Hebrews 12:1–3 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
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Well, I had a completely different direction I was planning to take the blog this week — but I was so moved after the Saturday men’s event, I wanted to build off of that awesome “launch pad” the Lord blessed us with.
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Gratitude & Encouragement
First, a huge thank you to everyone who participated — to our panelists, to the Abners for hosting, cooking, and setting everything up, to the guys who helped transport equipment, to all that attended, and to those who stayed after to break things down and reset the church —
thank you for being willing to be used by the Lord and blessing all of our lives.
Seriously — what a picture of the body of Christ in action. I left yesterday’s event so encouraged! The level of service, humility, and spiritual maturity in our men’s ministry right now is powerful — Praise the Lord! The Holy Spirit is clearly at work in the hearts of our men — and I
truly believe this is impacting not just our church, but our families and community as well. It’s truly exciting and encouraging to see you men stewarding your time, money, and relationships the Lord is entrusting you with. Let’s continue to press on in reaching the unreached and
building up the believer — just as Paul reminds us:
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”
— 1 Corinthians 9:24 (ESV)
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Keep the Conversation Going
There were a handful of questions from our event that we didn’t get to cover — but I’d encourage you to reflect on the ones we had time to cover. Some of them may touch areas where you’ve already been faithful — don’t squander the opportunity to be used by the Lord to
disciple and encourage someone else in that space.
Other questions might press on areas of weakness — and if that’s the case, don’t shy away. As we heard from the panelists many times: bring those areas before the Lord. Ask Him to guide you, refine you, and fill those spaces with more of Him and less of ourselves.
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Let’s Build Together
Before I share some of my own key takeaways, I want to invite you to share yours.
Feel free to text me: (919) 559-0585
Here are a few things I’d love to hear from you:
● What were your biggest takeaways?
● What areas do you feel challenged in?
● What ideas do you have for future gatherings or ways we can grow as a ministry?
● Are there any prayer requests you'd like a few men in the church to be lifting up?
Your voice matters — and I truly believe God is shaping something special here, and don’t forget — you're a part of it.
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Reflection Questions from the Panel
Here are some areas that personally stood out to me, that I’m working through with the Lord, and looking forward to implement:
● What are some practical ways you’re practicing giving?
Make it personal
Pray for guidance and opportunities to make my family’s giving more personal - I feel the panelist tied this question well into the following question that was given to them — How did/do you teach and lead your family in generosity and stewardship?
Let the kids help pay bills - SOOOO EXCITED TO IMPLEMENT THIS!
“Some lessons are better caught than taught” - I love catchy practical phrases like this - Thank you, Doc!
Keeping a $20 or $50 bill to practice spontaneous generosity and being a cheerful giver
80/10/10 way of creating a budget to set aside giving (80% of your income you live off of, 10% of your income you save/invest after
you establish an emergency fund, 10% of your income you give - I’ve seen this as a starting point for Dave Ramsey’s
recommendations and then building from there)
At one of the tables this went deeper into discussing saving vs investing and other ways people have seen the 80/10/10 concept done
Getting the kids involved in Operation Christmas Child by inviting them into actually buying the gifts and making this an event that
they are truly a part of - Thank you, David - super practical and the Lord is already showing me other ways to build upon this!
Using real-life examples and creating macro-annual budgets for the kids and breaking it down into micro levels from there
Encouraging service in the neighborhood - just do it and teach the kids to do it for the Lord and to not be looking for a response or
recognition from anyone - Thank you, Tim! This already got Kayla and I talking about simple ways to start initiating this.
● How did you balance giving and saving in the early years of your career or family?
Payroll allotments - Great idea, Brad!
Giving/tithing your time and yourself - common thread between all panelist and such an important reminder that tithing/giving goes
beyond money
● How did you manage work/life balance?
Learning when to stop and say no
Stopping not just when the work is done but when I should stop to focus on my family and spouse
Steward my time, commitment, and responsibility to my family
Song reference: Sanctus Real – Lead Me | Lyrics
● What’s the biggest financial mistake you made in your 20s or 30s?
Not saving, not making this a top priority, and not building good savings habits
I personally would like to build on this with a very simple metaphor that was shared with me at a young age
When’s the best time to plant a tree? 40 years ago
When’s the second best time to plant a tree? Right now.
If this is an area where you’ve been a poor steward, work through that with the Lord, ask for forgiveness, and see how He
would like you to approach that right now in your life. Be obedient and trust Him.
● If you could go back to any age or season, where would you go — and what advice would you give your younger self?
Focus on the right priorities early in your career
Start saving sooner
Don’t worry so much about the future
Rejoice in the Lord always - through every season
“God is good — always.”
Build solid habits early: wake up, be in the Word, don’t waste time
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Brothers, thank you all again for your involvement on Saturday!
Let’s keep showing up.
Let’s keep growing.
Let’s keep running with endurance the race set before us — with our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Proud to walk through this life with you fellow brothers. - Lee Miles
