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Viewing entries tagged Man Alive

Ten Ways to Really Love a Woman

Feb 21 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

Ten Ways to Really Love a Woman

A Look in the Mirror
Volume 203
February 21, 2012

Note: This is an excerpt from my new book Man Alive. I wrote Man Alive because I'm tired of watching men go to events, get all amped up, charge out determined to do better, soar briefly, then glide (or crash) back to earth. In my experience these men are deeply frustrated that they can't sustain the change. It doesn't have to be that way. So what's going on? There are seven primal needs that, when met God's way, can stop the spiritual roller coaster. If you know a man like that, or if that's you, order a copy of Man Alive today and let me walk you through a process to become "alive through Christ" (Eph 2:4-5). Or start a small group to discuss the questions at the end of each chapter.

No need is more primal than to love and be loved without reservation. I've been married to Patsy for 39 years and I love her more today than the day we married. I mentioned this to a single female lab tech yesterday and she wanted to know the "secret." I told her several practical ideas, but at the end I said, "We're Christians and each of us have given Jesus the first place in our lives. When Christ is first, everything else just seems to fall into place." I watched as comprehension slowly spread across her face.

Here are the ten most practical marriage ideas I've picked up over four decades of working with men. Discuss these with your single men too!

More...

Continue reading ALM, Patrick Morley, Man Alive

Man Alive - Tools & Resources Are Now Available!

Jan 25 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

Disciple men effectively with Man Alive tools and resources. Click here to learn more

Continue reading Man Alive, Patrick Morley

The Three Things Men Want

Jan 23 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

Weekly Briefing #456

Manhood is more than not being a girl. After four decades of helping men think more deeply about Christ and life, I find men basically want three main things...

A CAUSE: Something we can give our lives to--a mission. This is the need to be significant, to make a difference, that our lives will count, that it will matter we lived.

A COMPANION: Someone to share it with. This is the need to love and be loved, to be part of a community, to find acceptance, to have healthy relationships. By nature men want a woman to love, protect, and provide for-we want someone to share our lives with.

A CONVICTION: a system, narrative, story, or worldview that offers a reasonable explanation for why 1 and 2 are so difficult. Life is difficult and, for sanity's sake, we each need a plausible explanation of how the bits and pieces of life all fit together.

There's certainly a lot more to being a man, but you can use these three as starting points with your men.

Use MAN ALIVE to help your men explore how to satisfy these primal, God-given desires.

Yours for changed lives,

Patrick Morley, PhD

"For every church to disciple every man"

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PatrickMorleyAuthor

Twitter: @patrickmorley

www.ManAliveBook.com

Continue reading Weekly Briefing, Patrick Morley, Man Alive

Man Alive: A Preview - ALM #202

Jan 17 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

The following is an excerpt from MAN ALIVE. I hope you like it.

Over the last four decades, I've met one-on-one with thousands of men over coffee, in restaurants, in offices, online, after Bible studies, or just hanging out at the racetrack--men like you. I've listened to their stories. I've heard what they said and didn't say. Christian men know--or strongly sense--that we were created to lead powerful lives transformed by Christ.

But something is blocking them.

With a few inspiring exceptions, most men I talk to are confused about what a powerful, transformed life really looks like. They have high hopes for what Christianity offers but little to show for it.

Their instincts are screaming, "There must be more!"

When men try to put into words what keeps them from feeling fully alive, they invariably describe one or more of these seven symptoms:

"I just feel like I am in this thing all alone."
"I don't feel like God cares about me personally, not really."
"I don't feel like my life has a purpose--it seems random."
"I have a lot of destructive behaviors that keep dragging me down."
"My soul feels dry."
"My most important relationships are not working."
"I don't feel like I'm doing anything that will make a difference and leave the world a better place."

Do you feel the angst? Do you see yourself on this list?

The High Cost of Being Half Alive

I'd estimate that as many as 90 percent of Christian men lead lukewarm, often defeated, lives. They're mired in spiritual mediocrity--and they hate it.

Despite their good intentions, after they "walk the aisle" and "pray the sinner's prayer," most men return to their seats and resume their former lives. They don't take the next steps.
Men lose heart, go silent, and anesthetize their pain. Then they give up, burn out, drop out, or just slowly drift away. It's not just getting older--it's an assassination of the soul.

Almost imperceptibly, one disappointment at a time, the world sucks out their newfound joy and passion for life in Christ.

And isn't that exactly what the enemy of our souls wants? As Jesus said, referring to the devil, "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10).

