Being a Faithful Man

    Be faithful in what God has called you to do. As a book titled Experiencing God has reminded me recently, the Christian Life is all about following the Holy Spirit. Unless we have a walk with God, as we will see in Scripture, our Christianity is really meaningless and perhaps even false.

    Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matt 7:21 (KJV)

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work….19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

John 5:17,19 (KJV)

    When we accept Christ as Savior and Lord, we surrender our own will, purposes, ambitions, hopes, dreams, and plans. We lay them all down to embrace God’s will, His call on our lives. Jesus said that many will call Him Lord—a title of respect and someone being your master—yet only those that do the will of their Father, in other Words that Know God, that are in an obedient relationship with the Holy Spirit  (depending on Him, not “speaking in tongues” necessarily).

     Now I know that the ladies often are in our thoughts quite a bit as young men. I won’t tell you that that is wrong, because God did design men to be attracted to women; however, what you think about is important. If you dwell on lustful thoughts in your mind, you are going to reap mental consequences first of all that you are not going to like. Your mind can get to a point where it is bombarded with the lustful imaginations. My encouragement is that when ever you recognize the thoughts you are dwelling on, pray for the young lady and for your future spouse instead. Pray some scriptures back to the Lord.

      If you are under the attack of the enemy: here is what Scripture teaches: If you fight Satan w/Scripture, he'll flee (Matt 4), but if you entertain lust~you've opened the door to sin (James 1:14)~you can't blame the devil!

        Guys, I know that today I have given you too points to consider: one about the ladies and another about truly having a relationship with the Lord. You may think that these too are unrelated, but I can tell you this, they are anything but unrelated. As a matter of fact they are indelibly intertwined. God has designed as men to have a longing to one day have a wife my our side who respects us, encourages us, and labors by our side—a helper, a companion. But until God brings her along, there is a lesson that God is trying to teach us: rely on His Spirit for what we need. The Holy Spirit is also a helper but also a teacher and guide. One day after you get married, you will hopefully have a woman by your side who is truly a companion and helpmeet—a blessing to you—however, for now, you must draw close to the Lord. Because when you are married you will be responsible to lead your wife and family in a  walk that is honoring to the Lord. As the leader of the home, you need to have a vibrant relationship with the Lord. I know that we guys don’t like “relationships,” but think of God as your Father, Jesus Christ as your Master, Commander, your Lord, and think of the Holy Spirit as your Best Friend, Teacher, and Daily Guide (wait for His step by step instructions before making a move for you are a soldier in a war!)

Thought Bite

If you fight Satan w/Scripture, he'll flee (Matt 4), but if you entertain lust~you've opened the door to sin (James 1:14)~you can't blame the devil!

Personal Bible study

Personal Bible study.

   Throughout the years I have tried various Bible reading plans: reading the Bible through in 3 months (15 chapters a day), reading the Bible through in 4 months (10-11 chapters a day), reading a proverb a day, reading a Proverb and 3 to 5 Psalms per day....all the plans were helpful for a season, but the two that I found most helpful were #1 reading a Proverb a day: I started doing this when I was 12 and have found it to be the most helpful thing I ever did spiritually. Since I was seeking wisdom daily, the Lord helped me avoid some of the foolish pursuits of "youthfulness" and identify some hollow and deceptive philosophies. #2 is simply picking a book of the Bible and reading through it at your own pace; placing processing the material and listening to the Lord over progress over a few days.

    I know Bible reading is something that a lot of guys struggle with. What is your reading plan? Are you trying to just get in a reading goal everyday, or are you really learning something on most days? I encourage you to take a few moments today to contemplate your personal Bible Reading plan and adjust it as the Holy Spirit directs you to a plan which will help you hear His voice in your heart over cramming a lot of verses in your mind.

May you be Faithful Men!
Ryan

God Directs our Steps Part 2

Another thought I want to leave with you is another thing I have experienced recently. What do you do when everything seems to crash around you. People are going crazy, deception is rampant and the world just seems to spinning out of control? ONE THING: depend on the Lord. Trust in Him. He knows what's going on, He has a plan, God is sovereign over all of history and definitely our lives.

