In 2020, the world experienced a threat. We were told that it would be devastating. News outlets advised that the healthy should quarantine themselves, wear masks, keep their distance, and avoid crowds. We were told that all these steps should be taken for our safety. People I spoke with began saying "Be safe" or "Stay safe" as a salutation. It felt like captivity. We couldn't do many of the things we loved to do. Concerts were not a thing. Restaurants either did delivery with a drop-off that did not involve human interaction, or they closed altogether. Many televised events had fake crowds. Everyone was under lockdown. Our focus was on safety at the cost of our freedom. I have a problem with addictions. After high school, which was over two decades before I heard about COVID-19, I allowed some influences to lead me away from what I knew to be right and live a lifestyle that should have resulted in my own death. When I came out of that and began seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ again, I felt that the risk of my problem with addictions and the devotion to my relationship with Christ meant that I should focus on my safety against the risk of stepping back into that life. I didn't go out with friends. I isolated myself to avoid the potential of relapse. I chose what I felt was the safe route. I couldn't do some of the things I loved to do. Camping was not a thing. Hanging out with friends was limited. Entertainment with TV and video games became my fake crowd. I was under lockdown. My focus was on safety at the cost of my own freedom. I want to pause for a second here to address what may seem an obvious issue with my reasoning regarding my own story. In the beginning of my effort to get away from the lifestyle that was harming me, I was sick. My state of mind and body needed some recovery time. I needed to resolve a few issues, get physically cleaned up from what I had been doing, and separate myself from those direct influences encouraging me to continue in my harmful choices. When we are sick, we need healing. Sometimes that means we spend time in relative isolation, but not complete isolation. We still need someone to attend to us in those times. We need the health check, the "medicine" for whatever our ailment is, and the care of another that is often the most important component of our full healing. That is still not a complete focus on safety. The caretaker risks themselves to assist the sick or broken. I lived in my own self-imposed lockdown for about 15 years of my marriage. My week was a cycle of wake/work/entertainment/bed until the weekend when it was just entertainment, usually going to church on Sundays, then starting the cycle over again. I didn't seek out new friendships. I didn't really allow anyone to see the real me. I knew my weaknesses, so I was just going to steer as clear as I could from them and I would stay safe. I was safe, in my own eyes, from the risk of getting into a group of friends that might influence me to get back into the trouble I had escaped. I didn't want that. I still don't, but my approach now is different. When we were under COVID lockdown, I didn't go to the gym. I had spent the previous few years working on getting in better shape, but when no one was supposed to be around anyone else, I just let it drop. I know some people did a good job keeping up with home exercises and such, but my motivation seemed to just fade as the public fear of this unknown disease grew. I saw businesses permanently close their doors. I saw entire industries shut down for the duration of the lockdown with no way to generate revenue. Nothing seemed healthy about our safety. When I was in my own lockdown, I did not seek close friendships. I did not look for new mentors to get some guidance in the chapter of life we were facing at that time. I was not keeping up with the effort that I needed to put forward to keep myself as healthy as I could be. My isolation from people outside my own family had a similar effect on my mental and spiritual health that the COVID lockdown had on my physical health. It wasn't good. It wasn't really safe. It certainly was not freedom. In both of those instances, the focus on safety literally came at the cost of my freedom. I shared a little bit of this mindset and was presented with the question, "How do you define freedom?" I stick with the dictionary definition. I'm going to simply copy and paste from Webster's online dictionary: the quality or state of being free: such as a: the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action b: liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another: independence c: the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous d: unrestricted use e: ease, facility f: the quality of being frank, open, or outspoken g: improper familiarity h: boldness of conception or execution I think what the question was leading to was should we be free to do what we want even if it is against the Bible or our morality. I believe we should. I'm going to borrow from the Apostle Paul here. