on Love

                        on Love

Regardless of economics, race or status, people value love and recognize that love will shape what is good and true. It should not be surprising to anybody that love permeates and lies at the heart of our Biblical message.

Since our English word love is used so broadly, it is helpful to distinguish between different types of love in order to gain a more precise understanding of the New Testament's message. This can be easily accomplished because the New Testament was written in Greek and there are various Greek words for love.

Eros

Eros is probably what most people mean when they announce with a smile, "I'm in love." This type of love covers everything from queasy stomachs and warm fuzzy feelings to strong sensual passion.

There are a couple of very interesting characteristics about eros. First, in order to exist eros is dependent upon the situation and circumstances. As long as a couple is enjoying a romantic situation, eros can thrive. But, as soon as hurtful words or actions appear, eros simply evaporates.

Second, eros is also held captive to each person's perception. For example, if someone perceives a particular quiet evening dinner with candles to be romantic, eros will thrive. However, passion becomes squashed for someone whenever he or she interprets the current situation to be undesirable. Eros thus grows strong and then wastes away based upon our perceptions.

Although eros at times might make us feel like we are on cloud nine, it can not provide a reliable basis for building a deep and meaningful relationship since it is so fickle and dependent upon perception and circumstances. Because of such things as accidents, diseases, and the fact that someone can choose to doubt or despise you regardless of your actions, it is clear that we can not determine how others will perceive us nor are we masters of our own circumstances. Although eros is exhilarating, this is not the Biblical word used for love.

Philia

We recognize philia and its meaning from the name Philadelphia, that is, the city of brotherly love. This is the love of friendship, best friends, and the fellowship of being with those people you enjoy.

Although philia is wonderful, it too is not reliable since it is also held captive by the sifting sands of situation as well as by ours and other's perceptions and expectations. Unfortunately, we probably all know of a friendship which waned or was severed because of time, distance, harsh words, how someone interpreted another's actions, etc. When the New Testament commends love, philia is the not the word which is used.

                                                      

The Beauty of Agape*

Unlike the previous two types of love, agape is not limited to being held hostage by its environment and someone's perception. The reason why agape can soar above these is because it is based upon the commitment of a decision. It entails the decision to proactively seek someone's well-being. Since it is not a knee jerk reaction nor just a responsive feeling to how I've been treated, agape is capable of acting in a hostile environment where there are no warm fuzzy feelings. For example, Jesus' teaching that we should agape our enemies is intended to show the boundless nature of the Christian commitment toward seeking another's well-being. Luke 6:35

The New Testament is full of examples and teachings illustrating the nature of agape as well as teaching designed to train the disciple's heart to be shaped by agape. A few examples illustrating the active nature of agape include:

• Knowing that sinful man would kill His Son, but also knowing that without Jesus we were doomed, God loved (agape) us by sending his Son. John 3:16

• Those who love (agape) Jesus will do what Jesus taught. John 14:15,23

• If a person has material resources and the love (agape) of God within him, his heart will take care of his brother who is in need. 1 John 3:17

• Just as Christ through love (agape) acted on behalf of the church, so too the Christian husband is to be motivated by love (agape) to act on behalf of his wife. Ephesians 5:25-29

If it were not enough that the proactive nature of agape has the power to rise above its environment, it can also empower passion and friendship! For example, when a spouse chooses to speak and act toward the mate with agape, this creates the loving environment in which eros and philia can thrive! Although the proactive spouse might even perceive the other spouse as being unkind or rude, additional problems can be prevented by responding out of agape while the power of agape works at nurturing the growth of the other forms of love!

Jesus taught his disciples that the world would know that they his people if they would show agape toward one another. John 13:35

*For the sake of simplicity, both agape (noun) and agapeo (verb) are being referred to by agape.

Barry Newton, Copyright © 2002

                                                                                                                                                 

Patterns to Love

     What causes fear?  Anxiousness- not at peace- unsettled- worried- ill-equipped- selfishness. Selfishness brings about:  alone, uncaring, not sharing.