Psalm 11

New King James Version (NKJV)

Faith in the Lord’s Righteousness

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

11 In the Lord I put my trust;
How can you say to my soul,
“Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
² For look! The wicked bend their bow,
They make ready their arrow on the string,
That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.
³ If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?

⁴ The Lord is in His holy temple,
The Lord’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.
⁵ The Lord tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
⁶ Upon the wicked He will rain coals;
Fire and brimstone and a burning wind
Shall be the portion of their cup.

⁷ For the Lord is righteous,
He loves righteousness;
His countenance beholds the upright.

God Directs our Steps Part 1

    Today, I want to share some thoughts from some recent Scriptures that the Lord has been encouraging me with.

   I was attempting to make a life changing decision recently and experienced what many would consider a rejection. However, in the midst of that time, I just had a peace. "Ok God, you have a different plan. I trust in You, I am not going to try to figure this out. I prayed, searched the Scriptures, got counsel beforehand, but You have a plan. I trust You, Lord"

  On my drive home, the Holy Spirit brought this Scripture to mind:

Proverbs 19:21

New King James Version (NKJV)

²¹ There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

 

 

    I don't know the way, but guess what, God does. I don't have to worry about what my future will be and stress and worry because God is sovereign!

 

    God directs our steps. False teaching today suggests that God gives us the big picture and not step by step direction. While God can reveal the future to us, Scripture solidly teaches that He guides our steps, not otherwise.

 

Proverbs 16:9

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.

 

Proverbs 20:24

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁴ A man’s steps are of the Lord;
How then can a man understand his own way?

The Lord's Counsel Stands

We all go through times when the Lord seems to be directing us somewhere other than where we thought he was directing us. I hope this is an encouragement to you to:

Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV)

²¹ There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

Contemplate this Today

Here is a Scripture to contemplate today:

  "A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent." Proverbs 28:20 KJV

A Good Name

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." Prov 22:1 (KJV)

     Do you understand the implications of this verse?! A GOOD NAME is better than silver and gold! It is better to have a oddly reputation (like Daniel or Joseph in the Old Testament) than to great riches. Our culture has this backward. They view the supreme object of value to be obtaining the easy life with riches and lots of stuff, for:

   "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Luke 12:15-21 (KJV)

Addicted to Porn? There is Freedom through a Jailbreak

Here is a project which my friend and mentor, Vincent Newfield and his wife have been working on for quite a while. Are you in bondage to porn? It is time for a Jailbreak! http://ow.ly/r5FOR

Young Minister's Series: Suggested Lifetime Vision for Ministers

 Suggested Lifetime Vision for Ministers

1. Know The Lord more intimately and develop a deep understanding of His Word.

2. Maintain the relationship with and cherish my wife: washing her in the Word and sharing everything with her as my closest confidant and friend; growing as one with The Lord, not separate as individuals.

3. Train up my children to fear The Lord, serve Him and others, and to stand for Truth.

4. Mentor a generation of young men and work to see women mentored by women.

5. Exhort the Church to remain Biblical in nature, voice, and operation.

6. Write, preach, speak out, and labor to see everlasting rewards: sinners come to Christ; strong Christian discipleship, worldview, and grounding of every area of life in the Word.

7. Destroy bad books, movies, files, objects, etc... and keep them out of my home, living space, person, computer, household, etc...

8. Pass my possessions on the my Children and young men whom I have mentored--heavily pray and adjust the will (document) according to the Lord's will.