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul makes a statement to the church in Corinth that shook me: "'Everything is permissible for me,' but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible for me,' but I will not be mastered by anything." We are free to do all things, but we should be wise enough to know what is beneficial and what will not take mastery over us. Paul doesn't say "everything other than the things that Jesus told us not to do". He doesn't say "everything but the things prohibited by Jewish law". His statement was "everything". I don't want confusion here. I'm not advocating for sinning and feeling like you can get away with it. In fact, the verse leads you to the correct ultimate conclusion. There are two primary statements. One is "I can do whatever I want, but not all of that is helpful," and the other is "I can do whatever I want, but I won't be under bondage." Any real study of the Bible will lead you to the obvious conclusion that sin = bondage. Threats to freedom are many and varied. We can be slaves to addictions. I was. We can be hindered by wasting our time on entertainment. We can be bound by fear. We can be captured by lust. We can be prisoners to our pursuit of wealth. Our freedom can be threatened by other people, religion, political rulers or even views, and by our own choices. Freedom requires maintenance. It requires work. It requires sacrifice. The men that founded our country, though imperfect like you and I, sought to separate themselves from a tyrannical government and establish a place where we had freedom. They wanted to worship the way they saw fit. They wanted to work the way they thought right. They wanted to different type of government that allowed its people to live free. That freedom did not come cheap. Men died fighting for it with a conviction that is not often seen in our modern world. They gave their lives so that we would have the freedoms we have today. Their fight for our freedom came at the cost of their safety. Years ago, this idea of living safe or living free hit me as I was reading Wild at Heart by John Eldridge. The book was tough for me to work my way through, but there were so many excellent concepts in it that I've now gone through the book so many times that my paper copy looks a bit the worse for wear. The book exposes the lie that the modern Christian man is supposed to be this safe, clean, passive thing that we don't see anywhere in the Bible. The Christian man is not supposed to live in sanitized rooms with pads on the walls, a mask on his face, or in isolation. We are supposed to be free and we are to fight for the freedom of others. We must recognize what Paul told us regarding the things that are not helpful to us or the things that could master us, but we should be "out there." We should be living the life of liberty that Christ fought for. He fought for your freedom and mine at the cost of His safety. He gave His life so that you and I might live. If I take my freedom, both my freedom in this country and my freedom in Christ, seriously, then it should affect my life. If I don't take the freedom I have in the United States for granted, then I'll vote. I'll write congressmen and women (at the risk of a ridiculous amount of spam), and I'll be involved in my community. If I don't take my freedom in Christ for granted, then I'll reach out to Him. I'll be involved in my church. I'll find ministries I can be involved in or contribute to. The appreciation of that freedom will help to shape the things I want to do and the ways in which I can do them. I should support my country in the ways I am able, and I should encourage others to do what they need to so they can enjoy the freedoms afforded by the sacrifices of so many. I should support my Creator and Redeemer in the ways I am able as well. I should tell others about His freedom and encourage others to give their lives to Him so they can experience the freedom afforded by the sacrifice of Jesus Himself. When COVID rolled around and we were all encouraged to be safe, to keep our distance, and to do and not do all the things we were told to do, I saw it for what it really was. It was the theft of our freedom. I had put myself under that same quarantine many years before, and I knew that the price of my illusion of safety would come at the cost of my freedom. In my opinion, "Live Free or Die" is about the same as "Live Free or Live Safe." The idea of safety in this world is a fragile illusion. This world is not a safe place. Living anywhere on this planet is not truly safe. Doing work, playing, being in relationships, and trusting anyone about anything is not safe. There is risk in being free. There's the risk of harm, failure, betrayal, doing the wrong thing, and even the risk of death. Should that stop us? I hope it won't stop you. I won't let it stop me. Don't be safe. Be free.

