Category: Wildman Journey (Page 70 of 87)

One of my favorite writers is Eric Metaxas.  He now writes on “the Breakpoint” blog.  He made reference to a series on the New York Times blog site concerning anxiety, which has become for many not a disorder, but a part of the human condition.  This anxiety is like an angst, “a kind of dread that comes from the suspicion that life, as we presently live it, doesn’t make sense.”  One recent post discussed busyness not due simply to ambition and drive, but rather a “dread [0f] what might have to be face in its absence.”  Busyness then becomes a kind of existential reassurance and a hedge against emptiness.  This busyness is self-imposed, by people who “feel anxious and guilty when they aren’t either working or doing something to promote their work.”

When I read these comments I immediately went in my mind to Jesus words in Matt 11: 28-30 from the Message.  “Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  When I mediate on this passage, I imagine having a center for my life.  Jesus is my “existential reassurance and a hedge against emptiness.”  With Jesus at the center, I will find real rest, while experiencing “the unforced rhythms of grace.”  He is the still center in the midst of my active life.  

Finding my center means knowing that at the deepest place within me, beyond my understanding and experience, Jesus abides there.  He is my center.  Jesus promised, “My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” (John 14:23).   Paul express it as “this mystery which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27).  I John 3:24 give us the assurance with these words, “And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us”   Because of this reality John goes on to say, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (I John 4:4).  So men in the midst of all your craziness and the demands on your life there is a still, strong center.  It is Jesus.  He is your rock, your fortress, you shelter in the storm.  You are not empty, but full.   Think of it – He waits for you at the center.  Don’t neglect his voice.

So our task each day is to learn to live from the center. I believe that God is calling a new generation of men to live “soulful lives.”  Richard Rohr puts it nicely when he observes, “We are circumference people, will little access to the center.  We live on the boundaries of our own lives….confusing edges with essence, too quickly claiming the superficial as substance”  A soulful man know that he has a center as he learn to give attention to this ultimate reality within him.  He knows that at the core he can be at home, finding real rest.  It is from this place within, that he find the courage, strength and wisdom to arrange his priorities according to the one who has called him to given himself to something bigger then himself, learning to respond to his calling from God.

Rohr goes on to say that we do not find our center, it finds us. “We do not think ourselves into new ways of living.  We live ourselves into new ways of thinking – the journey around and through our realities (circumstances) lead us to the core reality where we meet both our truest self and our truest God.”  We begin as Jesus promised to recover our life.  Jesus invites us to walk with him and work with him.  Then remember this promise from Jesus, “I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  There is a lifestyle to be envied by anyone suffering from angst.

Curtis Martin, who retired as a running back for the NY Jets, recently was inducted into the pro football Hall of Fame.  He finished as the fourth-leading rusher in NFL history.  I came across a press release of his story.  I was so moved by his attitude and approach to life that I want to reflect on his story.

He grew up in a rough neighborhood in Pittsburgh.  His father was an alcoholic, who would beat and torture his mother by setting her hair on fire and pressing burning cigarettes to her legs.  Martin in his acceptance remarks said, “My greatest achievement in my life was healing my mother and nurturing my mother.”  His mother urged him to play football to stay out of trouble.  Even when New England coach Bill Parcells decided to draft him out of Pitt, Martin was not sure he wanted to play football.  “I played for a purpose bigger than the game because I knew that the love for the game just wasn’t in my heart.  Parcells became the biggest influence in his life as he followed him to the Jets.

Here is what Parcells said about Martin at his induction.  In my opinion, these comments by a tough nosed coach like Bill Parcells are worth its weight in gold. (I must admit that there are tears in my eyes as I type these words)  “He has tremendous compassion for his fellow man.  He is, I think, the poster child for what the NFL is supposed to be.  You come into the league, maximize your abilities, you save your money, you make a smooth transition into society and then you pass all those things on to other people.”   These are the words of one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. 

Here are a few take -aways for me from the story of Curtis Martin.  First, his greatest achievement was accomplished in relationships, not success on the football field. Martin admitted, “love for the game just wasn’t in my heart.”  He was thankful for what his mother taught him, so he found his greatest achievement in relation to his mom.   Remember men all of your life, I mean all of your life, is based on relationships not your personal success.  Don’t ever sacrifice relationships for career.  Curtis Martin didn’t forget that fact.  Focus and attempt to maintain healthy relationship to the best of your ability, especially within your family.   

