tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109860572024-03-08T18:42:03.020-05:00Wild At HeartPhotographs and Scripture based on John Eldredge's books.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10986057.post-6603688724746641782007-01-17T07:40:00.000-05:002007-01-17T09:06:32.428-05:00Chapter 1: StagesThoughts and observations on Chapter 1:<br /><br />Through examining Scripture [and the examples of role models], Eldredge arrives at the stages, or roles, of a man's life. He makes it clear that any one of these stages can overlap and process at different times. The stages are:<br /><br /><strong>Cowboy</strong> - In this stage, a young man [usually around 13] begins his adventure. He learns skills necessary for a trade or sport. He wants to explore the open frontier.<br /><strong>Warrior</strong> - In this stage, a man [now in his twenties] learns to fight the good fight. He takes a stand.<br /><strong>Lover</strong> - In this stage, a man [usually in his late thirties to forties] learns to really love not only a woman (preferably his wife), but God. He is more apt to read poetry and enjoy the beauty that God has created.<br /><strong>King</strong> - In this stage, a man is the King of his family, work, and friends. He may be a CEO or senior Pastor. He is a leader and protector.<br /><strong>Sage</strong> - In this stage, a man is the wisdom provider. Family, friends, and former colleagues come to him for advice.<br /><br />Eldredge makes clear that these roles can be blended, i.e. the Warrior and King. A man can also be thrust into a role, i.e. divorce of a parent, leaving him prematurely to be King.<br /><br />A couple of biblical examples:<br />King David - cowboy (shepherd), warrior, lover, king, and sage. The Psalms testify to David's roles.<br />Jesus - learning to be a carpenter, God's Beloved Son, Warrior, He loved [and loves] us so much that he took our punishment for our sins, Almighty King and Sage.<br /><br />In conclusion, these roles occur in different ways and at different times. No one can predict what happens in our lives. Eldredge wants men to be surrounded with a "band of brothers" whom trust each other and help one another grow in their roles. He does a great job illustrating each role and why they are so important to men.<br /><br />Lastly, I leave you with this:<br />I once heard <a href="http://www.bigoak.org/"><strong><span style="color:#000099;">John Croyle</span></strong></a> speaking on manhood. To paraphrase, he told his wife [in regards to his son, Brodie] that once Brodie turned 13, he would begin to leave the warm confines of his mother's arms and learn to become a man. As many of us know, Brodie became the starting quarterback for the University of Alabama and his character speaks louder than words.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10986057.post-10652472448620053262007-01-16T14:32:00.000-05:002007-01-16T14:40:39.982-05:00A New BeginningI originally began this blog as a study tool for John Eldredge's, "Wild At Heart", book. I will now continue this format with John's new book, "The Way of the Wild Heart". I will examine this book chapter by chapter and write my thoughts.<br /><br />Also, if you haven't picked up either "Epic" or "The Way of the Wild Heart", I suggest you do so. Epic is an easy read, but rich in meaning. Enjoy!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10986057.post-1114611046036764442005-04-27T08:33:00.000-05:002005-04-27T09:10:46.036-05:00Part 8: A Band of BrothersWhat is a band of brothers?<br /><br />John Eldredge comments in part 8 on the DVD that the men in the video are his brothers. They work together; play together; worship together; their families fellowship together; they go through the good and bad times together; they laugh and cry together. What they are not is an accountability group...a group tracking each other's sins. A band of brothers go much deeper than superficial fellowship and accountability.<br /><br />Watch the Lord of Rings trilogy and see how the 'Fellowship' interact with one another. Watch the HBO series, "A Band of Brothers", parts 1 & 2 and notice how EZ company support each other. Watch the men in Gladiator fight together in the coliseum. Watch the Scottish armies form in Braveheart.<br /><br />Brotherhood is essential to our walk in Christ. Without brotherhood, we feel alone. No one likes to take the journey alone. Where would Frodo be without Sam? The apostle Paul had Timothy and Apollos. Peter had James. David had Jonathan. Friends who journey and fight the good fight together.<br /><br />How do we find these 'band of brothers'? John Eldredge says pointedly, "Pray." Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to other men who are searching as well. Craig McConnell mentions this 'brotherhood' won't form overnight, but in God's time.