9. To The Lord be the Glory and the Power and the Praise forever, amen!

 

 

 

Young Minister's Series: You need to Rest

You need to Rest

Here are a few disciplines that you must practice in order not to get burned out and to be balanced and healthy.     Sleep--make it a priority to get 7 1/2 to 8 hours of sleep consistently during the week.   Sabbaticals--taking mini retreats (could be just a few hours, half a day or a few days). You may choose to go to a conference or on a campout with other ministers to share the Word and fellowship. Sometimes, you need to just get away and be alone with the Lord (Jesus did). And at other times you need to just get away for some time with your wife.   Flexibility--in order to minister, you must be flexible. If you look at Jesus' ministry, He was very flexible: focused on what God was doing instead of a rigid schedule and checklist.   Exercise--consistently get some movement and productivity in your life. I personally have a little aversion to just jogging or walking a half hour a day because I am wasting that time. Instead, I try to find a productive task like mowing the lawn, chopping wood, or cleaning something out during that time to get my movement in as well as some work. Some days I will walk. In the past, many people did not "exercise," they simply worked hard most days.    Take time to learn. If you do not continue to learn and remember (carefully review) things you have learned in the past, you will feel stuck in the same old, same old.

Young Minister's Series: Tips for Young Preachers

Tips for Young Preachers

Here is a great video to help as you are starting out: What are the biggest mistakes young preachers make? From the Gospel Coalition   https://sites.google.com/site/adviceforyoungministers/articles/tips-for-young-preachers

Young Minister's Series: The Word not You

The Word not You

The Power is in the Word, not the messenger, the preacher. Always but clarity above being clever. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:8-11 KJV  https://sites.google.com/site/adviceforyoungministers/articles/the-word-not-you

Young Minister's Series: Pastoral Ministry

Pastoral Ministry

The Pastoral Ministry is a ministry of protecting the flock from false prophets and philosophies, feeding the Word of God to the flock, and set a personal example by living what you preach as you guide the flock. Adrian Rogers explains this very well, please listen even if you aren't interested in the pastoral ministry: The Shepherd and His Sheep   https://sites.google.com/site/adviceforyoungministers/articles/pastoral-ministry

Young Ministers Series: Jeremiads

Jeremiads

Around the time that the 1st Great Awakening came, many preachers were preaching through Jeremiah, relating it to the colonies; because of this they were called "Jeremiads." Will you preach through Jeremiah, relating it to our fallen state as a nation today?        Here is an acrostic that may be helpful when thinking about Jeremiah   Judgment Expulsion Repentance Ecstasies Messiah Iniquity Arrogance Humility   Jeremiah 23:29 King James Version (KJV) 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

Young Ministers Series: Is Preaching the Truth Judgmental? No, its just the Truth

Is Preaching the Truth Judgmental? No, its just the Truth

Watching this was not an encouragement to me but a sad reminder of how we are living in the last days. Many appear to be preaching a false Gospel that deny's repentance and claims that when people hurt inside because of the message you preach that you are being judgmental.       I really wonder if the two views presented are more than just opinions. Has this conflict of worldviews infiltrated the American Church? Is tolerance more important than truth? ....sadly, it seems that if someone's heart is broken over their sin because of the Truth of the Word of God, then we have been "judgmental." What did Jesus do? He preached and he loved, but he did not try to make his message appealing in His sermons, instead He desired a true change of heart rather than tickling someone's ear in to joining a club. He flatly told people that they would daily have to deny themselves and take up their cross to follow Him--that was and still is an "offensive" message!      In the last days many will have a form of godliness but deny its power (1 Tim. 4, 2 Tim 3). Keep preaching the Word and stand for Truth. You may be ridiculed, but take heart, Jesus was persecuted and since not servant is greater than the Master we will be persecuted to. Take heart dear Minister, for Christ has overcome the world! https://sites.google.com/site/adviceforyoungministers/articles/is-preaching-the-truth-judgmental-no-its-just-the-truth

Young Ministers Series: Ethics for Ministers?

Ethics for Ministers?

My ethical code of standards is #1 to not compromise the truth by arguing a false position in a debate because the truth set’s people free and to hate evil and cling to that which is good (John 8:32, Romans 12:9, and Proverbs 8:13). #2 is to follow the principles in 1 Peter 3:15-17 and 2 Timothy 2:23-26 which say “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing” (1 Peter 3:15-17, KJV)” and “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:23-26, KJV).  https://sites.google.com/site/adviceforyoungministers/articles/ethics-for-ministers

Worldviews--a little problem or a root issue?

