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How does a Christian man rise to the next level? A level he longs for. One of greater intimacy with Christ while fulfilling his part in the "Great Commission." The answer lies in a trait we find in great men of God. One that's helped many gain ground for Christ at every turn. The trait, at first glance seems reserved for the Davids, Pauls and Peters. That Trait is Passion. These Saints had the Passion of God for God. But as we look closer, we find it not so allusive, but obtainable. Passion is the indicator of God's calling and precursor to commitment. Passion is the fuel to the machine called perseverance. "Passion is the emotion of purpose". These men of the past understood what today's Purpose Driven Man knows: Without passion, pursuing your God given call in life is impossible. (See "The Purpose Driven Man" article). I have been invited to come speak to men about leadership and small group dynamics. Yes, finding the guy is vital. Equipping leaders and teaching team dynamics are a must. But, very rarely do I get asked to speak on God's role in giving men purpose while allotting faith (permission) to be passionate about their walk with Him. It's putting the cart before the horse and the reason men's groups go through their 6-18 month failure cycle. Passion starts with God, not us. The heart, not the mind. The spirit's call, not the flesh's fufillment. It starts first with purpose, then permission which bookends faith, which comes by hearing. Romans 10:17. Some years after my conversion, I sensed God wanting me to pull guys together to start a Bible study. I felt the tug. I was supposed to do this, but lacked the heart and permission to do so. At that time I was meeting my friend Richard twice a month for Bible study and accountability. I shared my heart and what I believed God wanted. He looked right at me and said, "That is what I think you are suppose to do too." Bang! Permission Granted! (faith comes by hearing). Mentors like Rich, the late Dr. Edwin Louis Cole and Promise Keepers founder Bill McCartney listened to my questions and confirmed what God put in my heart. I left each with permission to faithfully risk more of me, for more of God. Guess what came? Passion for the purpose he put in me. Soon thereafter, God4me Men's Ministries started, which today supports thousands of men in small groups giving each other the faith to succeed. Men do not risk because they do not trust. They do not trust, because they constantly struggle with the knowledge of where they end and God begins. Only another comrade in battle can help you believe enough to risk. You see, without permission (like faith) we cannot step out or risk for God. The world yells, " Be normal like us", while a small band of brothers will give you the permission needed to take some mountains for God. Permission comes from an intimate ally, a friend or small group sewn together by their need and desire to grow in Christ. Joy shared is doubled while trouble shared is cut in half as we bear one another's burdens. God intends for us to weave our lives together. The Bible calls this fellowship. Fellowship is experiencing life together. With our guys, we hear each other's stories (Revelation 12:11). We discover each other's strengths and weaknesses. We learn to walk with God together. That includes unselfish comforting and all the "one another" commands found in the New Testament. "Love one another", "Encourage one another", "Forgive one another" are but a few them. We pray for each other, we cover each other's backs. This small core fellowship is the essential ingredient for the Christian life. Jesus modeled it for us with the twelve. He lived in a little platoon, a small fellowship of friends and allies. When it comes to Men's groups, size matters: smaller is better. Every man needs to be involved in a small group. Hopefully this is through your local church, but if not, it must be hotly pursued within the body. This is where real community takes place. It's the book of acts all over again! Meeting, sharing and praying. A true fellowship is something you have to fight for. You'll have to fight to get one and you will have to fight to keep it afloat. Believe me, you will fight. The enemy knows how powerful we become with these allies. He will come against you and your guys. Self-deception is Satan's lead weapon against us. He is the father of lies who knows, "A lie believed becomes a deception lived". The only way to combat this attack is with some close friends. Man of God we need each other. We need brothers in arms who will fight for us. Someone who prays for you. A guy who loves you enough to read your face and ask, "you OK man"? One that fights for you, and even against you, for you. God made you to fellowship with a band of brothers to walk with you on the mountaintops, and if need be, carry you through the valleys. I pray that you prayerfully pursue this as God directs you. God4me Men's Network is a National alliance of Churches and Men's groups systematically training and assisting men in their pursuit of significance and purpose. "Discipleship Boot camps" are forums to provide encouragement, instruction and fellowship for the transformed man. Anointed speakers help men replace the lies of the world with Biblical truth. Upbeat and practical topics such as "Brainwashed", "A Man's Wild Heart", "The Purpose-Driven Man", and "As a Man Thinketh" are presented in a user friendly environment where men are free to "hear and respond". Movie clips and skits are used expressing the practicality of the topics. Food is served for time in fellowship, and short interactive workshops create a dynamic effective arena for change in men. Please visit Invasion for up to date information on events. Additional Information: God4Me Articles Please Visit: God4Me.com |
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