Category: Wildman Journey (Page 55 of 85)

“Man up” to me means taking responsibility for my actions, words and attitude. But at times I want to run from my responsibility in my most important relationship, that is, with my wife. Recently, I had to admit to myself that I was “pushing my wife away” emotionally.  I did not want to “man up.” I realize that part of  becoming one flesh with my wife, means I carry the awareness of her  in the deepest part of my inner life.  Scripture exhorts husbands, “to love their wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his wife loves himself” (Eph 6:28).   Since I am an “embodied soul” my wife’s presence resides within me.   But there are times when I want to push her out of that inner space.  Can any men relate to this “pushing away.”  So what did I do?

Well, if I am to love my wife as my own body, I have to admit, embrace and deal with what is going on emotionally regarding my wife. It was harmful. I am reminded, “”No one abuses his own body, does he? No, he feeds and pampers it” (Eph. 5:29 – Message). My wife is a wonderful helpmate. But there are times I just want to push her away.  I know it is wrong, but I still do it.  Why?  Obviously it is because I am reacting to her. So I had to “man up” and tell my wife what was going on in my heart, in that  inner space where she abides, since we are “one flesh.” Jesus tells me, “they are no longer two, but one flesh” (Matt 19:6).  No being honest, while pushing her away puts real strain on that “oneness.”

My pushing her away, confuses my wife.  She wonders what she has done wrong.  “Why is he seem so distant and out of reach.” she wonders .  My withdrawal cause her to act in kind.  Soon there is an emotional gap between us.  A wife can become insecure, causing her to respond inappropriately. The gap grows, becoming deeper and wider, if it is not repaired.  This is when I have to “man up.”  I need to reach out across the gap, by humbling myself and telling my wife what going on in my soul.

I am to love my wife the way Jesus loved the church, Listen to how the Message puts it (Eph 5:25-28). “Husbands, go all out in your love for our wives, exactly as Christ did for the church – a love marked by giving, not getting.  Christ’s love makes the church whole.  His words evoke her beauty.  Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk radiant with holiness.  And that is how husbands ought to love their wives.  They’re really doing themselves a favor – since they’re already ‘one’ in marriage.”  Wow!  These words are convicting to me.  Words like “go all out” and “giving.”  My words should invoke the beauty I see in my wife.  This includes more than physical beauty.  All I do and say should be done with the intent of bringing the best out of my wife.  My love is meant to promote wholeness and holiness in “my bride.”

This is a tall order that husbands can never fullfill.  It is meant to keep us humble and totally dependent on the Lord. Remember  we do ourselves a favor in loving our wives since we are “one” in marriage.  We are told, “Husbands provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing” (Eph 5:27 – Message).  I am learning to “cherish” my wife, by caring for her.

Michael Card was in our church recently. Michael’s  music has a spiritual depth that causes the listener to  reflect on the spiritual journey.  Card is also a very good bible teacher.  While in our church in Hackensack, Mn., he conducted a bible conference on the  gospel of John.  But what impressed me most about Michael Card was his character.  He is a genuine humble man, who is able personally to connect with ordinary people. A phrase he used as stuck with me.  For a deeply held conviction, he would say, “for that I can take a bullet.”  For what would you take a bullet?  I would for the following.

First and foremost is a high view of Scripture.  Simply put –  Scripture is God’s inspired Word to us, our final authority in matters of  faith and practice.  I have never wavered in this commitment. Early in my walk with God I memorized II Tim. 3: 16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  Men, I encourage you to call into question any teaching in the church that does see Scripture as the final authority.  Let Scripture be your guide, light and compass as you navigate “the spiritual minefields” of our culture.

Secondly, the Triune  God of grace.  God has chosen to reveal himself as three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, living in perfect harmony and love.  I like to visualize the activity of the Trinity as coming from the Father, through the Son, by the presence of the Holy Spirit.  God is One God, yet has expressed himself in a community of three equal persons.  C.S. Lewis calls it “The Great Dance.”  Men, we are invited to participate in this dance.  For me this makes the Trinity not a doctrine but a relational reality.  I have always told folks, “don’t mess with the Trinity and you will be OK in your view of God.”  Remember you are invited into the great dance.