     Why is one selfish?   Because of hurt.  Hurt by what?    Being left alone (latch-key kid, rejection)  How do you heal a hurt?  Love, caring, sharing. The embodiment of Christ, the Healer.

Love is an action which begins before emotion. You must begin with an action heading toward love.  As the action increases so does emotion and affection.  As emotion and affection increase love begins by protection.  When you have reached protection love has begun, and love will increase in time.  Love, affection, emotion and protection produce deeper love and greater caring. Emotions rise to a place you call love.  But the reality is love was born out of action, caring and sharing!  A blessed state!

Sharing is caring born out of not wanting to be alone.  You do it because you care about yourself and not being alone.  The action will bring you to a place of loving yourself.

    

Softness and gentleness are born out of caring and understanding. Caring and understanding bring about an action of a soft gentle nature.

    

Neglect is an action that hurts.  Hurts must be healed.

    

Love is a connection between two ‘beings’ (God/man, man/woman etc.) that causes us to be free with others.  ‘Unloving’ leaves by caring.

    

Love causes loveliness by combining with hope.

   

To extinguish God from your life:  stop doing things to care for yourself.  So it is, you must hurt yourself to extinguish God from your life.

    

Hope is the thought of life that sustains life.

    

Truth is the ‘heart’ of the heart.  If it is truth, you can stand upon it.  Truth allows you to believe.  Love can stand upon it…  the basis for love is truth.

     How does hope and truth (as explained above) go together?  The foundation of hope is truth, therefore hope and truth are the foundations.

A Complete thought.

    

Love is:

I Corinthians 13: 4-8a

Love is patient,

Love is kind.

It does not envy,

It does not boast,

It is not proud.

It is not rude,

It is not self-seeking,

It is not easily angered,

It keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil,

But rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

Always trusts,

Always hopes,

Always perseveres.

Love never fails.

                                                                                      

(shout-outs to my brother in Christ A.M.)                                   

Obscurity... a Gift?

Is obscurity really that bad or is it a gift?

So many want to be famous. So many want recognition. A little baby
arrived on the earth more then 2000 years ago in complete obscurity,
in a barn no less and He changed the world. So why don't we get it?

Well, we're all human. We look around at what other people are doing
and we want 'some of that'. And ministry is no different. The music
industry as well as many other industries is about hype and glamour
– about promoting an artist as a celebrity – as a ‘somebody’.
But shouldn't we be content to enjoy the satisfaction of in-person
heart-to-heart ministry instead of the glamour of notoriety? There is
nothing wrong with crowds but there is also nothing wrong with doing
small in a big way. That means doing everything in your ministry with
great integrity. It's not about being sloppy and
irresponsible...ministry is about people and giving them the very best
you have to give! Don't look at anything you're doing in ministry as a
stepping-stone to something more valid down the road. He has good
plans for you and set a straight path before you.

I wonder how we might change the world if we would seek to have a
more significant ministry to individuals as a means to have notoriety
or prominence. This might actually make a difference in your ministry
and what impact you can have! This is turning the concept of obscurity
on it's head. Who cares how many people know you and your music and
ministry if ministry isn't happening and lives aren't being changed?
Crowds are fickle. People you impact at a deep level are not. If you
want to be famous, how about being famous in your own loyal Ministry
Family? The important stuff is happening with the individuals whose
lives are being touched by what you do on a deep level. That abstract
'crowd' out there... who really cares what they think. If you have a
happy family, they love what you're doing for them, and they are
getting great value and results from you serving them.

So at the season of giving, my gift to you is one of obscurity. Will
you accept it? Will you open it up? Your gift will change the world.
Something to think about

My debut Album called THE PLAYGROUND on ITunes, Amazon, CDBaby, etc.

