A few months ago I heard someone at work recommending a book. Oftentimes those recommendations are great books, but generally secular business books. I enjoy reading many of those titles. They help formulate a plan or a system to improve habit formation, communicate more effectively, and manage your responsibilities like a pro. I continue to read titles like that and determine what I can implement to improve myself. That was not the case for this one. It was a book written about anger. Unoffendable by Brant Hansen was a compelling read that fundamentally challenges the idea that we (Christians primarily, but it certainly applies to all humans) should let go of all types of anger. He doesn’t make exceptions, doesn’t provide allowances, and includes no caveats. All anger should be released. That’s a hard message to swallow for most people. My dad did very negative things that culminated in leaving the family. I should be able to be angry about that, shouldn’t I? The criminals that do horrible things to people should merit some anger, shouldn’t they? Brant’s case is made with scripture. We are prone to anger, and the Bible addresses it without exceptions. James 1:19-20 HCSB My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. I have held anger for years about bad things done by others. My genuine question in the face of scripture like this passage in James is “How do I address the travesty?” Is it my place to address them is the answer that comes to mind. I can’t administer justice to the criminal. I can’t punish them for their crimes in any way. I can’t change my dad, and now that he has passed, I can’t address the hurts, real and perceived, that he caused. The Bible is clear that my job is not about bringing justice down on the wicked. I can’t properly judge the heart of those I would call wicked. My standard isn’t perfect. God’s is. My job is to forgive as I have been forgiven. Loving the people that are easy to love is just that…easy. The rubber hits the road when we sacrifice the anger we feel we are entitled to hold for our enemies. We are called to love our enemies. ‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43‬-‭45‬ ‭HCSB‬‬ You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. I’m constantly finding areas in my life that could be better. For me this was the next step. God owns vengeance. He is just. He can see the heart. I need to give him any of the bitterness, hurt. and pain I experience. I need to let it go. I must forgive. There will still be boundaries. They must be in place for people that are just toxic and negatively affect us or our loved ones, but we must not do this in anger, but with love. Bad things will still happen. We should be surprised by that fact. We are messed up people and we live in a messed up world. As believers we are told to be in this world but not OF it. It’s a call to be different. Human nature is to respond in anger to any perceived injustice or wrong. God’s nature is to provide a way to be justified even when I was the one that did the wrong. He provided forgiveness. We show that we are different when we stay ready to forgive. I will probably read that book a few times. I need to get better at releasing my anger even when I feel it is just, and forgive. I want to be like Christ. I want to be a Fellow Warrior even when those serving around me are messed up (I know I still am), and get that message of forgiveness to others so they can join in following our true king.

It has been too long. The last several weeks I have not posted anything. I’m sorry. I have been considering how I am approaching the writing of both the blog and the book, dealing with a few personal struggles, and being a bit lazy. I need to share a little about the lapse. There is more to it than just this, but what I will share today is the most impactful of the struggles that I’ve been working through. My dad passed away in April this year. Even though he is gone, I still struggle with the relationship I had, or didn’t have, with him. I always wanted to be a good son. I wanted to bond with my dad. I wanted to show him that he raised a good son. I wanted to learn how to do “guy stuff” from him, and to some degree I did. The struggle comes from the absence. Dad had his own struggles. A rough childhood. Struggles at home, and personal turmoil that seemed only to be calmed by constant work. That left little time to guide a son as he approached manhood. I wish it had been better. As I continue to study and explore the concepts of “the fellow warrior” I don’t want to forget that longing to be close to dad. I see two primary issues. The Role The role of a dad is huge for a child. We learn how to behave, react, work, live, and even love from our fathers. I hope I adequately taught my children what they needed as they became adults. I know that I had wins and losses in that regard. What example have I set in my time as a father? Do I have time to fix areas I screwed up in that role? Am I setting the example God wants me to set as a dad? The Legacy As a father we leave something of ourselves in whatever endeavors we pursue. We will leave an impression on our family and all the people we interact with. I want my legacy to be one that pleases my Heavenly Father. What investments have I made in and for my children and family? Will the impact of my role as a dad be positive for my children, family, and community? Am I doing things that have lasting results? These are just a few of the thoughts that have been rattling around in my head the last few weeks. I know my relationship with dad wasn’t the best. There’s not going to be a chance to fix it. I just want my relationship with my family to be what it should be. I want to be present for my wife and my grown children. Even with my wife and I being “empty nesters” I still want to be a good dad.

