It’s
been called, “leukemia of the soul.” It stops warriors from winning on the
battlefield. It holds men down when they’ve fallen from getting up to fight
again. It turns men whom God called to be conquerors, into quitters. It has
ended the careers and marriages of myriads. It has clipped the wings of people
with great potential. When the hellion demons of lustful desires cannot fell
you or distractions cannot divert you from the battle, then this champion of
hell emerges to take you out. Any guesses? I’ll give you a hint what this lying
spirit does. It gnaws away at the courage in a man, weighing him down, down, down.
That’s right; its name is “Discouragement.” Have you
ever battled this dark demon? Then you know what we’re talking about here.
That’s why we are now beginning to focus on the next letter of being a godly MENTOR- the letter E for Encouragement.
As we
gear up to help protégés (Pros) grow to be multiplying MANLY men, you can bet that the
enemy will seek to discourage you and them. You are advancing against
strongholds of Satan. You are seeking to conquer Canaan. When the 12 spies came
back from spying out the land, 10 of them that were bewitched by that
demon “Discouragement.” Despite all of God’s promises and miracles to reassure them that He would give them the
land of promise, they discouraged the people.
Discover what they said in Num.13:26-33 and 14:1-10.
Two
words in 13:31 summarize the view of the 10 spies regarding the situation- “We
can’t!” Did you notice how they focused on the size of their enemies (their
problems), not the size of their God? That’s how the demon, “Discouragement”
works. God is not in the picture. He has been cropped out. Think about a time
when you were discouraged. Where was God in the picture? They also said, “The
land we explored devours those living in it” 13:32.
At least
there were two spies in the group who didn’t leave God out- Caleb and Joshua.
Instead of saying “we can’t” they said “we can.” “We should go up and take
possession of the land for we can
certainly do it.” 13:30. And instead of saying that the land will devour us as
the 10 feared, they said, “we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone”
14:9. Their protection is gone? Remember reading in Daniel 10 how the angel
fought against demons to get to Daniel and that he would then go to fight
against the prince of Persia? Could it be that God had broken the demonic
protection over the land of Canaan? It would appear so. What encouragement!
We also
have a mission to take the land of Canaan, so to speak (to conquer Crete). Our
mission is the great commission. We are to go forward with confidence and
encouragement because, as our risen Commander and Chief has declared, “All
authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations.” Mt.28:18-19. Our commission is not to go and
destroy all the nations (people groups) in Canaan, but to go and “disciplize” all nations. Christ has all authority. We are his deputized disciples. We have God given authority to set captives free.
But since Christ has been given all authority, why is there still a battle? Because “the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19. God has given Satan the rightful jurisdiction over those who refuse to repent and receive our King. They are rebels of Christ’s kingdom as we once were. But we can free them as others once helped to free us. "To open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God" Acts 26:18. What encouragement to us in spiritual battle. Pray A Attack or warfare prayers. Only God can remove demonic protection holding men who are HARD or STUCK in Satan’s grip. "O Lord, liberate and transform men into Power HOUSE men to join us in the fight to free and multiply MANLY men." (You know what HOUSE stands for- Hungry, Obedient, Unstoppable, Strong in the Lord, Encouraging) Men need to be encouraged.
But since Christ has been given all authority, why is there still a battle? Because “the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19. God has given Satan the rightful jurisdiction over those who refuse to repent and receive our King. They are rebels of Christ’s kingdom as we once were. But we can free them as others once helped to free us. "To open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God" Acts 26:18. What encouragement to us in spiritual battle. Pray A Attack or warfare prayers. Only God can remove demonic protection holding men who are HARD or STUCK in Satan’s grip. "O Lord, liberate and transform men into Power HOUSE men to join us in the fight to free and multiply MANLY men." (You know what HOUSE stands for- Hungry, Obedient, Unstoppable, Strong in the Lord, Encouraging) Men need to be encouraged.