Hey, this is Jordan. I am excited and relieved that my debut album called The Playground is finally out for purchase. The debut album includes the first 19 songs that I have ever recorded. I am extremely blessed and honored by the LORD Jesus Christ to be led to the glorious cross and His wonderful mercy. I pray that this album can encourage and strengthen my brothers and sisters in Christ and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, lead others to the cross and repentance. Love you all and continue to bless YAHWEH!
 You can purchase THE PLAYGROUND for $7.77 @ cdbaby and here is the link....
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jordancopas

1ST FULLGRIND BEAT

SAT DOWN WITH MENACE FROM FULLGRIND MUSIC AND PRODUCTIONS TODAY & GOT MY FIRST FULLGRIND BEAT EVER! CINEMATIC WITH A HIP HOP FEEL TO IT. GOT A LIL SOUTHERN TWIST O IT. DESHAWN WHITE AND DON CARDWELL WAS OVER HERE SITTIN DOWN AS MENACE WAS MAKING THE BEAT. DON SAID THATS A LIL BIT TOO WHITE OF A BEAT .... OF COURSE JOKING BECAUSE IM A WHITE GUY. ACTUALLY, I AM SITTING HERE RIGHT NOW AS MENACE IS MAKING THE BEAT & 2 MORE GUYS WALKED IN MIKE B & JACOB, SOME OF DESHAWN'S FRIENDS. DON JUST LEFT TO GO GET HIS YEEHAW ON, THA'S WHA HE SAID AS HE WAS WALKING OUT THE FRONT DOOR WITH HIS BEER IN ONE HAND & HIS KEYS TO DRIVE IN ANOTHER HAND. DESHAWN AND HIS FRIENDS MIKE AND JACOB IS NOT OUTSIDE SHOOTING GUNS OFF. RIGHT NOW I AM GETTING PRETY HYPE TO THIS BEAT MENACE IS MAKING AND HAD TO SIT BACK DOWN TO WRITE SOME MORE. I AM ABOUT TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN THE NEWSPAPER CALLED "ARE YOU RUNNING FROM YOUR PAIN?" I CAN INCORPORATE THAT IN WITH THE SONG IN SOME WAY POSSIBLY. NOW MENACE IS BREAKING THE BEAT DOWN, HE SAID THIS IS THE LEAST FAVORITE PART FOR A PRODUCER IS TO BREAK IT DOWN. WE GOT AN INTRO BUILDUP INTO THE VERSE, ITS SICK!

Jordan Copas Statement of Faith

JORDAN COPAS : STATEMENT OF FAITH 

WORD OF GOD : The sixty-six books of the Bible is the inspired Word of God, the written record of His supernatural revelation of Himself to man, without error in its statements, and the final authority for all I believe and how I am to live.

(2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21, Matthew 5:18, John 10:35, John 17:17, 2 Peter 3:16, Luke 24:25-27, Luke 24:44-45) 

MAN : Adam/Man was originally created in the image of God, righteous and without sin. As a consequence of his disobedience/sin, all humans are therefore by nature and choice the children of wrath, justly condemned in the sight of God, wholly unable to save themselves. Humankind is now incapable of a right relationship to God apart from God's grace.

(Genesis 1:1-3, Genesis 1:26-27, Romans 3:9-23, Romans 5:12-21, Ephesians 2:1-3, Isaiah 53:5, Psalm 51:5, Galatians 3:22, Romans 6:23, Romans 7:18, Romans 11:23, Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:6-19, Genesis 1:22) 

TRINITY : One true God exists eternally in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Being equal in Deity, power, and glory. God not only created the world, but also upholds, sustains, governs, and Providentially directs all that exist.

(Ephesians 4:4-6, Matthew 28:19, Acts 17:24-28, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 1:9-12, Colossians 1:16-17, Hebrews 1:1-3, Psalm 104:1-35, Psalm 139:1-24, Revelation 1:4-6, Luke 3:21-22, Deuteronomy 6:4) 

JESUS : Jesus Christ is the "Image of the invisible God" and that in Him "all Deity dwells in bodily form." Jesus  was concieved by the Holy Spirit and was born of a virgin, He lived a sinless life, He died on the cross as a substitutionary atonement for sin, Jesus' literal body was resurrected from the dead, He has a present ministry of intercession in Heaven, and Jesus will be personally returning to earth.