Hi guys,
  I just watched this video. What are you opinions on it?

http://www.churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-videos/169621-is-open-air-preaching-judgemental.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=clnewsletter&utm_content=CL+Daily+20130821

my personal response:
I really wonder if the two views presented are more than just opinions. Has this conflict of worldviews infiltrated the American Church? Is tolerance more important than truth? ....sadly, it seems that if someone's heart is broken over there sin because of the Truth of the Word of God, then we have been "judgmental." What did Jesus do? He preached and He loved, but He did not try to make His message appealing in His sermons, instead He desired a true change of heart rather than tickling someone's ear in to joining a club. He flatly told people that they would daily have to deny themselves and take up their cross to follow Him--that was and still is an "offensive" message!

Quote

Here is a quote I read in one of my devotionals, take time to contemplate it.
 

“God knew that following His ways would create quietness, order, rest, and happiness. His wisdom is timeless. Grasp for things—a job, fame, or fortune—rather than concentrating on fulfilling your responsibilities will almost always end in a struggle.” Practical Happiness, p. 186 Bob Shultz

Point to Consider

 This comes from a book called Solid Foundation by Dr. LeRoy Bailey:

 

We need to learn to

#1 hear from God

#2 do what He says

And #3 patiently wait during the times that He doesn’t say anything.

Point to Consider

Never compromise your Faith for money....even if it is your paycheck and livelihood.

Titus 2:6-8--How to mentor young men

Titus 2:6-8--How to mentor young men

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Titus 2:6-8 (KJV)

    What the Scripture says is not appealing to most ears’ today and is completely in opposition to the plan of just being shallow and avoiding offending someone with the truth. Scripture’s pattern is to teach the truth in love, yet nonetheless speak the truth boldly and live it.

A Quote to Consider

I do not believe that God created an egalitarian world. I believe the authority of parent over child, husband over wife, learned over simple to have been as much a part of the original plan as the authority of man over beast.

C.S. Lewis

Final Recommendations for Biblical Manhood Study

Final Recommendations for Biblical Manhood Study:

       Continue Bible study on your own and with other men. Proverbs and Psalms are an excellent place to start, and the letters from Paul, specifically 1 & 2 Corinthians, James, Titus, Colossians, Galatians, 1 & 2 Timothy, and 1 & 2 Peter are great places to continue. Also remember to respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and direction!

        Also, feel free to use this book again. When we are engaged in life, sometimes we need to refresh our minds about things, such as, work or the importance of how we use our time.

A Word From the Author. . . .

     Congratulations, you have now successfully completed the Biblical Manhood class or seminar. Hopefully it wasn’t easy and you learned some life changing principles. Remember that the battles that we talked about will continue throughout your life, but God is still there with you. May you have Peace, Strength, Encouragement and Joy in the Name above all Names. ~Amen

P.S. Feel free to continue to join me on the Facebook group ~Biblical Manhood. Post how God has been working in your life. Invite friends to the group, and support each other in your Walk to Biblical Manhood. Our lives ARE A JOURNEY and it is going to be Awesome as long as we pursue Him! God Bless,

Ryan Marks

Boldness with Humility

Boldness with Humility

       When you are humble you can still be bold. In Scripture, Moses is declared the most humble man (Numbers 12:3). Take a moment and think about what you know of Moses; then try to grasp what true humility is. By looking at how he (Moses) progressed in boldness we learn a valuable key to humility: Moses grew bolder because his relationship with God grew deeper. His humility was always rooted and fed by his God. Do you remember our first lesson, Our Foundation? Moses’ foundation in Jehovah was the key for his humility and it can be for us as well.

       Likewise, what was Jesus like, was He humble? Yes, he was. But we again see that he was bold in many instances. Jesus refused to conform to the world and did what was right because God said it was right. Jesus did what God told Him to do without compromising. When you are truly humble, God’s opinion and standards will be the only thing that you base your actions, responses, and life on.

Humbleness is not cowardice, rather boldness committed to the most loving Father ever – God.

