Hospitality to strangers…

"No matter what, make room in your heart to love every believer. And show hospitality to strangers, for they may be angels from God showing up as your guests."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:1-2‬ ‭TPT‬‬

It is easy to show love to someone in times of disaster. Hurricane Ida just hit and people are pouring in to help. That is great and wonderful!

But what about every other day? What about the homeless man you pass on the way to work? The elderly neighbor down the street? The single mom in your office?

We must show God's kindness and love to everyone we meet. Lend a hand, share a cup of coffee and Be Blessed!

Into your sanctuary…

"Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73:17-28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Be Blessed!

My only hope…

"Lord, you are my secure shelter. Don't ever let me down! Let your justice be my breakthrough. Bend low to my whispered cry and save me from all my enemies! You're the only place of protection for me. I keep coming back to hide myself in you, for you are like a mountain-cliff fortress where I'm kept safe. Let me escape from these cruel and wicked men, and save me from the hands of the evil one. For you are my only hope, Lord! I've hung on to you, trusting in you all my life."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭71:1-5‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We are not promised rescue from every difficult situation. But we do know that God hears our cries and will walk beside us every step of the way, and even carry us at times.

As David says in verse 5: "For you are my only hope."

Trust in Him, with Him we can make it through anything and in the other side, we will Be Blessed!

The Lord is here…

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God's voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude"
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:1-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Endurance…

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Over my 50+ years in this earth, I have had my share of trials and problems. Medical, financial, relational, you name it, I have had it.

But God has stood by me through it all. He has been there to pick me up and carry me. He has given me endurance and faith.

When trouble hits, have no doubt, God is with you and He is molding you into the person He has planned for you to be. Stand strong, have faith and Be Blessed!

God’s gift to man…

"Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him." So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man's ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man."
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2:18, 21-22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God never designed us to be alone. Since time began, His plan was "family". One man, one woman: raised a family and filled the earth. That was how God designed it.

Having a spouse who is designed by God is one of the best gifts we can be given. Leading that spouse, the way God intended us to, is a great responsibility. But it is also one of the most rewarding things a man can do.

Take a moment to pray for your spouse. The gift that God has given you. A family, by God's design, is one that will Be Blessed.

Stand up for our God…

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.""
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭3:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The story of these three young men standing up for what they believe in, never gets old. They were not afraid of the consequences or the fire. They believed in the one true God and they weren't about to back down. Why? Because they had a personal relationship with the Almighty God.

When things get personal, we tend to believe in them more. We tend to stand up for it more and not back down. For example, you come at my loved ones, your going to have a fight in your hands.

But when someone comes at our God, they berate us for our beliefs, do we back down or stand and fight. If you have dove into God's word and have a close personal relationship with Him, then, I believe, you will stand and fight.

Stand up for our God, believe that He is coming to save us, and Be Blessed!

Better together…

"A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Doing life alone is tough, even challenging. That's why we need Godly counsel around us. People in our lives that we can trust and who "have our backs" when times get rough.

So much depression and suicide, in this world, comes from doing life alone. Feeling like no one is there for you. God did not design us to be alone. Wether it is your spouse or your group of close godly friends, life is much better together.

Find a warrior who will stand next to you and fight for you and with you and Be Blessed!

The lion’s den…

"So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, "May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.""
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭6:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The king loved Daniel and had placed him second in command, but due to a law, he had to throw Daniel into the lion's den. But Daniel's influence, as a man of the true God, led the king to believe that Daniel's God would save him.

The Bible goes on to tell us, that not only was Daniel saved; but the king was so impressed and happy that Daniel had been saved, he ordered his whole nation to worship the God of Daniel.

What a man of influence! Daniel's faith led to a nation turning toward God! Just one man! What would happen if all of us men of God stood up with as much faith as Daniel? Not only could we save a nation but the world!

Stand up for your faith, we are truly living in the lion's den, God will save us and we will Be Blessed!

God’s way…

"God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18:30-32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Life is tough and sometimes we wonder why we are going through something so difficult. I have failed miserably in the past and been through some tough times, and cried out 'why God?'

But what I have discovered is that God's way is always perfect! These scars and the tough times I have gone through have made me the man I am today. God always has a plan, the toughest thing is trusting that plan.

Trust God, trust His plan and Be Blessed!

Be strong and courageous…

""Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.""
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:6-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Joshua had just taken over leadership after the death of Moses, what big shoes to step into. Naturally, he was frightened. But God tells him three times, to "be strong and courageous"!

After God's pep talk, Joshua knew God was with him. He went on to lead the Israelites into the promise land.

Where is God leading you? What does He have in store for you? Are you scared or worried?

Be strong and courageous…God is by your side! Move forward into the promise land and Be Blessed!

Stand with each other…

"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As I reflect back on Men's Night, I see the need for godly men in my life. Although men are naturally loaners, not willing to share their feelings and needs with others. We men, always feel we can "handle it" by ourselves, that we don't need any help.

We don't need any help, until we do! So why not build a group around you, build a support system. Pick some godly men and do life together. Iron sharpens Iron, warriors can better defend themselves when they stand back to back and side by side!

Who are you doing life with? Stand with each other and Be Blessed!

Be that man…

"four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "My child, your sins are forgiven.""
‭‭Mark‬ ‭2:3-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Let's not consider the paralyzed man right now, but the four men who carried him to Jesus, and did whatever was necessary to see their friend healed!

