Monday, January 30, 2012

Where I've Been

What’s up family!  First, I do want to thank all of my brothers and sisters for reading, sharing and supporting the Blueprint for Manhood Blog.

Second, Happy New Year!  A couple of weeks late but I still hope that there are new blessings manifesting in your life.

Where have I been?  Well, in Brooklyn mostly but you know that’s not what I mean.  Blogging or writing has been challenging for the latter half of 2011.  And I’m trying to get back into the swing of things now in 2012.

First, I started my journey toward a Doctorate in Ministry at Alliance Theological Seminary.  More than an education, this has been a new encounter with the Lord.

This is a whole new level of researching, reading and writing for me and taking the time for this blog has been difficult. 

The beauty of this Seminary experience is the intentional mentoring and coaching from the Professors.  It has been both humbling and inspiring to also be in a class full of colleagues in ministry.  My classmates are doing incredible things for the Kingdom yet they’ve joined this program to continue their growth.

Second, there have been significant changes in relationships and in ministry that have made my life a lot more hectic.  The changes have been like cutting off my right arm but they were necessary.  Right arm or not, when change is necessary, not to change is destructive.

And I am not simply making a comeback.  I am also going to launch a new blog focused on Life for everyone.  I will continue to minister messages targeting men through the Blueprint.  But I do want to begin a blog about life and specifically life in Christ. 

Thank you again for your support and please continue to keep me in your prayers.

Your brother,

Minister Onorio 

Lead to the Fight

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1 NIV

Jesus is thrown into conflict immediately after being affirmed by God the Father and the Holy Spirit.

And guess what?  It was the will of God that Jesus would face Satan in this cosmic showdown. 

What is the wilderness?  The wilderness is an uncultivated place and needs to be transformed.  It can be a dry place where it is hard to find nourishment.  The wilderness can seem to be a lonely place or at least a hard place to sense or feel God’s presence.

Wow.  This is a rough way to end what would seem to be a great spiritual and emotional high.  Only a verse before this chapter we read the Father’s words, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 

Here are a few reminders for us from this verse:
1. The Spirit of God leads us into and in the wilderness.  No matter what your life looks like or feels like right now believe that the Spirit of God is with you.
2. Affirm your identity as a son of God.  Being tested doesn’t mean you stop being a son of God.  Being tested is the opportunity for you to stand as a son of God.
3. Depend on the Holy Spirit.  You cannot defeat the devil in your own strength and wisdom.  The Spirit leads you so that you could also lean on His strength.
4. The Lord promises never to test you more than you can bear.  And with every test there is a door of escape.

- What are your thoughts on the Wilderness?
- What are your questions and thoughts about the passage in Matthew?

Please share below!

Your brother,

Minister Onorio

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