Friday, May 02, 2008
THE MANLY MAN BIBLE STUDY
We've been trying to come up with a name for our men's Bible study that meets in my garage on Thursday nights. Some mentioned "Testosterone Night" and "Men's Night Out," but I think we're going with the "Manly Man Bible Study." All that matters is that 15 to 18 men show up on Thursday nights wanting to figure out how to become better Christian men and fathers.
Last night's study was a good one on how men deal with lust. We studied about Joseph (who was successful at overcoming temptation) and Samson (who failed when it came to lust). It was a tough and touchy topic for men, but very relevant. I had worried about some of the guys skipping out on this subject, so for fun I had challenged them to bring something for show-and-tell. The homework assignment was to bring something with them that represented manhood, manliness or made them feel like a man. My only rule was that they had to keep it rated at least PG-13 in nature. All I can say is that I'm glad I made the rule because the testosterone was thick in the garage last night.
A few of the things that showed up for show-and-tell were heavy equipment like a skid loader and a bulldozer, a garden hoe, pictures of kids and family, an iPhone, a jock strap, fishing pole, weights and the others things I can't mention here. Each man got up and talked about what it means to be a man to them. When we were through we voted on who had the best show-and-tell item. The man that won had talked about a picture that his young son had drawn at school. It said on the picture, "I love God and I love Jesus." He went on to explain that his son drew that picture because they had recently started going to church again after a long layoff. He was proud of once again being the spiritual leader in his home. I was a little choked up and thought, "Now that's a real manly man." We all voted, and he won the prize of a new bible for his show-and-tell item.
Next week's homework assignment is to do something romantic for your wife, but it cannot be or lead to anything sexual in nature. I'm already anxious to hear about next week's homework assignment.
Here are a few pictures of men presenting their manly show-and-tell item.
Last night's study was a good one on how men deal with lust. We studied about Joseph (who was successful at overcoming temptation) and Samson (who failed when it came to lust). It was a tough and touchy topic for men, but very relevant. I had worried about some of the guys skipping out on this subject, so for fun I had challenged them to bring something for show-and-tell. The homework assignment was to bring something with them that represented manhood, manliness or made them feel like a man. My only rule was that they had to keep it rated at least PG-13 in nature. All I can say is that I'm glad I made the rule because the testosterone was thick in the garage last night.
A few of the things that showed up for show-and-tell were heavy equipment like a skid loader and a bulldozer, a garden hoe, pictures of kids and family, an iPhone, a jock strap, fishing pole, weights and the others things I can't mention here. Each man got up and talked about what it means to be a man to them. When we were through we voted on who had the best show-and-tell item. The man that won had talked about a picture that his young son had drawn at school. It said on the picture, "I love God and I love Jesus." He went on to explain that his son drew that picture because they had recently started going to church again after a long layoff. He was proud of once again being the spiritual leader in his home. I was a little choked up and thought, "Now that's a real manly man." We all voted, and he won the prize of a new bible for his show-and-tell item.
Next week's homework assignment is to do something romantic for your wife, but it cannot be or lead to anything sexual in nature. I'm already anxious to hear about next week's homework assignment.
Here are a few pictures of men presenting their manly show-and-tell item.
QUESTION ... we need your help. Can you give me (and a few other of the men readers) some suggestions on ways to be romantic this week?
Labels: Men
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Thursday, April 17, 2008
FOR MEN ONLY
Tonight I'm starting something I've been wanting to do for awhile. Tonight at 9 p.m. I'm having a men's only bible study, for men and about men.And where should men have a Bible study? And where do real men study the Bible? Only a manly place will work for men. If we’re going to learn to be MEN like the Bible teaches us to be, we can’t have meeting in a flower shop, fabric store or a Hobby Lobby. But a Bible study in a garage sounds like something men could do! So, tonight I have about 14 men from church and from the community who have committed to coming to this Bible study in my garage to learn how to be better men.
Very simply, Samson will teach us why strong men fail. And as a Christian man, a husband and as a dad I don't want to fail.
We’re going to be studying a book called, "The Samson Syndrome." The book will deal with many of the topics men struggle with today like lust, boundaries, ego, foolish risks, intimacy, etc! The book will cover Samson’s life and what we can learn the baddest boy in the Bible. The book is about a man in the Bible who was James Bond-like in his attitude and lifestyle. Samson, whose story is told in four chapters of the book of Judges, was young, strong, good-looking, cocky, courageous, and an incorrigible ladies man. He had a nose for trouble, a knack for hair-raising escapes, and more girlfriends than Radio City has Rockettes. If Samson was alive today he'd be a superstar athlete or an action-movie star. He'd be surrounded by popping flashbulbs and adorning groupies. But, very simply Samson will teach us why strong men fail. As a Christian man, a husband and as a dad I don't want to fail.
