Declaration of Manhood

When in the course of maturing it becomes necessary for a boy to become a man, to assume among other men, separate and equal station, to which God has called them, mankind requires that they should declare what defines a true man, and what process they will undertake to attain such status. We hold these truths to be evident, that all men are created equal and that they are entrusted by God with certain unalienable duties, among which are responsibility and leadership. To secure these duties it is the responsibility of men to lay firm foundations based on truth, such that boys may be raised up into true manhood. To that end let us each uphold and teach these principles to our boys: - Pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fighting the good fight of the faith and taking hold of the eternal life to which we are called (1 Timothy 6:11-12) - Reject the passivity that is so easily embraced by men. Reject the example of our ancestor Adam who idly watched as Eve accepted the fruit in the garden. Instead embrace Christ’s good example of action, especially in times of need. - Accept the responsibility that has been given. Do not avoid what is given you, or blame others for your failures. Respond as Christ did and carry out your duty with excellence even when it is not favorable to you to do so. - Lead your family, your church, your workplace, and your community courageously and with integrity and fear of the Lord. - Expect God’s greater reward in heaven for living a life that is pleasing to the Lord. At all times act in a way that will uphold the following values: - Honor A man of honor is a man of integrity; he guards every word and action against any falsehood. Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” - Courage A man of courage is one whose strength of mind enables him to overcome any fear or danger. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." - Chivalry A man who is chivalrous shows respect for others. He is considerate and puts others before himself. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” - Purity A man who is pure is clean in heart, mind, speech and body. Psalm 119:9-11 says, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart. Do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” - Loyalty A man who is loyal is one who is true in affections and allegiance. I Corinthians 15:58 says, "Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." - Obedience An obedient man is one who follows the commands of God’s Word and complies with the wishes of those in authority over him. Psalms 119:33-34 says, “Teach me, oh Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” - Dedication A dedicated man is one who has committed his whole self to Jesus Christ. Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is; his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” - To be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus, and in these things laid out in the presence of witnesses. To entrust these things to future men, who will be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:1-2) - To endure hardships together as good soldiers of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:3) We therefore, as men, do, in the presence of God, and witnesses, publish and declare that we will learn, uphold and teach these truths, that we may mature in true manhood. For support of this declaration, with our reliance on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we pledge each other our support and honor of these principles and the passing on of them to the next generation.

Tuesday

Another good night at Battalion!! We played murder ball to start the night, my team won the first game and were feeling pretty good about it. After that Dan's team won the next four, we almost came back to win two but could not make it happen. After that we played British bull dog, always a big hit. We made Jerrod start in the middle because he was taking smack. He was slow to start but started taking us down. At the end it was Dan, Ryan and myself left. Ryan and I did not last very long and then there was Dan. His first solo run across the gym Stephen stepped up to take him on, and instantly took him down before the rest of us barely moved. Well done Stephen!!
After that we talk about Joshua and the city of Jericho. We talk about the solid faith that he had in God and did not waver in what God asked him to do. Something we can all work on.

First night back after christmas was a good one!! Played floor hockey, game went back and forth who had the lead. Not sure who acctually one my team or Dans but it was a great game. After that we listened to Dan talk about Gideon and how Gideon was afraid but God still used him because Gideon kept moving forward with his faith and was following God's plan. We talked about what Gideon saw happen when he followed God and how that would have changed his life, and how something like that would change ours if that happened to us. Dan then showed us what happened to Gideon and the people of Israel after the battle and how they worshiped the ephoed and not God himself, and they went back to there old ways. We talked about how crazy it seemed that the people would fall away so fast after something so amazing happened in front of them, and how the ephod was a snare to Gideon and his family.
Hope you guys will be there next week!!

It has been a while since someone put some thing on here, sorry guys something to work on I guess.

if you did not make it last night you miss out! We played Bulldog all night, Ryan and Stephen were almost unstoppable. After that we talked about David and Goliath, and why David would even step forward to take on the monster. David was not looking at the monster, he was looking at the promises that God had told him, that he was to be the next king, and he was leading the people already even if he was still a boy, if no one else was. David did not see Goliath as a problem because he had God on his side. He rejected Sauls armor and weapons, and used the tools that he understood and was familar with and left the rest in Gods hands. We should do the same, use the gifts and talents that God has given us, face the giants in our life whatever they look like and then leave the rest to God.