Mon.1.19.15...Being a Godly MENTOR...(Model part 1)

Today we want to turn an important corner. Up until now we have been laying a rock solid foundation on God’s word (G), prayer (A) and righting wrongs (R). (The beginning of February we will introduce the letter E.) You men have become unstoppable in these key areas and it shows everyday on our GREAT scoreboard. New men coming in will see that you have set the example for them to follow. You are pace-setters. Today we will begin a series on “Being a Godly M.E.N.T.O.R.” This week we will be focusing on just the first and most crucial letter- M. There’s so much to this letter, so let’s get to it.

M= Modeling. Paul said, that he and his ministry team (coaches) carefully lived “in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow” 2 Th.3:9. If we are going to have any significant impact on protégés and others, we need to be good models. Remember, more is caught than taught. In other words, we learn more by a person’s example than their exhortations. As one wag put it, “Your walk talks and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.” Another has said, “What you do speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you’re saying.” Can you relate to the following? It’s definitely what protégés want and need-

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;
And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live. Edgar A. Guest

Children certainly learn so much by the example of others. It’s also true for adults as well. Jesus repeatedly said, “Follow me.” Peter wrote that Christ left “you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1Pet.2:21. Paul said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Cor.11:1. Wow! What an example Paul was to follow! Leaders know the way, go the way and and show the way. "Follow me!"

Let’s explore the way that Paul mentored new believers. He said to the Thessalonians, “You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers…” 1 Th.1:5-7. Isn’t that a great way of multiplying MANLY men? As proteges imitate MANLY men, they become models of MANLY men for others to follow. And so the multiplying process continues. That’s why it’s imperative that we coaches set the example. We reproduce after our kind. So thanks for daily being diligent to be G.R.E.A.T. for God. The protégés will see your progress on the GREAT scoreboard and have something great to imitate. Thus, to use Paul’s words of encouragement- “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” 1 Tim.4:15. 

1.-Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20 and share something that impresses you about the method/model of Paul in making godly imitators of Christ.

2.-Write out on your MP3 card this powerful verse portion- "You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord" 1 Th.1:5b-6a. What an important verse to keep in mind when mentoring children or adults. Do the Did it, when you did it.

3.-R?

4.-A? How timely that Pastor Mark preached about people having a hunger for God yesterday, as we have been praying for such as well. So many men have had their appetites curbed by other things. Keep Attacking this strategy of the enemy. O Lord, give us Hungry men! God is answering! We have two new brothers joining us today. See below.

Announcements
I'm happy to introduce to you two new men whom I've known for several years who are joining us- George Rabiela (invited by Mike Pagan) and Antonio Palomar (invited by Daniel Contreras). These are great brothers! Welcome aboard! 

New life Sports Ministry will be hosting a bean bag tournament January 24th. Men 18 years and older are invited for some great food & fellowship. A $5 registration fee will be collected. This will help to offset the cost of food, etc. So please contact Eddie Morales at 773-733-4430 before Saturday if you plan on attending. I'm looking forward to a good time there. (And what a great opportunity to talk with men about M3 :)

	1 Tim.4:15	G=God's Word	Right Wrongs	E	A= Attack Prayers	T	(Men Recruited)
		For Th.1.15.15
	Alpha Force
	Fire Team 1
1	Jack Rogers U.1	Y			A		Daniel & Roger
2	Daniel Contreras U.1	Y	R (Our Respect)		A		Vince & Antonio
3	Vince Diaz	Y			A
4	Roger Vinlasaca U.1	Y			A
	Fire Team 2
1	Israel Fuentes U.1	Y			A
2	Sam Vargas U.1	Y			A		Robert
3	Robert Roman	Y			A
4	Antonio Palomar	Welcome!
	Delta Force
	Fire Team 3
1	Alvin James U.1	Y	R (Our Respect)
2	Dave Heidekruger U.1	Y			A
3	Mike Pagan U.1	Y			A		George
4	George Rabiela	Welcome!
	Fire Team 4
1	Eddie Morales U.1	Y			A		Gary, Ismael, Kentrayle
2	Gary Remson U.1	Y			A
3	Ismael Andrade U.1	Y			A
4	Kentrayle Adams	Y	R (Our Respect)		A