Thirdly, the message of the cross.  Early in my ministry I took to heart the word of Paul, “For the message of the cross, is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (I Cor 1:18).  There is power in the message of the cross.  I have never tired of pointing people to the foot of the cross.  At the cross our sins are forgiven and we find deliverance and healing for our souls. Men, I simply say, “Bring your burdens to the cross and leave them there.”  I often quote I Peter 2:24, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.'”

Finally, the beautiful summary of our faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed.  As a former Lutheran Pastor, I would lead the people weekly  in confessing  our faith by reciting the Apostles’ Creed.  We would alternate with the Nicene Creed. Yes, it could become rote. But I would often remind the congregation that in the creed we have expressed in three articles relating to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a concise expression of our faith.  You can’t go wrong if this is what you really believe about the revelation of God.  I encourage you to memorize the Apostles’ Creed.  I would take a bullet for the Apostles’ Creed – yes, every word.  The early church fought for those words.

Camille Paglia has been called an “anti-feminist feminist.”  “Anyone who has been following the body count of the cultural wars over the past decades,” one observer noted, “knows Paglia.”  In a recent interview she was critical of the feminist movement. “”I don’t feel that gender is sufficient to explain all of human life.  This gender myopia has become a disease, a substitute for a religion….It’s impossible that the feminist agenda can ever be the total explanation for human life.  Our problem now is that this monomania….sees everything through the lens of race, gender, or class – this is an absolute madness…gender identity has become really almost fascist.”  I agree.  The days to come, in my opinion, will see an intensification of “the gender wars.”

Remember God, the creator, has the first and final word on gender.  “When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.  Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and called them man when they were created” (Genesis 5:2).   Listen to the words of philosopher Peter Kreeft: “The masculine and the feminine are cosmological.  They are not limited to humans, or even just animals.  Every language that I know of, except English, has masculine or feminine nouns….the sun and moon, the day and night, the water and the rocks….but most today think this is a projection of our sexuality into the universe.  That makes us strangers to the universe.   The God who invented human sexuality also invented the universe; the two fit.  It’s a much happier philosophy: we fit the nature of things.”

So how do men practice this happier philosophy, which our culture has lost?  First, Don’t let the blind rage of the extreme feminist movement and the gender wars blind you to the wonder of God ‘s design  for male and female.  Celebrate your uniqueness as masculine, created in God’s image. Learn from your elders to embrace your authentic masculine energy.  Don’t  apologize or deny who you are.  Secondly, come an honest recognition of your need to receive affirmation of your masculinity, by coming to the Father, through the Son by the Holy Spirit.  Allow yourself to be “drenched” in the love of the Father.  It is vitally important that every male follower of Jesus become secure in his masculine soul.  Thirdly, out of this sense of inner assurance embrace the feminine side of your personality. “A man who is secure in his gender identity will have a healthy masculine gender identity as well as the balance of the complementary feminine.” (Richard Rohr) Without this balance we lose the good of the masculine.  As a result many women have suffered.  Fourthly, learn to live with this balance in your life, while discerning the balance in women as well.   It is dangerous for either a man or woman to be out of balance.

A short testimony –   I have lived with an understanding of this balance in my life for over 25 years.  I have come to a healthy affirmation regarding my masculine side, while also embracing my feminine compliment.  My blend or balance is unique to me as created in the image of God.  I celebrate this uniqueness while rejoicing in how other men are different from me.  It has also helped me understand the healthy feminine, while seeing the distortions of the feminine out of balance in  women.  I close with these words from Leanne Payne who has been such a help to me.  “A culture will never become decadent in the face of a healthy, balanced masculinity.  When a nation or an entire Western culture backslides, it is the masculine which is first to decline.”

I have to write a blog about the epic song, “American Pie” which reached the No. 1 spot on the charts back in 1972.  It is in the news recently because the lyrics were sold at auction for $1.2 million.  Don McLean has now begun to explain some of the meaning behind his song.  I was a youth director in a large suburban church in the Twin Cities in 1972.  Like so many others, in those days, I shared my  interpretation to the song as I worked with teenagers, seeking answers to their troubled lives through scripture and a relationship with Jesus,  Those were the days of the “Jesus Movement,” when we had a revival among the youth our Lutheran church

For me the most important lyrics were near the end of the song: “I went down to the sacred store/Where I’d heard the music years before/But the man there said the music wouldn’t play –  And in the streets, the children screamed/The lovers cried and the poets dreamed/But not a word was spoken/The church bells all were broken –  And the three men I admire most/The Father, Son and Holy Ghost/They caught the last train for the coast/the day the music died.”

