How Christian Businessmen can Repurpose Key Resources.

To help you convert more of your prospects into customers, I’ve packaged some timeless information into a short slide show to help Christian businessmen maximize 5 key resources.

Don’t try impressing customers with your knowledge about marketing, but with your knowledge about their needs. How are you supposed to get this information? Through research.

You're probably asking, once a Christian business owner obtains all that useful information how do they use it? Well, there are a variety of ways to repurpose these resources to reach prospects and customers with your message.




Direct mail
This cost effective tool can reach more of your customers cheaper than most channels.

EZines or eNewsletters
This is a great way for Christian Businessmen to tell customers about the latest product offerings and give them a chance to know more about you and your business.

Referrals
It’s smart to take advantage of any low cost technique that can leverage your supply of customers to stimulate word of mouth sales.

Voice Mail
The mobile web is destined to become the next frontier. You can get a leg up today by perfecting your voice mail messages to interest customers into calling you back.

Sales Pitch
How you handle objections will determine the success of your sales presentations. Use online training sources from the experts to keep your skills fresh.

Marketing to any niche should begin with doing research. Being knowledgeable about their market will make you indispensable to your customers.

Key Resources for Every Christian Businessman’s Tool Box

(image credits:baskets by Karon.com)


Every Christian businessman needs ways to cut through the fog to keep their marketing on target, take a look at some of these techniques that will increase your profits.

Wrenches with shiny handles and well worn screwdrivers are staples in every man’s tool box. If you’re like me, you keep an assortment of helpful things to fix and repair the equipment used in your home and business. What do you use to fix the ROI when your company starts puttering?

Why You Need A Business Tool Box?

Top performing organizations know the importance of having an assortment of resources to aid its success. To rise above the survival mode and reach higher profits Christian businesses should have a few key techniques to drive sales and improve their marketing efforts.


If you don't have any tools, you need to think about getting an experienced marketer to assist you. For businessmen who already have some basic knowledge about marketing, these are just a few of the valuable pieces you need in your business tool box to provide cost-effective ways to increase your profits.

Key Business Tools


Sales Letters

These are the doors of opportunity that savvy entrepreneurs use to reach new customers and keep existing clients informed about the latest products and offers. Good sales letters should explain your competitive advantage, the benefits of doing business with you.

Post Cards

This is a tried and well tested channel to get customers to use your product or service. Post cards should be short and to the point with your key benefit as a headline. You can target a large or small group of customers with this handy tool.

Flyers

Effectively designed flyers are strategically focused on a specific area of service or product. There are a lot of different formats that work on flyers, constantly test and redesign them to see what works best for your particular customers.

Signage

You need to use signs that speak to more than one group of customers. Take all of your customers into consideration when you make a sign. Consider using graphics instead of words, because they speak to your customers effectively in any language.

These are by no means the only tools that your business need. These are the ones that every business can use to leverage their traditional marketing efforts effectively. Follow the links below to resources that can help you build a better business tool box.

Supplies For Your Tool Kit


Sales Letters
Postcards
Flyers
Signage

Resources for Christain Businessmen

The reminder to “never criticize anyone” has turned out to be wise parental advice, according to Richard Branson of Virgin Group. An article in Businessweek, mentions this pearl and a few others from moms that are credited with influencing several successful businesspeople.

There are other resources Christian Businessmen can use when they are running short of motherly advice and need some hard facts to guide their business.

Good research is essential for entrepreneurs that need to gather specific data about their marketing niche.

There are plenty of resources on the Internet that offer outstanding information for getting started in business. However, most of them only cover some of the issues that Christian’s in business encounter. Let me tell you about some of the websites I’ve found that cover more than, just the tip of the iceberg of information, useful in targeting the Christian market.


Statistics on Religion & Public Life



The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life provides a full report on the religious composition of the United States. They collect demographic data on Christians and various other religious group, documenting their ethnicity, education and income levels.

Faith Communities Today (FACT) is another place where you can access information on the heart and soul of religion in America. This site is a joint effort from researchers who’re trying to paint a statistical picture of local congregations at the beginning of a new millennium and offer ways to strengthen and enhance the mission of these congregations.

Their data is slightly dated but much of what you’ll find is still useful and relevant on the Christian market. You can also get a complimentary copy of their July 2005 inaugural issue free.

I have gone through the sites that I frequent and added a few new resources that are helpful for anyone starting a Christian oriented business or for Christian’s who own their own business.


Check the sidebar on the right and visit my religious research saves on del.icio.us for more resources for Christian businessmen.

What Christian Men Can Do If They Have Low Self Esteem

Having a good self image is crucial when you’re trying to weather the storms of life. The foundation of your behavior, beliefs and how you bond with others is affected by your self view and how you value yourself. It’s says in The Holy Bible that we should choose to live wisely (Eph5:15).

When their self esteem is under attack, wise Christians men, learn how to shake off those feelings that are trying to weigh down their positive self image. They begin by recognize that by continuing to drag issues of shame, past mistakes and a negative attitude from one situation to the next it'll keep them from feeling good about themselves and trapped in a negative loop.