(Colossians 1:15-22, John 1:1-18, John 20:1-29, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Peter 3:18, Philippians 2:5-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-28, Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 8:34, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 2:1-2, 1 Peter 2:21-25, Luke 1:30-35, Galatians 3:10-14, Hebrews 1:3, Ephesians 1:20-23, Ephesians 1:7, Romans 3:24-28, Romans 5:8-11, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Acts 1:9-11) 

HOLY SPIRIT : The Holy Spirit convicts men of sin and regenerates, indwells, seals, sets apart, and empowers believers for service and for a Holy life. "God is at work within us both to will and to work His good pleasure" and that "He will continue to perfect us until the day of Christ Jesus." The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

(John 14:16-17, Romans 8:12-17, Ephesians 1:13-14, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 6:19) 

CHURCH : The Church is not a building, The Church is the Body of Christ, the people. God has given His Church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. It is important for every Christian to join with and be actively involved in a local community of the saints.

(Acts 2:1-47, Matthew 16:17-19, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 3:14-21, Ephesians 4:11-16, Hebrews 10:23-25, 1 Peter 2:4-5, 1 Peter 2:9-10) 

SALVATION : Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. This is a free gift from God apart from works. Meaning there is nothing you can do to earn this free gift. Salvation comes through true repentance, a turning point from one's own way to God's way, and accepting Jesus Christ in personal faith and believing that Jesus is LORD.

(Ephesians 2:8-10, John 1:12-13, 1 Peter 1:3-5, 1 John 1:7-9, Acts 16:30-31, Titus 3:3-7, Romans 8:1-17, Romans 8:31-39, Romans 10:8-10, John 6:37-44, John 10:25-30) 

LOVE : Loving God and loving other people is the two greatest commandments of all. We as believers and followers of Christ Jesus should try to model the way He loved unconditionally. Nothing works without love.

(Matthew 22:37-40, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Ephesians 4:15, 1 Peter 4:8, Matthew 5:38-48, 1 John 4:7-21, 1 John 3:16, John 3:16, Romans 5:8) 

DISCIPLESHIP : To make disciples is what Jesus has command His Church to do. You see Paul with Timothy, Luke with Theophilus, and Jesus with His disciples. Discipleship is an everyday life on life process, not a bible study or one meeting a week. You show another person what it looks like to be a learner and follower of Jesus and you lead by example. The way Jesus did.

(2 Timothy 2:1-3, Matthew 28:16-20, Luke 6:40, Acts 2:41-47, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 4:11-12, 2 Timothy 1:13, John 13:15, John 17 prayer, Matthew 4:19, Luke 10:1-2) 

BIBLICAL MANHOOD : First and foremost, Jesus is the essence of manhood. An authentic biblical man is one who is on the noble pathways fighting the good fight of faith. He rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and invest eternally.

(Ephesians 6:4, Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19&21, 1 Timothy 6:11-12, Romans 5:17-19, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49, 1 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Timothy 4:8, 1 Timothy 4:7-8, Proverbs 20:7, Proverbs 27:17, Philippians 2:6-8, John 4:34, John 17:4)

WWW.REVERBNATION.COM/JORDANCOPAS

<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMTA2NDY*OTA3MzImcHQ9MTMxMDY*NjUwNTYzNCZwPTI3MDgxJmQ9cHJvX3BsYXllcl9maXJzdF9nZW4mZz*xJm89/N2FiZTA2ZDhlZjM*NDhmYzk*ODQ3ZjY4OTVhNzhmMzQmb2Y9MA==.gif" /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="262" height="200"><param name="movie" value="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/40/pro_widget.swf?id=artist_1691343&posted_by=&skin_id=PWAS1002&border_color=000000&auto_play=true&shuffle=false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param><param name="quality" value="best"></param><embed src="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/40/pro_widget.swf?id=artist_1691343&posted_by=&skin_id=PWAS1002&border_color=000000&auto_play=true&shuffle=false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowNetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="opaque" quality="best" width="262" height="200"></embed></object><br/><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/trk/40/artist_1691343//t.gif" />

www.Reverbnation.com/jordancopas

<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzMTAxMDU2NzQ3NTQmcHQ9MTMxMDEwNTY4MzAxNyZwPTI3MDgxJmQ9cHJvX3BsYXllcl9maXJzdF9nZW4mZz*xJm89/MDBjYmIzZjY1MjFhNDg4ZWI2ZDkzNTUwYzIwOTA5Yzkmb2Y9MA==.gif" /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="262" height="200"><param name="movie" value="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/40/pro_widget.swf?id=artist_1691343&posted_by=artist_1691343&skin_id=PWAS1002&border_color=000000&auto_play=false&shuffle=false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param><param name="quality" value="best"></param><embed src="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/40/pro_widget.swf?id=artist_1691343&posted_by=artist_1691343&skin_id=PWAS1002&border_color=000000&auto_play=false&shuffle=false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowNetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="opaque" quality="best" width="262" height="200"></embed></object><br/><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/trk/40/artist_1691343/artist_1691343/t.gif" />

We Are The Basketball

1st - FLAT BASKETBALL

person without Christ and it shows. The basketball has no air and it shows from the outside.

2nd - FROM A DISTANCE THE BASKETBALL LOOKS GOOD

(Outward appearance) The basketball looks good on the outside but it is missing some air. Therefore the basketball cannot do what needs to be done. It need more real air on the inside in order to be what it is meant to be. = person who knows what to say when needs to, but that person is not surrendered to Christ because of sin issues or because they are not saved at all.

3rd - FULL BASKETBALL APPEARANCE AND PERFORMANCE MATCH UP WELL

this basketball can be used to do what it was designed for = One who is in an abiding faith relationship with Jesus as LORD and He lives through that person to accomplish what He wants done (agrees with God) - this person is used to do things that only God can do because Jesus/Holy Spirit lives through this person for His purpose.

GALATIANS 2:20

"i have been crucified with Christ. it is no longer i who live, but Christ who lives in me. and the life i now live in the flesh i live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

FOUR FACES OF A MAN

I understand that in your culture you have a right of passage when a boy takes the step of moving from boyhood to manhood. Well this is what a boy or even a young man needs to do to fully move into independent manhood.
*Get rid of your star wars pajamas.
*Move out of mama's house.
*Get your own place to live.
*Get a full time job.
*Get out of debt.
*Pursue a woman.
*Protect her purity.
*Marry her.
*Start a family and pass down a Godly legacy through your children.
MEN, we have - A work to do, A command to obey, and a woman to love and protect.
Jesus sets the standard of manhood.
1.)King - leader/servant
2.)Warrior - protector
3.)Lover - giver
4.)Friend - stands beside
These 4 expressions of manhood compliment each other, perfectly matching with the others and each one balancing the other.

