Absolon Kent

Originally printed in the August 2007 edition of The Voice.

Right this minute, there are people in your life who are desperate for father figures. They are looking for godly men to be godly examples. Unfortunately, many men never come to the realization of how important this powerful call to spiritual fatherhood actually is.

The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 “I am not writing these things to shame you but to warn you as my beloved children. For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I ask you to follow my example and do as I do.” New Living Translation. There is something so precious, so wonderful, so holy about fatherhood, especially a father who provides stability and security. Good fathers always know what to say and their wisdom and compassion toward others become the hallmark of their life. What an influence fathers have on their sons and daughters!

There comes a time in every man’s life to “step up to the plate” and fulfill his role as a spiritual father. People around us are crying out for it. Spiritual orphans are out there, waiting for a father like you to mentor them. Begin to see yourself as a father to those the Lord places in your life. As we men continue to seek the Lord, study His Word, live holy lives, and be an example, God will equip us to do for others what He does best for us as our loving, caring, heavenly Father.

#church #men #mentoring #volunteering

“We are born male. We must learn to be men.” Kent Nerburn, Letters to My Son: A Father’s Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love

Dear Malcolm and Matthias,

Being your dad is the greatest privilege in the world. Cradling you both in my arms; lulling you to sleep on my chest; each of these moments are special to me. I’m tempted to say that I can’t wait to see what your future holds; the joys and challenges that await you and the legacy your life will create, but I’m enjoying both of you too much right now, just as you are. My prayer is that you both cherish your life’s journey as much as I am cherishing them today.

If there is one thing I successfully pass on to both of you it is: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength, and love your neighbors as yourself.” These are old truths that can be combined with the strength of your character. With this, you have the power to change the world. These aren’t original thoughts, but they are some of the best principles to build your life around. God, who fearfully and wonderfully formed you, deserves every ounce of your love and affection.

Throughout life’s challenges, God will provide for you and will never steer you wrong. He will empower you to fulfill a destiny that’s exceedingly abundantly above all you, or anyone could ever dream of. Leave your mark in this world by loving each and every person your life touches. God first loved you, so be sure to share that same love with your future brides, your children, your mother, and me; your friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and even people you meet in passing; the people who love you and the people who don’t. True love carries no conditions, so give your love, expecting nothing in return. Love gives freely and in abundance and this allows it to multiply and grow.

You are God’s handiwork, uniquely designed to be comfortable in your own shoes. Create your own path and impact the lives you will as only you can. You may not be perfect in all that you do, but learn to appreciate your weaknesses, for in them; God will teach you what your greatest strengths are.

Love,
Your Daddy

#fatherhood #fathersday #family

Originally printed in the April 2007 edition of The Voice.

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."

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Our nation has troops all over the world, from Cuba to Korea, Afghanistan to Iraq. Whether or not you support military operations abroad, as Christians, we know the power of prayer and are called to pray for those who need additional strength and safety. The next time your family begins grace, say a prayer for our troops and their families.

Of all the gifts you could give a U.S. Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best!!!

#church #men #military #prayer

Originally published in the January 2007 edition of The Voice.

Nearly 45 years after Martin Luther King, Jr. made his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, many blacks in the United States are still dreaming of King's equal nation. The reality is that while many blacks are living King's dream of equality and fair treatment, many are not.

In 2007, many blacks live in poverty. Many blacks can name more correctional facilities than institutions of higher learning. Many blacks will not live to see their 30th birthday. Random acts of brutality still claim young lives and many of our communities are filled with drug dealers and crack addicts. Students in those communities still are not adequately prepared to pursue an education and men and women in these communities are contracting HIV at an alarming rate.

While Dr. King is remembered for many things, his commitment to service stands out. If anything is to be remembered about King, it should be that" everyone can be great because everyone can serve."

While the country pauses for one day, we should recommit itself to improving our communities everywhere. Not just in January, but throughout the year. Poverty, violence, and ignorance will never end if our collective work ceases after the holiday.

Let this MLK Holiday be the beginning of service and a fresh commitment to improving communities in this country, and maybe King's dream can materialize sooner rather than later.

#church #men #volunteering

Originally printed in the October 2006 Edition of The Voice.

Are there things in your life you are currently doing that you need to stop doing so that you can focus more of your time and energy on the things that matter most and will create the greatest impact over the course of your life and time?

Certainly, this would fit in a simplistic sense with 1 Corinthians 15:34, "Come to your senses and stop sinning. For to your shame, I say that some of you don't even know God." But there may be some good things we need to stop doing to focus on what is better or best for us. You can make your life a "creative work of art" by the choices you make in what to stop doing as well as what to do.

Ask yourself, "What would I need to stop doing to make more room for my life to be the "creative work of art" God and I have in mind for my life?"

#church #men #mentoring