How Christians Use Faith In Their Business

Richard Headrick thought he could live a double-life, talking the talk, but not walking the walk of Jesus. It left him feeling like he was racing against the wind.

He was shot at, cut with a knife and had his skull fractured from being pistol whipped. He was a spiritual weakling, but he continued to seek, trust and praise God and begin to use faith in his business strategy.

God has given every Christian a measure of faith and the more you hear the word of God and allow it to penetrate your heart the more your faith can mature and grow.

Building faith is not as strenuous as building muscles, but it is equally as important. It's the strongest foundation you can use for making decisions and solving problems whether it's in your finances, marriage or business.

How to Build Your Faith

The two ways believers can develop stronger faith in God are by following scriptural principles and/or a spiritual perspective. These doctrines will strengthen your faith and guide Christian businessmen to become better decision makers, doers and not just hearers of the word of God.

It doesn't matter whether you are aware of them or not scriptural principles impact everything around us. Maintaining a spiritual perspective is what sets Christian homes and businesses apart from the crowd.

How Spiritual Principles Affect Your Business.

The spiritual principles outlined in the Bible weren't put there for the mere value of the words, but to act as beacons of light, to illuminate the way for believers to keep them from straying off the path of righteousness.

Using a spiritual perspective provides Christians with a higher level of thinking, so high above the fog, that your results can achieve higher returns on your investment.

Facing the difficult circumstances that Richard faced, is not unusual for him or any Christians. Paul and other early church leaders were sometimes beaten, stoned and forced to battle wild beast.

Running A Business By Biblical Principles

In the early 1990's Richard faced a daunting situation in his outdoor advertising business. It was hit by a financial crisis causing his companies' sales to plummet from $8 million in 1988 to $500,000 by 1992.

Finally Headrick landed a huge deal with the casino industry in Mississippi. Then God spoke to him and and told him to get out of that business and he did. His moral compass pointed to the spiritual perspectives of displaying ads that weren't bringing glory to God and he decided that he could not compromise his Christian convictions and canceled the contracts.

Within a year, the amount of revenue he lost by not doing business with the casinos equaled one-half the revenue he gained from all of the unexpected new business. Headrick says, personal experience has proven to him it is possible to run a successful business based on biblical principles.

Scriptural Principals In Business

It's one thing to call yourself a Christian. It's something totally different to let Jesus be Lord of your life. Proverbs 3 reminds us to trust God, honoring him with your wealth and committing to the Lord whatever you do, then your plans will succeed.

Applying your faith today:

Pray for the success of your business goals and let your faith become the wow factor in your business.

Faith-filled Prayers for Christian Men

Not only had illness taken over his body, but a prophet told him, God said, he should prepare to die. What was the first things this king did? Historians recorded, that moments after hearing this dire prediction, this powerful ruler, of one of the greatest nations of his time, sought God through a faith-filled prayer.

How do you respond when you hear discouraging news? Christian men who are confronted with the life threatening illnesses, don't have to let it shake their belief that God can and will hear, heal and help him.

Praying with a Sincere Heart


This monarch's prayer was not one that lasted for hours or one that was full of eloquent speech or a diatribe against his enemies. It was prayed with a sincere heart.

Christian men's faith can be weakened or strengthened by the words that we say because they reflect what we believe in our hearts.

In his letter to the Romans Paul explained that the mouth and the heart or key components of salvation and our guideline for using our faith to overcome our day to day struggles.

Christians have been given a divine authority from Jesus (John 14:12-14). When we pray in his name we are sure to get what we ask of him.

Prayers of Faith

In Why Faith is Important and other post I've talked about Morris Goodman, the miracle man and other Christan men who faced unsurmountable odds and how God granted their faith-filled prayers.

The Lord has restored health, family and finance for me and many other Christians in this and other generations. In Proverbs it says, the prayer of the upright pleases the Lord.

If you haven't read the powerful, simple prayer of faith made by King Hezekiah
(2Kings 20:3) here's what is says.

“Remember now, O LORD, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.”

This age old story bears witness to the fact that it's not merely the content of the prayer but the condition of the heart that enables the hand of God to move on our behalf.

Faith-How to Access the Power of God

Ben's grandmother pulled out a tattered calendar marking the days and nights that God had awakened her to pray for him. The dates told their own story. How he'd survived a fire. How he'd miraculously lifted a Lincoln Continental off his stomach and walked away. Each miraculous escape from death was preceded by a prayer of faith.

Today Ben Priest, from the Tribe of Judah, a Christian motorcycle club knows how to access the power of God for himself. Before accepting Christ into his life he seldom prayed and never dreamed that his life would become a living testimony of faith.