Starting a journey as a new Christian can feel like stepping into a vast ocean filled with uncharted waters. The excitement of embracing your faith is often mixed with uncertainty and the risk of feeling very alone. According to the Bible, having a strong community of fellow believers is essential for your spiritual growth. Let’s explore some specific reasons why surrounding yourself with other Christians can greatly enhance your faith journey. Strength in Numbers The Bible often emphasizes the importance of community. For example, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” This illustrates the vital role fellow believers play in supporting each other spiritually. When you're feeling low or confronting doubts, friends in your church can provide the encouragement, prayer, and wisdom necessary to uplift you. A welcoming community gathering at church. Fellowship and Growth Being part of a community allows for genuine fellowship, which can deepen your faith. In Acts 2:42, early Christians devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This commitment to shared experiences nurtured their spiritual growth as a group. Participating in Bible studies, prayer circles, or even sharing meals can improve understanding of God’s word. Sharing these experiences not only strengthens your bonds but also enriches your faith. Accountability Matters Having fellow believers around fosters accountability. Galatians 6:1-2 encourages us to “bear one another's burdens.” When facing temptations, it’s vital to have friends who can help keep you focused on your faith. Accountability not only helps you resist sinful behaviors but also promotes spiritual maturity through shared experiences. Christians who engage feel more prepared to handle life's challenges with the support of their faith community, highlighting the importance of these connections in maintaining a strong moral compass. A friendly group discussion among Christians. Joy in Shared Praise Gathering with fellow believers also creates opportunities for collective worship. Psalm 100:2 calls us to “serve the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” There is something incredibly uplifting about worshiping alongside others, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and gratitude. These shared experiences can enhance your appreciation for God’s grace significantly. Embracing Your Faith Journey Together As a new Christian, surrounding yourself with fellow believers is not just beneficial; it’s essential. The Bible teaches us about the power of community, accountability, and shared worship. Embracing these relationships can guide you in your spiritual development and help you face life’s challenges with strength and confidence. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to those who share your faith. A supportive network of fellow Christians can elevate your spiritual life to new heights. Remember, we are meant to do life together—thriving in fellowship and love, just as God intended. Gather your squad and embark on this incredible journey as a united community of believers!

Who am I? Possibly a short one today. I've been stuck on the idea of identity. I mentioned it before in writing and Bible studies. The more I explore the concept, the more importance I see. We are given an identity through our name. We are given an identity through the comments of others, good or bad. We give ourselves identities by how we view ourselves. Our jobs, families, and friends become part of our identity. It is a big deal. It shapes who we become. It does not take much examination to see how much those identities impact our actions. We pursue a sport, music, art, or a vocation based on being identified with a talent we display. We shy away from things that we are identified as being "bad at." Our habits can be shaped by how we identify ourselves. The impact is undeniable. I have struggled in the past with the negative identities I've heard from others and from those I've taken on myself. "I'm not good at sports," "I'm not a morning person," "I'm worthless," and many more identities I embraced were a huge part of how I interacted with the world. I believe we are all prone to adopt negative images of ourselves that weave their way into how we identify ourselves. Those names we were called as kids or slights to some aspect of ourselves that we heard from others are just words until we begin to accept them. It is difficult not to adopt the identities we hear. We can cripple ourselves with those identities whether they come from others or are simply the way we see ourselves. As Christians, we need to understand a very important point. We were given a new identity. We are joint heirs with Jesus. We are beloved. We are friends of Christ. We are saints. We are meant to be salt and light. We are blessed. I challenge you to dive into the study of how we are identified as followers of Jesus Christ. It just may change how you see yourself!

