What is ”The Strange Him!!”? The Strange Him!! is a MAN who has conviction, courage, and strength. A “MAN” in today’s society is totally different than a “man”. A MAN is one who protects, provides, and leads. These MEN are truly strange to most people, and this newsletter is an observance and celebration of that MAN. Thank you for your support, and hopefully, you will like what you read. If you like this content, share this newsletter with another “strange” MAN. You can share the newsletter by simply clicking on the Facebook, X, Linked In, or email buttons above. Stay strange, my friend!!

The What

"Forging Clarity: A Servant Defined Through Examples"- A forge shapes steel through intense heat, making it malleable and preparing it for transformation. Similarly, the following information aims to provide a clear and practical understanding of servanthood by illustrating key concepts through real-life examples.

We all have visions of a servant in our minds. When we think of a servant, many of us may instantly imagine something similar to the image above. Throughout history, servants have always been a part of society. Through the years, servants have been tasked with duties ranging from fanning Cleopatra in an ancient Egyptian throneroom to the unthinkable hours of backbreaking workloads by Chinese laundry workers in the early 1800s. Regardless of the task, the servant’s main priority is serving their master.

Let's fast forward to today. Is it hard to imagine being a servant to the man shown above? He has no control over us. He is definitely wouldn’t be considered a master. He has no power, no money, no authority. This man seemingly has nothing…but despite all of that, the truth is, that WE should be willing to be his servant. Sometimes, it's difficult to know who is truly in need, especially when some folks will try to take advantage of our kindness. However, our hearts will often recognize a person in true need. Whether they are homeless, out of gas on the side of the road, or have 3 days until payday and there is no food at home for their family. Our heart will often know, but not always. God didn’t program our hearts to be able to instantly determine if someone is in need…but…if we need some direction, seek Jesus. As you seek Jesus and endeavor to be more like Him, you will begin to find the direction you need to be a servant of people.

The Maxim - general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct

There are a couple of varied definitions for the word servant.

The servant, most of us think of, is defined as “one who is employed to render personal services to his employer, otherwise than in the pursuit of an independent calling, and who in such service remains entirely under the control and direction of the latter, who is called his master.” - Black’s Law Dictionary

However, the Bible has a similar but totally different take than the previous definition. Both definitions refer to serving, but one is through obligation, and one is through love. Take the following excerpt from the Lancaster Farming website. “One definition for being a faithful servant, according to the Bible, is to be a devoted and helpful follower, to be humble before God, to be ready to act as God nudges and inspires us, to help meet the needs of other people, and to remember that it is not about money or reward.” - On Being the Lord’s Servant by Kathy Brumbaugh

The Bible encourages us to "Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back" (Luke 6:30). But, the Bible also reminds us to use discernment, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (John 7:24). There are times when we just know in our heart that someone is in need because of observations and conversations. Although, in your heart, you know this person will never reach out and ask for help. Don't wait for their call. Step out in faith and be their servant, whether asked or not. Acts 20:35 says, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 

We are all called to be servants, but we often find ourselves guilty of judging others based on their appearances. Many of us may have encountered the same person at the same corner, making it a job asking people for donations. Needless to say, this daily ritual will no doubt raise our eyebrows as to what may really be going on. However, the Bible instructs us to give to "everyone”.

Take the following example of how a friend of the newsletter “discerns” truth from falsities. One day, this friend shared a story of encountering different homeless individuals at the same intersection every day on his way home from work. His heart became convinced that he somehow needed to respond to their requests for help, but he was also convinced not all of these panhandlers were in true need or despair. Eventually, he decided to test the sincerity of their appeals. He started offering bottles of water to them, only to have them often admonish him for his kindness and then drop the water on the ground, signaling that water wasn't what they were after.

Despite encountering such challenges, the friend has continued his efforts, and now, whenever he comes across someone genuinely grateful for that bottle of water, he often offers further assistance to them. It is a small act of assurance(discernment) that turns a giver into a servant. Not everyone in need has to be tested to know their heart or situation, but sometimes, when doubt rears its head, we must find ways to respond.

Service is deeply embedded in our hearts and can be conveyed through various acts. Service is lifting others up, whether helping them fulfill a dream, helping them in a battle with anxiety, comforting them during a cloudy stage of life, or simply giving a thirsty person a bottle of water…service is about helping others with no expectation of reward. No matter how it's expressed, service ultimately means doing or helping another person or people. When we humble ourselves to serve others, we look past the wants and needs of our own lives and instead respond to distractions, situations, opportunities, concerns, or any other need in someone else's life!