1.-Please click the following link to watch/listen to a powerful song-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuJWQzjfU3o
It exposes the lies that are discouraging so many men. It also gives God's great foundational solution. (What's up with the- Wa Oh,Ah,Oh,,Ah Oh? I think they do that when they forget the lyrics:)
It exposes the lies that are discouraging so many men. It also gives God's great foundational solution. (What's up with the- Wa Oh,Ah,Oh,,Ah Oh? I think they do that when they forget the lyrics:)
2.-As you think about how the enemy seeks to discourage people, if you feel up to this, please share a thought where the enemy has sought to discourage you in the past. You don't have to share the issue, but what you felt or thought of yourself as a result of what happened. For me, after a series of losses, I felt like I had the Midas touch in reverse- everything I touched turned to mold, not gold. Despite my best efforts and earnest prayers, failure, loss and fruitlessness dogged me. I was trudging forward with no hope in sight. Perhaps these HARD STUCK acronym words may help you to find the feeling words you were experiencing. Hopeless, Abandoned, Rejected, Defective Shameful, Trash, Unwanted, Condemned, Kinky. If you ever felt such, you'll see that the Bible reveals many heroes who felt that way also. We're not alone. When we can admit such "tuff stuff" it will enable our proteges (pros) to not keep deep wounds hidden. It's so healing!
Would you please give an encouraging word to your brother in battle who last commented above you here on the blog? This has been so encouraging to see. Thanks!
3.-Write down on your MP3 card, Christ's promise at the end of the great commission- "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Mt.28:20. We'll look at the deeper meaning of that tomorrow.) Then do the Did it.
4.-R?
5.-A?
6.-Who were the 2 brothers you shared with about things you've been learning in M3? (Remember, that was part of the test from last Thursday and Friday.)
Announcements
This entire month of February is open enrollment for your proteges (pros). Make sure that you direct them to our M3 website- http://multiplyingmanlymen.wix.com/m3-gst . It's there they can fill out and submit their application. They will start Basic Training (Boot Camp) Monday, March 2nd.
I'm very eager to commend you "January Unstoppable Men" this Sunday and also share with you a CBS opportunity. See you this Sunday at 3:00 at Jack's to reveal this and other new things.
You and your family are also welcome to come at 1:00 for refreshments and "The Bible" DVD discussion. It will be all the better if you can be there.
Happy birthday to Eddie yesterday and happy birthday to Vince tomorrow!
3.-Write down on your MP3 card, Christ's promise at the end of the great commission- "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Mt.28:20. We'll look at the deeper meaning of that tomorrow.) Then do the Did it.
4.-R?
5.-A?
6.-Who were the 2 brothers you shared with about things you've been learning in M3? (Remember, that was part of the test from last Thursday and Friday.)
Announcements
This entire month of February is open enrollment for your proteges (pros). Make sure that you direct them to our M3 website- http://multiplyingmanlymen.wix.com/m3-gst . It's there they can fill out and submit their application. They will start Basic Training (Boot Camp) Monday, March 2nd.
I'm very eager to commend you "January Unstoppable Men" this Sunday and also share with you a CBS opportunity. See you this Sunday at 3:00 at Jack's to reveal this and other new things.
You and your family are also welcome to come at 1:00 for refreshments and "The Bible" DVD discussion. It will be all the better if you can be there.
Happy birthday to Eddie yesterday and happy birthday to Vince tomorrow!