Overcoming Low Self Esteem

A negative attitude will damage the relationships you value with those around you, and you’ll find that other Christians are starting to avoid you like they do a bad habit.

The first step to overcoming low self-esteem for males is to abandon the old idea that your performance and position determines your self worth. Your income or the lack of one, your car or where you live, is not the criteria Christians should use to determine their self image.

Steps to Better Self Esteem

What you’re saying to yourself, has a greater impact on your self esteem than what other people are saying about you. Reconnecting can help men get a grip on their self-talk.


I. Reconnect with yourself.

Do a self check-up.
Write down some obtainable goals.
Document past personal success.

Any relationships that are toxic need to be eliminated. We have a plethora of relationships, from those with our family members to the ones with the team members at work, evaluate each one.

II. Reconnect with relationships

Evaluate your commitment to each relationship.
Make a daily commitment to work on important relationships.
Stop using the word can't and develop a "can do" attitude.





Improving your Self Esteem

The ability to build yourself up lies within you (Eph4:22-32). Every Christian man has to make a conscious decision about every thought they allow to dwell in their mind. To escape from a cycle of negativity, rid your mind of bitter, bad and bothersome feelings by replacing them with new thoughts of good health, good strength and a better life. They will generate a positive and confident picture of your self-worth.

Be sure to check out the self esteem video, as millionaire Stephen Pierce who was once homeless, shares how to change your self-talk and breakout of a negative loop.

How Christian Men Can Repair Their Self-esteem

I wonder how many African American Christian men, and men in general, with type A personalities, have come to grips with those deep seated issues that can create internal conflict and lower their self-esteem, if left unchecked.

One of the best ways men can increase their self-confidence is by taking an introspective look at how some of their core values where established. This allows you to get in touch with any unresolved abandonment issues, you may have never properly addressed.

Unresolved what you’re probably asking? That’s because unresolved abandonment, isn’t a fashionable term, that’s high on the media’s radar and as of yet, hasn’t been given top billing in major discussion forums.

According to Rice and McNair of itsallaboutabandonment.com everyone has abandonment issues that can have an everlasting effect on their lives.

Simply put “abandonment is about loss of love itself, that crucial loss of connectedness. Abandonment can also be about the events that caused the crucial loss of connectedness to others, as well as to reality. ” It shapes and molds who you are and how you deal with the world, and those closes to us.

These guys who are both trained in helping people get in touch with this and other issues critical to personal development, so I recommend that if you’re a Christian, African American or no matter how you view you self, visit itsallaboutabandonment.com and take their short quiz, to see what issues of unresolved abandonment may be playing havoc with your self esteem, self-confidence and your ability to improve your quality of life.

The Self Esteem of a Religious Man

(images from Google)


It’s easy for religious men, to take a hit to their self-esteem if they attempt to search, without the guidance of God, for their life’s passion or purpose.

You have to expect that things will be tougher when you‘re climbing the hills and mountains you will encounter in life. However those same hills and mountains will become an inspiring part of the landscape when you see them from a distance, later on in your journey.

Searching For God

We all go through confusing periods of searching, searching for who we are, searching for a career or maybe you’re searching for a church family that will welcome you. It’s during these periods that Christian men can start to feel disconnected, as they outgrow things that were once important.

Without a constant infusion from the Holy Spirit, it’s easy to get frustrated and just give up searching or become enamored with the process and remain continuously searching.

Fernando Ortega’s search began when he was 13 years old. Can you imagine a Hispanic kid, raised in the traditions of New Mexico’s Presbyterian church, embracing Eastern mysticism and praying to Gandhi?

You may not recognize his name, but it’ll only take a few bars of one of his Dove Award winning songs, for you to know that he has finally found his passion.



Preparing For The Christian Journey

You have to condition yourself for the rigors of the Christian journey. There is no magic that’s going to overcome you once you have been born again and change you into a mythical hero, who will live happily ever after. It’s through diligence and purposeful effort, seeking daily or hourly if necessary, guidance from God that men inherit the promises found in the Holy Bible.

Dr. I V Hilliard, founder of New Light Christian Church stated,

“It takes a preservering attitude to remain connected to your passion.”

His recent sermon on obtaining a “Better Life” highlighted several key principles that can give your self-esteem that needed boost when the going gets rough.

How To Have a Better Life

Sure, life for men that are religious believers should be better than life was as an unbeliever. First, you have to change a few things. When you’re doing the same old things, you’re going to get the same old results. Once you’re walking in obedience to the Word and spending time in prayer seeking guidance from God, things will get better.

There is more to enjoying a better life that you should know, so let me guide you to the article where you can read more about Fernando Ortega and his journey. Then I suggest, if you want to really get motivated, listen to one of Dr. Hilliard’s “Changing Your Life Through Faith” broadcast on I-tunes.