Secondly, he “played for a purpose bigger than the game.”  His pastor told him he could use football as a platform to do greater things.  So Curtis Martin was able to keep the game and the great success he had in perspective.  What you accomplish in life is meant by God to fulfill his purpose in your life, not what you want to get out of life.  Our success is not about ourselves, but about others.  Never let personal success be your goal.  It can become an idol, that is, will take all your time, talent and resources.  Your career or path in life is meant for a greater purpose then yourself. 

Thirdly, coach Parcells referred to passing along to others.  Curtis Martin used the stage of pro football to “pass on”  a perspective on life that could only be accomplished through relationships.  It makes me ask the question, “What am I passing on?”  I am now in my 71 year.  Let me tell you men, that when you get to this age you give more consideration to “who you have been” in the eyes of your family.  What are you passing on as you cultivate relationships with those who are closest to you?  

Finally, I close with words from the aging Apostle Paul as he wrote to his younger associate Timothy. “You take over.  I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar.  This is the only race worth running.  I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way.  All that’s left now is the shouting – God’s applause!  Depend on it, he’s an honest judge.  He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.”  ( II Tim 4:6-8 – The Message) Paul’s audience was God.  He run and finished as best he could, because it was not about himself, but rather about God’s purpose for his life.  He saw his life as “an offering on God’s altar.

Judy and I live an intentional contemplative lifestyle here on the lake.  I call ourselves a “monk and a nun.”  A monk has been described as someone who lives on the edge of the culture, but for the sake of the culture, acting as a kind of watchmen.  Their call is to  speak into the culture, giving a warning, while calling people back to God. 

Well, July interrupts our contemplative life, since July is “family time” here at Canaan’s Rest.  We have just come off a solid month of family.  It has been a rich and rewarding time for Judy and I.  We are blest that our three children and their families desire to come to the lake.  We will be reflecting for sometime on what we learned about our family dynamics and our own interaction with our unique family dynamic.  There is a lot to “chew on.” 

Many years ago when I was struggling with the prospect of living in a contemplative place on the lake, Psalm 37 became an anchor as I trusted God, during a time of significant doubt (I went into a minor depression).  The land we live on was a gift from my Father-in-law.  I have always considered it an special inheritance.  My prayer is that I can continue to enrich the inheritance.  Here are a couple of promises from Ps 37 that have been an anchor for me.   “The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever (29) and “Hope in the Lord and keep his way.  He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it (34).  For me this past month was a manifestation of my family enjoying the inheritance. 

Not only is land an inheritance but so is family.  “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.  They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.” (Ps 127:3-5).  Judy and I had wonderful times of family interaction for a month.  We were able to experience first hand the heritage of the Lord that has been give to us.  Our “quiver is full.”

Now I mention my July experience for three reasons.  First,  be aware of your inheritance.  Yes we have the greatest inheritance in being adopted into God’s family.  But each of us have an inheritance by means of what has been passed down to us from others.  Whether your background was positive or negative, you have received good from others.  Celebrate that goodness and rejoice in it.  Never forget to be thankful for the inheritance God has given you both materially and spiritually.

Second, remember that your children are an inheritance from the Lord.  Outside of our inhertiance as children of God, they are our greatest inheritance.  You have been entrusted with the joy and stewardship of raising children in the presence of the Lord.  Some of you are grandfathers as well.  Rejoice in what God has given to you in your family.  While family relationships may not always be ideal, the fact of the matter remains, you have been given an inheritance.  Like I have to do daily – ask God for grace and mercy to live within the inheritance of family

Thirdly, give you best spiritual energy and emotional support to your children and grandchildren.  There were days in July when I had to just get quiet and reach out for emotional and spiritual energy to “be present” to my family.  Each of us has a different dynamic that we have inherited.  Next time you are with extended family, take a look around.  That is your family inheritance.  It has it own unique dynamic.  Accept what is there.  These are people that God has sovereignly, put in your life.  Ask he to teach you how to grow through these relationships.  You will be surprised at how much you will learn, when you can admit, as I have to do, that I fail to “be there” and need help.  Sometimes you literally have to cry out to Jesus for help.  I promise you that you will grow.  Nothing helps you grow more then being open and caring in family relationships.

