Well guys . . . we’re now one-third of the way through the first year of Men’s Fraternity. The first eight weeks have gone by quickly (in my opinion anyway). I am looking forward to the remaining weeks of content before Christmas and New Years when we’ll still meet on Tuesdays but take a break from the Men’s Frat curriculum. We’ve spent the past four weeks going back in time to ensure any loose ends have surfaced regarding Dad and/or Mom and the process of healing initiated. I know these disconnected relationships, along with the accompanying failed hopes, dreams and expectations, can leave some gaping wounds causing unsteady lives until resolved.
Praise God we are not left to our own devices in moving past difficult childhood experiences. We can go right to our Heavenly Father to ask Him for strength to persevere and forgive. We can also go to God’s Word and read story after story of great men of faith whose difficult life experiences and subsequent faithfulness serve as models of how we can grow if we will focus on honoring God rather than dwelling on our loses.
I pray that those who need to address their troubled relationships with Dad and/or Mom will press through what may be a tough time. Lay your burden at the cross of Christ and ask Him to minister to your need. Additionally, let the men in your small group be part of the process by encouraging you and praying for you. If you need to address one or both of your parents in order to move forward, we will be praying with you for mercy and grace to maturely and effectively speak the truth in love. Whether or not you achieve the closure and healing you desire we will pray you will be willing to forgive and move forward.
Beginning this week, we transition to dealing with “The Now” by looking at the tendency many of us have to isolate and try to make it through life alone. Nothing in Scripture supports this approach to life, and in fact, Solomon addresses the value of friendships several times in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. I am praying that Men’s Fraternity will continue to present opportunities for all of us to not only broaden but also deepen our friendships with other men who we need alongside us in this life.
Pursuing “Authentic Manhood” truly is a quest requiring much from each of us—may we be found faithful to follow the truly masculine example Jesus set for us while He ministered on this earth—eventually doing the manliest thing ever by dying on the cross to pay the death penalty we deserve for our sin. Praise God for Jesus’ obedience unto death and the hope we have when we love Him and follow Him by obeying His commandments. Jesus is the ultimate authentic man—read His Word and apply the instruction and encouragement that has been revealed to you by renewing your mind with God’s Truth.
I love you guys and appreciate your willingness to show up each Tuesday night to hear what God has to say to our group. Thank you for your support—please keep me in your prayers that God will give me the strength I need to do what He’s called me to do in all areas of my life.
Paul
It is useful to realize that mothers and fathers are chosen by God to fulfill Gods plan for making ones physical being. They do the best they can and God allows or causes everything.
The key is to understand that God is your father/creator, not your parents.
Therefore you are loved, have purpose, and are approved.
Focus on knowing your father more fully every day as your future unfolds before your eyes.
Forgive your parents, leave the past, and move on to your God