As a Christian man navigating the trials of today's world, I've faced numerous temptations that felt overwhelming. From materialism to lust, distractions are everywhere. Yet, my journey has shown me that true victory arises from fellowship and a strong relationship with God. Acknowledging the Challenge In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to feel isolated. I often found myself wrestling with thoughts that challenged my faith. The lure of social status, instant gratification, and entertainment was hard to ignore. I found comfort in 1 Corinthians 10:13 , which says, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man." This scripture reminded me that so many others share these struggles. It's not just me facing these challenges. The Strength of Community One of the most impactful steps in overcoming temptation has been finding a supportive community. I joined a local men's study group where men shared their struggles candidly. Hebrews 10:24-25 beautifully highlights the importance of community: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.” This fellowship has not only boosted my faith but also created a network of support. I learned that 52% of men in similar groups found significant reductions in their struggles with temptation due to the community. Men sharing their faith in fellowship. Scriptures for Empowerment When temptation feels heavy, scripture offers a refuge and strength. James 4:7 states, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This verse serves as a crucial reminder during times of trial. Memorizing key scriptures has been a game changer. For instance, when faced with temptation, I could recall verses that realigned my thoughts with God's promises. This practice helped reinforce my identity as His beloved son, and scripture memorization increases the ability to resist temptation. Actionable Steps to Overcome Temptation Through my journey, I discovered several practical strategies that have been effective in my life. Here are three key steps that helped: Daily Prayer : Prioritizing time for prayer aligns my mindset with God's purpose. It's a time to share my challenges and seek guidance. Fellow Warriors : Opening up about my struggles with a trusted friend has lessened my burden. Knowing someone understands my battles keeps me accountable. Mindful Exposure : I learned to be intentional about limiting my exposure to potential temptations. Curating my social media and avoiding negative influences has significantly reduced distractions. Celebrating Progress The road to overcoming temptation is ongoing, yet the victories I've achieved through fellowship have been transformative. I remind myself daily of Romans 8:37 : “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” With persistent support and unwavering faith, I've found encouragement within my community and strength in God's promises. Whether your struggles are with materialism, lust, or self-doubt, remember that victory is possible. Build your network, cling to scripture, and welcome the abundant life that God has planned for you. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Moving Forward Together In a world full of temptations, I know that I am not alone in this fight. By relying on fellowship, prayer, and scripture, I’ve achieved not just coping mechanisms but remarkable victories. To my Fellow Warriors: if you feel the weight of temptation, reach out for fellowship and embrace the support around you. Together, we can empower one another, sharing our faith and striving for a victorious life in Christ. Let’s unite, uplift each other, and celebrate the strength we find in fellowship and faith!

I thought I could make it on my own. I had the tools, though I hadn't really practiced with them. But how hard could it be? I had been around them for most of my life. I had seen them used for years, so that had to count for something. I spent nearly three decades navigating the battleground of life on my own. I knew about spiritual battles and the profound devastation they could leave in their wake, but I was immune. I mean, I grew up in church! Surely all that time surrounded by teaching and preaching and classes and seminars and programs and all the millions of church things would mean I could survive it all. I could make it on my own. Jesus would carry me through it. He did, over and over again. Yet it was always me making it on my own. I never really related His sacrifice to my struggles. His victory never really registered. There was no kinship shared. I had no others to really share my struggles with, and worst of all, I felt no real bond with my Savior. I had pledged my life to Him, but I had not really known the depth of that pledge...or the depth of His to me. What it really boiled down to was a question: "What is the love of Christ?" Seems like a simple one. I'm afraid my perception missed the mark. I had this picture of a sweet, kind Savior. I understood words like grace and mercy as if they were cushions. Forgiveness sounded "nice." All of these I could live with...alone. God has been shaking up some long-held views for me. It's been a journey that has taken many years. There is no great epiphany here, just Christ showing me over and over again the reality of that love, the real meaning of those words, and the cost of that forgiveness. I see His love now as one of phenomenal strength. From perfection and glory, He came down and allowed Himself to be made weak, frail, human. Completely one of us. Really, think about it...that sucks for Him. He had EVERYTHING! The glory of heaven, the power of the eternal God, the infinite was His. He let it all go to live like we do, get tempted like we do, suffer like we do. He laughed, cried, rejoiced, and grieved like we do. That took guts. He already knew what human life was like. He's God...He knows all, but He chose to LIVE it. At times, He was a wild man, shaking up teachers, amazing the people, horrifying religious leaders, and confusing politicians. He knew His purpose. He stuck with it. He lived a life untainted by the screw-ups we all allow ourselves to have. I have no idea how He did it. I think it's just the mystery of being perfectly God and completely man at the same time. He spoke the truth even when He knew it might hurt Him or His reputation. He didn't care. He spoke it because it mattered more than all the temporary garbage we consider so incredibly important. So many of the "religious" couldn't handle it. I know the