Wow! I want men like that in my life, men who will be there in the good times and the bad! Surround yourself with people who will pick you up and carry you. Who will do anything to help you!

But more importantly, strive to be the man that carries the stretcher and will bust a hole in a ceiling to see his friend reach Jesus. I want to be that guy so I can Be Blessed!

Surround yourself….

"Afterward, Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to himself the men he wanted to be his close companions, so they went up with him. He appointed the Twelve, whom he named apostles. He wanted them to be continually at his side as his friends, and so that he could send them out to preach and have authority to heal the sick and to cast out demons."
‭‭Mark‬ ‭3:13-15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Who do you surround yourself with? Jesus chose 12 men that He could depend on. Men that would be by His side, support Him, and help spread His message. Even though He was the sin of God, He still needed godly men in his life.

What about you and me? Do we have a support system? Do we have godly me that will lift us up, call us out when we are wrong and cheer fir us and be by our side when we succeed. Godly me who have the same agenda as us, who share God's word with you when you need a pick me up.

The old saying goes, you are who you hang out with! Who influences your life? Chose wisely and Be Blessed!

The Lion of Judah…

""Perhaps you think I've come to spread peace and calm over the earth—but my coming will bring conflict and division, not peace."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:34‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Many people picture Jesus as a timid man, walking around saying: "Peace unto you!" And Yes He was, but He was also the Lion of Judah! He came to destroy sin and take back His world which satan had consumed!

He came to give us a way to freedom. He came to fight a war for our souls! Matthew 10 discusses how father and son; mother and daughter will be divided. We will fight each other, separated by God truth and satan's lies!

Jesus is looking for warriors to stand in the gap beside Him and fight for souls. Those may be your family, your friends or co-workers! Join us in this war, follow the Lion of Judah and Be Blessed!

Priorities…

""So above all, constantly seek God's kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭TPT‬‬

So what are your priorities? I pictured mine, then I asked my wife and I got a different answer. Eye opening!

But most importantly our priorities should be based on Matthew 6:33; above all, seek God. Everything else will fall in line then.

So take a look at yourself, then look at your calendar. See what your priorities are, and then see if God is first, so you can Be Blessed!

Accountability…

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."
‭‭James‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Who here has an accountability partner? I confess that I currently do not.

Another Godly man who we can go to and say: Hey, I messed up it I've been thinking about this. Someone we can confess our secret sins too and who can hold us accountable and keep us from doing that again. Someone with no judgement, just love and godly guidance. Someone who we can pray with and who will pray for us when we fail.

Every man needs that in their lives. Seek out a Godly accountability partner and Be Blessed!

Emotions..

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven."
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Ecclesiastes goes on to explain many things in their time. I encourage you to read that chapter.

As men, we tend not to show emotions. Pain, sadness, joy, fear, happiness; whatever it may be, most men suppress major emotions. Just because we show emotions in a healthy way, doesn't make us less of a man.

Jesus showed emotions. He was fearful in the garden before his death. He was angry at the money exchangers in the temple. He felt the pain of the nails in His hands and feet. He smiled with joy when the children came to Him.

But none of these emotions caused Him to sin. Don't t hold everything inside, be a Godly man and use your emotions to bless others and then you will Be Blessed.

Conflict…

"Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn't think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way."
‭‭James‬ ‭4:1-2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Conflict: why do we have it so often in our modern culture. Because we all want what WE want and think that we deserve it. We are not willing to hear another's opinion and rationally discuss it. And no one is willing to compromise.

This is true for family conflict, work conflicts, political and religious conflicts. Everyone feels their opinions and goals outweigh everyone else's. They will do anything to get their way.

But why not seek God and His goals? Why not take a step back, pray for what is best for your family, at your work, in your life.

Seek God's goals, not your own and you will Be Blessed!

Anger…

"You can recognize fools by the way they give full vent to their rage and let their words fly! But the wise bite their tongues and hold back all they could say."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Anger is a natural emotion, but what we do with it is what matters. For years, I was a very angry person. I was always right and would argue with a wall. My outburst of anger never led to anything good. More often than not, I and my family suffered for it.

I still deal with anger but more often than not, I bite my tongue. (Yes, I still fail sometimes.) But when we reflect God better when we bite our tongue, and be the better man.

Learn to deal with your anger, to control it. No one sees God, in a man having a fit of rage. Take a deep breath, show others God in you and Be Blessed!

Your source…

""I am the sprouting vine and you're my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless."
‭‭John‬ ‭15:5‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Have you ever tried to do something really difficult by yourself? Maybe get back in shape, or a big project at work. It's hard and lonely. We work better when we have someone helping us and holding us accountable. Someone to be a source of information and encouragement. To help lead us and guide us.

Living this life without Jesus is very difficult. We will not produce good fruit without Him by our side. Having a relationship with Jesus brings us power, knowledgeable and understanding. That relationship will help us navigate, this thing we call life, so much easier.

Let Him be your source and Be Blessed!

Joy to a father…

"The wisdom of Solomon: When wisdom comes to a son, joy comes to a father."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:1‬a ‭TPT‬‬

Today I prepared to attend my son's white coat ceremony for medical school. The joy that feels my soul, seeing him succeed, is overwhelming.

How much more does our Heavenly Father feel joy when His children succeed. When we find Godly wisdom, God leaps with joy. When we follow His teachings and walk closely with Him, He smiles from east to west.

Godly wisdom requires time in His word, time with the Father and time living out His teachings. Be wise in the Lord and Be Blessed!