Practical Ways to Be a Fellow Warrior for Other Christian Men Life for a Christian man is often described as a battle. Scripture reminds us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). That battle isn’t one we’re meant to fight alone. Just as soldiers lock shields on the battlefield, Christian men are called to lock arms with brothers in Christ. The term “fellow warrior” captures that reality—men standing side by side, fighting not against each other, but for one another. But how do we live this out in real, everyday life? Here are some practical ways to be a fellow warrior: 1. Pray for Each Other—Regularly and Specifically A warrior’s first weapon is prayer. Too often, men say “I’ll pray for you” but fail to follow through. Being a fellow warrior means committing to pray regularly for your brothers by name and for specific needs. I believe we should be very intentional about this. Pray with them when they ask for prayer about something and pray for them in your private time of prayer. Make it REAL! Keep a small list in your Bible or phone with requests from your friends. Our men's group often shares the list from our most recent fellowship or study. Send a text letting them know you prayed for them that morning. Don’t just pray about  them—pray with  them, even if it’s just a two-minute prayer over the phone. Prayer builds spiritual covering and reminds your brothers that they are not alone in their fight. 2. Speak Truth—Even When It’s Hard Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”  Sharpening requires friction. A fellow warrior doesn’t just affirm and encourage—he also speaks truth when it’s needed, even if it stings. This is a favorite verse of several of my Christian friends. If you see a brother slipping into compromise, call it out in love. Hold him accountable to his commitments as a husband, father, worker, or disciple. Be willing to receive truth as well as give it. A true warrior doesn’t let his brother walk unchallenged into enemy fire. 3. Share the Burden of the Fight Galatians 6:2 tells us to “carry each other’s burdens.” A fellow warrior doesn’t stand by while another man struggles in silence. Offer help when you see a brother weighed down—whether it’s moving furniture, watching his kids, or simply listening. Be intentional about asking deeper questions than “How are you?” Push past surface-level conversations. Walk alongside him in his battles—whether it’s addiction, grief, financial strain, or spiritual dryness. A soldier who carries his brother’s pack on the battlefield shows loyalty that words alone can’t express. 4. Celebrate Victories Together Battles aren’t only about surviving; they’re also about winning. Celebrate with your brothers when they experience spiritual growth, overcome temptation, or see answered prayers. Send encouragement when you see a victory, no matter how small. Take time to thank God together for His faithfulness. Remind them of how far they’ve come when discouragement hits. Victories shared with fellow warriors strengthen the bond of brotherhood and fuel the next fight. 5. Commit to Showing Up Sometimes the most powerful way to be a fellow warrior is simply to show up. Consistency builds trust. Show up at men’s group, even when you’re tired. Be present in crisis—hospital visits, funerals, moments of loss. Mark your calendar for key events in your brothers’ lives. Presence communicates, “I’ve got your back.”  A warrior who doesn’t abandon his post is one every man can rely on. 6. Serve Together We were given a mission by our Commander. God had a simple, straightforward imperative for all of us. In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus tells us, " Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,   teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Like men serving in military service, there is an added level of companionship when we serve a shared mission. Facilitate a small group with your church of men's group Participate in service opportunities as a ministry to others Share your faith with others - incorporate your testimony to let others know what God has done in your life. Reflection Questions Who are the men I consider my fellow warriors right now? Do they know they can count on me in prayer, accountability, and presence? Where do I need to step up and fight beside them more intentionally? Am I open to letting others fight alongside me, or am I trying to battle alone?

This morning I joined a few men from our church for breakfast at a local spot for our Saturday morning study. We were looking at Matthew 13. Jesus is telling a few stories to a crowd gathered around the shore as He was talking from a boat a little ways out on the water. There were several stories shared in that passage, but a comment was made by one of the men in the group that made me thing about the first of the stories from a different angle. The parable of the sower is one that I would guess most Christians are familiar with. A farmer is planting and some of the seeds fall "by the wayside" which I take to be unprepared ground and have always pictured seeds landing on a road beside the field. Birds come and grab them. Some fall on stony ground and don't establish roots deep enough to stay. Some ended up in thorns and couldn't establish at all. Finally, some land on ground that's well prepared and can yield a crop. I have always looked at that passage as one about sharing our faith. We should plant the seed of the gospel and hope that it lands where it will yield results. I believe that is the case, but the comment was that it could also be our own reception of God's Word. It got me thinking about the idea of good, prepared "ground" in my heart and mind. Am I letting the Word fall to the wayside in my own life? Is it landing on stony ground? Am I living in the thorny weeds that choke out His message to me? Am I preparing my heart and mind to receive God's Word so it falls on cultivated, good ground that will allow it to truly take root, grow, and yield a crop that will honor my Creator? Too many times I am not. I let the things of the world choke out what He is trying to tell me. I allow my heart to be hard about things and at times His message doesn't take root, withers, and doesn't yield in me what it should. Other times I'm simply not prepared at all and it amounts to nothing for me. I want to pursue Christ with all that is within me. I'm not great at it, but I do seek after Him. I want to take this lesson to heart. I want to hear, read, and study His stories, lessons, and direction so it will flourish. The ground doesn't have to stay in bad shape. I can work it, remove the stones, pull the weeds, and stay ready for the next thing He wishes to plant in me!