Men, in my humble opinion these were indeed prophetic words. McLean wants people in 2015 to know that his song was not a “parlor game.”  “Basically in ‘American Pie’ things are heading in the wrong direction,” McLean wants us to know.  “It is becoming less idyllic.  I don’t know whether you consider that wrong or right, but it is a morality song in a sense.”   At almost 70, McLean believes, “There is no poetry and very little romance in anything anymore, so it is really like the last phase of  ‘American Pie,'” which ends with “This’ll be the day that I die.”  I interpret this to mean, a quiet desperation is settling into the  soul of America.

I remember well quoting II Tim 4:3-4 to those kids during our revival time.  I was a young 30 year old pastor in my first church.  I wanted them to be anchored in the word of God not popular culture.  Sadly some of those young people, who were part of the  “Jesus Movement” are no longer following Jesus. “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.  Instead , to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears wants to hear.”  The Message says, “…people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food – catchy opinions that tickle their fancy.”

It could be some of  men reading this blog were part of the “Jesus Movement” back in the 70’s.  I know the song brings back a lot of memories for me.  I was blessed to be a part of a genuine revival among youth in Edina, Mn.  I will never forget those days of the sovereign move of God’s Spirit.  I also am thankful in retrospect that I believed, taught and pleaded with the kids to stay true to God’s Word.  Over forty years later, I say again, “keep your heart open to Jesus and the truth of his Word. Scripture is your anchor, compass and light during these times.  I often quoted Is 55:11 as a promise to which we can cling. “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”  Thank you Jesus, for helping me to cling to your word all these years.  Amen

I am preaching for my pastor next Sunday ( first Sunday after Easter).  The text is  20:19-23.  Working with the text, I sensed I should write a blog about men and our “closed doors.”  Jesus appears to his disciples on the evening of the resurrection.  “The doors (were) locked for fear of the Jewish leaders.”   But in spite of the locked doors, “Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!'”  The disciples are confused, disappointed, and  fearful that they would be taking away by the Roman authorities. But here Jesus is standing right in their midst.  After showing them his hands and side the disciples were “overjoyed.”  His small band of followers went from being afraid to being overjoyed.  Realizing Jesus was present, the disciples began to change in their attitude.

We all develop “closed doors” to our inner life when we are afraid.  It’s natural to protect ourselves from hurt and misunderstanding, by barricading ourselves in what we imagine to be a “safe and secure” space.  Fear prompt us to behave in way that hinder healthy relationships with God and others.  We form restrictive boundaries as we become more cautious and suspicious.  We limit our interactions by avoidance or compulsion.  Other notice we are more vigilant and guarded.  In the process we become more controlling in our relationships.  Our fear can come from within, rather then from outside circumstances. We don’t realize that Jesus is actually present even behind our “closed doors.”

An observation made by David Benner has been of  great help to me .  “(1)  fear occurs when the human spirit is afraid of itself, (2) fear is often a substitute for guilt, and (3) guilt always results in an inhibition to love.”  I was afraid of myself.  I feared the “anger” in my heart.  My anger self was an enemy because I could not admit the angry stored in my heart.  I inflicted on my family and congregation with a kind of “floating bitterness.  My spiritual friend at the time, asked me how I felt when I was anger.  My immediate response was “guilty.”  He helped reassure me that my anger was a natural response to life.  It was what I did with that anger that mattered. Because I was harboring unresolved anger  I could not believe God loved me. I felt guilty. Therefore, I was on a “treadmill” of trying to win God’s approval, while feeling a guilt deserving of punishment.  What emotions are do you harbor that make you fearful of yourself?

I could accept that I was an “angry” man.  I did not have to pretend to be a synthetic, caring person.  I slowly was able to stop “performing” for the Lord, while becoming more authentic and honest.  The realization that I was afraid of my own emotions, broke a “log-jam” of other hidden emotions that I could not accept.  It was liberating to understand at the heart level, that God loved me in all my vulnerability and shame.  His unconditional love for someone such as me has become the “spiritual mantra” of my journey ever since.

