Men

Church does not excite me, even when Sunday rolls around. But church has benefits, and has grown me closer to God and fellow believers. But because Jesus never shied away from tough conversations, here are 3 reasons I find church difficult to embrace.

Do you remember what it was like to really enjoy one another’s company? Chances are when you and your spouse fell in love, you did everything together, couldn’t stand to be apart, and your fun times outweighed the stressful times.Yet it’s only a matter of time before reality sets in and the familiar replaces the fun, the routine replaces spontaneity, and your financial or vocational concerns replace your ability to throw caution to the wind and enjoy being together.For years, my husband and I were two people who, in some ways, walked alone in our marriage. We never intended for it to be that way. We lived in the same house, shared the same bank account, slept in the same bed, spent nearly every Friday of our married life together on a “date day.” We even raised a daughter, although I wouldn’t necessarily say we were good at raising her “together.” He did his part. I did mine. And that’s the way it was.Both of us had no idea how to give up our own ambitions, expectations, and conveniences in order to really walk together. But once we started incorporating some really simple activities that we wish we’d done years ago, it profoundly affected our marriage. Here are five activities that will strengthen your marriage and sense of togetherness:

So are you a workaholic, or just someone who loves work? If you’re just a lover of work, that means you can also set it aside and not be wracked with guilt, obsessive compulsions to return to it, anxiety, panic, or depression.

Contrary to popular belief, men and women are not created equal!Now, if I left that truth there without explanation, many of you would get angry and stop reading. In today’s culture, we are all about equality, even affecting the words we use, like “humankind” instead of “mankind,” or stores offering “unisex” clothing.Even as language changes, the truth remains: God did not create men and women “equal.” And no, that does not imply that one sex is somehow “better” than the other. That is a completely false and offensive notion. Nor am I suggesting that a person should be offered more opportunity, more money, or greater deference, solely based on their sex.All that aside, women and men are called the “opposite sexes” for good reason: we actually are different. And in our modern society, the failure to understand these God-given differences has shaken our homelives, ruined marriages and left families in a really scary situation.“Equality” was never God’s intention in His creation.Photo credit: ©Getty Images/shironosov

Influences from doctrines that are contradictory to biblical principles surround us. Everything we see and hear can create a vision that pulls us toward those attitudes. While there are some positive influences out there, in most cases we hear bad news, violence, and political rants that leave us shaking our heads in disbelief. These reports can leave us feeling hopeless and depressed.What can we do to prevent these cultural vibes from taking over our thought processes?We must take command of what we allow to influence our thinking. We can develop holy ideals by following the Lord’s directives instead of listening to society’s observations and values.“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV)One of our goals for this year should be to keep our minds free from contamination by the philosophies of doubt and fear. We can apply the Bible’s directives to all areas of life.Here are 5 ways to live in God’s vision instead of the world’s opinions.Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/FotoMaximum

God’s design for sexuality was intended for one woman and one man within the bonds of marriage. It was His desire all along for sexual intimacy to be shared and enjoyed within marriage, and that has not changed. Yet, our culture has hijacked God’s intention for sexuality and turned much of this desire into a lust issue.

Since so much teaching on humility over haughtiness is directed to those who shepherd God’s people, we in the Gospel ministry must pay particular attention. Those that needed the strong Biblical injunctions against haughtiness are most often leaders, spiritual leaders.

God can assist us as we navigate our marital relationships. He is for us. God desires our marriages to be fruitful. Prayer is always a good place to start.

Dear Roger,I’ve been reading the New Testament and it surprises me how often Jesus referred to money.For example, in Luke 21:1-4, “He commended the widow who did not have much, but from what she did have, she gave it all to the Lord.”He criticized the Pharisees for giving the tithe while they were rejecting the more important parts of sacrifice (Matthew 23:23).Of course, in the parable of the talents, Jesus declared that those who invest well will receive more and those who don’t invest well will lose it all (Matthew 25:14-30).So, I was taken a little aback when I came to 1 Timothy 6 and read how harshly the apostle Paul dealt with Christians who are not managing their money well! Can you please draw for us some lessons from Paul’s teaching? How am I supposed to handle money?Sincerely, MarkDear Mark,I think that the best way to answer your question is by moving through 1 Timothy 6 verse by verse, gleaning Paul’s meaning. You’ll notice that each statement is a critical key to how God intended for us to handle money wisely and well.Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/HappyNati

Have you ever considered that Jesus modeled work-life ministry? It is easy to forget that Jesus spent more than 50 percent of His adult life in a carpentry shop. He was more known for being a carpenter than He was for being the Son of God.Perhaps that is why so many people had difficulty reconciling Jesus, the carpenter, with Jesus the Son of God who did miracles in the workplace. Jesus didn’t separate the work he did with his hands or head from the work he did with his heart.His job was his ministry. And your job is, too. Here are 3 reasons we can see our work life as integral to our faith life:Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Daniel Mccullough

Here’s what I learned and how it led me to wonder if I was giving 100% of my attention, my praise, my worship, and my work to the Lord.