The Bible tells us that by serving one another and encouraging others, we are a witness to Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

The Toolbox - Just like your local mechanic has a toolbox filled with tools to help him get the job done, this section will offer some tools that hopefully will help improve your life and help you build a better you.

Most of us want to be a better form of ourselves tomorrow than we are today. One way we can become better humans is to be servants to others. For some, it is hard to reach out and help others, while for others, it is second nature. The following are five common traits that are found among servants of people. As you read these things, be true to yourself and question how you practice these traits in your life. If you realize that you are not actively applying these principles, and they may be a bit rusty, there's no better moment than now to elevate yourself and become a more dedicated servant to those in need around you.

Humility

Humility is number one on this list because, without humility, we can never be servants to others. A servant must be humble to put the needs of others before his own needs. Humility is not a learned skill but more akin to an attitude you pick up along the road of life. Humility means being willing to be second while putting others first. When you serve, you give of yourself, give of your time, give of your knowledge, give of your possessions, and give of your heart. Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less, and without thinking of yourself less, there will never be voluntary service.

• Humility is…about being self-aware. It involves knowing your strengths and weaknesses. We all have skills that we excel at, and we should use those gifts to serve others. At the same time, there are areas in which we struggle. In those cases, learning from those who have mastered the areas we battle constantly is essential.

• Humility is…having the courage to be straightforward with yourself and those around you. If you want to help others, it's essential to be honest with them about the situation. Avoid sugarcoating or hiding problems. Before someone can be helped, they need to know and understand the problem. If they don’t know where they stand in relation to the situation, they will never be able to understand the steps needed to help change their direction.

• Humility is…being open to constructive criticism. Often, there are other ways to accomplish a task or goal. We are not perfect, but until we try something, we will never know if it will work. Don’t be too prideful to change direction even if it doesn't work. Don’t continue down a path that you know is not beneficial.

• Humility is…allowing yourself to be vulnerable, transparent, and open. We never want our intentions to shine a light on ourselves but rather lift others.

• Humility is…being appreciative of others' support, valuing their opinions and contributions, and generally being thankful for everything. When someone offers their support, time, and generosity, they give a piece of their heart, and that’s a truly priceless gift.

• Humility is…being willing to learn from others. There is always someone who knows more than you, and they may have more insight than we do. Don’t let pride keep you from becoming a better you. None of us have all the answers, and even when we do have knowledge, there are often better ideas that will make things a little better or easier.

• Humility is…never being arrogant or belittling others. Be the person people want around because you inspire and encourage them. We will never help anyone if we put ourselves above them. Contrarily, we can only help anyone by putting their situation above ours.

Identifying the Needs and Pains of Others

Servants will see the needs and pains of others no matter where they are or what they are doing. Somehow, to the servant, this observation is never by accident, no matter how subtle the signs. By purposefully listening to verbal and non-verbal cues, they detect issues and emotional struggles that are not obvious to most people. Through an approach that involves listening and then responding with questions that are sensitive while offering responses that encourage the servant and are sensitive, through attentive observation, a servant always seeks to identify and meet the needs of those around them.

The Compassion for Sufferings and Misfortunes

Where there are sufferings and misfortunes, there you will find servants. This is because servants will be the ones who have concerns and sympathy for people with pain in their lives. Compassion is literally defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering. Remember the “Good Samaritan” when he came upon the robbery victim lying on the side of the road..” he had compassion on him”(Luke 10:33). Don’t shy away from helping those who need someone. One day, it may be you that requires just a little lift.

Courage

Serving others inevitably leads to situations that move us out of our comfort zone. The fact is, when we give of ourselves in response to another’s needs, we become vulnerable to their pain, and we may feel inadequate to help with the situation. If you ever find yourself feeling that you have no idea what you are doing, it is ok, you are there for a person in need and for that there is never a playbook. Heck, you being there might be all they need at that moment. Pray for strength and guidance. If you seek God earnestly, he will give you the courage you need. Consider Paul (Acts 20-28); he is under threat of his life through imprisonment and even death, yet because he is focused on his service to God, his courage is great because of the strength and desire the Holy Spirit had filled him with. Serving is rarely as dangerous as it was for Paul, but it can sometimes feel that way. Remember, in all things, focus on Christ; He will surely give us all the courage we need.

Sense of Responsibility

Understanding the importance of taking responsibility doesn't mean we have to carry the weight of others' struggles on our shoulders. We aren't expected to shoulder the full burden of someone else's challenges. However, some people approach life with a servant's heart and feel a strong sense of duty to offer help. They feel a profound calling to provide support wherever suffering or need arises. This outlook compels them to act with compassion and understanding, not out of obligation, but because they feel a deep-rooted responsibility to positively impact the lives of those facing hardship.