I'm excited about this Bible study. The reason we're starting at 9 p.m. is so those dad's with small children can still help get their kids in bed and then come to the Bible study. If you're from Childress and would like to come ... feel free to drop by. Since we're men, I’ll have a cooler full of cold beverages (cokes and water of course) and a few snacks that won't include girly foods like crescents, quiche or raspberry tea! We should be through by 10 p.m. See you at the garage tonight!
Labels: Men
Monday, April 14, 2008
MEN NEED MEN
Is it just me or do women seem to make women friends easily? Men aren't so lucky. Men seem uncomfortable having close friendships with other men. Oh, men can golf together, fish together and play cards together, but don't ask men to pray together or encourage one another spiritually. Men are much more comfortable just watching the game and exchanging high-fives when the team scores. But sadly, most men have missed out on spiritual blessings because of their inability to make close spiritual friendships with other men.A man needs brothers in Christ who know him authentically and who are committed to spur him on towards integrity and becoming all that God created him to be. The bottom line fact is that an isolated follower of Jesus is extremely vulnerable to the temptations in today’s world and to the enemy’s schemes. When men choose to go-it-alone spiritually, it's tough. “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) Everyone needs a friend ...
- The Lone Ranger had Tonto
- Batman had Robin
- Superman had, well no one, but you're not Superman!
- David had Jonathan.
- Jesus had his friends, the apostles.
We need to be men who are willing to share spiritual struggles and victories with other men whether it looks macho or not. Besides, men, we'll all have six men to carry us when we’re dead, so who’s going to carry us when we’re alive? I will admit that I have been blessed with some very close friendships with other men in my life. Men that have held me accountable and prayed with me on a regular basis. I can't imagine what it would be like not to have other men in my life.
Why do you think Christian men stuggle building open and authentic relationships with other Christian men?
Labels: Accountability, Men
Friday, October 05, 2007
SEXUAL TEMPTATION
Here are a few things I jotted down in my journal this week that I'd like to share with you. Let’s start with a quiz. These aren’t trick questions, and they're not hard. But play along if you will.- Who was physically the strongest man in the Bible? (Samson)
- Who was the wisest man in the Bible? (Solomon)
- Who was the one in the Bible called “a man after God’s own heart?” (David)
- What did they have in common?
All of them, the strongest man in the Bible, the smartest man in the Bible and arguably the most godly man in the Bible – all of them struggled with sexual temptation AND LOST. I'm literally blown away thinking about it, but it tells me something I need to pay attention to. What it's telling me is I am not so strong, I am not so smart and I am not so godly that I can defeat sexual temptation, on my own. I am NOT beyond falling into this temptation, and when I think I am, I may be the most vulnerable. "If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you too may fall into the same sin." (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Here are some things I think are important for me to know in overcoming sexual temptation:
- Know what the Bible has to say about sex outside of the covenant of marriage. The Bible is my standard. The culture does not determine my sexual behavior. I do. My choices must be based on Scripture. (Hebrews 4:12)
- Remove any source of sexual temptation. If you are being tempting by watching certain things on the television, turn it off or change the channel. If you're being tempted by someone of the opposite sex, stay far away from them. If it's pornography on your computer, put a filter on your computer. Remove any and all sources of temptation. (2 Timothy 2:22, Matthew 5:29)
- Purpose in your heart to follow God's Word. Don't be ruled by passion. No matter what you feel, act with your brain and not your emotions. Scripture is clear that sexual behavior is always subject to the will. Dogs have no control, people do. (Proverbs 4:23)
- Keep your mind pure. Think on things that are noble, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
- Don't put yourself in places to be tempted. In the same way that a recovered alcoholic wouldn't go sit in a bar, don't put yourself in a place that makes resistance tough (IE. don't go to dirty movies, strip joints, bars, certain chat rooms, trashy novels and magazines, etc.). When Satan tempted Eve, she engaged him in conversation. Instead of telling him to go crawl in a hole, she entertained his conversation. We all know the outcome of her choice! (Genesis 39:11-12)
- Be accountable to a friend. Be willing to tell a friend you trust what you struggle with and allow him/her to help keep you accountable. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)
- Don't be over confident. Most of us think we can handle a lot more sexually explicit material than we can. We aren't aware of the subtle influence and desensitization that goes on by regular exposure. We are lulled into thinking we are above these influences. If you are human, you are not! (1 Corinthians 10:12)
- Keep your walk with the Lord strong. Most of us give in to temptation when our daily walk is not strong. Spend time in prayer and be intimately connected to your heavenly Father. When you are weak, He is strong. And remember, He doesn't leave us. Stay connected. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Labels: Christian Living, Men, Sexuality
Friday, December 29, 2006
Toilet Lids, A Man's Weekend & God's Will
Due to a few accidents, problems and down right craziness in our home, we’ve often been told that the television show “Home Improvement” could have been based on the Morgan family. I believe God knew this, and that’s why He sent Lea into our lives. She does a “Superwoman” job of being both a mother and wife to the four boys and me. She makes sure we all know where we’re supposed to be going, what we’re all supposed to be doing and that we’re doing it correctly. She does an awesome job taking care of us 5 boys (4 boys + 1 dad = 5 boys).