Pastor Tim Keller, who has had a significant ministry to men in New York City, has found that gaining or losing significance is clearly one of the basic motivational drives in the lives of the men he has known.  He has observed that the thought of failure to most men is such a nightmare that it can be equated only to a kind of psychological death.  So could it be possible that most men are driven not primarily to succeed, but rather are driven not to fail.  This reality is compounded when it become apparent that most men do not know how to share with others men their fears, particularly if it might make them look weak or like a failure.  Inevitably, when men clam up, they will carry their load alone and withdraw emotionally from others.

I can give testimony to this dynamic in my life.  I spent 15 years (1976-1990) in a wonderful ministry at Redeemer Lutheran church in Des Moines, Iowa.  But in the midst of all the good things God seemed to be doing in our church, I had made the success of the church an idol.  I took pride in the fact that we were a unique “charismatic” Lutheran church in central Iowa.  But the last year saw the dismantling of that ministry.  What I thought was impossible happened.  I was not able to keep the church united with “my caring pastoral presence.”  Along with the church being an idol, my pride in being a caring pastor was exposed.  I left a broken man.  It took me a year to recover.  There were days when I actually wondered if I could continue as a pastor.

That happened over 20 years ago and it changed the course of my journey.  At the age of 50 I finally was able to give up what I called “the big deal.”  I did not have to be important or significant any longer.  Being successful and have a rising career in the Lutheran church receded as a focus.  I went to a small, insignificant church in rural Minnesota and started to learn to “just be” and see God in the ordinary.  My self worth and image of self had less to do with my performance.  I began to simply enjoy the presence of God in my life as I went about being a pastor. I could even accept the fact that other pastors saw me as insignificant in my country church.  I finally could find peace living as a “nobody” in the eyes of the greater church.

My testimony to any man reading this blog is this – my giving up “the big deal” brought me a freedom and joy that I had not known when I was caught in my “performance trap.”  The pressure was off – I had a peace and restfulness that I had not known before. I  learned that “being” and “becoming” who I am in Jesus, is much more spiritually rewarding then having to perform so as to be signifcant in the eyes of others, especially pastors. 

Two passages of scripture became important in my “recovery” from having to live with “the big deal.”  The first was in Isaiah 30: 15.  “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength..”  The four words repentance, rest, quietness and trust became important in those next years in rural Minnesota.  As I learned to repent of my self-righteousness behavior in needing to be successful, I found rest from having to perform.  I began calling myself  “a recovering pharisee.”  Living a quiet life of contemplation began to be part of the rythmn of life, as I trusted God to do his work in his way through me. 

The other passage was from Ps. 18:19.  “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”  “Spiritual space” became a new reality.  I was not as full of my ideas, plans and desires.  It was more about what God wanted and who he was in my life.  I found spacious in me that allowed for freedom and joy.  The fear of what people thought of me receded as I began enjoying simply “practicing the presence of God.”  I was still highly motivated but for the right reasons.

I came across this phrase, “The Leukemia of Masculinity” in a book I quoted a couple of blogs ag0, entitled “The True Measure of a Man” by Richard E. Simmons III.  The phrase came from a talk giving by Malcolm Smith.  Smith maintains that shame, “makes so many men determined to hide their fears and their faults.  If we believe we do not have what it takes to be a man – that we are not adequate and we do not measure up – it invalidates our sense of manhood.  Shame is what destroys men’s lives.”  Men fear shame in part because it reminds many of us of the pain from events in our younger years, when we could not defend or justify ourselves.  Shame reflects how we view ourselves as persons.  That’s why we put up the armor of protection.  As young boys we did the best to protect our sense of self.

So how do men learn to deal with shame as followers of Jesus?  Here are at least three lessons I have learned over the years.  First,  I am learning to break through all the layers of protection that I developed over the years to protect my fragile,” homemake self.”  In this work of putting on the armour, I created a false self that I projected as being “all together” while on the inside being very insecure, like a frightened little boy, who was reduced to hiding in the shadows of shame.  Whenever I felt exposed I was horrified of others knowing who I was.  But all along, I did not have the realization that this false self was not the true me.  My true self”was “hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:3).  My authentic personhood is a gift of God. My worth is found in who God intended me to be  – His beloved Son.  Yes, still deeply flawed but loved.