Key Principles for Christian Businessmen

Les Brown tells his life story

Overcoming the many challenges in life requires something more than just luck if you’re going to reach your full potential. Christians can apply faith to overcome any adverse situation or challenge they’re facing in business. This is an important ingredient for Christian businessmen if they want to reach the highest levels of success.

When you finish reading about the key principles, listen at world renown speaker, Les Brown tell his life story, and see if you can identify these principles at work.

Seven Principles of Faith

Desire- everything starts with a desire. The desire for a increased sales, a home, a life where you can provide everything that your family needs and a few of the things they want, too.

Decision- you have to make conscious choices all day long. You can decide to change your life or to keep doing what you have been doing or make some changes to get better result than what you have been getting.

Determination- this is your will to succeed. How bad you really want something will shape the amount of time and effort you put into working towards getting it.

Discipline- is an enforced obedience. It comes from having your mind made up to do, what you’re supposed to do, even when you don’t feel like it.

Discovery- comes when you gain knowledge. For Christian it’s knowing that God help those who lives are in agreement with his commandments and the teachings found in the Bible.

Delight- a high level of enjoyment. The warm fuzzy feelings from doing the right things that enable you to enjoy the fruits of laboring in your business.

Destiny- an obtainable goal. Your destiny is not just what you want it to be, but reaching God’s purpose for your life.

Now let’s look at how these principles of faith work together to benefit Christian business owners.

Desire moves you to make a decision about a business opportunity, depending on how bad you want it, you begin to apply your determination. Using discipline you to stay the course, despite fear and other hurdles. Soon you begin to discover that as a result of your discipline and obedience, God is opening doors and moving the hearts of key people to help you. This brings delight to your spirit as you proceed to knock down walls and overcome problems that try to hinder you from reaching your destiny.

The most important step of the process starts with your faith (James 2:17). The more you walk by faith, without regards to your feelings, you’ll begin to see these principles at work. They will consistently guide you to greater levels of success in business. Then you’ll want to tell everyone you meet about the remarkable things, that having faith in God will do towards helping their business succeed.

"Seeking" The Key to Using The Bible

If you find it difficult to relate to the scriptures because they seem as distant as the time in which they were written, maybe, God is calling you to drill down into his Word. Don’t be reluctant, use other books too, and dig deeper to find more about the culture and the historical background to gain a clearer picture of the promises from the Bible.

We are encouraged to “seek ” throughout the scriptures. One of my favorite verses says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Mt 6:33). Look at it this way, the amount of time you spend searching the Word of God will dictate how much knowledge you’ll have at your disposal, when your face to face with lack, temptation and sin.

The best part of spending time in the Word, are the deposits from the Holy Spirit. Peace, joy and knowledge are residual effects of studying the Word of God. Learning the principal of “seeking” the Word for answers, is what helps Christian men to reach a deeper level of understanding of how to walk by faith and not by sight.

Seeking and believing are essential parts of the Christian experience. In a recent article in “Decisions” American Evangelist Billy Graham, sated “believing is as real as any experience”, but most people are looking for something more, many seem to expect an electric sensation, or a manifestation when they become Christians.

Grammy award winning Gospel artist Andrea Crouch has a song that described a similar attitude. It says, “you don’t have to jump no pews, run down no isle, all you have to do, is be born again.

You’re saved by trusting in the Word. Christ said (John 14:17-18) “ The world cannot accept him for it neither sees him nor knows him, but he lives with you and will be in you.” Maybe that’s too simple?

The Bible: A Guide For Marriage

(images courtesy Google)


When your marriage or relationship starts to experience more downs than ups where can Christian men find honest answers and guidance through those rough spots? The Bible of course.

I’m sure you have heard it said,

The Bible has the answers to any questions about life and you should read it everyday.

But how many husbands actually follow this age old advice, to seek the Lord? Well, I want to let you in on something, spending time with God is the best way to gain the insight and knowledge required to overcome any challenges that you may experience in your marriage.

How To Create A Peaceful Home

The demands of married life can best be addressed by researching the scriptures for keys to a happy home. Because Christians need biblical knowledge to access the peace, love and joy that the Holy Spirit deposits in their hearts. A good example from the Old Testament (Gen 25-27) can be gleaned from how Isaac was able to maintain his marriage. He learned to be accepting of Rebekah’s a strong will, even though she constantly puts what she wants and needs before that of any one else.

Just as daily living is filled with challenges you can expect your marriage to have similar issues. Especially since, both men and women view most situations from very different perspectives.

How To Strengthen Your Marriage

There are couples in The Bible whose marriages experienced many of the difficulties that plague husbands and wives today. You can learn from their examples, the role God played in their lives, and how they overcame problems. These stories can become your source of moral support and encouragement.

Christian author Liz Curtis Higgs examines marriages found in the Bible in some of her books. Her latest series about women in the Bible, is an intriguing look at how to avoid tragic mistakes and joyfully embrace God's grace. If you’re not into books I found a short article she wrote for Christianitytoday.com about “Pushy Wives and Pushover Husbands” that will open your eyes about marriage relationships too.