Power to Witness

Christ told his disciples that God was about to unleash his power upon men (Acts 1:8). This power is available to all who call upon the name of Jesus. He also wants us to use this power to share his word, the truth, with the others.

The world needs Christian men to become missionaries, preachers and teachers of God's word. We are told in Th Bible to not worry about what we will say because God will send the holy spirit to guide us as we talk to others about our faith in Christ.

Power to Overcome

Christians have been given access to the power of God to enable us to overcome the evil one.

The Bible warns us to guard our spiritual condition. When Paul explained it to the Ephesians (6:12) he told them to protect themselves with the armour of God. Faith, salvation, truth and righteousness are among the weapons Christian men need to battle spiritual wickedness.

The power comes through spending time in prayer and meditating on God's word.

Words of Faith

Using the word of God to create the life that God says you can have requires a simple change, a renewing of your mind. A Christian's mindset is a key element in getting the right words to have an impact on their situation. Your mind has to be focused on what God says about you and not on what family you were born into, your profession or your income status.

It's the words that Christian men use that will build their faith and strengthen them in any situation. The words that you say should reflect your faith and what you believe. So once Christians begin placing God's words from The Bible, in their heart to replace those old words of defeat, they can expect to see positive changes and even
miracles.
God's word says:

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

You are more than a conqueror.

You can call those things that be not as though they are.

God will grant you the desires of your heart.

With God nothing is impossible.

Christian men are transforming themselves from losers into winners by following the example in Roman 12 that when you renew your mind you can accomplish the acceptable will of God.

Faith: How to Focus on Winning Instead of Losing

Words are the tools that empower faith. Situations are created by the words that you say. The Holy Bible states the power of life and death are in the tongue (Pr 18:21). So how do you go from using your own words to defeat yourself, to building a winning vocabulary?

Christian men can learn how to become winners by following the example of the young pastor in Texas, who began confessing that his membership was in the thousands. Soon his memebrship of more than 200 shrank to less than thirty memebers.

He believed that God was on his side and continued to confess that his minsitry was growing and successful.

Let's start with what you believe. Your heart is where the first change must take place. Christian men have to believe that the word of God does work and it will work for them.

You are what you believe. You have to stop thinking of yourself as a person who is constantly defeated.

Have Faith In God



Having self confidence is okay, but faith in God is what will make the difference in the lives of Christian men. When their performance is backed up by God's power they'll get unbelievable results or what others call miracles.

It didn't happen overnight, but Rev. I V Hillard, the minister in our story did begin to see the membership of New Light Christian Church swell into the thousands because of his patientce, persistance and the principles of faith that he used to build his ministry.

Christian men can transform themselves from losers into winners by following Paul's advice (Roman 12) that says to renew your mind so you can prove what is the acceptable will of God.

Faith: God's Big Idea

God pointed to the infinite number of stars in the night sky as an example of how numerous the descendants of Abraham would become someday. At the time, Abraham wasn't even a father. God's big idea was for him to have faith in his word.

Staring at passing cars doesn't offer bus riders reassurance that the bus will soon arrive, but it serves as a visual cue of what they are hoping for. This is exactly what God wants Christian men to do to strengthen their faith.

Learning how to handle waiting is a crucial step to maintain the trust in God you'll need to not waiver while your blessing is on the way.

5 Key Scriptures To Build Your Faith

Hebrews 11:1

I Corinthians 16:13

2 Corinthians 5:7

Mark 11:22

2 Peter 3:9

As its creator God has the ultimate power over everything on earth, above earth and in earth which means he has power over all things. He has given man access to this power through belief in him.

Faith was God's big idea for us to access this power. He left his word, The Bible, as a testament on how Christians can use this awesome power so we can make his kingdom come on earth, as it is in heaven.

Faith carries with it a lot of responsibility that Christians should know about, if you want more insight including how to grow your faith read some of the other post from this months series on faith.

Why Faith Is Important

The media constantly bombards us with negative images and discouraging news that builds insecurity in us, to trust God. However Christians know to place their faith in God who has always sustained his people, even in tough economic times. God's designed his system around the principles laid out in the Ten Commandments and The Holy Bible.

The opinion of people, the press or philosophers don't take precedence of the word of God. The Old Testament records how the nation of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years and God fed them and led them to water each and every day.

Have Faith In God
God's faithfulness can't be denied. If you order your life by his principles, his promises and his purpose, it will go well with thee and with thy children and prolong your days upon the earth. To some these may seem like idle words, but Christian's know that God will do all that he says and exceedingly abundantly more than you can imagine.

Just ask Morris Goodman, the man doctors have dubbed the miracle man. While attempting to land his airplane one afternoon Morris crashed. He suffered a broken neck, crushed spinal cord and every major muscle in his body was destroyed. He was no longer able to perform any bodily function except to blink his eyes. His injuries were too severe for him to survive. But Morris did survive and because of a strong faith in God, courage and determination.

