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CORE 4 STRONG
Our mission at Blueprint for Men is to build stronger men of God by studying "The Blueprint for Men," Jesus Christ. When we study Jesus' life, it is easy to overlook his first 30 years because little is written about these early years. But, to do so is to make a
significant mistake since these early years were the foundation on which he built his powerful 3-year ministry.
So, to build a rock-solid foundation for our life, we need to examine the one verse that tells us how Jesus did it. "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in
favor with God and man." Luke 2:52
When we analyze this verse, we can easily understand that Jesus' strength was determined by the combined measure of his
mental, physical, spiritual, and social dimensions.
This is what we refer to as being "Core 4 Strong." Jesus was the perfect man. He was perfectly "Core 4 Strong," Likewise, we
should seek to be strong in all four dimensions as he was.
It's natural to be strong in a few of the "Core 4" but to come up short in the other dimensions. This often results from not
having established a solid foundation in our youth that plays out in a lifetime of struggle. All of us are struggling in one way or another, but we should be thankful for this because our weaknesses make us aware of our need for God. As we cry out to Him, we allow "God's strength to be made perfect
in our weaknesses." This is our testimony!
So, to grow stronger in all four dimensions, we must ask for God's help, seek accountability from others, and then do the hard work. To provide a simple format for
engaging in this journey, let's take a look at Jesus' morning routine.
One of the major secrets to Jesus' perfect life and powerful ministry was His morning routine. This consisted of rising before
dawn to spend time with His Father in a solitary place. During this time, in a natural- sort-of way, Jesus kept His “Core 4” healthy and growing by:
1. Walking in the fresh morning air, which increased blood flow to His mind and body (physical).
2. Praising His Father for the blessings and joys of the previous day (mental/emotional).
3. Meditating on the holy scriptures, praying to His Father, and receiving a filling of the Spirit (spiritual).
4. Seeking guidance from His Father to engage with others successfully during the day (social).
To help men develop this essential morning routine, we have created a 13-week program called the "Morning Summit." To succeed, you need a team of men committed to developing your physical, mental, spiritual, and social dimensions daily and meeting
weekly for accountability and encouragement. Men that fully engage in this program report improvements in their walk with God, emotional health and stability, physical strength and flexibility, and intimate personal relationships. It's a commitment,
but the results are eternal!
No discipline seems pleasant at the time but
painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those trained by it. Heb 12:11
If you want to become more like Jesus in the new year, strengthening your “Core 4,” consider pulling some guys together and committing to the Morning Summit. I promise results if you put in the time! Here's just one of many testimonials.
"Before I started the Morning Summit, I did not regularly connect with many men for meaningful discussion. The Morning Summit connected me to a small group of men that challenged, encouraged, and supported me in growing spiritually, mentally, physically,
and socially. Now I have healthy habits each morning to intentionally nurture my heart, mind, and body! I am looking forward
to starting or joining another small men's group soon." Brad B.
To learn more about the Morning Summit program and strengthening your “Core 4,” visit blueprintformen.org. Let's all commit to being stronger men of God in the year ahead; our families, our churches, and our communities depend on us!
Photo Credit: Constant Contact
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