| 1 Tim.4:15 | G=God's Word | Right Wrongs | E | A= Attack Prayers | T | (Men Recruited) | |
| For Th.1.29.15 | |||||||
| Alpha Force | |||||||
| Fire Team 1 | |||||||
| 1 | Jack Rogers U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | Daniel & Roger | ||
| 2 | Daniel Contreras U.1 | GDP done | Vince & Antonio | ||||
| 3 | Vince Diaz | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 4 | Roger Vinlasaca U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| Fire Team 2 | |||||||
| 1 | Israel Fuentes U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 2 | Sam Vargas U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | Robert | ||
| 3 | Robert Roman | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 4 | Antonio Palomar | Y | R (Our Respect) | GDP done | A | ||
| Delta Force | |||||||
| Fire Team 3 | |||||||
| 1 | Alvin James U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 2 | Dave Heidekruger U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| 3 | Mike Pagan U.1 | Y | GDP done | A | George | ||
| 4 | George Rabiela | Y | GDP done | A | |||
| Fire Team 4 | |||||||
| 1 | Eddie Morales U.1 | Y | R (Our Respect) | GDP done | A | Gary, Ismael, Kentrayle | |
| 2 | Gary Remson U.1 | Y | R (Our Respect) | GDP done | A | ||
| 3 | Ismael Andrade U.1 | Y | R (Our Respect) | GDP done | A | ||
| 4 | Kentrayle Adams | Y | R (Our Respect) | GDP done | A |
2.- Dave thank you so much for being such a great example of the kind of unstoppable man that we all are in training to be. Your passion for the Word of God and your great desire to share it is admirable. Also thank you for the special way you have of encouraging us through the Word and through your deep insight into life experiences. Thank you for listening closely to God's voice and obeying Him in seeking to make more disciples. May God continue to use you in a mighty way.
ReplyDelete3.- Did it
5.- A
6.- Jose Mercado and Eugene
Thank so much for your encouraging words Roger! You know how to build up a brother. Proteges will be blessed by you!
DeleteI agree with both of you mighty men of valor. You're blessed and highly favored by our Lord :-)
Delete1. Watched video
ReplyDelete2. I struggle with discouragement regularly but I've learned to encourage myself with the Word of God. Lamentations 3:19-26 "I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
3. Did it :-)
4.
5. A
6. Victor Samano and Enrique Avila
Thanks for sharing your struggle against the demon of discouragement. I wouldn't have guessed such, but that's why it's so important that we can honestly share and encourage each other. This only boosts my admiration of you.
DeleteGlad you got to share with Victor and Enrique.
Robert, thanks for your honesty and sharing the words that bring strength back to you. There is much wisdom in this quotation, thank you for sharing with us what The Lord has taught about survival in the deserts of discouragement.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brother Tony :-)
Delete1) Watched the video.
ReplyDelete2) Overall I tend to be very confident and strong willed, which may not say much about my humility. However when I am overtaken by discouragement, It tends to be in the area of marriage, When I feel like I've tried, researched and experimented and just cannot find a solution, I will often at this stage feel deflated, stuck, frustrated. I feel like a soldier who can't accomplish his mission and has failed his assigned purpose. To pull myself out of these pits I normally pray, knock the punching bag around. Reach out to someone give them the scoop and ask for prayer, the search myself see why I lost myself. Recently I'm pushing myself to apologize for what I did wrong and failing to do what I could have done.
3) Did it.
4) R.
5) A.
6) Rudy Soto.
Tony, the mere fact that you want to change and attempt to resolve the situation shows character and humility. Press on brother. God will honor your moldable and hungry heart. Grace and Peace bro.
DeleteSo appreciate your honesty and self effacing humor. Marriage can be a great joy and a great challenge. Any honest married man will tell you that. The first year of my marriage was extremely difficult. I know you've been married longer than that, but I'm just letting you know what I've been through. Feel free to call me or your teammates anytime. Will seek to pray for you in this area too.
DeleteAnd you have R Respect.
Rudy would be a good man to have join us.
Thank you for sharing brother. I can relate to you. I have caught myself not being careful with my speech and I am more aware when I use H.A.L.T.
Delete1.I've met regret and defeat but I'm a child of the king.
ReplyDelete2.I think we get discouraged when we listen to the lies of the father of lies satin. Good son is "the voice of truth"Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns: http://youtu.be/KwsvqVmFV6Y
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
3. Did it.
4.R
5.A
covering you in prayer George.