<br /><br />Lastly, a band of brothers are actively involved in each others lives and look out for one another through Christ. So many relationships fail due to fear of committment, pride, or selfishness. Don't allow Satan a foothold in your brotherhood. Keep committed to each other and Christ to lead you on the adventure.<br /><br />Are you ready to begin?<br /><br /><u><span style="color:#3333ff;">Sam</span></u>: This is it.<br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000704/">Frodo</a>: This is what?<br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000276/">Sam</a>: If I take one more step, it'll be the farthest away from home I've ever been.<br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000704/">Frodo</a>: Come on, Sam. Remember what Bilbo used to say: "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10986057.post-1113315909393001972005-04-12T09:23:00.000-05:002005-04-12T09:25:09.393-05:00Part 7: Rescuing the BeautyLesson 7: Rescuing the Beauty<br /><br />If you want a really good synopsis of this chapter watch the movie, True Lies. Pay close attention to Jamie Lee Curtis’ character, Helen Tasker. Helen is a bored, lonely, and unfulfilled housewife. She longs for excitement. She wants to be seen as ‘captivating’. She wants a prince to ride in and sweep her off to his castle. She wants to be a part of the adventure.<br />Only after a series of events does her husband, Harry (Arnold Schwarzenegger), realize and understand what he has done to her. He rightfully changes to be her knight and includes her in the adventure.<br /><br />John Eldredge remarks that he, too, had used work as an ‘escape’ leaving his wife longing. He was having a dangerous affair with work. John mentions he felt "affirmed" at work, yet not at home. For many men, work is their ‘bride’ who builds them up and champions their efforts.<br /><br />We saw, from the DVD lesson, that women want to be seen, rescued, and be a part of their husband’s adventure. They want to be longed for. They carry wounds and want their hearts to be set free. They want their husbands to be warriors, not ‘nice’ guys.<br /><br />The culture today wants men to be passive with their wives and children. Satan thrives on lazy, cowardly, and bench-warming Christian men. God says differently:<br />Nehemiah 4:14<br />"Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."<br /><br />Take this time to share this lesson with your wife and solicit honest feedback. Sure, it may be painful, but remember she is your beauty. Always be willing to fight for her and rescue her.<br /><br />Helen Tasker: "Have you ever killed anyone?"<br />Harry: "Yeah, but they were all bad."Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10986057.post-1112803503532935262005-04-06T10:36:00.000-05:002005-04-06T11:06:19.956-05:00Part 6: The Adventure"It's not just a job...it's an adventure!" says Bill Murray's character in the movie Stripes. He's right. Actually John Eldredge takes this phrase one step further. Everything we do in life should be an adventure. Now I'm not saying everything is going to be action-packed. If you read the accounts of any climber tackling Mount Everest, you'll see there are necessary down times. However, we should be living an adventure; a journey filled with purpose and wonder.<br /><br />"Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is men who have come alive."<br />- John Eldredge<br /><br />I love the thrill of adventure and the unknown when all seems to be positive. But put me in a potentially negative spot and I worry. My wife tells me to live what I preach. Live the adventure no matter what the travels may bring. Isn't this what Gandalf told Frodo? Is the adventure going to be an easy walk in the grass? I don't think so. The adventure is full of risks, perils, jumps, and maybe a scrape or two. And what are we waiting for?<br /><br />Comfort. Control. Assurance. The known. Ever swim in the ocean out in the deep? The thought can be frightening. No bottom to touch - maybe even no land to see. How was it that Abraham and Sarah survived in the vast desert? How did Joshua, Gideon, and David defeat their enemies? Faith in the Almighty God. The One who loved us before we loved Him.<br /><br />When we truly live for God, through Jesus Christ, wonderful and amazing events begin to happen. We get in midst of an adventure where God is our guide and life takes on a whole new meaning.<br /><br />“Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.”<br />- Earnest HemingwayMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10986057.post-1112032187148571452005-03-28T12:45:00.000-05:002005-03-28T13:13:00.486-05:00The Battle: Part 2<u>The Battle: Part 2</u><br /><br />John Eldredge mentions three parts to a spiritual battle with Satan:<br /><br /><strong>Stage 1: I’m Not Here<br /></strong>"You can’t fight a battle you don’t think exists."