WE ARE MEN!

A TRUE FOUNDATION

2009-11-22T15:56:00.000-08:00

I was at a conference this weekend in Detroit, Michigan. The keynote speaker was Rick Joyner from Morning Start Ministries. Can that man teach! I tell you, too much to digest.

There is one thing that really stuck to my heart today: The true foundation of Faith is LOVE, the true foundation of Spiritual Authority is LOVE.

This is hard for us men to grasp. We are doers, we trust in what we can see and touch, we have a hard time believing in the Supernatural. Furthermore, we don't have time for gooey ooey love, but on the other hand we expect Respect from everyone, especially our wives, our bosses, our family.

Well, true Faith starts by surrendering to God and loving Him with all of our hearts.

Furthermore, true respect to our "positional" authority only comes when those under us are assured of our love and committment to them.

Everything else is fake, without any true foundation.

CLEARING THE VIEW

2009-11-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, like many people across the country, I was doing my yearly chore of raking through leaves, trimming and picking up dead limbs. Quite a daunting task for many of us, but we might as well enjoy it.

As I was clearing my backyard I made a huge discovery; I found where my basement windows were! Wow! thick layer of leaves, weed, trash, made it impossible to see where they were.

The following thought came to mind: Could it be that I have let grow so much clutter around my sould and my mind that the windows of my soul are completely covered? The question is: Who is going to clean the clutter and open gateways for the Spirit of God to infiltrate in my life?

The realization is that I have to do it! I do not minimize the power of intercession and good preaching, but as the saying goes...You gotta do what you gotta do! Nobody else is going to do it for you. It is not necessarily a fun task, but we need to clear the way to let God operate in our lives.

5 STONES TO KILL A GIANT

2009-10-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today I like to paraphrase my friend Don French who shared a powerfull message at church this morning.

We all know the story of David and Goliath. David took on the Giant and chop his head off for good. The interesting part is that David's weapons were 5 stones which he went and got from a nearby river. (Our weapons come from tapping into the water of God's presence). He only used one to defeat the enemy, however if we were to name each one of those stones by name (figure of speech) they could probably carry the following names:

Stone 1: Righteous Indignation (againts sin and your enemy)

Stone 2: Faith (Trust in God and not your senses)

Stone 3: Authority (know who you are in Chrsit and who Christ is in you)

Stone 4: Revelation (know Christ and make Him Chrsit known to others)

Stone 5: Assault (Frontal attack against the enemy)

You pick the stone you need and throw it at the Giant that is trying to intimidate you and destroy your purpose.

COMMON SENSE...WHAT'S THAT?

2009-10-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

I was reading chapter 9 of "The Expeditionary Man" book from Rich Wagner. Rich brings a pretty interesting series of concepts concerning "Common Sense". I am quoting from Rich Wagner's

"Many believers, in fact, see common sense as God's wisdom for practical living. It is a guide and a barometer for responsible Christian living. But we have to be careful with it, because common sense can also lead us astray. In fact, the more I study Scriptures, the more I see how easy it is for common sense to become an archenemy to genuine faith. While the book of Proverbs is filled with 'common sense', it underscores the need to put trust and obedience above all else.

Oswald Chambers explains, ' the majority of Christians enthrone common sense. We make our decisions and then ask God to bless our god's decision...Common sense is NOT faith, and Faith is NOT common sense'

One of the subtle underlying themes throughout scriptures is a contrast between common sense and what I call "Christ Sense" or faith-inspired wisdom. As a matter of fact, Jesus Christ himself defied in everything the common wisdom of his day"

Very Interesting.

21st CENTURY DISCIPLES

2009-10-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

I have been wondering: How does a 21st Century Follower/ Disciple of Jesus Christ look like today in the 21st Century?

I understand and agree that key individuals may be called to enter a life style of 100% Ministry. By this I mean Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists (Missionaries), Prophets, Apostles, but what about "regular"/ "normal" people?

What kind of life style would we live or rather should live here on earth if Jesus was was here walking amongst us? The reality is that He is.

So, what does a regular Factory Worker, Office Worker, Technician, Computer Geek, Engineer, Accountant, Physician, Administrative Assistant, etc do to become a follower of Jesus Christ today? What should they change? Should they drop everything to follow Jesus?