DeleteThanks George for the good song I just watched. It fits in well with what we're talking about and a good one to keep in your arsenal to pass on to encourage men.
DeleteYou also have R Respect.
Did you share with a couple brothers yet what you've been learning?
1. Listened
ReplyDelete2. Any time I trip or stumble I can feel very disqualified. I don't aim to mess up, but I (will) fail at times and I know it's not just about the fall, because there is importance to knowing the things that added to that decision, but how you get up, your response to the fall. How will you get up? And it is encouraging to know and see how God called the seemingly disqualified to be used by him. I.e. David, Paul, Peter, Moses, Rehab, Elijah.
3. Did it.
4. RR I got a bit testy and heated competing in indoor soccer championship. I had to apologize to my team. I told them that although I wanted to win, the trophy didn't mean much to me. I would rather fix things and keep our relationship strong, then have it be severed by my extreme competitiveness. It wasn't worth it. Also, had to apologize to my mom, she was trying to make the best of the day and I got a little edgy, think God is really working on my view and perspective on what is really important and what really matters.
5.A
6. Alex D. and Oscar P.
Very good Eddie!
DeleteAnd you have R Respect.
1. Listened to song.
ReplyDelete2. when I was on the Police Department I took the bomb tech test. I did real good. I was number 10 on the list. They took the list down at number 9 and decided to give the test again. I was real discouraged. I was going to take the test again but another Detective stated to me " Mike one day it will be a real bomb that you will have to deactivate. Is the twenty five dollars a day worth it." I believe that God gave him the words to wake me up to the real risk that was out there being a bomb tech. It was not worth the money or risk.
Men of God before you let discouragement take over your life remember that God has had more discouragement in His life time which makes our discouragements like a speck of dust. He always prevails and He always gives us a way out. Keep your eyes to the heavens that awaits us. Don't sweat the little things.
3. Did it.
5. A
6. You already have George aboard and I have spoken to Jessie about the M3. He needs prayer about the group for now.
You are indeed right Mike. Our worries are very small indeed. Keep remembering that quote and that at the appointed time God's plan will surely come to pass.
DeleteThanks for sharing that Mike.
DeleteWill pray for Jessie.
1
ReplyDeleteWatch the video
-Always is encouraging to look at things from the outside of our own perspective because many of us can label ourselves, and think demeaning thoughts that will do nothing be weigh down.
2
It is easy to listen to the enemy because he will not just say something that comfortable but the something that will draw us away from God and our mission. We have to know who to listen to. I was discouraged into thinking I was abandoned by everyone and those thoughts flourished and I remained stuck that way.
One thing that as a solution to the faults in the flesh and the constant false reminders of failure is "Writing things down." This one this I can Eddie for enlightening me on; to document use objects and place specific reminders of the past victories, the individuals at my side fighting along with me and the future mission before me. I recall a sermon from Pastor Mark that the toughest place to live for God is in our own camp. We need encouragements, Memorials, at the place where we need to be reminded the most.
So let us encourage each other in the same way (constantly reminding) in that we don’t forget, because forgetting is very easy and so is leaning on our own understanding. [Reminder we are UNSTOPPABLE)
3
Did It
5
A
6
Tim Arrington
Marcos Rico
Very good Gary! You will never be abandoned in this group and all the more so by your heavenly Father.
Delete1. Did it!
ReplyDelete2. I have had the hardest time in the past with failure. The worst part of it is the enemy shows up at the most opportune time to smack me around regarding my past failures. Which in turn spirals me into feelings of guilt and regret! Even know there are times where I struggle this way.
3. Did it!
4. My brother moved to his own apartment yesterday! However, there were some times during the move that I lost it...haven't R'd yet. Will do tonight over dinner.
5. A
6. Fail...will make contact this week!
Alvin, all of us have issues within our families--but it is how reconcile that counts.
