Locking Shields

1

Why We Meet

If I had to provide a description for this group, I’d say that We’re brothers in Christ who band together to seek His face, to pursue who He says we are, and to move from where we are to where He wants us to be. The scripture references behind that are:

Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near (Hebrews 10:25, TLB).

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17, NIV).

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV).

You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God (Colossians 3:3, TLB).

There are three main reasons we meet:

1. We’re here to pursue Jesus Christ and deepen our relationship with Him.

2. We’re here to lock Shields of Faith with another Christian brother and drive the enemy of our soul back, taking new ground for our families.

3. We’re here to encourage each other into greater obedience to God’s Word.

Christian men are no different than those who eschew church in that we’re still men, and we’re still not perfect. Unfortunately, we seem to accept the lie that because we’ve asked Jesus into our heart that we suddenly have it covered. We’ve been forgiven for all that we’ve done, but frequently the repercussions from our struggle with pornography, substance abuse, anger, selfishness, etc. still have to be walked out. While we no longer seek to please only ourselves, but instead desire to please His heart, we still have many things to unlearn.

We’re not alone in whatever it is we’re dealing with. Chances are pretty high that someone in the room is dealing with, or has walked through, the same thing we are. Nobody has it all figured out. We all have things we fight against in our Christian walk. We all have things we’re addicted to.

According to Dictionary.com, to be addicted means that there’s something that we are devoted (to) or given up to a practice or habit or to something psychologically or physiologically habit-forming. So, if there’s something in our lives that we know shouldn’t be there, but we keep going back to it—we’re addicted to whatever that is. There has to be some sort of payoff in it for us, or we wouldn’t keep going back and feeding it right?

One of the things I’ve struggled with since I was a kid is anger. Yes, anger was demonstrated at home, but I clearly remember feeling a surge of emotion and strength whenever I gave into it. I thought I was in control of it and had learned how to use it, but that was a lie. The truth is that anger controlled me. Not that I cared really. I didn’t have a problem with my anger. My wife, however, had a problem with it, but I was pretty much okay with my anger.

I didn’t keep reaching for anger simply out of habit or learned behavior; I reached for it because I liked certain parts of how it made me feel. I was addicted to the rush of emotion, the way I felt incredibly strong, and so on. The truth is that being angry was never supposed to be part of who I am. In order to have true change in my life, I needed God to show me the person He designed, created, and purposed me to be so that I could reframe the picture I have of myself. I want to take down who I made myself into and take on who God says I am.

Now, there are a couple things we don’t do in here.

We don’t talk about what other guys say. It’s fine to share what the main discussion or topic was. Sharing what YOU said is fine, but don’t go telling another man’s story.

We don’t psychoanalyze. Dr. Phil is not in the house. We offer God-given insight from our own spiritual journey. We talk about things God has shown us and is doing in us and give biblical advice and truth in love.

We don’t do behavior modification. Behavior modification is me trying to do things differently and trying to move forward in my strength. Been there, done that, failed miserably. We’re here to identify the heart issue behind what’s going on and ask God to heal that area of our life and purify us. We ask God for opportunities to show His love to our families, to serve them, and to love them as they need to be loved instead of having to make do with what we have to offer on our own.

Discussion Questions

1. Why did you choose to come here?

2. What do you want to get out of this?

3. What part of you are you willing to give up in order to have more of Jesus Christ in your life?

2

What Do You Want Me to Do for You?

Solomon called together all the leaders of Israel—the generals and captains of the army, the judges, and all the political and clan leaders. Then he led the entire assembly to the place of worship in Gibeon, for God’s Tabernacle was located there. (This was the Tabernacle that Moses, the Lord’s servant, had made in the wilderness.) David had already moved the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the tent he had prepared for it in Jerusalem. But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri and grandson of Hur was there at Gibeon in front of the Tabernacle of the Lord. So Solomon and the people gathered in front of it to consult the Lord. There in front of the Tabernacle, Solomon went up to the bronze altar in the Lord’s presence and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings on it. That night God appeared to Solomon and said, What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you! (2 Chronicles 1:2-7, NLT)

As Jesus and his disciples left town (Jericho), a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Be quiet! many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, Son of David, have mercy on me! When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, Tell him to come here. So they called the blind man. Cheer up, they said. Come on, he’s calling you! Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. What do you want me to do for you? Jesus asked. My rabbi, the blind man said, I want to see! And Jesus said to him, Go, for your faith has healed you. Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road (Mark 10:46-52, NLT).

Solomon intentionally sought God’s attention. He might’ve been the king of Israel, but sacrificing 1,000 burnt offerings cost him something. God responded and asked, What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you! Bartimaeus was persistent in trying to get Jesus’ attention. Once he does, Jesus asks him, What do you want me to do for you? I believe that Jesus is asking us this same question: What do you want me to do for you?

We read books about discipleship, purity, and God’s love. We hear sermons about being all in, about being transformed into the image of Christ, and how we should take up the armor of God. But are we applying any of it to our lives in real, tangible ways? Maybe we take notes and look back at them a few months later. Maybe we’re just hearing it and then walking out the door. I once spent several weeks reading a really good book written by a prominent pastor. I finished the 205-page book, closed it, and realized that I couldn’t remember a single thing I’d read. The information was there, I definitely put the time into going through it, but I didn’t take ownership of any it.

