I know it has been sometime since I last posted and I apologize for that. Life has been Lifeing the past couple of weeks. I wanted to share something that became heavy on my heart lately. I’ve been digging into the story of the twelve disciples lately, and the account of Judas Iscariot really hit home. It’s a heavy topic, but there is a lot to unpack for us as men. We know Judas was handpicked by Jesus, given authority, and even served as the treasurer for the group. Yet, despite walking with Jesus and witnessing miracles, he let his love for money override everything else . It wasn’t just about the money itself; we know money is a necessity for existence, but it was his prioritization of it over people that became his downfall. We see this clearly when he complained about the expensive perfume used on Jesus, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief looking to line his own pockets. It’s a sobering reminder. Judas didn’t just wake up one day and betray Jesus; he consistently exposed his character through his actions and his greed. The takeaway for us? We need to be vigilant. People often show us who they are through their language and their actions . We have to be careful and watch those around us to understand how betrayal might manifest in our own lives. Sometimes, God allows these situations to unfold for a greater purpose, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be wise and discerning about the people we keep close. What do you guys think? How do you balance the need for provision with the danger of letting the “love of money” take root?

@Brandon Berryhill welcome to the group! Where are you joining us from?

Men, can I be honest? Lately, I’ve been in a season where I’ve had to fight the urge to rely on my own understanding. When plans don’t work out… When doors close… When life feels uncertain… When the answers don’t come as quickly as we’d like… My first instinct is to figure it out myself. To solve the problem. To carry the weight. To stay in control. But God keeps reminding me that He never asked me to carry what only He can. He asked me to trust Him. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 That’s easier to quote than it is to live. Trust isn’t tested when life is easy. Trust is tested when your plans fall apart. I’ve had to stop asking, “God, why is this happening?” And start asking, “God, what are You teaching me through this?” I’ve learned that God’s wisdom often calls us to wait when we want to act, to pray when we want to panic, and to trust when we can’t yet see the outcome. Maybe you’re in that season too. A season where you’re carrying burdens at work, in your marriage, with your children, your finances, your health, or simply wondering what’s next. Brother, don’t quit. Don’t let discouragement make decisions that faith should make. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep taking the next faithful step. God has never abandoned His people, and He’s not going to start with you. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” — James 1:5 Discussion Question: What’s one area of your life right now where you’re struggling to trust God’s wisdom over your own understanding? You don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes admitting the struggle is the first step toward letting God carry it.

Men, we're halfway through the year. Back in January, many of us set goals. We wanted to become better husbands. Better fathers. Better leaders. We committed to spending more time in God's Word, praying more consistently, getting healthier, serving others, and becoming the man God has called us to be. Now here's the hard question... How are you doing? Not how's your career. Not how's your bank account. How's your walk with God? Have you stayed focused on the calling God placed on your life? Or have distractions, busyness, disappointment, comfort, or discouragement slowly pulled you off course? Here's the good news: God isn't asking you to be perfect. He's inviting you to be faithful. If you've drifted, today isn't a reason for guilt. It's an opportunity to realign. The race isn't over. The mission hasn't changed. Your calling hasn't expired. "Let us throw off everything that hinders... and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." — Hebrews 12:1-2 Don't spend the second half of the year regretting the first half. Refocus. Repent where needed. Recommit. Finish well. Discussion Question: On a scale of 1–10, how focused have you been on the man God has called you to be this year? What's one thing you'll intentionally change over the next six months to finish the year stronger in your faith, leadership, and purpose? Let's encourage one another. Your answer might be exactly what another brother needs to hear today.

@Richard Brown welcome to the community! When you have a moment I would love for you to introduce yourself and say hello!