*1st Face is the KING FACE*
~This face does not come easily into a man's life. This face must be cultivated over time. Your parents, coaches, or even your hero's can help contribute to create this face. It can come from great stories or persevering through problems. It can come from incorporating faith into your life. Over time this face is formed and it is the principle of loving what is right. It is the love of right over the love of comfort or circumstances or what is convenient. That is the king face.
~It's the face that shows when man is asked to cheat on a business deal, but he wont! It shows when it's time to keep a promise, even when keeping that promise is really going to cost you. It's the face a man shows when he risks his own life to save another person. This face shows when he pays back what he owes and when he reurns what he has borrowed.  It shows when a man is tempted to be unfaithful to his wife. To cheat on his wife! When he is tempted to violate what God desires for his life in the area of sexual relationships. He remembers what God's word says in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 and he does not do it! It's the face a man shows when he could take advantage of another person and choses not to, or when he sees a friend's life out of control or on the path of destruction and steps in and speaks up to confront his friend in love and call him back to what is noble and just and risk his friendship. It is that face he shows when he does not blink in the face of danger. It is the face that does not waver, even though he knows there are risks and consequences. It is the King face!
~Story of King David 2 Samuel 11-12 - David the king of Israel had an adultery with Bathsheeba, another man's wife, tried to cover it up by bringing her husband home to sleep with his wife, even got him drunk but Uriah turned out to be a better man drunk than David was sober. David had Uriah killed and took his wife. Then Nathan, a prophet demonstrated his king face by confronting the king about his sin even though King David could have had him killed on the spot. The king face showed up with David when after he was confronted about his sin, instead of killing Nathan, he confessed his sin, asked God for forgiveness and repented. He did not try to lie his way out. The king face does not mean never sinning, but it does mean being truthful about my sin. Being willing to confess my sin and turn away from it.
The king face is characterized by:
*Strong convictions (firmly held belief)
*Courageous moral choices
*A servant's spirit (Jesus came to serve)
*Righteous leadership
~These traits are brought out as we live out our lives. Every man here is in the process of forming this in their character. Each difficulty you face and overcome will create this face in you and if you handle your challenges with nobility, you honor the God you serve.
~A King Face is described in Proverbs 4:18 - "the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn or the first gleam of dawn, shinning ever brighter till the full light of day." So as a man moves along in life the light they shine will shine brighter and brighter.
~Proverbs 20:7 - "a righteous man who walks in integrity, how blessed are his sons after him." There is alot you can give your son, clothes, go to sporting events for support, material gifts, but the greatest gift you can give him is integrity. You place into his sol a substance he cannot get anywhere else. It builds into his life a solid core out of which  he can live life and draw from for the rest of his life. Without that solid core of integrity you have now brought up a man who acts like a child and who as the apostle Paul describes in Ephesians 4:14 "tossed back and forth by the waves of life and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming."
~What is integrity? - It is the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards. How blessed are the sons of a father who has taught his son integrity both through his word and his life. This is the King Face.

*2nd Face is the WARRIOR FACE*
~A warrior takes responsibility for his marriage and says we can overcome this problem in our marriage. God will grant us the wisdom and the will to overcome. On september 11, 2001 men took over 4 airplanes in America and began to crash them into major buildings in New York and Washington D.C. killing thousands of people. The people on the last plane heard what was being done and realized they could save many lives by trying to take back control of the plane, and if necessary, sacrafice their own lives. They made the decision to take back control of the plane regardless of the danger and when they began their attempt they shouted out, "Let's Roll!" All of them were killed when the plane crashed into a field, but no one was killed on the ground and no buildings were struck. A warrior is willing to sacrafice himself for the good of others.
The face of a warrior shows that:
*There is something within us that enjoys a challenge.
*It takes life head on. It does not run from a fight.
*It works hardest and longest and outlasts the competition.
+ But if a warrior gets out of control, it gets destructive and can become a compulsive workaholic.
A warrior face is characterized by:
*Initiative - the ability to act on your own.
*Protection - willing to safeguard someone.
*Provision - i will take care of you regardless.
*Endures - the will to bear hardship and tolerate disagreeable circumstances.
*Fights for what is right!
+ A true warrior is constructive (Builds Up) not destructive (Tears Down).
~A warrior has conquering energy that will not quit. I am going to get this done, I am going to pay off this debt, we are going to figure this out.
~1 Timothy 6:11-12 - "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called." Pursue means to seize.  Perseverance is from a word that means to abide, to remain under, to bear up with courage under suffering, to patiently endure Hebrews 12:2. This is Paul's challenge to Timothy. These are noble terms. They call out a man to be a man. They call out the warrior in a man. These things are not easily done in life and require the power of the life of Christ in us. An older man, Paul, looking into the face of a younger man, Timothy, and calling him out to take up the sword of the Spirit and pursue these things. The warrior Paul, is calling out to Timothy to be a Warrior for Christ and fight the good fight.

