Leave the broken and take the whole

Hello men, we had a links ceremony at Wildmen recently and Andrew Smith wrote the following note about the symbolism of leaving the broken link of chain behind as we take up the whole link that binds us to God and our fellow warriors. Pretty cool thoughts and powerful message. Enjoy!

LEAVE THE BROKEN AND TAKE THE WHOLE

Good evening gentlemen,

Last week most of us participated in a link ceremony. The symbolism of this event should have great and lasting meaning to each of us. To have something that can remind us to pray for each other through out each week, and of our connection to each other through Christ is something we can’t begin to put a price on.

I would like to suggest another meaning to take from this. While each of the newest Wild men were cutting their WHOLE link out of the chain, every other link had to be BROKEN. The BROKEN links left behind can be a symbol of each one of our brokenness. As we received a WHOLE and UNBROKEN link, which suggests in part what we can grow to be here through fellowship with each other and Christ, (whole and unbroken) we can learn to leave a little part of our brokenness (like the broken links on the floor) here with our brothers each week.

At least one purpose of these Wild men meetings is to get know one another, help lift each other out of our BROKEN situations and become WHOLE men again going back out into life and to our families to be the men God intended us to be. I look forward to coming here each week to share and learn how to better handle life, to be lifted up in prayer, and to be able to do the same for each of you. My wife, my kids, and I thank you for allowing me to come here each week and try to leave a piece of my brokenness here and go away a little more WHOLE. I love you all!

Mens Night in Sarasota

Mens Night
Tuesday, April 19
Bobby Petrocelli will be here to share how just 10 Seconds and the power of decision changed his life forever, and can change yours. Bobby is the author of several books including 10 Seconds Will Change Your Life Forever. Visit http://www.bobbypetrocelli.com/
BBQ Pork and Chicken Dinner will be served at 6:15 and tickets are only $10.


For more info contact me: peter@cactussky.com

Harlem Wizards are coming to Bradenton

Harlem Wizards Basketball Show
April 15th, 7pm at Braden River High School
Woodland Community Church and Braden River H.S. are bringing the Harlem Wizards to the community April 15th. They are a fun and energetic basketball team that puts on a fabulous show for the crowd, including trick hoops and alley oops! They will play a game against some local talent which will include some members of the church (Tim Wolf, Ray Moss, Jay Digma and Larry Beane), staff at Woodland (Tim, Coley, and Mr. Mike), upward coaches (Shea Einhaus and Jason Warrington), and teachers from the area and students from the high school basketball team. You won't want to miss out on this great event for the whole family. The show is at Braden River H.S. gymnasium at 7pm. Tickets are $8 for children/students/Senior Adults over 60 and $10 for adults, $10/12 at the door. All proceeds go to Woodland’s Missions and B.R. Girls Basketball.
Purchase Adult Tickets
http://woodlandministries.com/templates/System/details.asp?id=34829&PG=Store&CID=024875
Purchase Children Tickets
http://woodlandministries.com/templates/System/details.asp?id=34829&PG=Store&CID=024876

FREE Marriage Seminar

Marriage Breakthrough
Saturday, April 2
8:30 am - 3:00 pm

This one day seminar with Don & Angie Power will help you learn to identify the root of misunderstandings and arguments. Learn practical techniques for communication and resolving conflict. This particular seminar at Woodland is on a "love offering" basis. (Normally it costs $50 per couple, but you must register and also pre-pay for the "working" lunch $7). Childcare is available BY ADVANCED RESERVATION and PAYMENT ($5 per child and $10 family maximum)

Register
http://woodlandministries.com/marriage

What Captures a Heart

Pam Broucinek, wife of one of our Wildmen wrote this in response to the Earthquake in Japan and the subsequent Tsunamis.

What Captures a Heart

Trying to place myself in the grievous fray.
In truth I feel planets away.
Trying to grieve for those whose life
Will never be the same.
Suppose it was here; suppose it was us…

Staring incredulous at a screen
Yet all the miles between,
And all the demands and frivolities
Of my day
Pull my heart away,
And the anguish reverts to news.
Suppose it was here; suppose it was us…

God let me know in my heart, not just sense
That my life, life, can change in a beat,
And the consequence of not living in You
And for You but to retreat
To what is known, predictable, neat
Is not living.
Suppose it was here; suppose it was us…

Let my heart break a bit; let my prayers rise on tears,
Let me carry awhile one whose world now
swept in fear.
Let my hands move as Christ’s; guide me to help.
You must.
Suppose it was here; suppose it was us.

Great message about restoration

When God Restores What the Locusts Eat
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Thursday, March 10 2011

"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten - the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm - My great army that I sent among you." - Joel 2:25

There are seasons in our lives that involve times of famine and times of restoration. Solomon tells us that He has made everything beautiful in its time and that there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under Heaven. (See Ecclesiastes 3:1,11.)