<br />John Eldredge<br />For those of you who have seen The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, this stage one theme is mentioned throughout. The king of Rohan, Theoden, falls to deceit, unaware of the battle. Denethor has the enemy at his gate, but refuses to charge his soldiers to protect Gondor. Unknown to you, the enemy is near and wants you in his clutches. Are we aware of his presence?<br />1 Peter 5:8 – 9<br />Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (NIV)<br />Now look at Eugene Peterson’s interpretation of the same scripture:<br />Keep a cool head. Stay alert. <em>The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.</em> Keep your guard up.<br />John’s story of the ministry that dissolved was a clear example of what ‘napping’ can do.<br /><br /><strong>Stage 2: Intimidation</strong><br />I believe Satan is the creator of doubt and fear. For some time now, I’ve thought about going into a career in ministry for youths. God and Satan both know this. God says, "Have faith – go and do." Satan says, "I doubt you can do it. You worry too much about your family, your friends, your church. You’re a poser and a failure. Go back to your hole."<br />This is how Satan intimidates us. He may not use doubt or fear, but he may use finances, past sins, regret, etc. Look how often his lies infect Christ’s church:<br /><br />Want to join the church choir, but <strong>afraid</strong> your voice will crack under pressure?<br />Do you feel led to begin a new ministry, but don’t have the <strong>financial</strong> resources?<br />Long to give more time to the church, but <strong>doubt</strong> you can make room in your already busy schedule?<br /><br />I believe you get the idea.<br /><br /><strong>Stage 3: Cutting a Deal<br /></strong>Satan wants to deal <strong><em>when</em></strong> we take a step and stand for God. Satan says, "Let’s put our guns down slowly and back away so no one gets hurt." Or, "I’ll let up on the doubt and fear if you just forget about that ministry idea."<br />It is here that we use the sword of the Spirit to cut down Satan. He fears the Christ knowing how powerful Jesus is. Jesus is the ultimate sword bearer. As believers in Him, we too can use the sword. God wants us to use his sword - his word.<br />John uses Revelation 21:7 – 8 to give us a picture when we don’t fight:<br />7He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars–their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.<br />Did you see, "cowardly"? Jesus is not talking about humble, but cowardly. I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t want to be known as a coward in the eyes of God. Living for God, through Christ, takes strength. We all have the strength in Christ to carry on.<br /><br /><br />"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."<br />Gandalf<br />The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10986057.post-1111419565984416462005-03-21T10:37:00.000-05:002005-03-21T10:39:25.990-05:00Lesson 5: The BattleLesson 5: The Battle<br /><br />“The Lord is a warrior;<br />The Lord is His Name.”<br /> - Exodus 15<br /><br />How many men do you know could handle themselves in a fight - physically AND spiritually? This is the essence of John’s message. In today’s Christian culture, we and our boys, are not taught to be warriors; we’re taught to be ‘nice’. Our culture has come to expect us to be ‘nice’. And if we aren’t, then we’re shamed. Now let me be clear – I’m not talking about being a gentlemen or chivalrous. I’m speaking of being nice in everything we do. As John quoted Philip Yancey, “No one would crucify Mister Rogers or Captain Kangaroo.”<br /><br />Men are wired for battle. Show me a godly major character, in the Bible, who didn’t fight.<br />Adam – fought against the hardships of becoming flesh: Exodus 3:17<br />Moses – fought against doubt that he could lead the Jews out of Egypt<br />David – fought against the Philistines and his own desires<br />Jesus – fought against Satan and hard-hearted, hard-headed Pharisees. He fought death.<br /><br />Interesting that the Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, and Luke each quoted Jesus yelling at the Pharisees. He didn’t kindly call them hypocrites. Oh no. He yelled at them – screamed at them. In the video, Bart points out that Jesus knew his audience. The lepers, He touched them with his hands and words. To the adulteress, he defended and to the foolish Pharisees, well, let’s just say He ripped their souls in two.<br /><br />Is this the Jesus we’ve been taught throughout our Christian lives? I wonder how many Christian teenage boys were taught, this past Palm Sunday, that Jesus tore up the Temple after his triumphal entrance in Jerusalem? Better yet, look at remainder of Matthew 21. Jesus is fighting battle after battle - the battle against cynics, doubters, and hard hearts. In Matthew 21:18, Jesus purposely withers a fig tree that doesn’t bear fruit. The disciples are “amazed”! Why? They had seen Jesus heal and restore, but never condemn a living being. Sure, He defeated evil spirits, but not a living, visible being. The tree did not serve a purpose. Ouch!