situation has been told many times in many ways, but I must share it as well. He shook up the religious leaders to the point that they had to do something to shut Him up. Rules were bent, some completely broken. He was taken, tortured, whipped, beaten, mocked, spit on, and ridiculed. He took it all. He knew His purpose. He would most likely have been impossible to recognize after all this. He was led to one of the most painful, horrible tortures that mankind has ever invented. I spent some time studying crucifixion. I cannot even imagine. The Romans were pretty sick to have developed a torture that resulted in a death that would only come through an extended journey through the most excruciating pain. Every move was piercing, brutal agony. I don't think that with our lives of relative comfort we can even comprehend the anguish. Eventually, He did die, performing the strongest, most powerful act of love that could ever be. He suffered and died to be a sacrifice. It was the price of justice that had to be paid for our screw-ups. But it still wasn't complete. See, we weren't meant for death. We were meant for perfection. Sin brought death to man. Christ didn't sin. As a result, death had no claim on Him. So a few days passed and He rose. He had to complete the perfect sacrifice with victory over the death we brought on ourselves. Many have doubted that resurrection. We were given a form of proof. Just take a look at the journeys of the disciples. This group of regular guys saw their friend and leader tortured and killed by local and imperial authorities. This was a man they had grown to love. They struggled with Him, traveled with Him, and went through a few years serving and being served by Him. They turned tail and ran. Peter, the most vocal devotee, denied ever knowing Him. The rest went into hiding. Yet instead of fading into history, these men did a powerful 180 from fearful followers to bold proclaimers. Their boldness, strength, and tenacity served to reach the known world in less than a century. They knew that would not be accomplished in solitude. It took the sacrifice of another. It required a helper. It mandated a commitment to the mission Christ outlined for them and for us.

Last week my father passed away. I spent some time to process the grief and loss and struggled to keep up with my writing for the blog. I had some things pre-scheduled to post and I did a little writing, but I needed to take a little time to work through the death of the man who did his best to raise me and my siblings. As I reflected on this my mind went back to something I wrote in July of 2010. I hope you enjoy. Calm waters on the Buffalo National River I took a trip on the river this week with my brother, Ben, and my father. The plan was to camp, kayak and fish. Ben and I spent weeks in preparation. We carefully planned our routes, checked the weather and ever-changing river levels, and then planned our routes again. My excitement grew with every day that passed. I had never been on a float trip with my father in all of my thirty-five years. As we drew near to the weekend we were to set out, we saw some disappointing forecasts. Rain was coming. We checked the weather the day before the trip to find that it was indeed going to rain, but we decided we would tough it out. We had to get a bit of a late start as we drove out to the river. Along the way, we saw elk lazily grazing in green fields, and the scenic Ozark mountain vistas made the drive a beautiful experience. My father and I talked as we drove. We talked about light, surface things for a while, but it all led to subjects that invoked great feelings, both good and bad. Had he been a good father? Had he been there for us? They weren’t questions that I could answer without dredging up painful memories. I just sat there and listened... and thought. He had tried to be a good dad. He just didn’t know how. He came from a line of men who didn’t know how to deal with the struggles of life. Not the struggles of hardship. They were men who didn’t shy away from tough tasks or strenuous labor. No, the struggles they didn’t know how to deal with were the smaller, but immensely harder struggles. Relationships. I mulled over those thoughts for the rest of the drive out. Our first night of camping lightened my mood . Camp was set up in no time and we set to the task of getting our fire going. I made our first camp meal. Despite the wait, I believe it went over well. A little extra preparation and you can certainly beat the standard camp fare of hot dogs or the limits of things that can be cooked on a stick. We sat around the fire and shared stories and jokes until midnight. This was what I wanted out of this trip, I thought. The early hours of the morning brought the rain that the grey skies had been promising. I just decided to get up, put away my tent and gear and get started on our breakfast. Ben woke as I was getting things taken care of and helped to start our fire. We woke dad, ate our meal and prepared everything for setting out on the river. We started just ahead of a man and his two young sons. The similarity in the two parties pulled strongly at my heart. During that trip, I felt that Ben and I became like those young boys, looking to our father for adventure and wanting to prove our strength and bravery against the elements. On the river we took it easy for the first several hours. We spent our time fishing and paddling only when we had to or felt like it. The man and his sons that had started behind us couldn’t help but to catch up with us. They came around a bend we had just gone over where there was a slight rapid over some shallows. The younger of the two boys was in his own kayak and as he passed over that section he excitedly looked back to his father and yelled “HEY, DAD! DID YOU SEE THAT?” It was a simple question full of depth. He wanted to know that his father had seen him, that his father approved, that his father was aware of the danger he had just braved. There it was again. Affirmation. I needed it, Ben needed it and even my father needed it. “Did we do a good job setting up the camp?” “Did you see the fish I caught? “Am I a good son?” “Am I a good dad?” In our lives as men we need to know that our father has seen and knows that we are brave and can handle the many dangers of the wilderness of life. We don’t need to know that we are nice; we need to know that we are like the lion in C. S. Lewis’ stories: "No, he’s not tame... but he’s good."