God brings about both the good and the bad. The seasons of famine have a divine purpose in our lives. They accomplish things that only these hard places can accomplish. But there is a time when those hard places have accomplished their purpose and He begins to restore. God did this with the nation of Israel after a season of famine and devastation.

Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten - the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm - My great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will My people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will My people be shamed" (Joel 2:23-27).

God wants each of us to know that there is a time when He will restore in order to demonstrate His gracious hand in our lives. He is a loving Father who tenderly guides His children through the difficult places. If God has taken you through a time of leanness, know that He is the restorer of that which the locusts have eaten. Wait patiently for Him to bring this about in your life. He will do it.

Proverbs 10

Proverbs 10

1 The proverbs of Solomon:A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother. 2 Ill-gotten gain has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. 3 The LORD will not let the godly starve to death, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked. 4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. 5 A wise youth works hard all summer; a youth who sleeps away the hour of opportunity brings shame. 6 The godly are showered with blessings; evil people cover up their harmful intentions. 7 We all have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away. 8 The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. 9 People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. 10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace. 11 The words of the godly lead to life; evil people cover up their harmful intentions. 12 Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses. 13 Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but fools will be punished with a rod. 14 Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites trouble. 15 The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their calamity. 16 The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin. 17 People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray. 18 To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool. 19 Don't talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow! 20 The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. 21 The godly give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. 22 The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 23 Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise. 24 The fears of the wicked will all come true; so will the hopes of the godly. 25 Disaster strikes like a cyclone, whirling the wicked away, but the godly have a lasting foundation. 26 Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge. 27 Fear of the LORD lengthens one's life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. 28 The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked are all in vain. 29 The LORD protects the upright but destroys the wicked. 30 The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land. 31 The godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. 32 The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt.

Bayside

Bayside Children's Ministry, ACME, is having Talent Shows during the weekend services on the weekend of April 2 & 3. In the month of March, the 2nd-5th grade ministry is exploring the talents that God has given us. We encourage you to help your child(ren) identify what God has gifted them with and develop that talent.

In order for your child (grade Kindergarten - 5th grade) to participate in the Talent Show, he/she must audition this Sunday, March 13 in the ACME Theatre at 1:30pm. Please complete an audition registration form which you can get from the Back Lot or the Check-In Station for ACME. Please return the form to the Information Desk in Main Hospitality.

God is in control

Today:

I headed out worried and concerned and then I remembered what I heard over the weekend about God being in control and that he works all things for our good. The bible never said it would be easy, just the opposite. I heard about Job and what he went through and thought to myself I have it easy, worse case the client fires me. I prayed to God and asked him to help me and what happened next was off the charts. It turned out to be one of the best meetings we have ever had and we are now going to be doing even more work for the client.

I love you God and thank you for all you are doing in my life. It is not easy but I know that you are in control.

When you are down, look up and remember that God Loves you and he has a plan for your life and what may suck now he will turn around and make great, don’t give up believing. The enemy wants you to turn away and doubt but remember Job and claim DOUBLE.

He will restore Double.

TGIF today

Faith Versus Presumption
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, March 08 2011

"So she said to Abram, 'The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.' Abram agreed to what Sarai said." - Genesis 16:2

Presumption is based on our own reasoning. Abraham and Sarah fell into presumption when they got too old to have children. God had promised a son to Abraham and Sarah - a son who would fulfill His promise to birth a nation. But Abraham and Sarah were past the normal age for childbearing. So, they concluded that God needed help to work out His plan.

Many workplace believers make the same mistake every day. We make assumptions about what we believe God is doing and wants us to do. However, before we really have full assurance that God has spoken to us on the matter and revealed His perfect action plan, we move forward with our steps to get it done. How do we protect ourselves from presumption? The Proverbs tell us that there is safety in a multitude of counselors (see Prov. 11:14 KJV). Submitting our decisions to others for confirmation protects each of us from the deceit of our own heart. This process will protect us from presumption and encourage us to move in faith. The next time you believe God is directing you toward a specific action, consult with your spouse first, then some close, spiritual friends who will take the time to prayerfully consider your request. If you don't have consensus, wait until you do before you move forward. God will move through this process to His desired will for the matter.

The Bar is set at PERFECT!