Free Stuff

Keeping in step with my weekend tradition on this site I have got another great web find to share with everyone. This free stuff is from the Creation Science Evangelism website, where the marriage of theology and theorist combine to provide great resources that discuss interesting topics.

Their podcast and video titles range from “The Age of The Earth” to “Dinosaurs and The Bible”. I’d like to thank blogger Chris Jones over at the site (Inspirationalexperiences.com) for the heads up on this great free stuff find.

Christian Husband Pleads Guilty To Assualt

It's easy for Christian men to allow emotions to overwhelm them, but don't risk doing someting that you'll be forced to pay for later. It may cost you a lost of respect, trust and even your family. You may remember the headlines about Bishop Weeks and his wife's very public argument that landed him in front of a judge. Here is what happened in the court room according to the report on ChirstianPost.com.

Bishop Thomas W. Weeks pleaded guilty recently to assaulting his wife, prominent evangelist Juanita Bynum.

Weeks was sentenced to three years probation, 200 hours of non-church related community service and ordered to undergo violence and anger counseling. A restriction barring him from communicating with Bynum was lifted. His record will be cleared if he completes the terms of his sentence, as reported by The Associated Press.

After a personal plea from Bynum initiated by Weeks' grandfather prosecutors did not pursue jail time for Weeks. Bynum said that she was overwhelmed by Weeks' grandfather's plea.

If your arguments are getting heated and it seems that they are beocming more and more frequent, get help? If your relationship really matters. See the full story at
ChirstianPost.com.

What Makes Christian Men Happy

(images courtesy Google)


Are you a Christian man who is still in search of happiness? Is your happiness being held ransom? The answers to these questions, depend on whether or not you have ever experienced true happiness. The kind of happiness that’s so contagious, you’ll want to pass it on to others.

When you’re happy, there are chemicals that flood your brain that give you an instant high, that your body craves. Happiness is addictive, it’s so powerful that when people desire it, they will do almost anything to obtain it.

Unfortunately, most Christians and especially men, have been conditioned mentally to experience a counterfeit happiness. One that based on their current emotional state in life and provides only a momentary sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, pleasure or enjoyment.


Many people have been convinced to pursue this type of happiness instead of God’s plan for happiness, for their life.


Counterfeit Happiness



In order for you to understand how to obtain real happiness, let me point out several ways Christians experience happiness.


Sin happiness- this brings a temporary euphoria from doing whatever their mind desires, but we know that the end result of sin is destruction.

Synthetic happiness- there are drugs that can trigger the chemicals in our brain to give us a euphoric feeling of happiness but it only last for a short period and you have to take more drugs to be happy again. This type of happiness leaves you in a hopeless state of addiction.

Stuff happiness- this is when people have to constantly get stuff to make them happy. Some people can only be happy when the get stuff like jewelry, money and material possessions. Because it too is a short term happiness, when stuff gets old, they no longer bring us the same level of happiness.

Did you notice the flaws with these concepts of happiness?


God’s Plan for Happiness

Spiritual happiness on the other hand, is a level of happiness where stuff doesn’t matter, where sin is not an option and synthetic happiness doesn’t even come into your understanding.

Most of us have been convinced to pursue counterfeit happiness for so long that we’ve neglected to give any attention to obtaining true happiness, that comes from following God’s plan for happiness.

According to Proverbs (Pr 3:13) Christian men who gain understanding and wisdom will be happy.


Why Are Christian Men So Happy




The Psalmist describes it this way in the Amplified Bible, (Psalms 34:8) O taste and see that the Lord is good. Happy, fortunate, (to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.

Happiness depends on your awareness, your perspective, and how you process what’s happening. You have to maintain a clear understanding that, because you have made the Lord your refugee, he is always near, nothing will come your way that you and God can’t handle.

That’s why Christians can be happy from the time that get up each morning, till they lay down at night, regardless to how bleak the situation looks, around them.

Free Stuff

Here is my latest free stuff find, Educause Connect. Educause.edu is a repository for information concerning use and management of information technology in higher education. It gives you a chance to hear from experts, peers and colleagues on the latest emerging technologies on learning. Their free resources include articles, books, conference sessions, contracts, plans, policies, position descriptions, blog and wiki content. I recommend the powerpoints and webinars that allow you download and save relevant information.

Self Esteem Building for Christian Men

How healthy is your self esteem? Nobody is always up, or down for that matter. During 1986, 46-year old Jack Nicklaus was considered a has been and a used to be. He hadn't won a major tournament in six years and had won only a handful in the previous eight. One major newspaper declared him "done, washed up, through." Later that year he proved them wrong.How can Christian men combat the thoughts that come when it seems your critics know you better than you know yourself?

By not allowing the challenges of our daily experiences to negate the positive messages from our internal voice.

Building Self Esteem

We all need and crave a periodic boost to increase our self image. It’s one of the reasons that men surround themselves with a network of friends, family members and associates. But it’s what that tiny voice inside your head is saying to you, that makes all the difference.


To build self esteem you have to be true to yourself by acknowledging your strengths and limitations. Another important step is to accept and value yourself unconditionally.