Trusting God
When you trust God to cover you and protect you it shows that you have surrendered your will to him. This requires that you take on a new way of thinking. Instead of making decision based on feelings each choice becomes a character decision.

Christian men have to learn how to not compromise their Godly character by making choices based on principles rather than convenience. It's your character that's really being compromised when you make decisions that are not in line with the word of God. It shows that you lack trust and have little faith in God.

How To Grow Your Faith

The Bible clearly states in Romans (10:13)that faith comes by hearing the word of God. Christian men that want to grow their faith will guard the ideas and information that they allow into their spirit. Sure you can get pumped up and mentally charged from listening to motivational speakers and a variety of products aimed at helping your emotional growth but only the word of God can build your faith.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul reminds us that the thoughts we allow our minds to focus on are important too. We have to bring every thought into captivity.

Christians should think about things that are lovely, true and of good report.

This also applies to the kind of music, movies and the other messages that you listen to.

Don't get caught up in the vicious cycle of following deceptive practices and philosophies that are based on human tradition and principles rather than the word of God. Saturate your mind with the word instead.

3 Faith Building Keys

There are three ways that Christian men can build their faith and be encouraged by the Lord. First and foremost there is preaching, then there's prayer and of course praise. It's during these faith building activities that the inspired word of God can flow into the heart of Christians.

Growing your faith is important for you to be able to access the many benefits of our relationship with God. Love and power are two of the most important benefits made available under the covenant between God and man. One of the reasons that faith is vital to our Christian experience is that without faith it is impossible to please God.

How Christian Men Can Tell A Good Idea From A Business Opportunity

Just about all of us have had those moments when the light bulb goes off inside our head, so how can you know whether yours is a money making venture and not just a good idea?

Whatever great idea or business opportunity Christian men get from God, selling your product to Christians should be part of your marketing strategy. A study conducted by a major Christian retail channel shows the retail value of Christian products sold by its members through all distribution channels reached $4.63 billion in 2006.

These are not just Bibles and books. Their members offer a wide range of products and services from apparel, curriculum, gifts, greeting cards, music software and videos.

There are 5 questions that Christian men can ask upfront to uncover some key points before you sink your hard earned cash into any business.

1. What is your unique selling proposition?

Yes, you do have to sell your product Virginia Wolf and knowing what makes your product better than it’s competitors is crucial to its success.

2. What makes your product appealing?

A good product should have some kind of sensory or emotional appeal to consumers, in other words, it should make them look or fell better.

3. How will your products show value?

Value isn’t only about pricing. What about quality and there is the emotional aspect that's important too.

4. Is your product idea interesting and exciting?

Your product will be competing against lots of other established and new brands and being a dull "me too" won’t motivate sales.

5. Product features.

A good product has to deliver in more ways than one. It should be able to last longer or offer more uses than your competitors.

These are just a few of the many considerations every product should go through before it can take it's place on the shelves of any store. The Bible reminds Christian businessmen in Proverbs 21:5 to have well developed plans, so do lots of research before spending too much money on any business.
If you want more information on deciding if your product is a great idea or a business opportunity, I recommend Christian men take a few minutes to read, "Is Your Great Idea a Real Business". Melanie Lindner hits on a few more things you may want to consider about going from an idea to a viable business.

If you already have a product you would like to introduce to the Christian market, check out the website for the CBA it's one of the leading Christian retail channels. Christian businessmen should make every effort to attend one of the many trade shows and conferences they host for retailers of Christian products.

How Christians Can Profit from Ideas for A Successful Business

All of us have had several great inspirations for products or services that we failed to act upon only to witness someone else using our idea to become wealthy.

The average person gets 3 to 4 money making ideas a year that can probably make them financially independent, but most people fail to follow up on them. So what is it that keeps Christian men from profiting from their ideas for creating their own business.
The Drive to Succeed

There is a story that illustrates this point, about a young man who graduated at the top of his class in high school and received a scholarship to Howard University and at his 10 year class reunion was recognized as one of the most successful people in his city. He told everyone how his father had been an abusive alcoholic and he worked hard so he wouldn’t end up like his dad.

His younger brother on the other hand, managed to throw away every dime he earned and lost job after job because of his problems with drugs and alcohol. He would tell all of his friends, if his father hadn’t been an abusive alcoholic he wouldn’t have ended up living on skid row.

Same family, different outcomes, why? Whether you profit from your ideas for a successful business depends heavily on how you view situations.

Setting Goals

The difference between the dreamer and the doer is not very much. One has clearly defined goals while dreamers lack specific goals. So what is it that stands between Christian men and materializing their ideas.