Hello men, the following is a note that I sent to the participants in the IRONMEN ministry. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. God bless, Billy

Hello men. We had quite an evening last night! The gauntlet was thrown down and the true height of the bar was observed. Our Christ set the bar when he said "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" - Matt 5:48. Or, how about, "love your wife as Christ loves the church" - high enough and hard enough for you? A dear friend had earlier challenged me to be sure that we had "Truth in Advertising" for the IRONMEN name of this ministry. In short, this is going to be a challenging ministry - more of a battleship setting than a cruise ship. The quest we are committing to is to go very hard after loving God and serving Him with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength. We will be doing things together to make us healthier and stronger in all of these four dimensions. We will do hard things together that stretch our mind, body and spirit.

This is a challenge for me as it likely is for you. We will go on this quest together and I will desperately need you to step up and help me with your prayers for boldness, wisdom and discernment; but also, for you to engage and bring your best to the rest of us. We need your ideas, your commitment, and your desires to be all God wants you to be.

This may be more than you bargained for when you came to IRONMEN. We understand if you want to be challenged less. We are looking for men who want more of God and expect more of themselves as they strive to "live lives worthy of the calling they have received" - Ephesians 4:1. We want to have life without regrets and that means stepping up and out to living life to the full as Christ offers in John 10:10.

I will be praying and rooting for you to join us and say "I am in!" If that is not where you are now; we will pray for you to get there soon. These are difficult times and the Lord's church is crying out for mighty men of valor to rise up in the vigorous defense of her and the ones we love.

For the King,

Billy

Next event

Wayne Huizenga, Jr. will be in town and if you would like to attend his event contact:

Frank Frye
Priority Associates
24051 Jennings Road
Myakka City, Florida 34251
941-322-2931(H) 941-725-4982(C)
Re-define The Bottom Line for Life - Spiritual/Personal
Family, Business

From Craig

Hello Gang,

The past few weeks have been very inspirational for me. From the Sweetheart's Night at WILDMEN to the joint meeting with the new IRONMEN at Sarasota Baptist this Thursday night, I have felt the Spirit telling me that He is well pleased with our ministies...we are doing good things for the Kingdom. BUT...is it enough?
WHAT is "enough"? Should we ever be satisfied with where we are spiritually? Is there more we can do; SHOULD do? Has God ever said to you "Thanks, but that's all I had for you. Just maintain your current pace and I will be happy..."? The answer is pretty obvious isn't it? We "...ALL sin and fall short of the Glory of God...".

I am not talking about guilt here, Christ did away that for all believers. His Grace is sufficent. He does NOT want us wallowing in guilt. He wants us to shake off the guilt which comes from the evil one. Our sins are as far from His recall as the "...East is from the West." He allows us the freedom to serve Him in ways we have never dreamed of. To "Boldly go where no man has gone before.." in our service to Him. Keep your eyes and ears and mind and spirit and body open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Listen for the command to charge into battle!

Yes gentlemen, we are in battle as real as any ever fought on any battlefield in history. Billy Tullos reminded us Thursday night at IRONMEN of the scripture passages of Ephesians 6:10 and following; ".....be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the FULL armor of God so that you may take your stand against the devil's schemes...". One of the chief tools of the enemy is to lull us into complacency and routine. When we are doing really good things for the Kingdom, we get tricked into thinking that it is enough. As long as there are un-saved people and sin on this earth, we are NOT doing enough! As long as there is divorce and pornography and alcoholism and physical abuse going on in our lives and the lives our loved ones and in the Church as much as in the secular world; WE are NOT doing ENOUGH!

What does God ask of us? Jesus told us to "...be Holy, just as your FATHER is Holy..." WHOA!!!!!!!!! What was that? Is that where the bar has been set? A big part of our discussion at IRONMEN was on just that scripture. There is nothing short of PERFECT that is good enough. Have we set our sights at the proper target? Another scheme of the devil..."I can never be perfect, so why should I even think about that...Surely God doesn't REALLY expect ME to be PERFECT...". that is another lie form the devil. Yes God does expect us to strive for that perfection and our battle is not over until we get there! God never said the Christian life would be easy. But He did promise to be with us through the entire war...every attack, every retreat, every wounded soldier, every fatality, every charge and every VICTORY! There will be casualties of war. There will be wounds, but there WILL BE VICTORY! (I have read the Book; I KNOW how the story ends)!!!!

Billy pointed out several scriptures Thusrday night. This is one that I find very appropriate and uplifting...a big part of our arsenal. 2 Corinthians 10:3 and 4; For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have devine power to demolish strongholds." THAT should boost your self confidence going into battle! Our weapons have THE DEVINE POWER TO DEMOLISH STRONGHOLDS!!! How cool is that! We are equipped. We are armed. We are already IN the battle. Time to step it up! BOLDLY proclaim your faith PUBLICLY! Never shy from your open love for our Savior! Do not deny Him as Peter did when he was surounded by the enemy! Peter recognized his mistake and made it public knowledge so that others might learn from his example. King David sinned mightly and yet was still called "A man after God's own heart" because of his repentence and because he re-engaged and stayed in the fight. Moses, a Hebrew child abandoned; a murderer on the run from the law; with a speech impediment. Paul, a pursecutor and murderer of Christians. Fishermen, tax collectors, tent makers.... WHY would I ever think that GOD can't use ME! Has he not shown us that He can, and will use anyone. Well Gentlemen....That means YOU and ME too!