My heart was broken. Judas had betrayed Jesus. We saw the anger build as the priests incited the crowds to call for His death. A sense of evil permeated the area like a disease. The hatred stirred in the crowd as they called for His death. They held a trial, beat Him, and whipped Him. He was so torn apart that His bones were visible. He warned us when Mary, Lazarus’ sister, anointed His feet with oil, telling us it was for His burial . It didn’t make sense. He was supposed to bring life! He raised Lazarus from the dead after days in the tomb. Mary, Martha, and I were there. We saw Him call Lazarus out of the tomb. Who would be there to call Him out of His tomb? After the trial and having Jesus flogged, Pilate sent my Savior to the cross. He was made to carry His cross from the courtyard to Golgotha. I saw His blood pouring from His head, hands, and feet. I witnessed the mocking, the sorrow, and His mother’s grief. We could not rescue the One who had rescued me. I began following Him when He delivered me from demons. I was an enemy of God, yet He chose to save me from the affliction of the evil. I became a testament to His power and love. I was a new woman. I had to follow Him. Who could have delivered Him? At the end of Sabbath we went to anoint Him with spices. Though unsure who would roll the stone away, we felt compelled to go. The guards would not be likely to help us, but we would figure something out. As we approached there was a sense of foreboding. Something was wrong. The guards seemed dead, and the stone was already moved. Would we find that they had done some horrible thing to His body? Did they take Him away to hide what had been done to Him? We had to know. When we entered the tomb, the sight that greeted us left us amazed and in fear. A young man in a long white robe told us not to be afraid. He said that Jesus has risen. He invited us to look where He had been and He was not there. We ran out in fear. Could this be true or was this another trick…another mockery? We kept running until we reached the disciples. We told them what we had seen and they ran to see for themselves. I found myself back at the tomb. This was too much. My Lord, who had shown His love and power to so many, had been killed. Now the body was gone and I did not know what to do. I simply couldn’t take it. I stood by the tomb, overwhelmed by grief, and cried. After a while I just had to look again. I stooped to look into the tomb. My gaze was met by two angels. One was where His head had been and the other was at His feet. They asked why I was crying. I told them my fears and turned away. When I had turned I saw a man, his figure blurred by my tears, whom I mistook for a gardener. He asked me why I was crying and who I was looking for. I asked if he had moved the body, and said I would take Him. It was then that He called me by name and suddenly I knew who it was. My Rabbouni! It was Jesus! He was ALIVE! Mary Magdalene in the Garden with Jesus I will remember that for all eternity. The woman with demons was the one who saw the risen Christ first. I am not worthy to be anything to Him, and yet He loved me enough to reveal Himself to me! Jesus, who I saw die, was walking in the garden. He had done what He said! He conquered death. He is with me! Hallelujah, Christ arose! ———— Mary Magdalene was mentioned in the gospels more than many of the disciples. Mark 16:10 states that Jesus had driven seven demons out of her. She followed Christ, witnessed the crucifixion, and was at the tomb to be the one to see the risen Jesus first. What a privilege! I hope you enjoyed the three little stories this week. I attempted to remain true to the scripture, but imagine what must have been going on in the minds of those that followed Him through the joy of the triumphal entry, the desperation, fear, and grief of the cross, and the victory of the empty tomb. I serve a risen Savior!