 

Your notes on the subject

Balance -- A Time for Everything

Balance – A Time for Everything

“Where Your Focus Goes the Power Flows” – Vincent Newfield, a quote from his father

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

       Your life contains a range of activities such as school, play, chores, and work. The difficulty is that you can spend too much time playing and not enough time working or so much time working that you don’t have time to play; and what about a Sabbath rest? How do you balance it all so that you get just the right amount? The answer is asking God, reading what His Word has to say about it, and actually putting forth the effort to change what you know that you need to.

Is your life fairly balanced right now? ______________________________

 

Your notes on the subject

Proverbs – A Boy’s War Manual

Proverbs – A Boy’s War Manual

       The book of Proverbs is the book of wisdom. Young men and old men, you need wisdom and Proverbs is the book that will give you that. In fact, you can learn wisdom there that applies to every area of life. Here’s a few of the categories contained in it: women, business, the mouth, moms and dads, humility, honesty (the most important factor of business), working hard, hate, and pride. Pick up the book of Proverbs. It’s for your benefit.

 

Your notes on the subject

Spiritual Leadership – Prayer

Spiritual Leadership – Prayer

       As we have previously looked at, spiritual leadership involves many things from making decisions to personally maintaining and continuing our own spiritual growth, but another vital part of leadership is prayer. Do you pray for those under your care? What about for your friends? Your family? Do you lift up others needs before your Father, who is rich in everything beyond our comprehension?

______________________________________________________________________________

       Prayer is not about using big words or fancy speech. It is simply talking to God like He is there—and He is, so why be afraid?

Your notes on the subject

Standing for what is right – Jack

Lesson 7, A Boy’s war manual & our Growth can lead to better leadership

Standing for what is right – Jack

 Several years ago . . . .

       This guy who I’ll call Jack for the sake of protecting his identity, had a crush on my sister. He was constantly trying to sit by her, talk to her, or touch her. He kept on bugging her, and trying to get closer to her. I knew that his actions were not right and voiced my opinion. In addition, I kept my eyes on him like a hawk. I was so consumed with watching this guy’s actions that I did not even feel like I could go to the restroom because I did not know what he would do when I was gone.

       After voicing my opinion by basically saying KNOCK IT OFF, this guy kept on and on not respecting my sister. He was not getting the message of GO AWAY, so I stepped in another way to defend my sister’s honor. . . . Around this time in his life, Jack had had ingrown toenails and they had recently been removed. When he got out of hand, I simply stomped on his foot. This would hurt him for a few moments and then the pain lessened enough that he kept on doing what he had been doing. The “fight” never got huge, but the defense and honor of my sister was at stake. It is one thing to like a girl, but it is a whole different thing to lack respect for her.

        You can learn from this story that there comes a time when peacefully voicing your petition is not enough and you have to physically fight. Now, please do not misunderstand, you never should just go around beating up anybody who likes your sister or annoys you, but if a kid is getting beaten up across the way, what will you do? Will you step in? Will you risk your own safety to help someone else? Would Jesus?

Think about It:

Would Jesus fight to defend the kid that was being attacked by bullies? What about a “guy” that was messing with his sister?

My Answer: I believe He would.

Your notes on the subject

Watch your Entertainment!

Watch your Entertainment!

       A man needs to be careful what he allows through his eye gate (Matt. 6:22-23). If God is convicting you of something you are watching, please stop doing it. If you do not listen to God’s voice of conviction you will eventually shut yourself off to Him and your relationship with Christ will fade, and if you don’t get back on track, it will wither away (John 15). Please stay in tune with God and desire His presence and leading more than anything else. If you do this, you will take a big step toward keeping your eyes on the Mark.

Your Notes on the Subject

A Man’s Time

A Man’s Time

       Your time is important and it is limited. In life you constantly spend time, you cannot earn any more time. However, you can spend your time in a meaningful way; for example, spending time with God and with your family. Or you can waste your time, such as playing too many video games or reading your news feed on Facebook too often.

What are you usually spending time on? What do you enjoy spending your time on?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

On what do you want (or think you should) spend your time on?

______________________________________________________________________________

Your notes on the subject: