Focusing on Spiritual Growth and Brotherhood

This morning, we are traveling together on our way to a couple of offsite days to reflect, plan, and enjoy some time away from the normal routine. We have habitually done this at least once a year and found it productive, uplifting, and refreshing.

This morning, I have a question for you guys - Are you taking the time to get away? No, we are not discussing boys’ weekends, golf trips, or vacations. We are referring to intentional time spent away from the normal routine.

“In HIS heart man plans HIS course, but the LORD establishes HIS steps” Proverbs 16.9

This time is always fruitful for us. Here are a few things we have found useful in our time away:

→ Prayer: We all know that when two or more gather in prayer, God shows up in a special way. Getting up early to pray with a brother in Christ can be powerful. There are no distractions, just a quiet place to talk to God and listen.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” Matthew 18:20

→ Our Plates: We all know that as men, we often balance many things on our plates: faith, families, work, friends, sports, etc. What are we filling our plates with? We only have so much time in the day…and need to sleep! What distractions do we need to say no to?

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:1

→ Relationships: If we asked those closest to us to give us a grade, would we be comfortable knowing we would receive an “A”??? Our wives, our kids, our close friends??? What things do we need to do differently? Most importantly, how about our relationship with our Lord and Savior???

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” Proverbs 17:17

Our decade of destiny This is a Rick Warren phrase we often refer to. What are our goals over the next ten years? Faith, Family, Financial, and Personal? What do we want to accomplish on this earth? Remember, there is a difference between earthly objectives and ETERNAL objectives.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” Proverbs 16:3

→ Fun: Let’s be real, guys. We both believe God desires us to have some FUN in this life. What better way than to enjoy some time with another brother? We never have a problem with this one, maybe sometimes a little too much fun😉. 

“So I commend the enjoyment of life because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad” Ecclesiastes 8:15

Guys, we are also spending some time thinking and praying about YOU!