” or “Tithing is just a good idea”“Cultural relevance means be like the world”“Biblical principle is secondary only to economic stability and family excuses”“It’s about the building, or the people, or the programs, or the music, or the #’s, orthe attention, or the leader(s), or the doctrine; instead of the Word
George Bernard Shaw once said, "The test of a man or woman's breeding is how they behave in a quarrel."Guys, fight fair. We all know every couple has their moments they don't see 'eye-to-eye'. Remember to fight fair.1. Always and Never statements ain't good.2. If she can't start the lawn mower, blame it on the lawn mower.3. Whether you do or don't want to do something, tell her why.4. If she has to ask "are you listening to me?", you weren't!5. Be honest, but don't be brutally honest!6. Ask yourself this before any argument, do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?
No matter what we hide behind, or how cool we think we are Satan can find our weakness. He will exploit the unobvious and bring the best of times crashing down around us. We must prepare properly and never let down our guard. He will hit you in the worst spot, the only uncovered area (like the lack of ability to do a magic trick!) when at our most vulnerable. But GOD is better
See, no matter how in control we try to be, we have no idea what God knows. It’s out there, waiting for us. Do you know what it is? Of course not! We’re all idiots about the universal scheme of things and couldn’t even handle it if we did know. So just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. God’s in control of my plans. And it’s going to be over with before we know it, literally!
War not determine who right, war determine who left.Man who drive like hell bound to get there.Man who farts in church sits in own pew.Man who lives in glass house should change clothes in basement.
Guys, love your wives. Period. Just love'em every minute you got a few minutes. Even when their jokes aren't funny, the TV's on, and the hot water's gone."The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." Theodore Hesburgh& I'll say to you the same thing I tell my daghter who knows everything, and tells me she knows everything after I tell her something: I know you know, I'm just reminding you.
What would I have felt like in Josephs sandals? Inferior? Inadequate? Useless? Third-Wheel type feelings? Proud?Was he a weinie or real tough guy? Did he do what was right? Was he ever Dad, or Daddy, or even Da-Da?
Bruce Lee said, "To become different from what we are, we must have some awareness of what we are." One of the first questions the Men of The Way asks is who are you. What would you name yourself if you could?"timid one with an eye for panic""a guy just trying to be myself""a determined man on a predetermined road""a good father when I'm there""a powerful being created in God's image to do God's work"Take some time to evaluate yourself to see where it is you need to go. Reflect and regroup. Remember to take time for yourself, just not to much time!
A man was walking with God and was given the opportunity to have a very clear conversation with Him. The man asked, "Lord, what is a millions years like for you?"God said, "A million years is like a second to me.""Well, what is a million dollars like to you?", asked the man.God replied, "A million dollars is like a penny to me."The man sincerely asked, "Father, may I have just a penny from your hand?"God smiled upon Him and answered, "Sure, just a second."Sometimes we shouldn't ask God the questions, since the answers are so far beyond us we won't get them.
Did you know the apostle John was sentenced to death in a pot of boiling oil? The soldiers who reported back to Roman Emperor Domitian said he just continued preaching from the pot! He also survived a forced poisoning but wasn't hurt (as promised in Mark 16:18). He was then banished to the remote island of Patmos. It was here he was given the vision which was to become the book of Revelation.PS He returned to the church at Ephesus 2 years later, when Domitian had died. John lived to be the oldest of the disciples, dying in peace at 80.Hang on my band of brothers!
Jesus said we should go.He never said we would come back
Acting like a Christian on Sunday? Starting prayer at the table? Opening the Bible first? Knowing the religious answers? Volunteering at the Church or mission? Looking flawless? Talking Holy? Staying clean on the outside? Being a "good friend" or not saying anything?I know how I hide. Do you?
My wife's body is brighter and more fascinating than a flower, shier than any animal, and more breathtaking than a thousand sunsets. To me her body is the most awesome thing in creation. Trying to look at her, just trying to take in her wild, glorious beauty. . . I catch a glimpse of what is means that men and women have been made in the image of God.- Mike Mason The Mystery of Marriage
Try: it is the difference between moving forward and staying still. Trying: It's what we as men of The Way are required/demanded/expected/charged to do for the love of Christ, no matter what the cost or pain or annoyance. Tried: What we can only hope to say, of every moment we were here, to our Lord face to faceThe success is try, trying, or having tried.
So at church this guy gets up and finally says aloud what he feels God is really telling him to say, and the response is equivelant to crickets chirping on a silent night. Well, he did tone it down more than I would have. I would have said for those of you already working in ministry currently (preaching, children, youth, elderly, outreach -notice I don't include choir people- or other direct ministry) can get up and we have nice thank you chicken-noodle dinner for ya.The rest of you are going to hear me speak and you should all come forward at the end.PS There will be buckets at the door to pay for the meals for those already involved and eating because you should have been involved already and eating down there also, you slackers.
