A blog...  I have watched others do blogs, found blogs on the internet and listened to media talking heads discusss the unprecedented impact that blogs are having on our society.  I guess I never thought I would be doing one.  I just never thought anyone would want to spend their time reading someone else's ramblings on the internet.  But, after many requests and prayer, here we go. 

I truly hope this blog provides you a place to be ministered to and to minister to others.  I hope that this blog and the impact it has on you will bring you closer to Christ, and will glorify him for whom all glory and honor is due!

10/30/07  2:20pm

I was recently in Bremerton, Washington doing the PUREVICTORY workshop.  The turnout of guys was about fifty.  I have always been amazed at how God uses these workshops in unique ways to minister to men.  This groups of guys was interested, invested and attentive to the material and how Jesus might be ministering to their hearts.  I was encouraged.  Some workshops have huge turnout, some not so large.  But always, He is present and working in the lives of those who attend. 

 And not to be undone, there were about the same number of women at the companion program PUREWIVES.  They were excited, grateful and engaged.  The comments from the women were encouraging as many women don't understand male sexuality.  Helping them understand the challenges men face is very helpful to most women.  Their comment cards proved that without question.

 Stu

11/9/07 6:20am

The Bible says "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)  For some reason, I have always focused on the first half of that verse.  This morning the second half of that verse jumped out at me.  I know we are to expect trials.  The Bible tells us that "in life we will have trouble."  I was thinking that the Bible also says that if we love God we will "obey his commands." 

I don't know about anybody else but I find that very difficult to do.  So maybe another way to look at that verse is to say "For those that love God and obey his commands, we need to persevere under trial." Then, when we have stood the test--which I see as fighting the fight, which includes, wins, failures, learning, blessing, punishment etc... but most importantly--never giving up--we will receive the crown of life.

For guys struggling and often failing in the area of sexual sin, this process can be daunting. Despite that fact that he Bible promises us ultimate victory through the blood of Christ, at times the battle is relentless and overwhelming.  Nevertheless,  we are called to never give up, to persevere throuout our lives and to fight this fight with others that are also  seeking righteous out of a pure heart.  So you guys out there that are trying to get sober, get better, get healed.... James 5:16 and 2 Timothy 2:22 are pretty important in gaining battle in that victory.   

 Stu

12/4/07  2:37pm

Been thinking a lot about a financial gift the ministry received a couple days ago.   You know, we weren’t sure how we were going to make it this month.  Christmas 2007 and we were a couple thousand short of making it this month…  What is that about???

I have not been in that position in over 20 years (not since before marriage).  It is stressful.  Why is it that I allow myself--and the ministry to be in that position—in order to do this ministry?  I’m not sure.  But I do know that God uses his people, his warriors to do his will, to accomplish his tasks and to further his kingdom.  I find myself on that team, in that camp, in that battalion for lack of a better term…  And, he is teaching me and molding my heart… financial security has always been a big influencer on my heart…

I can’t tell you how much that financial gift meant to my wife and I.  I could actually see the change in her countenance as I showed her the check.  She had really been burdened. 

Doing this ministry, I guess I see God using men in amazing ways.  And, I truly believe that God blesses some individuals with a spirit of generosity, humility and wisdom with financial resources.  I know I am not one of those individuals.  But, I have known a few men that are. 

While just having them as personal supporters is an encouragement, their financial support sends me a clear message of solidarity from men that I have known for many years and that I respect for as Christians, a fathers and a businessmen. 

In just about every case of “God’s provision” for ministries, God uses people to accomplish it.  Men like I just described.  Men that put in long hours, take risks, invest in the lives of the people working for them, go without to make sure payroll is met, make the hard decisions and do that day in and day out… year after year.   And, in the midst of all this, they still support those of us that are in the trenches of ministry to broken men and families and do it with a happy heart. 

I often get frustrated at the “God will provide” phrase that people that aren’t struggling use when they want to provide people in ministry that are struggling, the Christian answer that allows them to escape the discussion without having to do anything about it…  Yet, at the same time, it is true.  How? 

I hope those that support this ministry know how much they mean to our family this Christmas season.  I just thank God for his work in their lives and HIS blessing for which has been poured out on them  and that they have generously shared with us.  Treasure in heaven my friends… treasure in heaven.

Stu