I left my trade to follow this man. I gave up my profession and followed Him. I saw something amazing in Jesus. He shows people love in ways we have never seen before and knows more about the Law and Prophets than the rabbis. What He started talking about recently has me on edge. He started saying He was going to die. I won’t let that happen. He’s far too important. He saved us in the midst of the storm. I saw Him sleeping as we panicked and were afraid for our lives during a storm at sea. Walls of angry, churning water crashed around us. We woke Him, desperately pleading for His help to manage the boat. We needed all the help we could get if we were to survive. We were desperate. He got up and told us our faith was small and asked why we were afraid. Then he rebuked the wind and waves. All he did was speak... The seas immediately calmed. He has power over the wind, waves, and sea. How could He be talking about dying the way He has been? This week we went to Jerusalem. He had us get a young donkey to ride on the way into Jerusalem. It was a tremendous thrill. As we went into the city, the excited crowds, who had seen or heard of the miracles He had done, waved palm branches, celebrated, and sang to herald Him into the city. It was a party in the streets. The crowd energy was like nothing I’ve experienced before. There’s no way He’s headed for death. I believe in who He is. He is the Christ. He is the Son of the Most High. I saw Him walking on the waves in the Sea of Galilee. He was just out there as if the water was a firm, stone path. He inspired me. I yelled out to see if I could join Him. He told me to come to Him and I left the boat. I was out there with Him. I was taking steps on the water. I should have been sinking, but He was beckoning me, calling me to keep coming to Him. As I moved to Him, I noticed the waves. They seemed more menacing now that I was out of the boat. What I was doing just then was in defiance of nature. Man can’t walk on water…and I sank. I flailed and cried out as the firm place I stood gave way. I was left floating in the tumultuous water. Desperation would have taken hold, but He pulled me out of the water and brought me back to the boat. He defied all that we knew about what is possible. He cannot be killed like He is saying He will be. We will be in Jerusalem for the Passover. He is gaining such recognition here that we may witness great things. Perhaps we’ll see another blind man healed. Maybe He will make the lame walk. We passed some at the gates of the city. So many people need His healing. This whole nation needs His power. The establishment is corrupt. We need a change in our leadership. How incredible would it be if He led our nation? He could do it too. So many seem to want to follow Him. Why would He keep talking about His death? I won’t let Him be taken by the Pharisees; they need to be removed. I won’t turn away from Him. He’s too vital to me and the rest of us He chose. I’ll never forsake Him. He’s my leader, my ruler, my rabbi, and my Lord. He said He’s going to bring His kingdom to earth. He can’t die… Passion Week Stories The Bible speaks of Peter’s conviction. Jesus was Peter’s absolute ruler. He would do whatever Jesus asked. He had seen the miracles of Christ that broke the very laws of nature. Could Jesus really be preparing to die? Many of us know that Jesus did. If you don’t, I hope you’ll take some time to read or listen to John chapters 19 to 21. As we approach Easter Sunday, I want to share my imaginings of what the followers of Christ might have been going through as they headed to what would be the most trying time in their life. They were heading to the climax of the story of all mankind. They had given up any plans they had for their lives to follow Jesus. It was all about to change. He was going to die, but that was not the end of His story.

Devotionals are a great way to prompt deeper study. As I considered this it struck me that I could write some for myself. In my own journey with Christ, I felt lacking when it came to sacrifice. As I explored this idea I began to write about what the scriptures were sharing about ways I could apply to my own life. I examine some significant questions for myself as I explore what sacrifice means in practical terms. Am I willing to make sacrifices for Christ? Am I willing to give time or money, suffer discomfort or persecution, and am I giving up or sacrificing myself for the cause of Christ?  Sacrifice is central to faith—but it’s often misunderstood. We think of big, dramatic moments, but most of the time, real sacrifice is quieter. More personal. And much closer to home. David understood the cost of sacrifice. When offered a free gift to help him make an offering to God, he refused. “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing” ( 2 Samuel 24:24 ). He knew that true worship isn’t about convenience. It costs something. Time. Pride. Comfort. Something that matters. If I’m being honest, it’s easy to give God what’s convenient—what doesn’t interfere too much. But the deeper stuff? That’s harder. Especially in seasons where everything already feels heavy. Right now in my life, it feels like any sacrifice—of time, energy, focus—just adds stress. But that’s where faith pushes me to trust that God isn’t trying to burden me. He’s trying to free me. The clearest picture of this is in Jesus’ prayer in the garden. “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” ( Luke 22:42 ). He didn’t skip the struggle. He brought it to the Father and surrendered. That’s where sacrifice begins—with the surrender of our will. That kind of surrender isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about the small, intentional choices. Today, I can practice surrender by being more mindful of how I use my time—what I give my energy and attention to. And when I start my day with God, I find I’m far more likely to notice His direction. When I don’t, I tend to just plow ahead on my own. Romans 12:1 calls us to be “living sacrifices.” Not once-and-done, but daily. The challenge with a living sacrifice is that it can crawl off the altar. A dead offering stays put, but we have a tendency to get back up and take control again. We might surrender our plans to God in the morning, only to take them back by lunchtime. We say, “Your will be done,” but when things don’t go how we hoped, we start steering again. That’s why surrender isn’t a one-time event—it’s a posture we return to over and over. It’s a choice we make in the small things, not just the big ones. And it requires humility, honesty, and help from the Spirit to stay there.   