The collateral damage is staggering. Tonight, one-third of America's seventy-two million children will go to bed in a home without their biological dad. But perhaps the greatest cost to the physical absence of fathers is the practical absence of mothers. Essentially, one person must now do the work of two. As a young woman who grew up without a dad said, "When my mom and dad divorced, I didn't just lose my dad. I also lost my mom because she had to work long hours to support us."

There has to be a better way.

What a Man Alive Does Differently

We all know a handful of Christian men we admire more than others. Their faith has become robust and powerful. They're living lives of influence because their primal needs have been fulfilled. They feel alive. Perhaps you have even witnessed their transformation from spiritual mediocrity. Likewise, you've known men who never seem to be able to get it together spiritually. What makes the difference?

What are the guys who really have it together doing that the guys who live in spiritual mediocrity don't do? What differentiates strong men from those guys who always seem to be on the outside looking in? What do successful Christian men do that unsuccessful Christian men fail to do?

What's Going On?

Consider Jesus' well-known parable of the four soils. A sower went out and scattered the seed of God's Word on four kinds of soil: the hard path, the rocky soil, the thorny ground, and the good soil.

Most men today would recognize themselves in the first three soils where the seeds don't grow. Yet they honestly want to be like the good soil where the fourth seed fell--to be men "who truly hear and understand God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted" (Matthews 13:23).

What is keeping men's lives hard, rocky, and choked with thorns when so many urgently want more and when God created us for more--much more?

Jesus gave us another insight when He was speaking to a group of confused religious men. He said, "Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God" (Matthew 22:29).

Do you see it? Jesus made a direct connection between knowing the Bible and leading a powerful life. Lukewarm men are in error because they "don't know the Scriptures" and therefore "don't know the power of God." Their capabilities don't equal their intentions.

On the other hand, transformed men "truly hear and understand God's word and produce a harvest." Digging into the Word of God is easily the number one factor that differentiates men who have tapped into God's power.

A Powerful Life

The word "power" in the Bible is the Greek word dunamis, from which we get dynamite.

An Army chaplain had a huge boulder in his backyard. He knew an Army explosives expert, so he asked for help. The chaplain suggested they put some dynamite on the rock to break it up.

The explosives expert laughed. He said, "If we just detonated explosives on top of the rock, it would barely take a chip out of the rock--and we would shatter every window within a two-block radius!

"But I can do anything with that rock you want. I can leave the rock intact and throw it anywhere in your backyard. I can split in two. If you want me to pulverize it, I can. You just tell me what you want, and I can shape a charge that will direct the power of the blast to do whatever you want."

That's the kind of immense, versatile power that Jesus envisioned in making the statement in Matthew 22:29. In the Scriptures and in the Holy Spirit, you already have at your disposal the power--the dynamite--of God to change your life.

Where Do We Go from Here?

God gives us a huge promise in His Word. Jesus said it Himself: "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." (John 10:10)

You don't have to settle for being half alive. You can heal each of your inner aches and pains. You can be the good soil. You can be transformed. God will change your life, one verse at a time.

It's not self-indulgent for you to become the man God created you to be. In fact, it's your destiny to lead a powerful life transformed by Christ--not without ongoing opposition, but equipped and trained with the power to prevail. You don't have to settle for being half alive.

We are part of something bigger than ourselves, you and I. We share a common bond. And there are others too--millions of us. Everywhere. Men unwilling to settle for spiritual mediocrity. Men unwilling to settle for anything less than becoming fully alive.

Continue reading Man Alive, Patrick Morley, ALM

MAN ALIVE comes out today!

Jan 17 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

Who's it for? 90% of men feel like something is holding them back--from feeling fully alive in Jesus. I show men their 7 primal needs & how to satisfy each of them God's way. Any man who wants to can lead a powerful, transformed life. See the trailer, read 1st chapter, & order at www.ManAliveBook.com. Support your local Christian bookstore. And thanks for your prayers & encouragement. - Patrick Morley

Cross Post - Patrick Morley on fb

Continue reading Man Alive, Patrick Morley

MAN ALIVE Countdown to Release...

Dec 19 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

Men, my new book MAN ALIVE comes out on January 17. I would like to enlist your help to get the word out.

90% of Christian men lead lukewarm, often defeated lives -- and they hate it. But it doesn't have to be that way. MAN ALIVE will show men how to harness the raw energy they feel into a powerful spiritual life.

But how do we engage these men? We need to put a little bait on the hook.

So we've produced a heart-pumping, 75-second video trailer that you can view at www.ManAliveBook.com. (Yes, I'm the driver.)

The plan is to get as many people as possible to watch the video trailer to create awareness for the book and its message.

Would you please share the trailer with your friends? Here are some ways you can help get the word out:

Twitter:
Copy and paste to Twitter:
Check out this heart-pumping video trailer for Pat Morley's new book MAN ALIVE at www.ManAliveBook.com.