Secondly, at risk to my fragile ego, I began to expose my “homemake self”, which was the “spiritual, niece guy” that I thought I was and wanted everybody to know and notice as a “professional holy man” (a Lutheran pastor).  Beginning to reveal myself happened when I finally got the drift, in my late 40’s and early 50’s, that God really did love me in all my stinky mess.  I did not have to prove myself before my heavenly Father.  I came to realize that when I stood in the light of God’s presence I received love and mercy, not a message of condemnation.  “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death” (Rom 8:1).  The power to sin had been at work in me, compelling me to create a “homemake self”  leading  to spiritual death, that is, a lack of spiritual life and energy.  Now I am learning to rely more and more on “the life-giving Spirit,” which give me spiritual vitality.  My sinful patterns and practices no longer overwhelmed me, as I find grace to be honest about my true condition before God.

Thirdly, I am learning to stand, and I mean literally stand, in my right relatedness with Jesus.  “God did it for us.  Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself.  A pure gift.  He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be.  And he did it by means of Jesus Christ” (Rom. 3:24 – The Message).  Think about this posture as standing in a wide, open space with bright sunlight and the goodness of God’s creation all around you.  As I visualize myself in such a space, I look up in faith into the face of the Lord and as I confess my shortcomings,  I receive the Fatherly love coming to me through Jesus.  As I am in this posture, I visualize the life of Jesus within me flowing up and out of my inner most being, bring illumination, cleansing and healing to my soul.  Here I take my stand, against all the voices both from without, along within those that originate in my diseased attitudes and feelings about myself.

 When Judy and I take our trips to see the good, old USA , as well as our children and grandchildren, we drive our Toyota Highlander.  We love our highlander.  As we begin our journey I pray a prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude for having health, companionship and the freedom and the means to travel.  I also pray for our protection, picturing Judy and I in the hands of Jesus and asking the Father to send his angels to watch over us.  Now some of you would not prefer a highlander.  But we are sold on their quality, reliability, comfort and affordability.  But Toyota wants more market share. 

Toyota’s advertising agents know how to market their cars to both men and women.  Watch football games and the ads are about the Toyota Tundra.  There is a rough, gravel-voiced narrator.  A dangerous situation.  Huge metal beams swinging through space.  Dirt. The sound of motor roaring, tires squealing, metal grinding, and cables snapping.  Then there is the crowds of men cheering the truck’s narrow victory.  It is all meant to appeal to the dangerous adventure instinct in a man.  Yet few men watching the ad can actually drive a tundra in those kind of circumstances.  What sells is just the image of doing what the ad portrays. A man on Sunday afternoon, relaxing, anticipating  Monday morning,  going back to the confined space of corportate life, dreams of the adventure of getting down and dirty with his tundra.  Now where I live this is a reality for men.  But I assume most of you guys are stuck in a city.  

Now look at the ad for women.  It will more then likely be a day time show.  There are flowers, children, butterflies, a message of harmony and a female singer.  It is a ad targeting wealthy urban women who think of themselves as eco-friendly.  The Tundra pickup was targeted at men who think of themselves as rugged and hard-working.  I doubt there are very many men who image flowers and butterflies, as they watch the big game and anticipate the return to “the Box” of corporate life on Monday morning.  

Advertisers know that men and women will respond differently to the imagery of the ad.  Of course, there are exceptions, but the genders as a whole are quite predictable.  Toyota would never use flowers and dancing children to sell a pickup truck because men would hate it.  It goes against everything that is built into a man.

This leads me to make a possible comparison with the churches we attend.  Are we creating, without realizing it, a “Prius-like” culture.  Can a focus that is heavy on relationships, healing, nurturing, and harmony create some natural resistance in men?  Maybe we need to watch how we decorate the church – to many flowers, quilts, ribbons might not fit for guys?  What about all the female voices, sentimental music, focus on children during the worship service?  I am just wondering.  I know as a naturally relationship guy, I might have stressed relationship more then the challenge and actual danger of being a committed follower of Jesus. 

Could it be that we have been softening the message of Jesus to accommodate an overly feminized view of being a follower of Jesus?  Are we experiencing more of a feminizing culture in the church?  (I could get into trouble just suggesting this possibility.) I want men who read this blog to know that I am struggling with presenting a healthy balance between the “tough” and “tender.”  On the one hand, men need the challenge of following Jesus on a journey that will be difficult and challenging.  On the other hand, men need to be lead to a deep, personal, intimate relationship that will carry them through the journey that will be dangerous and hard at times.  I personally want to present this balance.  In some ministries it is either being “a tough guy” for Jesus or a “sensitive, feminized” version of following Jesus.  There is a better way; a third way.  That is what I have been working on in my life for over 30 years.  It does not have to be either/or.