We will not be of much use on the battlefield until we heal our own wounds. WILDMEN is here to help each of us fight our own personal demons, to help heal our wounds. To make us better men, better fathers and better husbands. But that is not the end. To make us better...SO THAT....we will be faithful, strong and courageous soldiers of the Lord! We must recruit new soldiers. And lets covenant to stay with them through Basic Training so that they can become successful. well equipped soldiers. It is a life-long process. Lots of In-Service Training and On The Job Training. We are not not going to save men and families by making Christianity look easy. It is a constant war. Christ needs soldiers, not puppets. God has equipped MEN to be the leaders of the armies in this war. Reject Passivity, Accept Responsibility, Lead Courageously and EXPECT God's reward!

If pride is a sin, I am about to sin right here in front of God and this great cloud of witnesses. Thursday night at the IRONMEN meeting, we had several of our very own WILDMEN there in support of those guys at Sarasota Baptist as they begin their new ministry. There was probably close to ten guys there from our Tuesday night WILDMEN. It did my heart good to see the support for this new ministry. We have a great bunch of guys in WILDMEN! GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope to see you guys all at Woodland on Tuesday night. Call any time.

I LOVE YOU!
Craig Smoot
941-518-8300

P.S.
To the WILDMAN who called me twice last week and didn't leave a message...LEAVE A MESSAGE! It took me a week and a half to figure out who was calling!

The New Employee

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman


But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Cor 4:7).

What would happen if Jesus took your place for a year in your workplace? Let's consider some hypothetical things that He might do.

He would do His work with excellence. He would be known around the office for the great work He did (Exodus 31:2).

He would develop new ideas for doing things better (Eph 3:20).

He would hang out with sinners in order to develop a relationship with them in order to speak to them about the Father (Mt 9:12).

He would strategically pray for each worker about their concerns and their needs. He would pray for those who even disliked Him (Mt 5:44).

He would rally the office to support a needy family during Christmas (Jer 22:16).

He would offer to pray for those who were sick in the office and see them get healed (Mt 14:14).

He would honor the boss and respect him/her (Titus 2:9).

He would consider the boss as His authority in His workplace (Rom 13:1).

He would be truthful in all his dealings and never exaggerate for the sake of advancement ( Ps 15:2).

He would be concerned about His city (Lk 19:41).

He would always have a motive to help others become successful, even at his own expense (Pr 16:2).

Hmm. Sounds like some good ideas we could each model

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father:
I need you and I know that many of my brothers do as well. We are under attack because we love you and want to serve you. Today I ask for you to bless my brothers and sisters and protect them where ever they are. You are an amazing God and your word touches our heart.
For all those children that are parentless and living in foster care or in orphanages across the country and the world I ask for a special blessing on them and that you will put people in their lives to help and teach them. They are your children and although their earthly parents have forsaken them we know that you never forsake them. Please bless them.
For all those people that are caring for them father God I ask in the name of your son Jesus Christ that you richly bless them and give them supernatural strength to love these children and care for them. It takes a special person to love them and I ask that you protect them. Send them an angel to camp around them and their families.
Thank you father for all that you have given us, but especially your son.

We love you,

Amen

Your Daily Bread

Today the message is so strong, as we did our bible study this morning and read it every line spoke to me. Yesterday we had the opportunity to hear Coach Joe Gibbs talk and his message was about the playbook for life and the bible is that. What I took away is that God is our father and is teaching us, and we as fathers need to use the playbook of life and teach our children, not only with our actions but with his word.

Take a read and let Gods word help you.

1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, 2 for they will give you a long and satisfying life. 3 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. 7 Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. 8 Then you will gain renewed health and vitality. 9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine. 11 My child, don't ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. 12 For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. 13 Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. 14 For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 She offers you life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. 17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. 18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. 19 By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the clouds poured down rain. 21 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, 22 for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. 23 They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. 24 You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. 25 You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, 26 for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. 27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. 28 If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you." 29 Do not plot against your neighbors, for they trust you. 30 Don't make accusations against someone who hasn't wronged you. 31 Do not envy violent people; don't copy their ways. 32 Such wicked people are an abomination to the LORD, but he offers his friendship to the godly. 33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but his blessing is on the home of the upright. 34 The LORD mocks at mockers, but he shows favor to the humble. 35 The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!