Mandated

Jonah 3

Do you remember a second chance in life? Do you remember the first? After hearing the word of God a second time, Jonah makes his journey to Nineveh and proclaims Gods word. As a result, the people repent and fast. Just the same, the king casts aside his robe (authority, duties and responsibilities) to consecrate himself as well.

It's one thing for the people of the land to fast. It's another when designated and/or appointed leaders and the word is proclaimed.

Isaiah 58:6-8

Jonah 2

Often times when we rebel the results tend to never work out for our good. Jonah's nonchalant attitude and stubbornness leads him

Ministry, at it's heart, is not about the messenger, but about those who will receive the message. Jonahs 'great fish' reflects how it takes someone or something bigger than us to move us. His 'belly' experience represents not only a place of darkness, but a time of prayer and birthing into a new life.

As Jonah, we too need to look again towards God's holy temple.

Jonah 1:10-16

We go deeper into the character of Jonah at a time where he is needed most. Many times we realize our lives would be better staying in our silos. Not having to deal with anyone or the world. However, when God has spoken his will over us, it's time to move.

Unknowingly, Jonah is the key to the salvation of the ships mariners headed to Tarsus. Because of their urgency of life they cry out to the Lord after their 'gods' could not provide safety. Without thinking, actions of the 'called church', us, you, me can indirectly lead someone to Jesus. 

We have been asked to be a light that cannot be hid. So let our light shine for those that need direction.

Being uncomfortable is necessary.

Jonah 1:4-9

It's time to arise, go and use the God-given gifting in you. His word in there for a purpose greater than we know. But in order to see it, we have to move in it. This is not the time to be selfish, but obedient.

Stay committed to the process.

This past weekend has been a great highlight over my 48 years. Over a two year period of being engaged in discipleship with other men, I am now Commissioned to Minister to Men.

Listen in as I talk about my experience.

Guys, how many times have you seen yourself running from a certain responsibility? From a young age there was always something we were very reluctant to do. For instance, taking out the trash, washing dishes, taking care of the yard and HOMEWORK!

What were the results?

Jonah 1:1-3 helps us to identify that in our own calling, we too, tend to run from God.

Listen in as we begin to unfold his story of the next few weeks.

When a parent asks a child what's wrong and their reply is "I don't know", they are speaking honestly that they don't know. When it comes to manhood its the same, to a degree because we have been in the world long enough to know most of our emotions. And then on the other hand, we are that same little boy trying to discover his feelings in life.

Vulnerability forces us to say "I don't know" which we can't afford to not know the answer. Its about understanding our emotions and having the courage to express them.

Vulnerability: vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty

noun

noun: vulnerability; plural noun: vulnerabilities

Coming off a great event at Kingdom Ekklesia Church with Pastor Jason Johnson, Apotles Dettrick and Azeez this past weekend. So much word that we took in that allowed us all to be transparent, with the hope of helping men grow. One word that stuck with me is one that should go into the vocabulary for men. That word is 'vulnerable', coupled with trauma.

This episode was created specifically to help address how men do not allow themselves to be open, but rather stay closed in various areas of our life. What filters do we have in place that strengthens us? What filters do we have in place that keeps out all the bad stuff?

Let's find those answers together.

Important conversation held today with Emiliano Diaz de Leon, the Men's Engagement Specialist for TAASA.org. Through his background of being a sexual assault & prevention advocate, he has seen the trauma associated in this horrendous matter. Join in as we discuss what men can do by becoming engaged in being a solution and not the problem.

91% of victims do not report assault

www.taasa.org