I read Scott McNight’s blog, “Jesus Creed” each day.  Not long ago he referenced an article in the Scientific American entitled “When men are less moral than women.”  The article stated that, “a number of studies demonstrate that men have lower moral standards than women, as least in competitive contexts.”  The article went on to say, “that losing a ‘battle’ particularly in contexts that are highly competitive and historically male oriented, presents a threat to masculine competency.  Apparently manhood is relatively fragile and precarious, and when it is challenged, men tend to become more aggressive and defensive….To ensure victory, men will sacrifice moral standards if doing so means winning.”  This might be true of the average male in our culture but I would content this is not true of a man who is secure in his God given identity of masculinity.

So what do you think men?  The article ends with this challenge ( at least, I take it as a challenge). “These findings suggest that if ethical standards are a significant factor in your choice of financial advisers or real estate agents, it may be safer to go with Bernadette than with Bernie.”  What is a man to do? Roll over and become passive in the midst of our feminine counterparts.  I know that what I am about to write is not cultural correct in our day.  But having learned a great deal about affirming my masculinity from a wonderful Christian author (Leanne Payne), I believe that “the essence of masculinity is initiative and the essence of femininity is response.”  The masculine principle is one of “orientation, direction, order and responsibility.” Remember before God created Eve, He took Adam and “put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Genesis 2:15).  To get out there and get something done for the sake of others is built into the male DNA. 

So yes, call it competitiveness and being aggressive.  But don’t tell me that all men, “must use strategy or cunning to prove or defend their masculinity,” nor do they have to be “willing to compromise moral standards to assert dominance.”  Look at Moses.  He was sent into Midian by the Lord for years because of his uncontrolled anger.  Then as the leader of the nation of Israel for 40 years in the wilderness, he was referred to as “a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3).  Moses had to be strong, determined and yes aggressive at time in facing the complaining and murmuring of thousands of people.  Yet God declared him as a very humble man.

So what is the secret of being strong yet humble.  Well, as Henri Nouwen suggested we can in our hearts be both the Lion and the Lamb.  Jesus in the book of Revelation is both the lamb that was sacrificed for our sins, but also the lion of the tribe of Judah.  Our model is Jesus.  Philippians says that Jesus, “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage, rather, he make himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant being make in human likeness.” (2:6-7).  As we yield the controls to Jesus as our boss, he gives the male what he naturally does not have: a quiet, humble and meek heart.   He give us the grace and mercy to be both like a lamb when necessary, but also a lion when needed.  There is no way our culture can help a man to be “tough and tender.”  But Jesus is in the business of retooling men to be his servant-leader in our day, for he is both a lion and a lamb.  My advise when you feel threatened as a man is to both look to Jesus and keep walking toward Jesus.

I was in a supermarket with my Son Kurt, when my attention was drawn to a magazine rack with Time magazine avaliable for purchase.  The headline in bold letters said, “How To Die.”  So I had to buy it to see what Time writer Joe Klein had to say about dying.  I was deeply disappointed.  While I learned a great deal about Mr. Klein’s ordeal in the death of his aging parents and how doctors and nurses helpful in the process, there was little about hope after death. I have gone through similiar ordeals especially with my father.  For both Judy and I, the death of our four parents was a deeply spiritual experience.  Mr Klein referred to his experience as a “death panel.”  “My parents died serenely, with dignity. When you are a death panel – when the time and manner of their passing is at least partly in your hands – that is the very best you can hope for.”  No, it is not a death panel.  We need to pray for  ourselves and those we love to have “the gift of a good death.” 

Mr Klein describes his father’s death in this manner. “Dad seemed to sigh at the end.  He inhaled and sighed and was gone.  He was not a religious man, but there was a gorgeous sernity in this moment – and there was a certain satisfaction for me too, surrounded by the caregivers who had helped me through this passage toward my own maturity, caregivers who really knew how to give care.” That was it.  No hope of eternal life or mention of the presence of God in passing to the other side.  But God tells us, “precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his faithful servants” (Ps 116:15).  The whole experience of dying is holy, usually filled with the light of God’s presence.  Many have sensed the presence of angels.  I have experienced a holy presence often in my life as a pastor with those who are dying.