Should we drop all our ambitions and plans? What about goals and plans? What about hobbies and passtime?

What does "deny yourself and carry your cross" mean today?

TEARING DOWN AND REBUILDING

2009-10-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

As I shared in my prior blog, I spent few days in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan a couple of weeks ago.

There is a lot of "Ghost" towns from the times of the Copper Mining rush in the late 1800's. A lot of wealth and prosperity was generated during that time in history, but now everything is deserted, dismantled and in ruins. I also got to see that there is a lot of old industrial equipment completely tore down and ready to be shipped either to a grave yard or to whomever wants to rebuild it and use it. Not all of it is in bad shape, it actually looks good, just needs cleaned up.

I kept thinking: There are times in our lives that the "old glory" is gone, but not all is lost, we are still here. I believe that at times God allows that we become dismantled, repaired, refurbished, because there is still a lot to be done here. God may send us to a new location, or have us enter into a new season, a new career, but before that happens, maintenance, repair, healing, a new vision has to emerge.

UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES

2009-09-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

Last few days I have been to the Michigan Upper Peninsula. This area of the country is fascinating. The UP used to be one of the most industrial and economically prosperous region in the country back in the late 1800's and up until the mid 1900's. The reason for that was the extensive Copper mining and refining activities. Today is pretty much dead.

New technologies and new mines in the West pretty much shut dwon the thread of economic prosperity in the area.

The area is packed with "dinosaurs". That is huge and old mining complexes, heavy equipment, smelting furnaces etc. Amazing technology, yet all obsolete and dead.

This was an awakening experience for me. We need to be wise and understand that there are seasons in life. We need to live each season to the max and to the best of our ability. However, nothing is permanent. Changes occur, and we need to evolve, rather progress to the new things God has for us. Never get stuck in the past (Past Experiences, Past Grandeur, Past Glory). Let's not be stubborn and be wise to understand the seasons of life and the adjustments necessary to thrive.

A PHILOSOPHY OF WINNING

2009-09-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

I am extremely mad and dissapointed after witnessing this weekend how my favorite team (Ohio State) lost one more time one big game. I am really upset, because I think about how you can have the best intentions, and the best defensive plan to prevent the enemy from harming you, but if you don't get on the offensive and become aggresive about winning, you will not win at all.

I strongly believe a winning team has a winning mindset. You face every game (battle) expecting to win. You will seek to dominate, conquer, subdue, push, trample over your enemy or opponent.

I think how many times God sees us struggling with something in our lives and He probably starts scratching His head. Why are they not winning? I have given them all the tools and resources to become victorious. Guys (God speaking), believe in who you are in my Son (Christ), use your resources (spiritual weapons) and go for the kill (conquer sin, chase the enemy away from your life, from your family, from your community).

What good is a good Defense, without a Good Offense?

COMPETITIVE NATURE

2009-09-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

We as men tend to be, for the most part, extremely competitive. It's almost as if we need a form of validating our Menhood through fighting and overcoming.

Is this good or bad? Is this God's design for Men?

Let's look at it from the perpective of Paul the Apostle (1 Corinthians (9:25-27)

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. "

We have to be combative, warlike when it comes to overcoming fear, temptation, sin, laziness, selfishness. However, we are called to be compassionate and leaning with the weak. Love overcomes all things.

So, where do you fit in? Combative or Passive? Active Partcipant or Spectator? Do you care about winning?

Let's get reminded of courage by our "old" friend Rocky Balboa:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUFNKDQE9T4

SEX

2009-09-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

There few subjects that bring the most amount of debate, controversy or denial among men than "Sex Addiction".

Addicted people either deny it or hide it. Normal people.... well I don't know of one single man that at one time or another hasn't struggled with this area!

For us guys, Sex can becomes a win or lose proposition. You win when you are together with your life long partner (Your Wife). You lose when you enter the world of fantasy and delusion following after Porn, illegal relationships, Acting Out.

We live in a pretty cluttered world. It is so easy to fall, the tempations are everywhere. What can we do to come out free from addictions and fantasy land, into the land of character, integrity, legitimacy?