The root of the problem is procrastination and doubt. They work together to get you to stop in your tracks or fail to act at all. According to one of the country’s foremost experts on successful businessmen, Dr. Dennis Kimbro, these two culprits may be hindering Christians from profiting from their many ideas for success by fostering three feelings inside their mind.

How to Avoid Self-defeat

Low self image
The result of a false belief that we’re not good enough to succeed.

You don’t believe in yourself
This will cause you to become afraid to make mistakes or interact with others

Lack of faith
A lack of faith in yourself or a lack of faith in God can be harmful to you.

Each of these can rob you of the drive, desire and discipline to reach your goals.

Pursuing Your Business Ideas

You can attack these 3 enemies of success by surrounding yourself with your goals and ideas in both words and images.

Place your goals where you can see them when you shave. Put them where you can read them when you get up every morning, throughout the day and every night before you go to sleep.

Learn to recognize the signs of a doubt and procrastination. As a Christian man, you should never settle for giving less than your best effort on every task you undertake. Then nothing will be able to keep you from attaining the benefits that you deserve from harnessing your ideas for a successful business.

Why Christian Men Avoid Going to Church

How many times have you heard a man say “I want to get myself together before I go to church. This statement is typical of men who are trying to avoid the commitment of going to church.

They seem to feel that the scripture that states “come as you are” is only talking about their physical appearance. It probably never occurs to most Christian men that since they didn’t make themselves, how in the world do the think they’re going to get themselves together.

The church is a hospital for the spiritually sick. No one in the building as attained any level of sainthood or are anywhere close to being together. Believers come together to worship God, be strengthen and encourage each other.

If a Christian isn’t trying to avoid church then he would make sure every time the door is open he is there to be strengthened by humbling himself before the Lord and let God get him together.

Maybe they have never heard the National Baptist Brotherhood Union’s motto taken from 2 Timothy 2:20 “In a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls but also those of wood and earthenware.” Christian men he is talking about us.

The Apostle Paul’s analogy is to remind us that it’s only after men have become part of the Lord’s house that their true value can be appreciated and fully recognized. Thinking we can do anything apart from God is a message from a person who is not only lost but, don’t want to be led home.

Matthew, Paul and Peter were all sinners, who were unable to get themselves together until Christ picked them up and dusted them off. That’s the only way any man can ever get a new beginning. Having a better job, a better suit of clothes or even a better attitude won’t make you ready to attend church or enter God’s kingdom.

After all would you lose out on anything if you attended worship services for a couple of hours?

You could possibly leave there without guilt, worry, hatred and few more things that have been keeping you bond and lost in sin.

Christ states in the Holy Bible “no man can come to the father except by me”. This fact alone should clear-up the confusion that any Christian man may have about getting into heaven without having to attend church.

Christian men have to begin to recognize that avoiding church prevents them from humbling themselves under the mighty hands of God so that the Lord can complete the work he has started in him.

Christian Men and Fathers in the Bible

Father’s Day is a great time to revisit some of the fathers from The Holy Bible. One of the Bibles most acknowledge fathers has to be Abraham. Father of Isaac and Jacob, who bequeathed to his son Jacob, more than just a financial inheritance, he imparted his love, devotion and worship of the one true God.


There is Job. As a father he showed an infallible love for his family and tried to protect them every way possible, even to the point of offering prayer and sacrifices on their behalf each day. Still they were all lost in one fatal swoop, by the hand of God.

David fathered numerous children but most notably Solomon who was described as the wisest king to ever live. Unfortunately he acquired his fathers appetite for a multiplicity of wives and in the end he was lured into worshiping their gods.

The Bible describes another father in 2 Kings 18:3, Hezekiah, who trusted in the Lord and it states “ not one of the kings of Judah was like him, either before him or after him. His son chose not to follow in his fathers footsteps and did great evil in the sight of the Lord.

It goes without saying that fathers can be fallible. It doesn’t matter how great a father you think you are, your children can still become entangled in the troubles of this world.

Fathers don’t just mold and shape our lives they are trusted to be our providers and protectors. However, many human fathers will fall short if you use them as a benchmark of good father.

Our fatherly role model should be God. The patience, longsuffering and joyfulness that he imparts to us each day is a testimony to how you should care for the family that God has placed in your care here on earth.

There is but one who is our constant help in time of trouble and need. Only one father who is always concerned and able to care for you. Jesus called him our heavenly father.

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.

Christian Husband Pleads Guilty To Assualt

It's easy for Christian men to allow emotions to overwhelm them, but don't risk doing something 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 becoming 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.

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 abundant supply of women.

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're outreaches target 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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How To Be A Good Man and Still Be Tough

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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”.