<br /><br />Physical and spiritual battles. Have you got what it takes to fight the good fight? Is there a battle in your life where you need to take up the sword?<br /><br />Matthew 21: 21 – 22:<br />Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”<br /><br />Our next journey will take us to, The Adventure. We love adventure! Please read those chapters in your WAH book and answer the Field Manual questions.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10986057.post-1110897181337594972005-03-15T08:38:00.000-05:002005-03-15T21:05:29.890-05:00Lesson 4: Healing the WoundFor us to heal, we must give our wound to God and allow Him to heal us. To begin, John suggests taking quiet time alone and pouring our wound out to Him. Then, we must listen and feel God's grace upon us. God speaks, but differently to each person. He may speak to you through His voice, a godly person, dreams, revelations, and on and on.<br /><br />As you give your wound to God, beware of being vulnerable. Satan will prowl around like a hungry lion waiting for you to slip. I truly believe The Deceiver wants nothing more than to see our lives destroyed. Yesterday, I was physically and mentally exhausted from a grueling weekend. Between our son's Tae Kwon Do tournament on Saturday and my wife's mother getting ill, I just lost my patience. Worse, I lost my patience with our boys.<br /><br />Satan was toying with me. He knew I just blew it and he was digging the arrow further in my chest. He wanted me to admit that I, as a father, was a failure. I didn't immediately rebuke him, like I should have. Instead, I repaired the damage I did with our boys and then this morning, I blasted Satan. All along God has been whispering to me to be strong and be a defender of my family. God is my Father who will never leave me nor forsake me.<br /><br />This week we will be studying chapters 8 and 9: The Battle. John says that every man needs a battle and become the warriors we were meant to be. Now he isn't advocating picking a fight with our boss. However, he is saying that we are at war against Satan and need to protect ourselves and our family. Provided you have time, watch either <em>The Matrix</em> or <em>Braveheart</em> movies<em>. </em>I also recommend <em>The Patriot</em>. Can you tell I like Mel Gibson?<br /><br />This read like a poem that touched my soul:<br />Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8<br />There is a time for everything,<br />and a season for every activity under heaven:<br /> <br /> a time to be born and a time to die,<br /> a time to plant and a time to uproot,<br /> a time to kill and a time to heal,<br /> a time to tear down and a time to build,<br /> a time to weep and a time to laugh,<br /> a time to mourn and a time to dance,<br /> a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,<br /> a time to embrace and a time to refrain,<br /> a time to search and a time to give up,<br /> a time to keep and a time to throw away,<br /> a time to tear and a time to mend,<br /> a time to be silent and a time to speak,<br /> a time to love and a time to hate,<br /> a time for war and a time for peace.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10986057.post-1110223788560370252005-03-07T13:30:00.000-05:002005-03-07T14:39:43.820-05:00Lesson 3: The WoundThe wound is given by our fathers - whether they recognize it or not. The wound, which could seem so slight, can cut deeply into our souls and defines our personalities. For many of us, the wound is kept hidden and therefore we never heal. John Eldredge knows the wound his father gave him: absence. His father became non-existent when John needed him the most.<br /><br />From the Band of Brothers DVD, we learn the wounds vary: from Craig's stepfather calling him a 'seagull' to Gary's father never approving of his work in ministry. All of us watching this lesson could identify with John's Brothers. All of us felt their pain and frustration.<br /><br />As men, we tend to take the wounds and bury them under layers of resistance. The first step in this lesson is to identify the wound no matter how painful. John mentions that this isn't about bashing our fathers, but recognizing our wound and how this wound has affected our lives.<br /><br />Next week, we will discuss "Healing the Wound".<br /><br />Psalm 6:2 New Living Translation<br />Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my body is in agony.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10986057.post-1109597619832529392005-02-28T08:02:00.000-05:002005-02-28T08:59:46.763-05:00Lesson 2: The PoserJohn Eldredge writes, "The Poser is created out of fear...". Fear to protect our hearts, our character, and our ego. We all do it at some point in our lives - we pretend to live as someone else <strong><em>outside</em></strong> the person we were meant to be in Christ.