Men, the enemy does not always attack with something obvious. Often, he starts with a seed. It may be a lyric that glorifies anger, lust, hopelessness, or revenge. It may be a comment from someone you respect. It may be a social-media clip, a rumor, a news headline, or a thought that keeps replaying in your mind: “You are not enough.” “Your wife does not respect you.” “Your children do not care.” “Your workplace is against you.” “God has forgotten you” The danger is not merely hearing the message. The danger is agreeing with it. A seed planted in the mind can grow into fear, suspicion, bitterness, compromise, division, or despair. The enemy does not have to physically destroy a man’s home if he can convince him to see his wife, children, coworkers, friends, or neighbors as the enemy. Scripture is clear: our battle is not against flesh and blood. People are not the target. The fight is against the lies, deception, fear, and division that try to take root in us. When a Song Becomes an Anchor I remember listening to Five Finger Death Punch’s “Never Enough.” At that point in my life, I related to the message because it reflected how I felt—like no matter what I did, who I was, or how hard I worked, it was never enough. The song did not create the pain. But it gave the pain a soundtrack. It gave the lie words I could repeat, an emotion I could return to, and an anchor for a belief that was already trying to take root in me. That is how a stronghold can form. A thought becomes a repeated thought. A repeated thought becomes a belief. A belief becomes an identity. Before long, a man can begin living from a lie: “I will never measure up. I will never be valued. I will never be enough.” That was not God’s voice. God does not call His sons to build their identity on performance, public approval, money, rank, titles, or the opinions of others. The enemy exploits insecurity and disappointment, then reinforces it through what we repeatedly allow into our hearts and minds.

To the fathers who get up early, stay up late, carry burdens nobody sees, and make sacrifices nobody applauds—today, we honor you. Fatherhood isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about choosing responsibility over comfort, service over selfishness, and leadership over passivity. The world often measures men by their success, status, or bank account. God measures men differently. By their faithfulness. By how they love their wives. By how they raise their children. By how they lead their homes. By how they serve others. Some of us were blessed with fathers who taught us how to be men. Others learned through hardship what kind of men they never wanted to become. Either way, today is a reminder that every man has the opportunity to leave a legacy. Not through wealth. Not through titles. But through faith, character, and example. Our children may not remember every lesson we teach. But they will remember how we lived. They will remember whether our faith was real. They will remember whether we kept our word. They will remember how we treated people when nobody was watching. As fathers, our greatest responsibility is not to raise successful children. It’s to raise men and women who know, love, and follow God. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15 To every father, grandfather, stepfather, mentor, coach, and spiritual father: Thank you for showing up. Thank you for stepping up. Thank you for refusing to quit. The work you do today is building generations you may never fully see. Happy Father’s Day, men. Discussion Question: What’s the most important lesson your father—or another father figure—ever taught you about being a man?

This group used to be about leadership in general; however, I most recently felt a calling to rename it and focus it on men. So, if you are a man, and want to connect with other like minded men who are striving to be better and find out what God has called men to be in scripture...then this group is for you. All are welcome! If you don't know where you fall but are still looking for what it means to be a man or what manhood really is...you are more than welcome and we look forward to you being here. If you are new here: 1. Please let us know who you are. 2. Why you joined? 3. What are your expectations from the group.

@Alfredo Broadnax and @Dave Blake welcome to the group! Good to see you show up here!

This may hit some of you and others well…if the shoe fits. Rest is designed so you can draw closer to God, worship, reflect, and rejuvenate for the next week. Often, we waste it…I’m guilty of this! We do chores, things we put off for the “weekend” that we could have done during the week. Also, your day of rest doesn’t have to be Sunday it can be any day you choose - as long as it’s intentional. Lastly, if you don’t work, take “mental breaks” during the week and shirk responsibilities…then what are you resting from? How do you rest? What recharges you?