In 2 Kings 13:20-21, we encounter a powerful message about legacy through a remarkable story. The passage describes the death of Elisha, a prophet of God, and an extraordinary event that follows his passing. When a group of individuals buried a man, they saw a raiding band approaching and hastily cast the deceased into Elisha’s grave. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came back to life and stood on his feet. This scene is a vivid reminder of how the faithfulness and obedience of one person can impact others, even long after their death.

Raising godly children is a lifelong journey filled with opportunities to instill a deep faith and character rooted in Christ. As fathers, our role is not only to guide them but also to grow alongside them in faith. By being intentional, present, and loving, we can help our children become unreasonably committed followers of Jesus, paving the way for a new generation that values and lives out their faith.

Men and women were created for each other. We are better together than we are on our own. We are innately and completely equal. The male representation of the image of God is not greater than the female representation of the image of God. As men, we reflect an aspect of God’s image that is not the full picture of who He is. Women also reflect an aspect of God’s image that is not the full picture of who He is. God is not male, and God is not female. But together, we reflect the full image of God. We need each other in order to fully reflect the image of God to the world.

In 1 Kings 19:19-21, we encounter a profound moment in the life of Elijah as he calls Elisha to follow him. This passage showcases a successful mentorship that transcends time and speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities faced by men in the modern world.

Life can often feel unpredictable and overwhelming. In the midst of challenges, uncertainties, and the fast pace of our daily routines, it’s easy to forget that there is a higher purpose guiding our journey. As men, we sometimes carry the weight of expectations on our shoulders, striving continuously to carve out our paths. However, it’s essential to remember that God has a unique plan for each of us—one that is intentional and filled with purpose. Here are some practical steps you can take today to pursue God's purpose for your life.

Our modern culture is all about strategizing today to build a successful future tomorrow. And you know what? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! In fact, it’s wise. The problem arises when we are willing to take down anyone in our way and do anything it takes (no matter how wrong) to make that future a reality. We basically put ourselves before and above everyone else, and the world celebrates us for it. Jesus takes a very different approach to success and life.

Culture has moved past the materialism that the American Dream once afforded to a more internal dream of balance and love - we want to be happy, and that’s all that matters. Parents who may disagree with a teen or adult child’s choice of lifestyle but want to remain supportive will say, “I just want you to be happy.” And you know what, there’s nothing wrong with happiness! The problem is that happiness should not be your goal.

Culture has moved past the materialism that the American Dream once afforded to a more internal dream of balance and love - we want to be happy, and that’s all that matters. Parents who may disagree with a teen or adult child’s choice of lifestyle but want to remain supportive will say, “I just want you to be happy.” And you know what, there’s nothing wrong with happiness! The problem is that happiness should not be your goal.

Deconstruction is a hot-topic buzz word in Christian circles today. Unfortunately, the journey of deconstruction many embark on begins with good motives and eventually unravels their entire belief system to end in the abandonment of a biblically-based faith. The goal was never to unfollow Jesus or forsake the truth, but very few ever reconstruct to form a Christ-centered faith that is aligned with Scripture. Pastor Tim Rivers put it well when he said, “Deconstruction without reconstruction will result in destruction.”

Here’s the question I want to propose today: What if God doesn’t come through for you - would you still remain faithful? This is what I like to call being unreasonably committed. It’s one thing to choose to be faithful to God when He heals you from cancer, protects your children, blesses your finances, or restores your relationship. But what if He doesn’t? Would you still remain faithful even in the face of death? Better yet, how about in the face of life?

Being a Christian isn’t really all that easy. Well, on the surface it is, but following Jesus isn’t. I mean, it’s super easy if you’re not doing it right. If you do it right, it kind of sucks sometimes. You have to put yourself last, you have to be the first to apologize, you have to always take the high road, you have to follow up your faith with actual works, you have to keep evaluating your motives, feelings, thoughts, and actions daily to see if they line up with the Word of God - which also means you need to spend time in the Word of God, and it’s just a lot of uncomfortable work. It’s hard work to follow Jesus. And that’s where the difference lies: in today’s climate, there’s a notable difference between self-identifying as a Christian and actually following Jesus. One is a life statement, the other is a lifestyle.

Let me get practical with you. Until Jesus is over your marriage, it will always be a fighting struggle with your wife. Until Jesus is over your finances, you’ll stress your way through every paycheck and investment. Until Jesus is over your parenting, it’ll always be a battle to have a healthy relationship with your kids. Until Jesus is over your job, you’ll never be truly fulfilled with your work. Until Jesus is over your relationship with food and drink, you’ll never be able to enjoy either, because both with control you. Until Jesus is over your body, you’ll never be happy with it. Until Jesus is over your thought life, your thoughts will sabotage your contentment. Until Jesus is over your problems, you’ll always worry about every circumstance you face.

What if distraction isn’t always as easy to recognize as a buzzing phone? What if distraction disguises itself as opportunity clothed in provision?