“The Bear” was able to overcome any self defeating thoughts and raise his golf game to a level above par. While Nicklaus's rivals stumbled, he shot a 30 on the back nine at Augusta, and 65 for the day. He went on to win the Masters that year. In one impossible afternoon, Nicklaus proved age was relative and anything was possible.


(image from Google)


Understanding Yourself

The picture you have of yourself is rooted in your childhood experiences. Our self-esteem continues to develop and evolve throughout our lives as we build an image of ourselves through our experiences with different people and activities.

According to the University of Texas at Austin Counseling and Mental Health Center, “Our past experiences, even the things we don't usually think about, are all alive and active in our daily life in the form of an Inner Voice. Although most people do not "hear" this voice in the same way they would a spoken one, in many ways it acts in a similar way, constantly repeating messages to us.”

Self Nurturing




Try using one or more of these 4 techniques for self-nurturing. They were developed from recommendations at the counseling and mental health website.

Step 1: Rebut the Inner Critic
The first important step in improving self-esteem is to begin to challenge negative messages, if you’re experiencing a critical inner voice.
Step 2: Seek Spiritual Guidance
Use prayer,meditation and the bible to maintain a personal connection with God, who’s looking for those who are faithful to show himself strong on their behalf.
Step 3: Practice Self-Nurturing
Make a list of things you like about yourself. Or keep a 'success' file of awards, certificates and positive letters or citations where you can see them.

Step 4: Get Help from Others
Teachers, friends and Christian counselors can provide advice or recommend other types of professional help, if you need it.

Building Your Mates Self Esteem

Sometimes you may find yourself being a cheerleaders in someone else’s corner. As a husband and father, you should want to support and encourage your wife and children to become who God created them to be.

If you want to find more facts and discussions about building self-esteem try these helpful resources.

Share the Dream

(image from Google)

Many prominent African Americans gathered in Birmingham, Alabama, yesterday to commemorate the 40th Anniversary, of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The man who inspired African Americans in the U.S. to use peaceful means to seek an end to repressive Jim Crow laws that were causing a rift in the fabric of the American Dream.

Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Leonard Pitts Jr. gave a moving account of that day in April 1968, when Dr. King was slain. In his column in the Miami Herald he wrote, “ Greatness and grace were desperately needed in those frightening hours. On the night Dr.Martin Luther King was killed, furious black people mourned the man of peace by making war. Rocks and bottles were thrown in Jackson, Miss. Tampa police had to move in with bayonets fixed to disperse an angry crowd. A furniture store in Houston was torched.”

To read this entire story and the comments from his readers, visit Miamiherald.com.

I was reminded, the leader of the movement died that day but not before the dream had been passed on to others.

Dr. King's Legacy

God who was the strength and guiding light behind Dr. King continued to open the windows of opportunity for African Americans. After centuries of being denied civil rights and equal opportunities, schools, jobs and businesses reluctantly accepted, change was going to come.

The man and the movement he gave his life for, are mere memories and stories, that have been retold for the past four decades. It will forever remain a story that needs retelling, for generations, lest we forget whence we came.

For Your Inspiration (FYI)


There was another website that I stopped in on, and found a stirring video that began with a baby being born in prison. As I found out, it’s not such an unusual happening.

An inmate giving birth is almost an everyday occurrence in California. Last year more than 300 babies were born to women incarcerated by the state, and at any given time, about 1 in 10 of the state's female inmates is pregnant, according to the San Francisco Herald‘s article, “Babies Behind Bars.”

Check out this story about a young man who was born in prison. It comes from You Tube and the 700 Club via Inspirationalexperiences.org.



Free Stuff

Sure, I’ve got a tip on where to find the best free stuff. This weekend I’ve located some great resources for Christian businessmen who want to take their businesses to the next level. It comes from TomPeters.Com, his personal stash of slides. They are filled with tips on achieving excellence in the marketplace. Just look for the free stuff link in the right hand column.

Why Men Don’t Go To Church

Have you heard discussions about the feminization of the Church. Well, I recently read a couple of articles tackling this issue as if it were fact. Both pointed to several factors that I think really show that the Church isn’t undergoing a new trend, it’s simply reflecting the population disparity of women to men.

One author tries to apply a broad generalization that most men don't like church because there are too many women. My personal experience has been that not many guys will feel offended, being in the presence of an abundance of woman.

Missing Fathers of the Church, by Leon J. Podles discussed his book "The Church Impotent: The Feminization of Christianity," in the article he stated "I examine the lack of men in the Western churches, which only the unobservant doubt."

Some of his other observation were:

Men claim they believe in God as much as women do, but men go to church less than women do and pray far less than women do?

These differences are neither recent nor limited to North America.

In seventeenth-century New England, Cotton Mather puzzled over why his congregations were overwhelmingly female.

Latin men are notoriously resistant to going to church.

Christianity, is largely a feminine affair in Western society.