There are many questions that come with being a new dad. When your child is born, people will often ask how the baby is doing, how the mom is feeling, if you need anything, and things of that nature. But how are you doing? When’s the last time someone asked you or any dad how they’re doing in their role as the family shepherd of their home?To be fair, most dads would rightly redirect attention back to their recovering wife and newborn. Good men are taught to give of themselves for the good of their families and quietly get the job done, and most men, if they’re anything like me, are good at downplaying their needs and struggles, and that doesn’t change the moment we became fathers.However, there is nothing easy about being a new dad. No matter how confident or prepared we may be, every stage of our child’s life comes with unannounced challenges that force us to rely on God’s wisdom and strength when ours is spent. Dad needs encouragement and support as much as anyone. Thankfully, God the Father offers both through His Word. With the support and encouragement of fellow dads, new dads will be better equipped to lead their children in righteousness and train them up in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6).Here then, are five encouraging reminders for dads with newborns.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Olena Domanytska

What are you pursuing right now?Do not casually brush this question off just to continue reading this article. Be honest with yourself and answer this question first before you continue.A New PathMillions of men, even Christian men, find themselves pursuing the wrong things in life, wasting their time - and often, only setting themselves up for hurt… Time passes quickly, and they can never go back in time to do it over again, leaving a heart full of regret.I used to be one of those men. I pursued the wrong things with all my fleshly might, and it brought nothing but suffering, sadness, and emptiness. I was lost, and without purpose, like a boat adrift without a rudder on the vast ocean, driven and tossed around by the wind.I lost two brothers during this time, but after the loss of my second brother, I had a powerful encounter with the living God. As I sat beside my brother’s lifeless body, God revealed to me just how lost I really was. If I had died instead of my brother, I would have deserved hell. I saw how temporary this dark world is, that my life is but a vapor, how meaningless it is to try and gain the world but lose my soul for all eternity.It was at that moment I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior and asked Him to direct my paths. He made me a new creation, and everything changed…I stopped pursuing earthly, temporary things and started pursuing Him with my whole heart and soul! He gave me the rudder, the drive, to want to put Him first in my life and to follow His will in everything. God gave me a new life and a burning desire to earnestly pursue Him!What are you pursuing?Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/kevron2001

Finding a book geared for men? That actually challenges and encourages? It seems often like an impossibility in the Christian market to find edifying materials specifically geared toward men. Ones full of meaty content and compelling challenges. Well, look no further. Below we've compiled our Top 10 Christian Books for Men that will challenge and grow you.This list isn't comprehensive, but we've found that many of our readers have enjoyed the content of these books.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/digitalskillet

There are endless possibilities for dating ideas. Sometimes you have to be a little creative and innovative. The next time you go on a date, keep these ideas in mind or plan something specific according to your own interests. Your significant other will love it no matter what.

Our culture tends to worship the winners. It idolizes wealth and fame. It places achievement and accomplishment above all else. You might not recognize this man-made god in your life, but here are three reasons why success may be your favorite idol.

As Christ-followers, married couples are called to love and respect one another (Ephesians 5:33). That requires a level of uncommon intentionality in our marriages. We have to fight to keep our lover, partner, friend, and spouse at the top of the growing priority list.

Sonia slammed her purse on the couch, “My husband’s mother, his own mother had to remind him it’s my birthday!” she huffed. “When he said 'I do,' he should have said, 'I don’t'—I don’t have a clue about being a loving husband.”Ouch! Those words hurt. But are they justified? She thinks so. And if we were to ask hubby, he might have his very logical explanation.He and Sonia are examples of millions of marriages who left the lane of love and headed down the street called “strife and ended up in the house of tension.” Small incidents added together become major difficulties.And that combination lit the wick of dynamite that eventually explodes. All get hurt including the kids.But as they pick up the shattered pieces and consider a visit to divorce court, they realized where they went wrong. They missed the guidance God provides.But Who could blame them? Life is crazy busy. They allowed their time spent reading and reflecting on God’s Word to slip to the bottom of the priority list. As a result, they headed through life on their own.They did as they allowed God’s message to fade away in the mess of a busy life. Consequently, they inadvertently distorted God’s definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13.When God says that "love is patient," they rationalize they’ve been patient long enough.God says that "love is kind.” But when life happens, kindness goes out the window.Love "...does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud..." Couples don’t intentionally violate these instructions, but when they’re driven to stand their ground, eventually, love gets buried in the I’m-right-and-you’re-wrong argument.But not all is lost. God’s redeeming love for each couple offers second chances. Both husband and wife have to return to their commitment to stay together.This article will focus on the husband’s turn to put down the remote control and become the hero. He defeats any notions of pride or doubt and wins back his wife’s affection and respect. The task is simple as it comes in these 4 gestures:Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/kkshepel

Doubts come in three primary flavors: intellectual, emotional, and physical. All three are equally valid, important, and essential to address. Here then are 10 ways to overcome your toughest doubts.

When you consider how divisive politics can be and how often we say things in the heat of a moment that can influence the way people view Jesus and the Gospel, Christians must spend time in careful thought before they post about politics on social media.In fact, I would suggest that there are seven questions you should ask yourself before you post about politics or share a link to an article about a political issue.Engaging with people on social media, particularly about politics, can be tricky. Here are seven questions you should ask yourself before you post about politics or share a link to an article about a political issue.Photo credit:Arpad Czapp/Unsplash