What struck me most deeply about the article was the short exchange between Mr Klein and his father near the end. “‘I really appreciate what you’re doing.  You’re a good son,’ he said for the first time in my life.  I told him he has been a great dad. ‘I could have been better,’ he replied.”  Joe Klein heard for the first time a word of affirmation from his father.  His father died with regret regarding his role as a father.  How sad, but how true of many father and son relationships.  No affirmation or establishing of a deeper relationship until the very end.

So I take away from this article two observtions that I want to say with all the passion I can muster, for the men who are reading this blog.  The first is this.  Think about you dying, prepare for your dying and talk about your dying with your family.  Death is a natural part of living.  As followers of Jesus we have the assurance that we have everlasting life.  Jesus tells us, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2).  Men, don’t let anyone or anything in this world, rob you of the joy of going to heaven.  One fine day, you will die.  You will be passing on to something much better.  Celebrate that reality.  Help those you love to also celebrate that reality with you.

The second take away is this.  Don’t wait till the end of life for either you or your father to make things right.  If you are a man with an aging father, do all you can to honor him as your father.  It does not matter whether he has reconciled himself in relationship to you.  Tell your father that you love him.  Be sensitive to the fact that he is in his twilight years.  If you are a father to a son, above all else give your son all the space he needs to grow as a man in relationship to you.  That means you live in forgiveness, giving your son all the affirmation you can give him as your son.  Don’t wait till the end.  He needs your love and affirmation now.  Be the biggest encourager of your son.

This past Sunday night (16th) I had the privilegeof being witha newly formed men’s group in my son Kurt’s neighborhood in Kansas City.  What a joy to be with young men who felt they are being called together to grow in their faith.  I sensed a desire to go further and deeper in their relationship with Jesus.  These men seemed to be gathering behind “enemy lines” determined to take back their neighborhood for God and their families.  The word “valor” comes to mind.   Webster describes valor as “to be strong”; to have “marked courage.”  I sensed these men were wanting to step out of the “crowd” not sure what it involve but wanting to be identified as a follower of Jesus;  men who are willing to humbly and loving follower wherever Jesus will lead.

This morning as I think about those men the words from Rev. 3:18-21 come to mind.  This is from The Message.  “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refinersfire.  Then you’ll be rich.  Buy clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven.  You’ve gone around half-naked long enough.  And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see…..The people I love, I call to account – prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best.  Up on your feet, then!  About face!  Run after God!….. Look at me, I stand at the door.  If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you.  Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father.  That’s my gift to the conquerors.” 

Here are three ideas from this passage as it relates to all men, not just the men in Kurt’s backyard.  First, men in our day need to be convinced that God can outfit them with what they need for the journey. There is “gold” that will make them rich.  But notice it has been purifiedthrough fire.  The gold is that of a purified heart having been tested in daily living. God can turn personal adversity into gold.  Men will also buy “clothes designed in heaven” having come to the realization that they are half-naked.  The spirit of God will outfit men withthe character of Christ that fits them uniquely for his journey, allowing a man to walk in confidence.  There will be medicine for the spiritual eyes so men can really see what is happening in their lives.  Men will be able to discern what is truth, not having to stumble in the dark. 

Secondly, is the reminder that we will be prodded, corrected and guided for our own good.  So men, it is time to get into training for the next phase of the journey.  We are to turn from our wanderings, be up on our feet and running after what God has for us.  It is not a time of be passive, disengaged or discouraged.  There is a call to get engaged.  Remember, Jesus will discipline us in love for our own good.  Men need to encourage other men to know how they are being formed “for a time such as this.”  Brothers will be found fighting  for each other’s hearts.  Being “the lone ranger” spiritually will cut it in the days to come 

The third thought is this – when we let Jesus into the deepest places of our heart, we will be honored as conquerors.  He waits to be invited into those places within where there is shame, pain and darkness.  Table fellowship at the head table means deep, trusting, and intimate fellowship.  We have a place of honor at the table, in the presence of the Father and the Son,  because Jesus has made it possible.  I can not stress enough the importance of doing our “soul-work” as men.  A “brave heart” is formed through intimate fellowship with Jesus, who helps us to be conquerors, as we face the deepest fears and questions in our hearts.