Real Men of Integrity
Mark Pomeroy
3701 "O" St. #B5, Lincoln, NE 68510
(402) 474-7325
pomeroy@realmen.org
www.realmen.org
April 2004
Dear Partners in Ministry,
Oswald Chamber’s May 30 th reading in My Utmost for His Highest captured our heart in continuing with the Real Men ministry to make disciples instead of pursuing a pastoral opportunity: “Suppose God tells you to do something that is an enormous test of your common sense, totally going against it. What will you do? Will you hold back? . . .”
One example of a disciple being built is a testimony from a couple in our last marital intimacy class:
Not realizing how listening to other couples and their tribulations could help our marriage, we were hoping for more one-on-one counseling. But it was seeing how other married couples deal with the exact same issues we had that really made the Intimacy class a learning experience.
The homework gave us some time to open up to each other and understand better why each of us felt the way we did. I was given an opportunity to learn more about my wife than could ever have been done on my own. And as the other couples began opening up with their problems, the Holy Spirit formed a bond with them that will last forever.
Best of all, it was the passion that Mark and Karen have to help other married couples that made the class a spiritual awakening experience, which has changed our marriage and given us a new start to achieve God’s plan for us. We are very grateful for the other couples and what they taught us. We hope God can use us to set an example for His plan of a truly intimate marriage relationship.
Here is a brief update of other disciplemaking initiatives:
In addition, our ministry board is flying Corkie Haan, National Facilitator of Ministry Networks for The Mission America Coalition/The Lighthouse Movement, to Lincoln May 11-12. His 34 years of pastoral experience and 8 years in national leadership will help us in getting the Guide for Authentic Living heard, not just presenting content. Corkie believes that we have the potential in penetrating the hearts of many individuals across the US. December 2003 George Barna study shows only 4% of Americans and 9% of born-again Christians hold a biblical worldview. Please pray that we could be an answer to fill the disciplemaking gap.
Also, please prayerfully consider making a generous monthly or one-time investment. O ur monthly income is running more than $2,000 behind expenses. Sign the enclosed card and place your tax-deductible gifts in the enclosed envelope. Your prayerful and financial partnership is much appreciated so we can together make disciples of all the nations.
In His Service,
John Radway, owner of KEO Office Furniture
PS: Day one of the Authentic Guide to the Bible explains how to become a disciplemaker (see attached).
Warm Up : Up And Comer had life by the tail or so he thought. He was one of the rising stars in his company. Up And Comer’s deft communication skills and around the clock work ethic had him on the fast track up the corporate ladder. His killer personality charmed yet another client to buy their latest product priced in the six figures. His accomplishments filled a great hole in his life ever since his father left him at age 2. He thought to himself, “If only my father could see me now.” His two, five and ten year goals would move him from district vice-president to regional senior vice-president and eventually to president of his company.
God created us in His image to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it (Gen. 1:27-28). God saw all that He made and it was very good (Gen. 1:31).
Application of Gen. 1 : God commissioned us to reproduce godly descendants who would reflect His character on earth. God desires a personal relationship with every person on earth since everything was created for good to be enjoyed by His image-bearers. Reflect on the commission God has given to you. How should it change your priorities and goals?
Day 2: Joshua 1
Warm Up: Up and Comer spent many nights working on his goals. His wife, Always Tired, and two children were longing for time with Up And Comer, but work always came first. One day while Always Tired was getting another meal together and Up And Comer was relaxing in his recliner after another hard day at the office, she said, “I heard about some Introduction to a Guide for Authentic Living. I sure could use it. Meals, chauffeuring, shopping, laundry, vacuuming . . .and.”
Before she got another word out, Up And Comer interrupted, “I don’t need that Bible junk. My plate is full. I tried one of those touchy-feeling things one time and I swore that was it!”
Always Tired responded, “OK, if you don’t go, I will. If I hear one more complaint about food. Well, anyway, let’s get ready for supper.”
Every place on which sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you from the wilderness and Lebanon to Euphrates and Great Sea will be your territory (Josh. 1:4). Be strong and courageous to give people possession of the land and be careful to do according to all the law so you have may have success (Josh. 1:6-7). This book shall not depart from your mouth, but shall meditate on it day and night to be careful to do for then you will make your way prosperous and have success (Josh. 1:8). Be strong and courageous as Lord is with you wherever you go (Josh. 1:9).
Application of Josh. 1 : God has given each of a territory to subdue for His glory. Only the strong and courageous will be faithful. Our primary weapon for victory is meditating on God’s Word day and night. How are you pursuing success? Set time each day to meditate on God’s word.