Men, don’t allow yourself to get barricaded  behind closed doors. Like me, when you allow yourself to admit those emotions inside that make you fearful of yourself, you will feel like a child who needing to be held in reassurance and love.  That is exactly what Jesus does for you.  He will receive you in your fearful, wounded, broken condition and bring you to the Father.  There, as a frightened child,  you can rest in the father’s love.  Remember Jesus words, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:4).

The Michigan State Spartans is going to the final four!!!. Many of you know I am a Michigan State fan, since Tom Izzo, like me, is a native UPer (native to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan).  State was not expected to get this far in the tournament, especially after the Wisconsin loss.   Izzo said the Louiville win was one of his most satisfying victories.  After the game, I was quite emotional.  I wondered way.  I went for a pray walk.  This is what I sensed the Lord telling me to say.  You be the judge regarding my discernment.

Could the Spartan victory be a spiritual metaphor for the readers of this blog.  March Madness is a yearly sports event the captures the male imagination. Not only do we enjoy watching the furious competition, but we love to predict who will be winners.  Based on strengths, weaknesses, and sheer hunches men fill out their brackets.  I believe God is calling men to harness their competitive nature into the great spiritual battle that is being waged in our nation.  God wants to capture the imagination of  “tough and tender” warriors to become involved.  Where are the strong, courageous, loving men?  “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.  For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it will certainly come and will not delay” (Hab 2 2-3).  Here is an application of the metaphor

“How much do you want it?’  The teams that win, “let’s it all out on the floor.”  There is no second chance. Teams work through the adversity.  Men get caught up in the intensity of the games. But what about spiritual adversity?  This is not a time to pamper male egos with a “soft message” of enculturation to a society becoming ever hostile to the message of Jesus.  How many men have fallen asleep?   God is calling out  committed men to band together in small ‘”teams”  to make a difference right where they live. Ordinary men concerned for their families and communities. My advise: find or form your team.  But be warned, there will be adversity.  The days ahead will not be for the men who “sits on the bench.”   Jesus warned, “Because of the increase of wickedness the love of most will grow cold” (Matt 24:12).  But victory is ahead.  He promised, ” Everyone will hate you because of me.  But not a hair of your head will perish.  Stand firm, and you will win life” Luke 21: 18-19).

How about coach Izzo?  After the loss to Wisconsin, he had this to say to his critics.  “I’m going to coach my team for now – not for the media, not for recruiting.  I’m going to coach it for what’s right and what’s wrong.”  I admire coach Izzo.  He know how to motivate his team.  He connects with his players.  He get the best out of them at the right time (March madness).  Men, Jesus know what time it is and how get the best out of us.  He will see us through  as we follow his lead. We are to give  our very hearts to him. Are you willing to trust Jesus with you life or are you asleep at the end of the bench?   Jesus warned us: “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed.  Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Mark 13:7).  “Everyone will hate you because of me,” Jesus tells us, “but the one who stand firm to the end will be saved” (Mk 13:13).

Recently I read an article in National Review on line entitled “Being nice to women is a sign of sexism.”  “If you’re a man who smiles at women and makes an effort to be kind to them, you’re probably an ‘insidious’ and ‘treacherous’ sexist,” according to a study conducted by researchers from Northeastern University in Boston. What has been thought of as acts of chivalry are now considered signs of “benevolent sexism.”  “Sexism can appear very friendly and very welcoming but it really is acting like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”  The study suggested that “sexism can consciously or unconsciously cloak itself in friendliness.”  “Gestures of good faith,” professor Judith Hill believes, “may entice women to accept the status quo in society because sexism literally looks welcoming, appealing, and harmless.”  Is chivalry a danger for women in our society?

As I wrote in my last blog, men are confused about how they are to behave towards women. The opinions of this study only add to the confusion.  I can not imagine how confused a young men must feel in our culture when they  desire to act in godly manner  to the opposite sex.  If we are ever to get the relationship between men and women right we have to go back  to the beginning, to the Creator, who made male and female in his image.  We read in Genesis 2:18, “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.'”  Adam had no “suitable companion.”  “So God put him to sleep and took a rib out of him. God then used the rib that he had taken from the Man to make Woman and presented her to the Man” (Gen 2:22 – Message).

