Whats that smell?

Hey Guys,

The author John Eldredge has touched many men since 2000 with the book, Wild at Heart. Early on in it, he asks the question, if in Genesis, it says that God made men in the image of God, male and female He made them, then how do we bear the image of God as a man?

He then says to go through scripture and look at what about God appeals to men? Something that looks more like a man than a woman, and he comes to the conclusion that men bear the image of God in their strength. In their ability to come through.

I have taught this for several years now and I struggle to get men to understand that I'm not talking about how much you can bench press or some other similar feat of physical strength.

Well, this weekend I was rereading a Donald Miller book and I came across a section that further explains this.

Donald was in a coffee shop (at a point in his life that he REALLY needed some maturity) with some friends and complaining about the reality of life. How reality stinks. The owner of the coffee shop, a very successful Portland businessman, replied that “Life is like a fine wine, it cannot be appreciated by children”.

Donald was later grateful for the sting that came with this quote, and the maturity moment that it provided (more about Donald's story can be found in a fascinating book “To own a Dragon” about him growing up without a Father).

That kind of strength, not only to go through each day, but to savor each day like a fine wine, that is what comes of following God in the adventure He has for each of us, of knowing that you are made to follow God and to expect a wild ride (He's not a tame lion, you know).

So, if reality is stinking for you these days, ask yourself where are you not following God? What looks risky that you are not entering into these days?

Heres to enjoying the adventure

Alex

Friday Morning 6:15 Band of Brothers at the warehouse.

I will start recruiting for this years class of Dog Soldiers soon. If you are interested, let me know.

Lots to do in Joplin. Contact Ryan McLain if you want to take a group up there, he has some contacts.