How do you prevent addiction? How do you come out of addiction? How can you help others attain victory?

No room for shame and guilt, it is time for honesty and decisive action!

Check these couple of resources:

http://xxxchurch.com/

http://www.sexaddict.com/

FOCUSING ON THE FAMILY

2009-08-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

On our quest for success and personal accomplishement we as men tend to run ahead of our families.

We cannot afford to expose our families to failure. We cannot forget that as men, our primary Missions filed is our home (wife and children). My wife is my partner, my children are the legacy I will leave here on earth.

What are your thoughts?

Check these audio links from Rich Wagner:

http://arturomachado.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=516405

http://arturomachado.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=516871

PHYSICAL WORK

2009-08-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

I tell you what, there something about a group of guys working together and doing some physical work. There is something in us that makes us enjoy everytime we build something with our hands, or everytime we tear something down with our hands.

Why is that?

I think God made men strong and creative to build things up, and to tear crap down whenever that is necessary. I think is part of the image of God in us Men.

What do you think? What kind of Physical work do you enjoy doing?

REDEFINING EXPEDITION

2009-08-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

Where are we headed? What is our purpose, calling in life?

Follow this interview with Rich Wagner, author of the book :Expeditionary Man"

http://arturomachado.libsyn.org/

A CLASH OF WILLS

2009-08-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

I recently came to one conclusion. This life is nothing more than a clashing of the wills. The one with the strongest will will conquer in the end, guess who that is. I'll give you a clue IT IS NOT YOU but your creator.

Success or failure in life hinges on one issue: Are we willing to surrender our will to the will of God? This is called discipleship, or do you want to go on your own and in the end face God at the end of your life?

You will face Him not matter what, the choice is yours. Surrender now or surrender later!

SECRETS TO POVERTY

2009-08-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have been reflecting on the whole financial, propserity issue for the last week or so. I would like to share what I think is the top ten secrets to poverty. Feel free to comment:

1. Never ask GOd what he thinks (or wills)
3. Never learning and always staying the same (status quo)
4. Laziness
5. Not having the habit of saving for the future
6. Short Term Mindset (instant gratification)
7. Victim Mentality
8. Fear
9. Procrastination
10. Treating your folks (parents) badly

What do you think?

ON PROSPERITY AND SUCCESS

2009-07-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

Last few days I have been thinking on why we have poor and wealthy people around us. What is the secret to getting poor, the key to getting wealthy?

I look at my life and I don't seem to be satisfied with where I am at, what I have and what I have accomplished.

I am not saying all is wrong, I am not whining like if the world is coming to an end, but I am not by any means the "prosperous" man God want me to be.

What is the secret to success and prosperity? I am obviously not talking about money and possessions only, but it includes money and possessions as well.

LET'S GET GOING!

2009-07-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

I would like to open up this blog with the following question:

With so much un-employement going ramptant in our dear USA (and Overseas) what can we do to keep our morale up and not falling into depression and dispair?

How can we estimulate creativity and courage to start up new things? How do we pull out?

I hate to see people falling pray to hopelessness and negativism! I admit, I can be very pesimistic at times and I hate it!

GOING LIVE ON AIR!

2009-07-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this new blog: "We are Men!"

I have been thinking about this project for awhile, but sometimes trying to be a perfectionist freak I keep procrastinating, but enough is enough. Perfection will come through use and interaction with many people.

This blog is intended to be an open forum to share the things men do, the issues we face, the challenges we face, the sports we like, the projects we thrive on, the topics we like to talk about and argue about. Our successes and our failures.

This blog is about building friendships, developing christian character and integrity. DON'T BE MISLED this is not a space to denigrate women or misrepresent them. They deserve all our respect and care. YOU WILL NOT find any pornography, or junk like that in this blog.

Guys...It is time to grow together in character, integrity, manhood, fatherhood, leadership!

A final disclaimer, I am a SOLID believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are not, you are welcome to participate in all discussions, but understand that our focus will be on how to bring Jesus in our lives in a practical way on our day-to-day living

Arturo Machado
Elkhart, Indiana