DeleteI am sure your Love will shine as you talk to him Bro
Thanks for sharing so honestly Alvin. It reminds me and all of us that we are not alone in this battle against the demon of discouragement. It's so good to know we are not battling alone now as well.
DeleteYou also have R Respect.
1. Watched it --great song and strong effect
ReplyDelete2. As I started my journey with the Lord, I was convicted and determined to let nothing stand in my way, and still am today.
It was very ironic that 1 of my genetic brothers and his wife, and my sister had also begun their journeys within 1 year of that time.
I was so full of Joy and became consumed with the Word, and was so excited that I could share this feeling with my family.
But what happened was quite discouraging--as they began to doubt how quickly I changed--as their relationships developed more slowly.
They questioned my perseverance, my intent, why was I helping New Life in the business office, questioned my Pastor and if he was too interested in the financial end of ministry, why did I buy a big house, and on and on.
My relationship with the Lord became everything to me, and I began to pull back from my relatives--as I needed positive encouragement --
so I began to surround myself with true believers who understood encouragement. I now know how to encourage others--and will never do what happened to me to others. I am not saying that if someone will not change that I will continue to hang with them; just that when God calls me to Disciple --I will be ready to lead through encouragement!
3. Did it
5.A
6. Mike Lopez and Joe Lopez
Great story Jack. Way to overcome persecution. God uses all in different ways. We all have a gift and I thank God He is using yours. Way to count the cost. God will continue to use you to advance His kingdom. God bless you brother.
DeleteThough I've heard what you went through before, I'm sad reading what happened to you. So glad you endured it and have determined to do the opposite and encourage others instead. You certainly encourage me.
Delete1. Watched it. Hello my name is fisher of men.
ReplyDelete2. I can get discouraged at times when I do not lead by example and then it gets pointed out to me. That hurts. I like constructive criticism, but brutal honesty is hard to take. I pray that God continues to work in us, so that we may be imitators of God. More like Him and less of us.
3. Did it.
5.A
6. I have been sharing with Jose Lemus, and Oscar Nunez and I am not getting much feedback. I will continue to pray for them and intentionally seek them. I have also reached out to Juan Ortiz and Mike Garcia as well. I will be going through the disciple book on Tuesdays with Mike. I pray that he will transition to M3 once we are done. Please help me pray for them.
Hey Sam, I completely understand how you feel. I've had to learn more and more to set aside pride or feelings and reflect on the message itself sometimes in the things that are said to me. I pray that you (and I) will see the words of others as opportunities to grow and be humble in character.
DeleteHello fisher of men! Sam, thanks for your honest sharing. God has also strategically placed you for such a time as this to help men really grow and go forward. You also are a great encourager!
Delete1. I watched the video.
ReplyDelete2. I've in the past struggled with a sin I would consider a stronghold. I'd seemingly do well for awhile only to then later fall into the same sin again. This left me feeling phony, tarnished, hopeless, frustrated, insincere, and doubtful of my ability to be effective in talking to others. As well as it would cause me to call into stints of having a severed connection with God. I've grown to see and understand my relationship with God isn't based on how good I do and that he gives me yet another chance to repent, push on, and even uses my failures and weaknesses as opportunities to prove his strength.
3. Did it.
4. R
5. A
6. So far only Raul Velazquez.
Great Kentralye. Keep pushing on and keep moving forward.
Delete"For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again," Proverbs 24:16
Thanks for your honest sharing Kentrayle.
DeleteYou also have R Respect.
I don't know Raul, but one man is a good start.
1) Listened to the music video
ReplyDelete2) In the past, tried to improve myself by going to a Toastmaster group were everyone gives different kinds of speeches and everyone gets turns to evaluate another person's speech. I was already intimidated by the eloquent speeches of the others. I was scheduled to give my fourth speech. I drove into the parking lot of the public library where the Toastmaster Group met. I felt so unprepared because I had not taking enough time to prepare this speech and had barely rehearsed it. I talked myself out of going to that meeting. I felt discouraged because I thought I wasn't improving and didn't want to embarrass myself in front of the others. I ended up never going back and thus quit going to Toastmasters.