Outreaches For The 21st Century Male

I feel his thesis has failed to uncover any of the real reasons some men stay away from church. And I don’t think any Christian man would agree with his assumption,that it’s because they regard church as a threat to their hard-won masculinity.

The other article in question was was a news story “Face of Christianity Will Soon Be Black” where a Christian Today writer reviewed Dr Kwok Pui Lan comments to an audience, at Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky.

They were told that by 2025, Africa is projected to shoot up to 634.6 million Christians, mostly women. While numbers in Latin America will reach 634.1 million, and Europe will fall to 531 million Christians.

This picture of the typical church doesn't take into account the continued growth of men's ministries. In some U S churches they target outreaches to groups of hunters and fisherman, Christian men who find it hard to chose between attending Sunday service or miss a weekend of their favorite pastime.

The church has been successfully addressing their needs by offering more non-traditional style gatherings outside its hallowed walls. This style of evangelism will spread to more parts of the world and reach more groups of men. One day, even Sunday sports fans, couch potatoes and others will be ministered to in their comfort zones.

Fewer Men at Church But More Men Attend Church

I think these gentlemen are really missing the mark in their predictions and remind anyone who reads these articles to remember that they are loosely based on factors that can change, at any time.

I have noticed the imbalance in female participation in church and I’m receptive to the women who are being led to the clergy, by the Holy Spirit, but I refuse to accept that this has a negative affect on my psyche or that of any other red blooded male.

In fact I sense that, fewer men are turning away from faith, many just aren’t very active in the programs of the church. We men really aren’t as archaic in our thinking as these authors portray us to be. Are we? I may be wrong, but that’s just my opinion.

What’s yours?

Proverbs 31: Biblical Advice For A Happy Marriage

Throughout the entire Book of Proverbs it challenges young men, to take on responsibility and gives them reminders to avoid getting stuck in the stage of adolescent thrill-seeking, something that I hope young Christian men and women will take to heart. Especially those who are married or planning on getting married in the near future.

When it comes to having a happy home, healthy self-esteem and a satisfying marriage, you can’t beat the quality advice found in the Bible. Many of the verses in Proverbs speak to these issues, and a deeper one, spirituality.

Is The Bible Still Relevant?

The past few weeks using Proverbs as a devotional has been a consistent theme of Brother to Brother. I wanted to remind Christian men that before the proliferation of daily devotionals, in the past few years, the Bible was and still is, the best of all inspired writings. When read daily, it can make positive impacts in the lives of Christian believers.

Proverbs’ 31 chapters contain enough wisdom for men to read one each day. And after researching the scripture references in their study bible, they’ll increase their scriptural knowledge and have a better understanding of the Bible’s message to males, in this generation. Because the message of the Bible is timeless.

Proverbs 31 Man


The themes presented in this chapter are often misunderstood. For instance, women are often referred to as “Proverbs 31 women”. You may be surprised to know that I disagree, yes, I take issue with that perception. I hope that there are some “Proverb 31 men,” those who have read this chapter and saw the need to become a husband of noble character.

The description of a person who is intuitive and uses their skills to provide for the family, in Proverbs 10-31, aren’t limited to the role of the woman. Just as all the scriptures in the Bible are directed to every Christian, these verses offer wisdom and guidance for men, too. Not just in verses 31:11&23, but the final verses of the chapter could just as well described a husband who is worth far more than rubies.





I’m not taking sides with the critics who say that the church has been feminized or the feminist who say the language of the Bible is sexist, instead I’m speaking from the heart of a man who strives daily to walk closer with the master.

But, another thing I have noticed, is that when men marry a Proverb 31 woman, it has a tendency to shake up the norms that some people are used to having. I fail to understand why in the world would some men feel a threat to their masculinity, because their wives earn more money then they do.

Anyway.

The last verses reflect how marriage requires equal cooperation and high standards from both partners. It supports the main themes of Proverbs, that encourages us to be sober minded, to seek social justice and spirituality to ensure a balanced life and a happy marriage.

If your relationship is on the rocks because of finances or other circumstances and you need some additional resources to get things together, there is a another website (www.happyplace.com) that has some additional practical advice for married couples on “How Happy Couples Stay that Way”.

Christian Men: Principles From The Bible

Which principles dominate your decision making process? Decisions are based on several influences and knowing how to stay connected to the right influences, principles from the Bible, can mean the difference between failure and success of any goals or plans Christian men have for their future.

Years ago, when mean spirited deacons had the police arrest the pastor of their church for trespassing, it was biblical principals that guided the minister’s decision to continue preaching the Word of God. The urge to quit, and to seek vengeance were pushed aside and I. V. Hillard went on to found one of the largest churches in the U S.

First, he had to stay focused and fight the feelings that come when you experience a setback. He told about making a conscious choice to forgive the men that had him locked up. Then he came to the realization of how important it was to continue preaching, if not at that particular church, then he’d just have to preach somewhere else.

Proverbs 24, is filled with verses that can increase your ability to make sound decisions. Let me outline some bad habits that Christians need to avoid when they’re faced with challenges and need to overcome them.