Day 3: Psalm 1-2
Warm Up : Up and Comer was still smarting over his wife’s ultimatum about going to that small group Bible study. “You still want to go to that Bible study? I am too busy. I have to corporate battles to fight . . . like increasing our market share. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there.”
Delight and meditate on the Word day and night in order to prosper (Psalm 1:2-3). The kings of earth devise a vain thing and take their stand against the Lord (Psalm 2:2). We ask God to use Christ’s work to make rebellious nations His inheritance and possession. A major part of spiritual warfare is worshiping the Lord with reverence and paying homage to the Son (Psalm 2:8,11-12).
Application of Ps. 1-2 : Meditating on God’s word again is the key to prosperity. Another major weapon to reproduce godly descendants is prayer centered on Christ’s work on the cross. This is the pathway to defeat Satan’s schemes causing kings and nations to rebel against Him. God’s goal is for every individual to honor Christ. After you set time meditating on God’s word, pray it back to Him as you worship the person and work of Christ.
Warm Up : Up and Comer found himself staring at a picture of a small boy that took him back to his childhood and the pain of his father’s departure from the home. I just have to work harder, he thought to himself. Just as his thoughts returned to the work at hand, his administrative assistant, Bubbling Brook, opened his office door and abruptly asked, “Have you ever thought of the meaning of life? Why some people want to be king the mountain and some seek for something beyond this world?”
“Why are you asking me these questions?” Up and Comer shouted back. “Do you think I am missing something?”
You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). A virgin shall bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanuel—God with us (Matt. 1:23). Out of Bethlehem shall come a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel (Matt. 2:6). Magi worshipped and paid homage to the baby Christ leading to obedience by going another way home (Matt. 2:9-12). An example of the opposite response is King Herod who slew male-born children (Matt. 2:16-18).
Application of Matthew 1-2 : Jesus was sent to earth to be with us as our ruler and shepherd to save people from their sins. This is our focus for meditation, prayer and worship. The magi and King Herod illustrate a godly and worldly example, rebellion and submission to God. Compare the outcomes of each of their lives. The magi fell down and worshipped Christ by rejoicing exceedingly with great joy. They freely presented their lives and treasures to Him. Because Herod wanted to be the boss instead of Christ, his troubles led to lying and an attempt to destroy Christ. Do you want to follow the magi or Herod? After meditating on God’s word and prayer, ask God how He would want you to minister in the territory He has given you.
Last Four Days Bullets: Law, Prophets, Psalms and N.T. : True success comes as we win and build up disciples in the territory God has allotted to us. We do this by meditating on God’s word continually, praying for Christ’s work on the cross to defeat Satan’s schemes and giving of our time, talent and treasure.
Day 5 : Genesis 2
Warm Up : Up and Comer got home late again and entered the kitchen finding his wife washing the dishes. “These demands are getting to me! I need some refreshment!” Always Tired said with resignation in her voice. “If you must, I will try that small group one time and then no more. OK? Up and Comer said hoping for a little peace.
River flowed to water the garden with the tree of life in the middle (Gen. 2:9-10). God put man in garden to cultivate and keep it (Gen. 2:15). He provided a helper to cleave as one flesh (Gen. 2:18,24-25).
Application of Genesis 2 : God’s presence provides all we need to really live. Tapping into God’s provision equips us to cultivate the territory He has allotted to us. His greatest provision is a spouse to share the load and to enjoy the life God freely gives to us. What is hindering you from partnering in some responsibility with your spouse. Take time enjoying each other’s company if you are married.
Day 6: Joshua 2-3
Warm Up: Afraid To Share made everyone think she had it all together. Her appearance was impeccable. Designer suits and smart make-up gave her an air of sophistication. As her mother kept saying, appearance and image is everything. She moved a lot growing up so did not have any close friends.
Her co-worker, Bubbling Brook, boldly approached Afraid To Share during a break, “I see a person who has a lot to give. I bet you have a dream to make this world a better place.”
“If you only understood,” Afraid To Share said nervously under her breath.
Rahab helped spies view Jericho (Josh. 2:2). The Lord gave land into believers’ hands so inhabitants melted away before them (Josh. 2:24). After consecration, God’s presence (ark) went before them (Josh. 3:3,5-6). By Israel recognizing the living God, the Canaanites were defeated and God’s miraculous power parted the waters (Josh. 3:10).
Application of Joshua 2-3 : Relying on God’s presence enables us to defeat our enemies through the miracles He provides. What difference will it make in your life if you recognize that God is alive?
Day 7: Review your answers from the daily readings over the last six days.