3) Did It
4) None
5) A
6) Only got to share with Jesus Cervantes who is interested in M3 and has given me his email
address.
David thanks for sharing. I pray the Lord continues to give you wisdom, knowledge and understanding in all areas of your life.
DeleteThanks for sharing Dave. And I'm gald you are reaching out to Jesus and got his email.
Delete1) Matthew West great artist. His concerts are fun.
ReplyDelete2) Discouragement has had a pull on my life. In the past when I had a situation that I had no solution for I used to pray that the Lord take me out of that situation. I've learned to pray that the Lord help me through the situation. God has never left me. It's always at his timing that I get my prayers answered.
3)DID
5)A
6) NICK
May the Lord continue to work in you in any circumstances. Enable you to endure and persevere through any opposition including confusion, discouragement for God can not make mistakes. Continue to trust in Him, Molding you in Christ like character even when God does not answer your prayer/prayers.
ReplyDeleteDiscouragement has come to me at times of public speaking. I've been to told that I'm social and that I naturally can speak to anyone but the enemy has come up at times when given the privilege to share the gospel. In those moments hearing in back of my head that I'm not good enough to speak God's word, I'm unworthy for the times that I have done, I'm not smart enough to to know His knowledge. .. I wrestled with it for couple of years, now knowing that God did not give me a spirit of fear, but through CHRIST anointed, appointed, selected, chosed me to spread the good news soundly and clearly, for I am privileged to do so And continue to multiply great, Valor men of God.
ReplyDelete4.R
5.A
6. Did not share today, but will share to Mike (Viri husband). Sadly other person has not responded to messages nor have not seen him as of late.
I definitely know how you felt, public speaking can do that to anyone. It is awesome to hear you now, "Confident in what the Lord has done in your life" and standing on His word, God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of Power, Love, and a sound mind :)
Delete1. watched it
ReplyDelete2. As I reflect on my christian past, most of the times I felt the most discouraged, (which is way too many to count) I was always just going thru the motions or routine of a christian life. I would still go to church every Sunday and go to christian events and do my best to avoid worldly parties or get-togethers. I was Not walking or operating with "Intentional Influence" for advancing the Kingdom of God. I would get very discouraged with trying to "be good" for the sake of a being a christian. The closer I am to the Lord and experience His grace, I have learned that God's love is unconditional. Wow, what a concept!
3. did it
4.
5. A
6. I will speak to both guys tomorrow at bible study, Auggie and Ethan Dyckman
Ismael, the time I've seen you sharing in public you've been great! Continue to lose yourself in the spirit before sharing and let Him guide you.
ReplyDelete1. 1AM, fam sleeping, headphones unaccessible… did not watch video today, but will watch tomorrow!
ReplyDelete2. I often get discouraged by the words "it could have been better", as it relates to many areas in life. The Lord has blessed me in many ways, but I haven't always been a good steward of what God has gifted me with. Discouragement comes to me in the form of silent whispers of "your marriage could have been better, if…., "you could have been a better father, if….", "your career, finances, health, etc etc etc could have been better, if"…
…However, my life IS better IF I hand it all to God and let his grace, love and peace rain down on me. Some days (including the last few days) the whispers of "could have been better if" turn to shouts, but I will not lend an ear to doubts and discouragement, because every day is a blessing and He makes all things new.
3. Did it
6. In progress
Brother Daniel, You also, my brother, have been an inspiration to me in many ways, even though I have not known you too long. Since the first time you invited me to the Hispanic event for breakfast, I have seen you step out in faith and intentionally influence others for Christ :) It is awesome being on your team of Manly Men, and I know without a shadow of a doubt, that this group will produce not just a crop of fruit, but a Forest of Fruit :) if we continue to keep Christ as front and center in our lives and continue to give Him all the glory :)
Delete