What are we holding onto that prevents us from being all in? Is it that important? Are we willing to stand before the Throne of God and try and explain it? Well, God, I know you were calling me to be more, and I know that there were things I should do and needed to do. But, ya know, I just really couldn’t stop ________. I just couldn’t give up_________. It was just too hard! I’m sorry that I never loved my wife or my kids like I should but ________ was just too important to me so they had to wait. Yeah, I never did much of what You wanted me to do. Sorry about that. But we’re still cool, right? I mean, You’re gonna hook me up, right?

It sounds stupid, doesn’t it, but isn’t that what we do? We ignore the strength Jesus offers in the face of our weakness, and when the Holy Spirit tries to counsel us, our response is, Shut up. Go away. If we truly understood the God we serve, sin simply would not be an option.

The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there (Galatians 5:17, 24, The Book).

And now that you have found God, why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual powers of this world? (Galatians 4:9, The Book)

As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly (Proverbs 26:11, The Book).

You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh that my actions would consistently reflect your principles! Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands (Psalm 119:4-6, The Book).

… I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget to help you. I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free (Isaiah 44:21-22, The Book).

We’ve come together for a reason. We could be doing a thousand other things right now, but we’re not. We’re here, seeking God’s attention.

Discussion Questions

1. What is your response to God’s question, What do you want me to do for you?

2. What is it you want from God?

3. What is preventing you from obtaining it?

3

Active Transformation

I have a confession to make. I’ve been doing a daily devotional, and I’ve been increasingly resentful of the What will you do? section. This part is intended to encourage me to internalize what I just read and make it part of me. Instead of doing that, I felt like, Why do I have to be doing something? Can’t I just meditate on this stuff? It got bad enough that I actually rebelled and didn’t fill it out for a while, until I realized how stupid this was.

Our spiritual transformation is a constant process requiring constant effort. So, if I’m not applying what I’m learning, if I’m not putting effort into my own transformation, what’s the point of doing the devotional at all? What’s the point of any of this? We’ve all heard the saying, An object in motion tends to stay in motion. I hate to burst your bubble, but that’s a lie. The truth is that unless energy or force is applied to an object, it will slow down, cease to move, and start decaying. It’s not enough to want to be transformed. We have to actively participate in it. We have to do something.

Immediately after this, Jesus made his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake while he sent the people home. Afterward, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About 3 o’clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him, they screamed in terror, thinking he was a ghost. But Jesus spoke to them at once, It’s all right, he said. I am here! Don’t be afraid. Then Peter called to him, Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water. All right, come, Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. Save me, Lord! he shouted. Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. You don’t have much faith Jesus said. Why did you doubt me? (Matthew 14:22-31, The Book, emphasis mine.)

Notice that Jesus waited for Peter to express a desire to get out of the boat and come to Him. Jesus could’ve called Peter out of the boat at any point, but what if Peter didn’t want to go? What if Peter responded, Nah—I’m good. Judas, you go! Peter positions himself to be called forward by first seeking Jesus, who then summoned him. When Peter started to doubt, Jesus was there immediately, chastising in love and giving guidance for the future. (You don’t have much faith. Why did you doubt me?)

Later, Jesus asked His disciples, Who do people say that the Son of Man is? Simon Peter answered, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus replied,

You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter …" (Matthew 16:13, 16-18, The Book).

This is so powerful! Jesus, in effect, tells Peter, Because you know who I am, I will tell you who you are.

Everyone who is victorious will eat of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it (Revelations 2:17, The Book)

Do you see the intimacy in this verse? Jesus tells us that He will give us a new name that only you and He will know! The name we were given at birth is not who we really are. When I was growing up, I knew a lady who was given her name because her dad really wanted a son. For her whole life, she carried a name that symbolizes the fact that her very existence was a disappointment to her father. But the name God has for her, for you and I, carries a power and a magnificence that declares who we really are! It is a name rooted in power and victory! Yes, Jesus sees the garbage in my life but He knows the person I am supposed to be. He designed, created, and purposed me for something. In order to find out what that is, in order to be that, I need to go see Him. I need to spend time with Him and get to know Him better. I need Him to tell me who I am and not rely on who I think I am.

We have to actively participate in our own transformation. We have to intentionally give Jesus access to the areas of our life that we still want to own and control. I know for me, if my ways were so good I would’ve ended up somewhere good. But, I didn’t. I know for a fact that God’s ways are so much better than mine. See, giving control of my life to Jesus isn’t a bad thing. Jesus is not overbearing or domineering. I spent 20 years in the military, and I know what overbearing and controlling look and feel like. Jesus doesn’t want to take control; He wants us to give control. When we do, He’s gentle and loving in the way He leads us forward.

Discussion Questions

1. How are you applying things you read and hear towards your spiritual transformation?

2. How are you positioning yourself to be called forward by Jesus?

3. What area of life are you actively working to give God control of?

4

Kiddushin

In Matthew 21: 8-11, we read the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It says,

Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road ahead of Jesus, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. He was in the center of the procession, and the crowds all around him were shouting, Praise God for the Son of David! Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven! The entire city of Jerusalem was stirred as he entered. Who is this? they asked. And the crowds replied, It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee (The Book).

Surely this had to seem like the high point in His public life to the disciples. The crowds had been getting bigger and following them all over the countryside. Jesus has performed miracle after miracle doing stuff they had never seen from the prophets of old. He fed thousands of people with some kid’s sack lunch, He cast out demons, and