<br /><br />John's question gets right to our hearts: Do we have what it takes to come through? Can we tackle the tough physical, emotional, and spiritual battles? As men we answer, "Yes" to the physical one, but waiver with the emotional and spiritual. I don't believe Adam had a physical problem with Eve and Satan; he had an emotional one. Look closely at these words: shock, jealousy, anger, intrigue, joy, saddness, powerless, etc. What effect do these emotions have on men?<br /><br />Let's get back to who we are supposed to be in Christ. The following message from Rodney uses material from the <em>Lead Like Jesus</em> seminar to help us rid of the 'Poser'.<br /><a href="http://www.leadlikejesus.com">www.leadlikejesus.com</a><br /><br />Below is the "Ego's Anonymous 12 Step Process." I thought this might come in handy in trying to dissolve your "Poser."<br />1. I admit I have allowed my pride and my fears (EGO) to negatively impact my<br />role as a Jesus-like leader.<br />2. I believe that God can transform my leadership motives, thoughts, and<br />actions to be like those modeled by Jesus.<br />3. I have decided to surrender my leadership efforts to God, and to<br />follow the leadership model of Jesus.<br />4. I have made an inventory of my leadership motives, thoughts, and<br />actions that are inconsistant with Servant Leadership.<br />5. I've admitted to God, to myself, and to at least one other person the<br />nature of my leadership gaps.<br />6. I am ready to have God remove all character defects that have created<br />gaps in my leadership.<br />7. I have asked God to remove my shortcomings and to strengthen me<br />against the pride and fear temptations of my EGO.<br />8. I have listed individuals whom I may have harmed by my EGO-driven<br />leadership.<br />9. I've made direct amends to people I may have harmed by my EGO-driven<br />leadership, unless doing so would injure them or others.<br />10. I will continue to take personal inventory regarding my leadership<br />role, and when I am wrong, I will promptly admit it and apologize.<br />11. By practicing the disciplines of solitude, prayer, and study of the<br />Scriptures, I will seek to practice Servant Leadership as modeled by Jesus.<br />12. Having had a "heart attack" regarding the principles of Servant<br />Leadership, I will carry this message to other leaders and practice them in all my affairs.<br /><br />Above is exact text of their 12 step process. Just replace the Leadership idea with your daily interactions with others and the ideas translate well. Hope this helps in getting rid of the "Poser". - Rodney<br /><br />1 Corinthians 16:13-14<br />Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.<br /><br />For the next lesson, please read chapter 4 in the WAH book and Field Manual. We will be talking about, "The Wound". Take good care and remain faithful in Christ.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10986057.post-1109009147236505442005-02-21T12:55:00.000-05:002005-02-21T14:00:13.306-05:00Lesson 1Wild At Heart by John Eldredge<br />Lesson 1<br />Following along in the Field Manual, answer the questions on pages 10 & 26. Namely, recall your favorite action movie, favorite character in that movie, and the qualities of that character. Could you see yourself in that role or exhibiting those quality traits?<br /><br />As an example, I really enjoyed watching The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. I could see myself as Aragorn - a man of bravery, honor, heart, and passion. He is reluctant to assume the role as king, for he knows the men before him have failed. Lastly, Aragorn refuses to allow treachery or deceit enter his heart and therefore knows he must be king to save middle-earth. It's the qualities of this character that define me; not the character itself.<br /><br />On page 26, John Eldredge takes us deeper. In regards to our "wild hearts" do family, work, or church stifle our longing to be wild? Do any of these try to 'cage' us? Now don't get me wrong: John isn't looking for ways to begin an uprising against the aforementioned. View these as opportunities for improvement. For example, my 'problem' area is church. Church is sometimes full of stuffy posers - fakers. How would a visiting person react to these people? A first impression takes place within 30 seconds. How crucial then is being real and a light for Christ? FYI...a teenager can spot a poser a mile away.<br /><br />Pray about this lesson and how God can help you. If needed, seek a prayer partner and communicate your needs. The next WAH lesson deals with "The Poser". Read along in the WAH book and Field Manual.<br />Until next time: Keep fighting the good fight!Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320529091465918706noreply@blogger.com0