Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
11/3/2021
SOMETHING MUST CHANGE!
When we read about Nehemiah, we see a man who had a burden for the people around him. He was a man of prayer and “Present” in his day among both the pagans and backsliders in Israel. It wasn’t an easy place to walk. God gave Nehemiah a vision. God gave him a team of people. And he made a plan to rebuild a wall about 2 1/2 Miles long, 39 feet tall, with a thickness of over 8 feet. He did all of this in 52 days.
May I ask who you have invited in your vision? But let’s dig deeper. Is it your vision or the one God gave you? And then, who is your core group to help you win. Who is your team comprised of?
We are currently in the third week of our men’s group study on Nehemiah. We all agreed we are the average or composite of the five people we spend the most time with. (I’m not speaking about younger children). Nehemiah had a team; where is your team?
So let’s get to it. Please write down those five names of the people you spend the most time with.
– Next, write down the character traits and why you admire them or in retrospect shouldn’t.
One of the men at our table used to be a principal at school. He said he could see the evolution of students’ character and behavior as their friends changed. (Typically not for good).
The more complex question is who is your accountability person? You should have a couple. Write down who they are: Are they one of those five?
(Those five would likely be the closest to you and the most trusted).
Can I ask another question, what does it look like to have someone beside you in life? Present — supportive — uplifting — comforting – non-judgemental – trusting — Somone who loves me — someone objective who’s not afraid to call out what’s right and wrong in my life. Someone spiritually-minded who I can trust and have a safe zone for my fears and hangups. Perhaps even a role model, someone who can give me direction. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that all of the things that we’ve listed here should NOT be one-sided. These should be things that you are offering that same friend who’s walking alongside you. I know the first person to come to mind is our spouse. And where they may be within your circle, I am really talking about those outside your marriage.
I have another question. Who are you trying to become? I am hoping some of those friends that you selected are actually walking just a little bit ahead of you spiritually. People with enough courage to know that iron sharpens iron. Someone whose goal isn’t about being a leader but to help you grow
as a leader and son of God.
I am writing today to a large group of men who attend our Courageous Men’s group. (The truth is, it applies to male or female). Each of us sits at a table of 6 to 8 others. So even for those who don’t have any friends or don’t know people to insert into that core circle – you have a table full of like-minded people who are looking for what you’re looking for. Spiritual growth and accountability, as hard as that word is to swallow. (For those of you reading who aren’t a part of a small group. They are not hard to find. But you will have to look and step up).
It is up to you to invite others to come alongside us to sharpen us. What’s stopping you from that invite? Pride stops us and separates us.
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” God is not out to hurt your pride he is out to kill your pride”.
Jesus did not walk alone and he is not calling us to either. If God has called us…If he has given us His vision…He will give you the people to walk with, but we must do something. We have to come off the porch and get in the game. Take the ball and run with it.
If we are to do anything great, there will be a fight. (You may be your biggest enemy in moving forward). There will be opposition, but God promises to come alongside you. And he wants you to draw alongside others too. Don’t wait for them to come to you…you need to go and join others who are like-minded. If you don’t have a vision of your own, join another’s vision. God will reveal himself to you in due time. Be faithful. Support God’s people and His church and you will find your God and find your team.
When you find yourself on God’s team. They will push you, encourage you, come alongside to help you be a better husband, father, friend, and son of the most high God. We help ourselves by talking about it. Praying about it. Coming alongside others who have the same challenges and desires that we have. Draw nigh unto me and I will draw nigh unto thee! James 4:8