This week has been a tough one. I was confronted with the fact that I tend not to communicate in a timely manner which has affected the people I work with. The feeling I get from the initial comments is that the fallout from that could be significant. My own tendency is to see the worst case as the prediction of the consequences, and then to either wallow in self pity or just stress and panic. That's kind of where I've been this week. If I care about something, and I cause it any harm, I feel like I have killed it. Many years ago I had friends who introduced me to a book by Douglas Adams called The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It's definitely not a Christian book, and is largely nonsense, but it's a fun read and quite comical. The "Guide" the book talks about is an electronic book which, on the cover, in large friendly letters, bears the words "Don't Panic". That phrase has been on my phone lock screen for about as long as that technology has existed. I love the life application of that phrase. In my outdoor adventures I have been told that one of the worst things you can do is panic. If I panic in an emergency situation while kayaking or climbing I will be much more likely to get hurt or to hurt someone else than if I remain calm. I'm generally ok with that out in the wild. I'm not as ok with that where work and income are involved. I tend to worry, panic, and stress to the point that I can't eat or sleep. I can also tend to isolate or sedate when I feel like that. I know that, just like with outdoor issues that come up, I'm more likely to hurt or be hurt when I react that way. The Bible could nearly have the same words as the Hitchhiker's Guide printed on the cover for the follower of Christ. It's actually a command for us. Philippians 4:6-7 6  Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. I am told not to worry. I follow the Man who won the game for us. He fought and conquered in the war between good and evil. I know how this ends. Why do I keep on grabbing at my worries and holding on to them myself? 1 Peter 5:6-7 6  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7  casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. I am told that I can outsource our worry in this passage. I don't care much for the financial administration side of business. I love working on the final numbers, but all the bookkeeping in between gives me a headache. I have a huge appreciation for bookkeepers that I am able to reach out to so I have assistance with that part of business. I don't really like worry either. I have the option to outsource that to God. Why am I so prone to hold on to the worry and anxiety that I encounter? Isaiah 41:10 10  Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. I have been reminded a number of times in the last few weeks of the old children's song "Jesus Loves Me". The line that keeps getting repeated from various sources is "They are weak, but He is strong". I am not told to bear the burdens of life by myself. I'm told exactly the opposite. God is with me. Jesus is there beside me. When I link up with Him my task is made easier. Just this morning I met with our church men's group for breakfast where we studied Matthew 11. Jesus allows us to yoke ourselves to Him. We link ourselves to Him so he can carry the hard stuff with us and for us. John 14:27 27  “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful. I have peace in Christ. I don't believe that means I don't come across worry that I can allow to stick to me. I believe it means that I can follow the command to cast those cares on Him and display a peace and strength that is not my own. If I'm so great that I can just deal with whatever life throws at me without any assistance than what need is there for faith? I know I struggle with handling stress and worry. I can't glory in my own strength under pressure. I know where my peace comes from. Today that's my prayer for myself and my prayer for you. I know that there is peace in God that is beyond what my mind can hold. I know that in humility I can outsource all my worries to my Creator and just leave them with Him. I know that Jesus provides the strength to overcome all the challenges that I face. I know that I can take the peace that Christ provided and remove the trouble and fear from my heart. Lord of all Creation, you are unfathomable, awesome, and still constantly show your care for me. I can only grasp the tiniest fraction of who you are. I thank you for your promises. I know them as I study your Word, and I pray that you will give me the strength to cling to them. I claim the promise of peace that you provide. I cannot continue to struggle alone in worry, stress, and anxiety. I praise you for your provision. You have fed me, clothed me, provided for my family, given me employment, and blessed me in all those areas. I pray that I will refuse to pick up the worry that I give to you. I thank you for being there for me as a friend and as the original fellow warrior. I pray this in the Name of Jesus, your Son. Amen.