*3rd Face is the LOVER FACE*
~As natural as it may be for a man to be a warrior, it is just as innatural for him to be a lover in the right sense of the word. The lover notices the real needs that his wife has and does what is necessary to help to meet those needs. One who is willing to sacrafice his time and his wants for the good of his wife and his children. As Christ was willing to sacrafice himself for our good. He has learned to step up and help when his wife has a heavy load at home. He realizes that as the head of that home he is responsible to set a Christ like example of serving others. He is willing to spend time with his wife, to allow her to share her thoughts, her fears, her needs and her dreams. He is willing to pray for his wife and even pray with his wife. I call that spiritual intimacy. He is willing to seek the opinion of his wife on major decisions that involve the family. He does not shut off what God has provided as a helper suitable for him as Eve was described in the book of Genesis. He has learned to share the hurt and pain and disappointment in his life with his wife and connect with her on an emotional level.
The Lover reflects romantic energy which is characterized by:
*Tenderness - kindness and sympathy.
*Sensitivity - thoughtful and perceptive.
*Beneficial care - Jesus was willing to wash feet.
*Emotional openness - allows her to see inside, honest about his feelings and fears.
*Physical affection - give her a hug when she is not expecting, express love with words and actions.
~The lover face is seen in scripture in the book of Ephesians when the apostle Paul gave a tall order to men of all generations and cultures. Ephesians 5:25 - Here is how you are to put on the face of a lover. As a husband you give yourself up for the sake of your wife. You are willing to love your wife as God loves you, sacraficially, the giving up of yourself for her good and God's glory. Colossians 3:19 "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." This is what the Lover Face looks like.

*4th Face is the FRIEND FACE*
~Most men do not have friends that is real friends. Part of the reason we do not in our world, is that we do not have time. We want a friend, but many of us have failed to realize that to have friends, you have to be a friend. So we live in these superficial relationships where we do not trust the secret things of our lives to anyone, and worse, we have no one who will talk tough to us when we need to hear hard things. We need someone who knows us well enough and cares enough to confront us when we need it. Those kind of relationships require time. You cannot climb the mountain of manhood and reach its peaks disconnected from other men. You have to be connected with other men who can:
*Speak into your life.
*Call out the best in you.
*Cheer for your success.
*Admire your noble acts.
*And be your friend.
The Friend face reflects connecting energy. It is characterized by:
*Loyalty - faithfulness, allegiance, feeling of devotion.
*Accountability - answerable to, responsible.
*Challenging - caring enough to confront, willing to face up to difficult decisions.
*Fun - enjoyable, able to spend time together doing a project or playing sports.
~It is also a friend that notices good tings in your life and compliments you on them and encourages you. Proverbs 17:17 "a friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity." Some of you men may be longing for this, but you don't know how to be a friend. Proverbs 27:17 "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." We need another man rubbing up against us  to help rub off some of the hard spots in our lives. A friend who is willing to do whatever is necessary for our good and God's glory.
*The King, The Warrior, The Lover, The Friend*
~A culture that increasingly disconnects fathers from sons, leads to sons who do not properly frow into manhood. Sons raised primarily by over dominating females frow up as weak warriors, because a warrior is called out by older men, a mentor, a father, or a coach. A boy is called out to become a warrior not to be passive but willing to take a stand for right and make the hard decisions that life often requires like  Adam and Eve. Our world is desperate for this 4 faced balanced manhood.
North, South, East, West - 4 directions
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall - 4 seasons
Earth, Wind, Fire, Water - 4 elements
King, Warrior, Lover, Friend - the kind of men that this world desperately needs!
When you look in the mirror, what kind of man do you see?