Facebook:
Copy and paste to Facebook:
Share trailer w/ your friends via Facebook, Twitter, blog, or email list. Let him know at manalive@maninthemirror.org. He'll enter you for daily drawings. Each daily winner will receive a signed MAN ALIVE, DVD Study Resource, & 10 "Becoming a Man Alive" booklets -- a $60 value. Enter once, eligible every day through January 17.

Email: Forward this email to your friends.

Bloggers:
If you want to review the book, email me at manalive@maninthemirror.org and I'll send you an Advanced Reading Copy.

Continue reading Man Alive, Patrick Morley

My Soul Feels Dry

Dec 08 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

The next message has posted in the Man Alive Series.... ( link)

"My Soul Feels Dry"

Selected verses from Psalm 42, Matthew 22:37-38, John 4:24, Isaiah 55:9

There's a big, fat lie that's been going around ever since I can remember. It goes something like this: "You're a guy, and guys are just not as spiritually wired as their Christian wives or girlfriends." But from my own life, and after years of working with men, I know that's not true. I bet you know it too.

We each have a deep need in our souls to experience transcendence and awe, for satisfying personal encounters with God. A man can dodge this need, and his soul may lay dormant for years. But sooner or later, he will long to satisfy the God-given thirst of his soul for communion with his Maker.

In this message I'm going to show you what it means to live with an ache in your soul for something more, something outside yourself-and what God wants you to do about it.

It's going to be a great day!

Warmly in Christ,

Pat Morley

"For every church to disciple every man"

Continue reading Man Alive, Patrick Morley, Man in the Mirror Bible Study

I Have a Lot of Destructive Behaviors That Drag Me Down

Dec 02 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

The next message has posted in the Man Alive Series.... ( link)

"I Have a Lot of Destructive Behaviors That Drag Me Down"

Romans 7:15-25, 2 Corinthians 7:8-10, Exodus 34:7-8

Hector keeps telling lies at work and sabotaging his career. William says he wants to change, but he keeps losing his battle to stay away from porn. Many, if not most, men I know can point to negative, dumb, and harmful patterns of thinking and behaving that hold them hostage.

As men we have a primal need to break free from the destructive behaviors that keep dragging us down. We are baffled that we can't break free. And it's embarrassing. We do our best to manage these behaviors, but what we really want is for the damage to stop.

After fighting and losing the battle for a long time, it's hard not to think, I guess that's just how I am. It's hard to believe we can break free. But we'd sure like to, wouldn't we? Could life get that good? That's what we're going to find out in this lesson-a lesson that, as you'll see, is close to my heart.

It's going to be a great day!

Warmly in Christ,

Pat Morley

"For every church to disciple every man"

Continue reading Man in the Mirror Bible Study, Man Alive, Patrick Morley

I feel a deep yearning to worship God today...

Nov 30 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

For that to happen I'll need some theology for my head (truth, knowledge) and some doxology for the heart (spirit, communion). Authentic, vibrant worship requires both. We know this because John 4:24 says, “God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (from Man Alive). - Patrick Morley

Man Alive will be released in January, 2012. Pre-order now!· http://manalivebook.com/

Continue reading Man Alive, Patrick Morley

I Don't Feel Like My Life Has a Purpose

Nov 19 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

The fourth message has posted in the all-new Man Alive Series.... ( link)

"I Don't Feel Like My Life Has a Purpose"

Ecclesiastes 2:11, 17, Matthew 28:19, Luke 6:47

A frustrated young man in his teens asks me, "What's the point? What is my life supposed to be all about?" A man in his late sixties, with tears in his eyes, tells me, "I don't know what to do. I just don't feel like I have any reason to get out of bed in the morning." Whether we're young or old, no unmet need troubles men more deeply than feeling like our lives have no purpose. It starts growling when we're young, and until it's satisfied in God's way, it will just keep chewing you up. Men tell me all the time that they feel like their lives lack purpose.

We could sum it up like this: A man has an urgent need to feel that his life has a purpose, that his life is going somewhere, that he has a reason for living, and that his life is not random. Yet most men don't know God's purpose for their lives.

I've got great news for you. God has a "Big Holy Audacious Goal"-a BHAG-for your life. Come and get the answers you need to live a life filled with purpose and direction. It's going to be a great day!