Habits to Avoid



Quitting: Proverbs 24:27 you have to cultivate a passion for finishing projects you’ve started.

Laziness: Verse 30-34 mentions the lack of sound judgment will result in you neglecting to do any work.

Vengeance: The verse in 24:17 says do not gloat when your enemy falls.


The Bible is filled with scriptures that you can read to increase your faith that God stands behind his principles. The right mix of self-confidence and God-confidence can be developed by practicing relying on his word. The Word of God and its scriptures will work for you, if you apply them correctly.

If you have never had the chance to listen to Bishop I.V. Hillard teach, you're missing out. why not sign up for the free "Changing lives through Faith" podcast from New Light over at I-tunes.

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Using The Bible to Win Against: Sex, Drugs and Alcohol

(images from Google)

Do you feel burdened by your past, or do you know someone, struggling with addictions who wants to turn their life around? There is a way to have a better life. It doesn’t matter what type of problem that you may be experiencing, if you have God on your side you can find deliverance, from drugs, alcohol or any life challenging situation, through Christ.

Some of the scriptures in Proverbs 23 contains warnings to Christian men to avoid addictive habits, one of the traps the devil uses to rob them of a quality life. Whether it is drugs, sex or alcohol. The time period may have changed, but the same pitfalls await anyone who fails to heed the warnings.

They have always carried similar consequences, jail, death, or get help. Current facts tell us that these are not just words from cunning fables but words to live by. Addictions and abuse will continue to effect strong Christian men when they don’t heed the Bible's warnings.

Just ask Kwame Kilpatrick, the Detroit mayor who is being charged with committing a crime while in office. Others like, Heath Ledger, who died earlier this year of suspected drug overdose, or respected evangelical pastor Ted Haggard, who resigned from his ministry posts last year, lives have been damaged by failing to fully assess the consequences of their behavior.

How You Can Be Changed




Their two keys necessary to break the cycle of any addiction. First, daily surrender to God by acknowledging this truth: "I am powerless over this (sin)." And second, a strong support system. Men who have broken free from addictive lifestyles, surround themselves with others living substance-free lives.

It was these principles, Julie West Garmon, points out in “Battling the Devil's Drug”, a story of about, Danae Betzer, a young woman addicted to “crystal meth”, that can set anyone free of addiction.

Often called "the devil's drug," "crystal meth," or "ice," shatters lives. It can wipe out families, and even communities.

It erases basic life and job skills, the importance of proper nutrition, self-esteem, and good friends.

Sin Is A Dead End

Proverbs 23:30-35 addresses the dangers of alcohol addiction. It gives vivid details of the psychological effects of drunkenness, but God holds the key to deliverance from this and other sins that can so easily beset us.

While men continue to ignore these age-old warnings from the Bible, Alcohol Alert.com reported that 16,885 (39% of total traffic fatalities for the year) where alcohol-related in 2005. And cocaine related abuse account for 4-5000 deaths annually in the US.

You Can Be Free

If you or someone you know needs help seek professional advice about treatment options. To let them know that you are sincere about seeing them get over this hurdle stand with them in prayer and through the treatment process.

Set Free, a Christian rehab center in Riverside, California, with a decent success rate, helped Danae Betzer win her personal fight with crystal meth. Now she and her husband are helping others escape this deadly addiction. You can read Danae’s remarkable story of recovery at ChristiantyToday.com.

How to Say No and Still Be A Good Christian Man

(images from Google)

Are you are tired of being mistaken for Mr. Too Nice? Do you feel your friends, family and even your pet have mistaken your kindness for weakness? Let me share something with you, that can help change that image.

Many good Christians men are getting a bad rap because of their conviction to adhere to the scriptures in the Bible. We are the ones that back down from an argument or will turn the other cheek when we have been offended. Sometimes we fail to get ruffled by what people do or say, things that other people might consider as fighting words.

Nice Guy or Good Guy: What’s the Difference?

It’s not because we lack assertiveness are feel defenseless. It’s because of the power of God is at work in us, providing the strength to avoid strife. And we’d rather allow our lights to shine into this dark world than surrender our peace, love and happiness to the forces of darkness.

Real Christian men should never be a Mr. Too Nice, someone who is afraid to say no,

or is wimpy and let controlling spouses, friends or family members physically or verbally abuse them

A good Christian, will stand up for himself and others who are being mistreated. When people attempt to manipulate him, he confronts them about their habit. If they refuse to change then he knows that he’s better off not being around that person.

Good Guys Do Win




If you are one of those who are fortunate enough to be considered as a good man then you are in the best of company and there are some assurances in the Bible that you should know about. Proverbs 22 states that a good name is more desirable than riches. And in Acts of the Apostles it says, “Jesus of Nazareth went around doing good.”

Only you know you and why you do what you do. If you are sure that your actions are not because you have a problem handling conflict. It’s alright to give, share and be known as a good man, as long as your relationships are healthy and you’re content and feel whole.

If you think you have a problem handling conflict, there is something you can read to help you understand how to change that image. Check out former nice guy, Paul Coughlin as he talks about his struggle with being a nice guy.