Has it yet dawned on you that as disciples of The Way we have been living out a story that, no matter how bad and tragic and lonely and helpless and despaired we may get, no matter what we face and no matter what will kill us, the story ends, "...and they lived happily ever after."
The general issued a rousing battle cry: "Onward to victory!"An urgent message came through the ranks to reach him: "Need further instructions. Victory not on our maps."It's in your map fellas. Are you reading it?
Will yourself to stand ready and courageous on the battlefield. In this way, all that is difficult or dangerous will be yours.
I finally realized why older couples don't argue as much. It isn't perfection, having worked out all the kinks, or years of experience.They just can't hear each other anymore.Listen to the woman guys. Really listen.
Hey, when was the last time you found out something you never knew before about you wife? Really, when was the last time you knew something new about her?
Need to know the elements of romance:1. The element of the unexpected.2. The element of dating.3. The element of the impractical.4. The element of creativity.5. The element of the daily.6. The element of commitment.adapted from H. Norman Wright
Mission Statement
I'm a Christian man overwhelmed by the need for strong men in tough times. My Church has launched a Men's ministry to help fill this need. The purpose for this ministry is to challenge and support men to a closer walk with God and to an openness that will allow a brokenness that will better enable men to be obedient to God's will and to His Word. There are men in the church who live a vibrant and intimate life for God. These need to show others The Way and be true leaders of The Fellowship (of God). There are others who are coasting. Sadly, when the coasting stops, there is always the possibility and more of a probability of rolling backwards and what a tragedy that can be. Still others have never truly felt God once. These men are the reason to show the power God can give us and be true Sons of God, to fulfill the Great Commission. We fully realize we can do nothing in and of ourselves to help men in these situations. However, with God's help we can provide opportunities like The Fellowship of The Way groups. The Men of The Way is where men from all walks of life, social status, denominations, color, and backgrounds can come humble themselves to ask themselves the tough questions. 1. Have I spent adequate time in prayer and bible study this week? 2. Have I made my family a priority? 3. Do any of my financial dealings lack integrity? 4. Have I processed any pornography or sexually explicit material this week? 5. Have I been with a woman (other than my wife)in what might have appeared to be a compromising situation? 6. Have I done anything, ANYTHING for or against my calling this week? 7. Have I just lied on any of these questions? (adapted from Chuck Swindoll) Here is our key verse: I Corinthians 16:13-14 "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, ACT LIKE A MAN, be strong. Let all that you do be done in Love." (NAS) I finally realized that being a strong man was being Christ-like, and that's what matters, being like Christ. Jesus was a guy! We do not want to replace any existing ministry or infringe on family time. Neither do we want to take away from responsibilities or teaching and preaching we need to hear. But we do want unite the men in our Church, our Community, our World to be more Christ-like. I pray you will join and promote this ministry in your church. A man, not pastor or director will rise up, like Paul, and run this gauntlet with a band of brothers. Just like Christ.
I Feel Good Enough
The plate passes by as prayers are on my lips. 10% net or 10% gross? Bonuses? Tips? Either way I feel good enough.
I hear a pair of people dissecting the pastor’s decision to take command of the services himself. I only smile to myself. And I feel good enough.
I took part in a gift offering to help children in another country. The youngest fellas I play ball with just want someone to hear their cry’s. But I feel good enough.
I give my money to help those in other lands, yet doubt those here holding out their hands. I judge them to worship false gods and, reasonably, I feel good enough.
I tell the newly divorced lady, cheated on and near tears, that I will remember her in prayer this week and year, but I’ve been so busy there and here. Somehow I feel good enough.
I want to call my old closest friend who is doing wrong again and we all know nothing will save him but Christ if he gets it before the end. Still I do nothing and still I feel good enough.
I hear a pair of people dissecting the pastor’s decision to take command of the services himself. I only smile to myself. And I feel good enough.
I took part in a gift offering to help children in another country. The youngest fellas I play ball with just want someone to hear their cry’s. But I feel good enough.
I give my money to help those in other lands, yet doubt those here holding out their hands. I judge them to worship false gods and, reasonably, I feel good enough.
I tell the newly divorced lady, cheated on and near tears, that I will remember her in prayer this week and year, but I’ve been so busy there and here. Somehow I feel good enough.
I want to call my old closest friend who is doing wrong again and we all know nothing will save him but Christ if he gets it before the end. Still I do nothing and still I feel good enough.
My Church
This is it. My Church. The Doctrine reads like this: Matthew 22:37-40 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."The History of My Church is something like this: Acts 2:42-47 "They devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and to THE FEllOWSHIP, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the Apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were saved." (NIV) & Acts 9:2 Saul is on his way with letters..."to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to THE WAY , whether man or woman, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem." On his way to persecute the people of The Way, he was converted himself by God into Paul.That's My Church.
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