Then there’s the sacrifice of praise. “Through Jesus… let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” ( Hebrews 13:15 ). Praise is easy when life is good. But when it costs something—when it’s a whispered hallelujah through stress or silence—it becomes powerful. That’s the kind of worship God honors. Not because it’s loud or polished, but because it’s real. Soldiers in battle choose to sacrifice every time they go on a mission. Their sacrifice could mean their life. With spiritual battles to wage, am I willing to be that devoted? Sacrifice isn’t about how much you give. It’s about what it costs. And it looks different every day. A surrendered will. A reclaimed moment. A faithful word. A small decision with eternal weight. That’s the kind of life I want to live. And that’s the kind of life we’re called to live. Andrew Miner is a father, worshiper, and fellow traveler in a fallen world. His writing flows from his own walk with Christ and a heart to build up men pursuing faith, family, and identity as disciples. A member of his church’s worship team, he shares stories and Scripture rooted in grace and spiritual endurance, hoping to strengthen brotherhood and unity among believers.

Starting off on a hike in the Snowy Range in Southern Wyoming We are often goal-driven. We have goals for our lives that include finance, health, family, and faith. I have a number of goals myself. I have written them down. I have created vision boards. I have kept a log. I have succeeded in reaching goals. I have failed as well. I recently read Atomic Habits  by James Clear, and he made a point about creating habits that help to reach longer-term goals. In the book, he said something that resonated with me in a way it had not before. As we work to break a bad habit or to create a new, healthy habit, we must begin to identify ourselves differently. My own experience was a testament to that concept. If someone struggling with weight loss wants to set a goal to lose those pounds that just won't come off, it may help for them to see themselves as "someone who eats healthy" rather than "someone struggling with weight loss." It may seem like semantics, but I believe there is strength in that concept. With this mindset, we aren't calling ourselves something we are not. We are simply putting emphasis on the identity that aligns with the goals. "I am making healthy choices," "I am a non-smoker," "I lift weights," and "I am a writer" are not prideful statements. They aren't really a stretch of reality. They are part of who I am. If we relate this to our faith, we have a great number of identity statements that are given to us by our Creator. The statements are sometimes hard to come to terms with. They can be a source of joy. They can change our eternity. The Bible provides a very early identity statement we can all claim. In Genesis, as God is creating man, he sets up our identity. Genesis 1:26  starts, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...'" We are made in the image of God. That's an amazing identity statement. As we deal with others at work, at home, and even on the road (I struggle with this one), we should remember that everyone we encounter is made in the image of God. Another identity, however, comes as a result of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. We sinned. We missed the mark of perfection that God laid out for us. As a result, we must start our lives with an additional identity. 1 John 1:8  says, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." If that was the end of it, we would all have to simply identify as a sinner. At some time in our faith journey, we must reach the point of acknowledging this identity. If we don't, then, as John pointed out, we deceive ourselves and can't get to the point of the next identity I want to share. Once we make the admission of our sinful identity, we can see that Christ made a way for us to have an altogether new and absolutely awesome identity—that of a joint heir with Him. As we see our sin in contrast to God's perfection and know that sin can't be in God's presence, it could feel hopeless. The truth is, if we try to bridge that gap ourselves, it is hopeless. There's no "good" I can do that will ever be good enough. The hope lies in the fact that Christ did it for us. He bridged that gap. Through His death, we have an inheritance, and through His resurrection, we have life if we follow Him as the Lord or Leader that He is. The new identity we obtain through that is described in Romans 8:16-17 : "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." We who follow Christ can identify ourselves as "heirs with Christ" and as "children of God." That's enough to melt my brain. I'm not worthy of that kind of identity, but the Bible says that Christ intercedes for us and covers our unworthiness. He made a way for us to bridge the gap between our imperfect lives and the absolute righteousness of God. Back to the goals. If I can identify as a child of God, I want to make my Father proud. I want to do things that please Him. This should drastically affect all of the goals for our lives. Financial goals change to goals of stewarding what God has provided for us. Family goals gain a Biblical perspective. Health goals become a means of keeping ourselves in such a way that we can have the energy needed to do what God wants us to be doing. Our faith goals gain depth and meaning which will affect eternity. Our ultimate goal should be much like Paul the Apostle's. Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.   Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,   I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