With this in mind, I think she was kind of worried about the lack of “motherly” guidance when she left for Christmas 2 days before me to go spend some time with her family. Our two oldest boys and myself stayed behind so I could preach on Sunday. We joined them in Dallas on Sunday night. When she left that Friday morning she reminded us to “have fun, be careful and call if you need anything.” For those who don’t know what that means, I’ll translate: “have fun, be careful and call if you need anything” actually means, “Don’t let the cat in the house and don’t break any of my stuff.”
I had big plans for the weekend. I envisioned a male bonding, bachelor-type weekend with me and the two oldest boys. So as soon as mom left the two boys came in and asked, “What are we going to do this weekend?” I just smiled and said, “Boys, it’s time we do some man stuff.” They looked a little confused so I continued. “We need to lay down a few ground rules for the weekend. You boys obviously don’t understand the finer points of a male-bonding weekend, so allow me to explain. Rule number one: Toilet seats are to remain in the raised position all weekend. Rule number two: All hand towels and little fancy soaps are legal to use any time. And number three: no glasses this weekend. We drink straight from the milk carton, all weekend. But,” I reminded them, “The blue milk carton is mine. Stay out of it because I don’t want any of your ‘boy kooties.’”
Parker shot back quickly, “Does mom know about this?” Then Taylor added, “And why are we doing these things, Dad?”
“It’s because we can, boys, it’s because we can!” I said.
We had a great weekend. Nothing got broke, but I won’t promise the cat didn’t sneak in. But you know, “because we can” might be all right for a fun boys weekend at home, but as a general rule in life or in my walk with God “because we can” isn’t the best rule to live by. “Because we can” is not a permission slip to indulge ourselves at the expense of others. Instead, God has asked us to live a certain way for our own good that will make Him proud. Words that come to mind that make Him proud are words like fairness, integrity, compassion, consideration and generosity, just to name a few. Our goal in life isn’t “because we can,” but whatever pleases our Father. “My will is to do the will of my Father,” Jesus said. And that should be our will/goal too.
With this in mind, I think she was kind of worried about the lack of “motherly” guidance when she left for Christmas 2 days before me to go spend some time with her family. Our two oldest boys and myself stayed behind so I could preach on Sunday. We joined them in Dallas on Sunday night. When she left that Friday morning she reminded us to “have fun, be careful and call if you need anything.” For those who don’t know what that means, I’ll translate: “have fun, be careful and call if you need anything” actually means, “Don’t let the cat in the house and don’t break any of my stuff.”
I had big plans for the weekend. I envisioned a male bonding, bachelor-type weekend with me and the two oldest boys. So as soon as mom left the two boys came in and asked, “What are we going to do this weekend?” I just smiled and said, “Boys, it’s time we do some man stuff.” They looked a little confused so I continued. “We need to lay down a few ground rules for the weekend. You boys obviously don’t understand the finer points of a male-bonding weekend, so allow me to explain. Rule number one: Toilet seats are to remain in the raised position all weekend. Rule number two: All hand towels and little fancy soaps are legal to use any time. And number three: no glasses this weekend. We drink straight from the milk carton, all weekend. But,” I reminded them, “The blue milk carton is mine. Stay out of it because I don’t want any of your ‘boy kooties.’”
Parker shot back quickly, “Does mom know about this?” Then Taylor added, “And why are we doing these things, Dad?”
“It’s because we can, boys, it’s because we can!” I said.
We had a great weekend. Nothing got broke, but I won’t promise the cat didn’t sneak in. But you know, “because we can” might be all right for a fun boys weekend at home, but as a general rule in life or in my walk with God “because we can” isn’t the best rule to live by. “Because we can” is not a permission slip to indulge ourselves at the expense of others. Instead, God has asked us to live a certain way for our own good that will make Him proud. Words that come to mind that make Him proud are words like fairness, integrity, compassion, consideration and generosity, just to name a few. Our goal in life isn’t “because we can,” but whatever pleases our Father. “My will is to do the will of my Father,” Jesus said. And that should be our will/goal too.
So if you want to drink from the milk carton “because you can,” that’s all right with me. But when it comes to the way you live “because you can” isn’t the attitude that will please your your Heavenly Father. Any thoughts on this subject? Leave me a comment. :)
Labels: Men, Morgan Family