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How To Be A Good Man and Still Be Tough

images courtesy Google images

In the Bible, good men are those who challenge the world’s view of a macho man. Good men pursue wisdom and cherish understanding. The kind of wisdom that gives them patience and finds glory in overlooking an offense.

Men using Proverbs as a daily devotional, will find the 19th chapter encourages them to be good Christian men by reinforcing the verses from previous chapters on maintaining discipline, wisdom and integrity.

Some men see these characteristics as being undesirable, because they lack the guidance of the Holy Spirit and are more than likely being influenced instead, by what the popular culture sees as right.


Good Christian Men Do The Righteous Thing

In today’s society it seems that most men have more extramarital affairs than they have fingers to count them on. A disciplined Christian will not buy into this behavior, but do what is righteous and not what seems right to the average Joe. Proverbs (19:27-29) points out that a lack of self-discipline can cause some harsh consequences.


Why Good Guys Need to Maintain Integrity

It is rare to find someone who will falsely accuse a man who everyone knows is a person of integrity. I was once accused of using unprofessional language (cussing) when this was brought to the attention of my boss, she suspected right away that the allegations were false.
Since we often ate lunch together, she had never witnessed me using that kind of language in casual conversation and knew it was not part of my character.

The scripture in the 23rd verse of Proverbs reminds us that when we reverence the Lord, challenges that can destroy the lives of others, we are promised to overcome.

Good Men Can Be Tough




If there is someone who needs to be shown tough love you can try this piece of advice. The very next time you overlook an offense, boldly state to them, “ because the Holy Spirit dwells in me I’m ignoring your actions.” There is nothing Biblically wrong with being tough and firm.

In the Gospel of Mark Jesus is confrontational and assertive. We can follow his lead when taking a stand against wrong, wherever we see it. Just remember you can be angry without sinning.

If you want know more about being a good guy without being passive take a look at this featured article “No More Christian Nice Guy”.

Why You Should Be Using Gods' Book Not Just A Good Book For Devotion

In reading the Bible and using it for a daily devotional Christians will begin to catch hold of the faith and reverence that has been encapsulated in the scriptures. Only the Word of God has the power to restore, refresh and renew the lives of believers.

Below each level of thought in the Bible lies something new, something deeper for those who diligently seek it during devotion.

Why Your Devotional Should Be The Bible

Devotion as used in it’s original Greek form implies that you are adoring or worshiping, so it’s necessary to reflect on what material, what manner, what method of devotion you choose.
The Book of Acts mentions Paul observing the devotions in Athens where some people were so confused they worshiped idols. One of the idols bore the inscription to the unknown God.

Now that’s not really sad, that their attempts to draw nearer to God were being lost by not having access to the truth of knowing which God deserved their respect.


The 21st Century Christian is faced with a greater challenge to remain focused on the one true God and the gospel. Each day new books touting today’s popular authors are placed on bookshelves next to the Bible. It’s as if they are suggesting you should pick one or the other. But we know that the Bible is the record left by God to be used for instructions and guidance for a faith-based lifestyle and a better life. One that’s pleasing in his site.

Understanding Devotion

Our devotion belongs to God, he alone is worthy of praise.

Our delight should also be in seeking him, serving him and studying his Word. The Bible puts it this way, delight yourselves in the Lord.

Our desire has to be, to put God first in our lives. That means that our spiritual development must become the one thing that really matters. It’s not the only thing, but it must be the first thing Christian men resolve to focus on in their life, and each day for the rest of their lives, if they want to experience the best life.

How to use your Bible as a Devotional

Christians have a lot of reasons for not reading the Bible. Here are a few that I found interesting. The Bible seems boring to me. I don’t own a Bible.

How often are you reading your Bible?

I hope that Christian men are applying some of the advice I’ve outlined to help them use the Bible during devotion. By now you should have discovered a few important keys to wisdom in the past 14 Chapters of Proverbs. Try making a personal list of 10 things that you feel are essential to your spiritual development.

To give you an idea of how to do this, take a look at this list I named 11 pillars of wisdom.


An unrighteous source creates an unrighteous destiny (Pr 13:11)

Righteous thoughts are fueled by righteous words (Pr 12:20)

The greatest rewards come from the Greatest (God) (Pr 9:10)

All of creation belongs to the creator (Pr 8:14-36)

I will hide the word in my heart that I may not sin against God (Pr 7:1-3)

The words of my mouth should line up with the Word in my heart(Pr 6:16-19)

Maintain discretion by maintaining discipline(Pr 5:20-23)

Watch where you walk(Pr 4:26)

Honor the Lord with my time, talent and treasure(Pr 3:9)

Walk in the Light of the Word(Pr 2:12-15)


Pattern your devotion after Jesus’ experience in the wilderness. He was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert - a place where there are no distractions without everything ( no food, no water). The only thing he needed and used to survive was faith.
Let the Holy Spirit lead you to the next level of understanding, wisdom and success.

How to Use the Bible for a Devotional

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