Friday Men’s Group 4/23/21

Hi Men:

Praying this week that your foundation is firmly placed “in” Jesus Christ, our Rock and Fortress.

If you want to get an interesting conversation started, ask… “Hey Bob, I’m curious, what religion were you born into?”  If Bob hesitates, then ask if his parents went to church.  The point of all this is to get them thinking.  If Bob’s parents were Lutherans, most likely he is too.  If his parents were Catholics, likewise.  Even if they are not regular attenders, their roots are most likely still quite deep.  

The photo above is from a Catholic Church in Chicago, St. Stanislaus.  It has the Virgin Mary sitting on top of the Ark of the Covenant.  This particular image has Mary elevated above God Himself.  The majority of Catholics were never encouraged to read the Bible, but only listen to what the priest said during Mass.  Most Catholics would be shocked to discover what Mary herself stated in Luke 1:38, Mary said,  “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord…..”  The Greek word for handmaid is doulē (δούλη) or female slave.  Mary saw herself as a slave to Christ and in verse 47 (part of the Magnificat) she sees her need for a savior.  Was she blessed among women?  Yes, but she still needed a Savior  (Read Luke Chapter 1)

So back to the question, “What religion were you born into?”  As most of you know, I was born a Catholic and was passionate about my Catholic faith.  Would I have the same passion, dedication and devotion if I was born into a Mormon, Hindu, Jehovah Witness or Muslim family?  Great question and if I was honest with myself, I would have to say yes.  The Catholic Mass would not exist without the Bible, but how many Catholics spend any time reading it?  When I came across the verse at the top of the page (1 Timothy 2:5), I asked myself why I spent so many years praying to Mary, the saints and reciting the Rosary.  There is only one mediator…………. Jesus!

There are 1.2 Billion Catholics worldwide.  I was one of those devout Catholics going through the motions until Jesus Christ became real in my life in 1991.  If you want to share Christ with someone (2 Timothy 4:5)  you don’t have to look far.  If you are not using “Steps to Peace with God” I highly encourage you to start.  You can order them here: MIMBooks.com   ( Check out the attached PDF ).  Pray today and through the weekend that God would put someone in front of you that you can share the only Good News that will last throughout eternity.  What a great time to do this in world chocked full of uncertainty, fear, hopelessness and despair.

How exciting that God allows us to be involved in His plan of salvation! …….
And, there is great eternal reward for sharing your faith (Check out Gayle Jackson’s Blog #33 below)

Dan
(Gal 2:20)

Men:  Do not obscure the Scriptures with speculations that are not clear……..

Strange Doctrines – Red Book Day 114 & 115
The purpose of these devotionals is to help you think Biblically

Solomon said, “As a man thinks, so is he”

(1) – 2 timothy 1:13
(2) – 1 Timothy 2:8
(3) – Titus 1:5

Blog 33 – Motivators – Part 1

“Lay NOT up for yourselves treasures upon the earth………….., but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven………….”
(Matthew 6:19-21)

Men:  Read these 7 questions

• Do I know my giftedness and how I am designed to serve God? If so, what is it and am I focused on using it for God now?
• Do I know my purpose from God for this life?
• How much time do I spend serving God with my gifts?
• Have I surrounded myself with those who are committed to serving God while on earth, or are they just my social sidekicks?
• Am I storing up treasures, i.e., rewards, in heaven or just on earth?
• Am I ready for my Judgment Day?
• Am I one of the three soils, i.e., Luke 8:4-9, that produced no product?

If these 7 questions are important to you, then I would encourage you to read the attached PDF (Blog 33 – Part 1).
To see more of Gayle Jackson’s Blogs, click here: JacksonJournal.com

Fissures in the Soul by Trevor McDowell

“How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God.”  (John 5:44)   Question:  Do you love to hear praise from men?

Read if you too have fissures in your soul!  MIMworldwide.com/fissures-in-the-soul

PRAYER REQUEST: INDIA

As you have certainly read, India has a massive Covid outbreak.  You can see the 4/22/21 chart below and a photo from the mass cremations near Delhi.

Here is a “WhatsApp” message I received late last night from an older pastor in Hyderabad India, A. Satyanarayana, “Dear Brother Dan, Greetings in Jesus name.  Few Pastors of our association affected,( COVID) Taking the treatment.  Pastor Dayanand,  Jacob, and Sudheer have died.  Our Church members and our relatives also affected, tested positive, one sister name Lakshmi she is suffering from severe illness, kindly pray for us.  We are following the government instructions. Motivating others to be careful, praying for every concern. Thank you for your love Prayers and support for us.  Convey our greetings to all……….”
Brother Satyanarayana

Let’s commit to pray for our brothers and sisters in India.