Genesis puts the “gender wars” into proper perspective.   First, Man and woman were to have a complimentary relationship.   Paul reminds us that, “Adam was formed first, then Eve” (I Tim 2:13).  God’s intention was for Adam  to see Eve as his compliment, since she came from him.  She is his helper, not another man but a wo-man.   She is equal but different.  So lets celebrate the difference and learn to honor, respect and value woman  in thought, word and deed.  This begins with our wives. “Husbands’ ” Paul says, “ought to love their wives as their own bodies” (Eph. 5:28).  No sexism here, simply the highest regard for the feminine. Godly men are not threatened by their compliment, but rather embrace the uniqueness of the feminine

Secondly, God intended Eve to be Adam’s soul mate.  Adam in his loneliness was looking for companionship in creation.  After seeing Eve, Adam’s words, “Finally! Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh,” implied something like “wow, she looks great!”  God intended that men be infatuated by the beauty of women and express it, especially to our wives.  She is captive to your genuine praise.  This is not sexism.  It’s built right into the relationship between man and woman.  Aspire to be a godly gentleman.

Thirdly, we read in Genesis 2:22 that God brought the woman to man.  Adam replied by saying, “she shall  be called, ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.”  Here we see Adam taking the initiative in the relationship.  Men, don’t let the feminist agenda shame you into not taking the initiative in expressing honor and respect for the woman in your lives.  It begins with your wife.  My testimony through many years of marriage and relationship building, is that woman respond to healthy praise and respect.  Men are meant to initiate.  Women will respond in kind, if we are Christ like in our relationships.

Jane Fonda in a recent interview had some choice words for men. “Man power,” she maintains is, “wounded now but there’s nothing more dangerous than a wounded beast, thrashing about, flailing its tail with the barbs on it, and a lot of people are really getting hurt badly.”  Further, “Hanoi Jane,” believes, “the most intractable problem that humanity faces is the problem of patriarchy,” which she partly blames for the rise in terrorism and the destruction of the environment.   Ms Fonda may be partly right in her observations, but as a radical feminist she is blind to the demise of a healthy masculine model needed for young men to emulate during the gender wars of our time.  Only emotionally healthy, godly men can model this, not the angry feminist protest. I  offer two observations, as one called to strongly protest the psychological and social overreach of the radical feminist movement.

First, it is true that men are wounded.  Young men have been taught to question their own masculinity, suppressing their God give instincts, while enduring “a frowned-upon presence” in society.  Men are expected to be “girly men” – less competitive and more sensitive.  As one observer put it, “In trying to empower the girls, we implicitly sent a message that the guys were not as good.  Women succeeded in creating positive new roles for themselves.  What we haven’t come up with is what a positive image of man would be.”  That is why men are wounded.  The passion of this blog is to address this wound.  Yes, Ms Fonda, I too, worry about men becoming dangerous when they are wounded.  How do we heal the wound?

Secondly, I agree that a distorted patriarchy has done much damage in our culture.   Many women have suffered because of male abuse and unhealthy dominance.  But we can’t eliminate the God given purpose for the healthy male presence and hope to improve culture.  At the heart of what it means to be a man is living selflessly,  putting one’s greatest strength at God’s disposal, while  serving others (servant leadership).  That’s healthy patriarchy!  A healthy culture needs men who out of submission to Christ, motivated by godly compassion, are willing to sacrifice by leading, providing, protecting and living transparent lives in humility and honor.   This is what healthy patriarchy provides.  Otherwise, we face the demise of our culture as it becomes more  feminized, having lost the true expression of the masculine.  Radical feminism cannot restore a benevolent patriarchy.  It has to be modeled by other men.

So how do we model a wholesome  masculinity in our culture bring healing to men and expressing a healthy patriarchy?  I have two brief comments.  First, men give your life to Jesus Christ.  When a man comes to Jesus in his brokenness and confusion, living in a culture that despises any model of patriarchy, you will find healing for your masculine soul. The more transparent and honest you are before the Lord in the company of a “band of brothers,” the more whole you will become.  Surround  yourself with other “wounded warriors.” Secondly, affirm, celebrate and emulate a healthy patriarchy.  Look to Jesus as your model. Find other older men who have “walked to walk.” (Here’s a suggestion)  Find confirmation of a godly patriarch, by asking his wife about his character.  That is the real test.

Here is a good watch word for men who emulate godly patriarchy. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love” (I Cor 16:13 ESV).