War has always been a brutal reality of human existence, a reflection of our struggles over territory, resources, and ideals. In the heart of the 20th century, one of the most documented and heroic displays of camaraderie and valor arose from the men of Easy Company during World War II. Their experiences exemplify what courage under fire truly means. The leadership within their ranks and the indomitable spirit displayed by those men are worthy of honor throughout the rest of history. The Trials of Easy Company Easy Company, part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, is renowned for its courageous acts during World War II, particularly during pivotal battles such as D-Day and the Battle of Bastogne. As these brave soldiers parachuted into enemy territory under cover of darkness, they faced daunting odds, but their commitment to each other and their mission forged unbreakable bonds. The D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, was just the beginning. As Easy Company stormed the beaches of Normandy, they encountered relentless gunfire and treacherous obstacles. Estimates suggest that around 4,400 Allied troops lost their lives that day, underscoring the chaos and fear of battle. Easy Company's heroes embodied the spirit of perseverance, often drawing strength from their faith and mutual support to navigate grim moments. Their efforts ultimately saved the lives of many soldiers on D-Day and throughout the war in Europe. Their stories are inspiring, and the camaraderie they shared serves as an incredible inspiration to me. The Missionary's Call Just a decade later, on the other side of the world, an entirely different kind of battle was unfolding in the jungles of Ecuador in the 1950s. Jim Elliot, a determined missionary, aspired to connect with the Auca tribe, known for their fierce resistance to outsiders. He viewed this as more than a physical mission; it was a spiritual battle. Armed only with their resolve and the Word of God, Elliot and his companions ventured into the jungles, risking their lives to spread love and hope. While visiting the Auca tribe, Jim and four other men were killed as they attempted to reach the tribe with the gospel of Christ. Jim's story is equally inspirational. He sacrificed everything to share the gospel that had transformed his own life. The missionary families became tightly connected and were steadfast in the commitment that Jim exemplified and continued trying to reach the Auca tribe. They ultimately succeeded. Jim's sacrifice was not in vain. Lessons in Comradeship and Faith These two examples are extreme. Easy Company fought against the totalitarian regime of Hitler and his Reich. Many of those men paid the ultimate price. Jim Elliot and his fellow missionaries lost their lives attempting to reach others to free them from sin and death. Both stories share tragedy as well as victory. Both stories share significant struggle. Both created a sense of intense connection with those who participated in the efforts. The Bible clearly states that Christians face struggles and battles as well. Easy Company and the missionaries in Ecuador knew the risk they were facing. Do we take our own battles as seriously? God calls us to be prepared. Ephesians 6:10-18  describes both our armament and our enemy. Are we living a life of boldness and making something real of our faith, or are we coasting along without paying attention to God, our Commander in Chief, as he, through scripture, lines out our mission? I realize I have spent too much time coasting. I want to live a life that is an inspiration for others. I want to be worth something in the battle to advance the Gospel of Christ. It's on me to do something about that. The Fellow Warrior is my attempt to share with others that we are not alone in the fight. That there are other Christian men out there seeking to do what God wants them to do. That we, like Easy Company, or the missionaries in Ecuador, can connect with each other through our shared struggles. We have families to defend, we have our sins to conquer, and we have the Gospel to share with a lost and dying world. We can become Fellow Warriors if we are willing to step up. Final Thoughts Reflecting on the battles fought by Easy Company and Jim Elliot emphasizes that battles—whether physical, or spiritual—calls for extraordinary courage, unwavering faith, and strong relationships. As Christian men, it is vital to acknowledge that while the path to victory can feel overwhelming, we are never truly alone. Navigating life’s spiritual struggles allows us to emerge victorious through challenges we face and cultivate relationships with those that struggle alongside us. These stories can inspire us to nurture relationships that uplift us in moments of despair, transforming our struggles into opportunities for growth. As we prepare ourselves for daily challenges, let's remember that the essence of the battle lies not just in overcoming obstacles, but also in who stands beside us, ready to fight alongside us.