Continue reading Man in the Mirror Bible Study, Man Alive, Patrick Morley

Being There For Your Kids

Nov 15 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

When I was about ten years old, my parents said they were going to attend my Little League game. I begged them not to come until I was in tears, and finally they agreed to stay away. Then I threaded my glove onto the handlebars of my bike and cried all the way to the field because they were not coming.
Of course, I did want them to be there—badly. I wanted my parents at all my games. I wanted them to rescue me from what became a downward slide that ended with my quitting high school. (from Man Alive)

If your kids tell you they don't want you to attend their events, don't believe them--not even for a New York minute. It's almost impossible to make a comeback from not being their for your kids.

Crosspost - Patrick Morley on facebook

Continue reading Pat Morley on Facebook, Man Alive

I Don't Feel Like God Cares About Me Personally

Nov 14 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

The third message has posted in the all-new Man Alive Series.... ( link)

"I Don't Feel Like God Cares About Me Personally"

Luke 15:11-24, 1 John 3:1, I John 4:10, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 2:4-5

I've spent most of my life struggling to believe--really believe--that God loves and cares about me personally. Not as one among many. But me, Pat Morley. And I discovered that I am not alone. In one way or another, I've heard thousands of men ask, Does God really care about me? That is the question. Most men are not so sure. As for me, by God's grace, today not only do I believe that God loves me, but I actually feel like his much loved son. Special. Fully alive. You can too. No man should have to settle for half alive. Today can be that day. So, let's go get it!

It's going to be a great day!

POTENTIAL LEADERS: Ready to accept the challenge of facilitating a weekly Video Bible Study Group? Here's a webpage that describes how: www.maninthemirror.org/overview/leading-a-group. Let me know if you need help at patrickmorley@maninthemirror.org.

Warmly in Christ,

Pat Morley

"For every church to disciple every man"

Continue reading Patrick Morley, Man Alive, Man in the Mirror Bible Study

I Just Feel Like I Am in This Alone

Nov 04 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

In this series, we're focusing on how you can experience what it means to be a man who is fully alive.

Man Alive Business Card Front

Yet many men only feel half alive. What's holding them back? In one way or another, men tell me all the time,

"I Just Feel Like I Am in This Alone"

Philippians 1:30, Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 10:24-25

Can you relate? One of a man's most deeply felt needs is to feel like he is not in this alone--that he doesn't have to tackle life without others who care. Yet because of a man's tendency toward isolation, most men don't have deep, authentic relationships. In this message we'll see how isolation blocks us, and what life can look like on the other side of isolation. You'll discuss practical ways to meet this deep need through shared stories, a caring community, and transforming our hearts. It's going to be a great day!

This week's message and discussion questions are ready to view ( link )

Continue reading Man in the Mirror Bible Study, Man Alive, Patrick Morley

Man Alive - Chapter 1 Online

Nov 03 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

Here's a thought for men (and the women who love us) from Chapter 1 of my new book Man Alive out mid-Jan. Men, we are created with several God-given, primal needs. By primal I mean that as men we have a raw, powerful, restless energy that’s different from women. It needs to be channeled, chiseled, transformed. God wants to satisfy all of your primal needs: to not feel alone, to believe that God really cares, to understand your purpose, to stop repeating destructive behaviors, to experience communion with God, to have healthy relationships, and to make a difference. You can read all of Chapter 1 online thanks to Multnomah's generosity @ www.ManAliveBook.com - Patrick Morley

Continue reading Man Alive, Patrick Morley

The Raw, Restless Energy of Men

Oct 28 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

This week's message and discussion questions are ready to view ( link )

On a personal note, I am so excited to share this new series with you based on my new book, MAN ALIVE, coming out on January 17, 2012.

The Raw, Restless Energy of Men

Luke 8:4-15, Matthew 22:29

From the time you were a little boy you have always had a raw, powerful, restless energy. You've always wanted to do something with your life. You've always wanted your life to count and make a difference. You dream about harnessing that restless energy into a satisfying life. Yet most men feel like they're only half alive. They feel like life is passing them by. It doesn't have to be that way. You can become the man God created you to be. You can lead a powerful life. You can satisfy your most deeply felt needs. You can become a man alive.

Warmly in Christ,

Pat Morley

"For every church to disciple every man"

www.maninthemirror.org

Continue reading Man in the Mirror Bible Study, Man Alive, Patrick Morley

Man Alive Series Will Be Available On The Web November, 4th!

Oct 07 Posted by MIM Web Team in Man in the Mirror Blog 0

The first message of Man Alive will be available on the web November, 4th!
If you listen or watch as an individual and have been thinking that maybe you should start a group, this would be the perfect series. It's based on my new book for men which will release on January 17, 2012. If you need help on how to start a group, email me at patrickmorley@maninthemirror.org for suggestions.

Man Alive Business Card Front

Continue reading Man Alive, Patrick Morley, Man in the Mirror Bible Study