In the soul of many men is a “willed aloneness” in which men feel separated from God, from others, and from even themselves. Men can get wrapped up in their “self-referencing self” – drifting through life like an orphan… alone, abandoned, and afraid.  A quiet despair reveals men who feel fatherless, lost in the rush and complexity of modern life where relationships are sacrificed on the altar of self-importance, success, and efficiency.  The story of a three-year-old boy crying in his bedroom on a cold, stormy night reflects this sense of abandonment:  “Daddy,” the boy cried, “talk to me!  I’m afraid because it’s so dark.”  His father answers him from another room: “What good would that do? You can’t see me.”  “That doesn’t matter, Daddy,” replies the child. “When you talk, it gets light.”  Like this child, men who live self-enclosed lives long for the reassurance of God’s presence. Lonely men need to be fathered by their heavenly Father.

Jesus had one mission in his work on earth: to do the will of his Father. A part of that work was to bring us back to our Father. He said, “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does” (John 5:19).  Jesus’ intention was to please his Father. “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgement is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me” (John 5:30).

Jesus promised not to leave us orphaned: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18).  He said He is the way.  “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  Men, if we keep our focus on Jesus, committed and surrendered to Him, He will lead us back to our heavenly Father. We can stand in the presence of our Father without condemnation, with Jesus as our mediator.  Paul reminds us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).  So as we read in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

In his high priestly prayer from John 17, Jesus prays to His Father: “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world” (v. 6). “I pray for them,” states Jesus.  “I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours” (v. 9).  These words should assure us that Jesus is attentive to our sense of abandonment.  At the end of this prayer Jesus makes a most profound promise that should be a bedrock conviction for all followers of Jesus. “I have made you known to them and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” (v. 26).

Men, take verse 26 to heart. Jesus promises to make the Father known to us. There is no need to feel orphaned and fatherless. Even more inspiring is Jesus’ assurance that the very love the Father had for him might be in us along with the very presence of Jesus.  So again I say, keep your focus on Jesus.  He will bring you back to the Father and His Father’s love for you.  Let yourself be “fathered by God.”

Recently Judy and I hosted a “wildman Saturday.”  This group has been meeting for over seven years.  It has caused me to often ask the Lord, “What do you want to do among these men?”  Within the last year I began to wonder if the group should disband.  But in the last few times, there has been a new stirring of the Spirit.   I wonder, is there a “new stirring” occurring among committed men in our culture, hidden from public awareness, but becoming a leaven for renewal, where men are planted in their communities and churches. A good watch word for these men would be I Cor 16:13-14, “Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love.”

I want to share some of these “wonderings” in this blog.  First, and foremost, experiencing the love of God.  I John 4:19 tells us, “We love because He first loved us” (4:19).  This is what God does within us.  He loves us that we might love Him, through the love he has for us.  Nothing is more important than for men to be secure at the center, knowing they are love for who they are; men who have been  fathered by God. Secondly, having a contemplative posture before God.  Men are desiring to know the abiding presence of the Lord in a “dry and thirsty land.”  It is reassuring to know of other men who have a hunger and passion to know God beyond “God talk.”  “Soul talk” is prominent among these men.   Thirdly, men are sharing with vulnerability their stories of faith, the good, the bad and the ugly, among themselves.  Hearing the honest stories of other brothers, helps in learning to articulate “the Good News” over and against the dominant cultural narrative.

Fourthly, men are gathering to share  their experiences of living in “occupied territory.”   They don’t want to talk about ideas or programs. They want to know how other men are doing on the battle field.  Much of the sharing comes from “wounded  warriors.”  How do we, “Fight the good fight of faith” ( I Tim. 6:12) in a foreign land? The Fifth wondering has to do with discernment.  Men feel alone and isolated on the journey.  The blare of opinions, along with empty promises for the future, cause men to wonder if they should simply go into “coast” rather than stand for the right.  There is a deep need for discernment regarding the moral and spiritual condition of our culture viewed through the lens of the presence of God’s kingdom in our midst.

I wonder if God is not raising up “watchmen” in strategic locations all across our land.  These are men who feel a deep stirring in their souls that our culture is coming under judgment. These men need to be encouraged that God is speaking to their hearts. “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak, and give them warning from me” (Ezk. 33:7).  God is placing men on the walls of the culture, to give warning to the church.  He is raising men up in the spirit of Elijah.  “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:16).  “Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill” (Joel 2:1).  A watchmen warns of a coming danger.  Are we already seeing the signs of God’s judgement?