"Consistency is the key." It's a suggestion I heard several times when I was talking about writing on my own site. I have not done a great job with that... This has been a busy time, but I won't lean on that as an excuse. I could have been writing. I keep allowing time-wasters in my life. I'll stream a show, read a book, or just sit around and do a whole lot of nothing. I have to be more disciplined. That's what I'll talk about today: my struggle with self-discipline. It takes discipline to keep going when you want to quit. There are two big "D"s that I continue to allow into my life. They keep me from being effective with my work, with jobs around the house, and with ministry work I know I should be doing. I don't think I'm alone. I think there may be a few other guys that deal with these "D"s as well. Distractions Distractions are a weakness of mine. I have struggled with them for most of my life. I think WebMD said I was a bit ADD, so I could just use that as my excuse, but I won't. Most of the time, it boils down to "me time." I feel entitled to some time to do something for me, but I feel like it never amounts to anything worthwhile. I'll sit down on the couch and watch a few episodes of a show on a streaming service and find I've wasted an entire evening. Other times, I'll check Facebook just to get rid of the notification numbers on my phone and find I've wasted hours doom-scrolling. I have worthwhile things I could be doing. Some, like writing on here, can even be fun. Why is it always the worthless things that seem to win? Discouragement Discouragement, for me, can become an excuse to avoid an activity. I've experienced that several times when working on projects online. I don't get the response I hoped for, or the likes I felt like a post should have had, or I end up dealing with trolls. While I was gaming, I decided I would try streaming. I had a great community of other streamers that helped me get going, and I gained a decent following for a beginner. I was starting to feel like it could go somewhere. One night, I started the stream on a game I liked but hadn't really streamed before and ended up with a couple of trolls as the only active viewers. It was a huge discouragement. I didn't stream much at all after that. I have attempted to play new games, sports, and musical instruments and was discouraged when the progress felt too slow, or if I just couldn't "win." Both of the negative "D"s can be overcome with a positive "D." Discipline is like a muscle. I've been trying to exercise that muscle a lot lately. I'm working on consistent action in four areas of life. A men's event I recently attended referred to the four areas as the four pillars: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finance. Now we have "F"s and "D"s involved. I feel like this sounds a little like a bad report card... Faith I started trying to get out of bed a lot earlier a couple of months ago. My alarm goes off at 5 am, and the intention is to spend time in the Bible and time praying. It has been a good change. I have the time to really dig into study or just spend some time getting real with God as I talk with Him to start my day. The effect has been incredible, and getting up earlier has started to be easier. Family I want to be very intentional with my family relationships. This year, my wife and I set some goals that involved visiting family regularly. The early months of this year were very difficult in that respect. We lost my wife's mom and my dad this year. That made the commitment that much more important. Our family should be the most important set of human relationships we have. It is absolutely worth investing time and energy into those we care about. We don't know how long we'll have with our family members. Fitness In 2020, I was doing pretty well. I was going to the gym regularly, I had some good fitness goals, and my cardio was in a good place. When Covid became an issue, I fell off the wagon...hard. I really haven't worked out regularly since 2020. This year, when I set the goals with my wife, I added that to the list. I wanted to do some significant exercise on a regular basis. I got a set of dumbbells and started to get to it. Scrolling through weightlifting reels on YouTube certainly wasn't doing the trick, so I set some regular exercises and charted the results. Finance This one has been tough for me. We are in an okay spot with our general finances, but I feel like we could be much healthier. I have acted on this with study for now. I am going through a handful of books about having my money work for me rather than me working for my money. I had heard that before, but I dismissed it because I felt like I wasn't making enough. Obviously, I was missing the point. I am now working on making connections with people that are able to advise on how to set things up to accomplish that idea. I am looking forward to seeing how that goes. There is certainly risk, but that's just part of the game. Discipline I'll try to land this plane. With all of the areas of my life, I know that I have not been anything close to perfect. They all take practice. I can't be the best at the four pillars without starting at ground level and building the pillars bit by bit. The practice may not make perfect, but it will make progress. That's all I should be worried about. As a practical step, I am trying to chart the goals that I set early this year so I can see where I am making progress or where I need help. That's where having those Fellow Warriors can come in to step to the next level. I should not be embarrassed that there are aspects of my progress that aren't the best. I need to own the current status and get some help or advice as I try to reach the marks I have set for myself and those that God puts on my heart. Fellow Warriors are a key component. Discipline doesn't have to be exercised alone. I have some good guys that will hold me to my commitments and check on my progress. I do the same for them. That's where I can excel. That's where I can be disciplined better than just going at it alone. Be that Fellow Warrior!

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."