 Odyssey - a long series of wanderings or adventures, especially when filled with notable experiences, hardships, etc…Use this challenge to step out of your box and propel yourself to greater heights while glorifying your Creator!

I am embarrassed to say that this challenge comes as a direct result of a burden on my heart. Yesterday evening, I was in a restaurant with my wonderful wife, and we were just being brought our meal. I noticed a woman sitting in the restaurant all alone, occasionally wiping her eyes like she had been crying. I then noticed that she had a bandage on her wrist and some lead connections (like connecting hospital telemetry equipment) taped on her body. She had something going on inside, and I am still unsure what it was, but in that moment, I could not help but think, “Maybe I need to step over to her table and ask her if I could pray with her.’ But, just like the devil wanted, I sat at my table eating and watched her get up and limp out of that restaurant. I am so ashamed of myself. I let my Lord down. I let myself down. I let you guys down. I flat failed. Such a hypocrite I am! My heart breaks for that woman because she looked alone and scared, and I am bitter with myself because I did exactly what the devil wanted me to do. Sit there and be silent. Lord, I am sorry I let you down. MEN, I am sorry I let you down.

So, with that little bit of history, I will tell you this…With the Lord as my Shepherd and my Rock, that will never happen again. I will never have that person on my conscience because I was a coward and did not take just a few minutes to show another human I care. With the strength of the Lord, I will not fail that way again.

So, to the challenge. Sometime over the next two weeks, if you encounter someone who seems to be having a hard time…stop and pray with them…or…if someone says, “If you don’t mind, keep “such and such” in your prayers,” stop right there and ask them if you can pray right then and there. It can be anyone…someone you know or don’t know; just be there in that moment and pray. Step up and step out in faith. God will give you strength if you just give Him the chance.

I know that is a little bolder than our past challenges, but to put it bluntly, it is a bold challenge because almost all of us, as men, suck at being MEN. Author included! We are so worried about what others think of us that we cower at anything outside our comfort zone. Why are we so worried about what others will say or think? Step out of your little safety box, put on your Shoes of Peace, gird up the masculinity that God placed in each of us, and be the MAN God made you to be!

The Quench - a process of rapidly cooling a piece of metal in order to achieve or modify specific properties like hardness, strength, or toughness.

You probably forgot the Odyssey from two weeks ago, but I will post it to refresh your memory. The following is taken from the last newsletter. But first, if you were not a believer in Christ and prayed to God and believed with all of your heart that Jesus died on the cross and rose again three days later…welcome, my Brother! I urge you to seek Jesus and try to be more and more like him. We will never succeed because we are imperfect, but we can continue trying.

The following is taken from the last newsletter.

If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, there is no better time than now. If you want to know more about salvation, email me at [email protected]. I would be more than happy to talk to you or find someone you know of Faith, and they will be more than happy to talk to you and help lead you. Jesus died on the cross for all of us, and there is nothing you have done in your life that can separate you so far that the Saviour can’t reach out and bring you in. All you have to do is believe. The following message is the best rebuttal I have ever heard to the “I have done so many bad things, God will never save me” argument.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, I challenge you to pray. I previously met with a gentleman who left me with the following, which I offer to you.

Pray -
1. Specifically—Be specific in your prayers (Lord, I pray you to grant me the wisdom to teach my children in the ways you would have me raise them so they would then be glorifying to you). Don’t pray in generalities (Lord, help me be a better parent).
2. Boldly -  Be bold and come to God, knowing that God hears all and wants to bless us.  Don't cower because YOU are unsure if he even hears your prayer. 
3. Persistantly - Bring it to the feet of God, often. If it means that much to you to bring it to God repeatedly, it will mean that much to God.
4.  Expectantly - Expect God to work.  It might not be what you think you need, or you may never see God’s hand moving, but God will work.

SO…How did the last challenge go?

How did you do? Did you pray specifically, boldly, persistently, and expectantly? I hope you did and hope you continue to do so. These things will not only bring you into a closer relationship with our Savior but will also give you the confidence to pray to God like you are old friends. That is the kind of relationship God wants with us…he wants a relationship with us like he had with Moses—a relationship where he can talk to us face to face…like a friend.

I am mentioning the men of F3 because they are servants. If you are plugged in with an F3 group, you will know these men not only work out but also serve each other.

Thanks again for subscribing and…

Stay Strange My Friend!