Manly Minute - September 22

ALL KINDS

by Sean Griffith

Judges 5:3

"Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel."

Sports crowds bring all kinds of unique fans.  Some people are reserved and just enjoy sitting back, while others go all out in expressing their excitement!  

When we gather to worship the Lord, everyone expresses themselves differently.  Some express themselves freely with open arms and clapping, while others might prefer a more subtle and inward approach.  Neither is right or wrong, but more of an expression of personalities.  What is important is not the outward expression, but the inward connection.  

In Scripture we see great expression and excitement over the Lord.  Think of how they cheered, sang, and danced when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem, or how they laid palm branches on the road and yelled, “Hosanna in the Highest” when Jesus entered the same city hundreds of years later.  Sometimes I can’t help but stand up and cheer, but at other times I prefer to not sing at all and find myself praying inwardly.  So, as we gather, let us not concern ourselves with others around us, but in our own way of worshipping the Lord.

NOTE: Please do not shave the word “Jesus” on your chest and come to church shirtless as we do not want to emotionally scar the women and children. 

Manly Minute - September 15th

Watching Dad

by Sean Griffith

I didn’t grow up with my dad being around; however, I have memories as a young boy watching him work and me trying to copy him.  I specifically remember a time when I wanted to swing the sledge hammer just like dad.  I know all the guys had a good laugh as they saw this determined little boy lift that sledge hammer and drop it.  In my mind, a drop was as good as a swing, mission accomplished.  

There is something natural about a boy wanting to be like and act like his dad.  Jesus also wanted to be just like His dad.  He says in John 5:19, “...whatever the Father does the Son also does.”  Likewise, as I read about the work of Jesus in Scripture, I want to copy Him.  I want to live like He did and love like He did.   I want to treat others the way He treated others, I want His confidence, His humility, His wisdom, and His obedience.  I believe the desire to do this comes from spending meaningful time with Him.  No agenda, just hanging out with Him in prayer, listening for him in reflection, and reading about Him in the Scriptures.  I’ve never been disappointed for having my first cup of coffee with my Heavenly Father, neither will you.  Although we may not swing the sledge hammer as well as Dad, He looks at our drops as swings, mission accomplished.  

Manly Minute - September 8th

What does your leadership look like? 

by Sean Griffith

As I was reading about David today, I came across his last words in 2 Samuel 23.  I always pay special attention to last words in Scripture because they are often filled with wisdom learned from a life of walking with God.  David says in verses 3 & 4,  “The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: 'When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God,  he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.”   

This verse caused me to pause and ask, does my leadership produce beautiful sunrises?  Do I lead in righteousness and in the fear of the Lord?  Admittedly, there are days that I wonder if the sun ever appeared due to my lack of righteousness or fear of God, but fortunately, like new sunrises, we have new days and new opportunities to rise  to the challenge.  Wherever we find ourselves leading, whether in our home, work, or ministry, it is of the utmost importance to do so with righteousness and fear of God.  When we do this, not only will we experience the warmth of the rising sun, but so shall those we lead.  Whenever I look at a rising sun, I can’t help but to have peace in my heart and a moment of awe before our amazing God.  Let’s begin each day with a glorious sunrise!