All Weekly Sharpening Posts

January 18, 2022

Lot Rot of the Soul

In 2006, I bought a 1997 Jeep Wrangler with only 15,000 miles.  Why did a nine-year-old Jeep only have 15,000 miles?  Excellent question!  It had been sitting in my brother-in-law’s driveway for several years.  The Jeep had been wrecked and had some cosmetic issues.  He bought it at an auction to repair it, sell it and make a profit.  Some people turn houses; my brother-in-law turned Jeeps.

He gave me a family discount, and I was quickly enjoying my new Jeep, which was by far the coolest car I ever owned.  I enjoyed it right up until it died on the side of the highway about a month later.  I had it towed to a mechanic who told me that my low mileage Jeep was suffering from a condition called “lot rot.”

Lot rot?!?

The mechanic explained quite simply that cars are meant to be driven.  My Jeep sat parked in the elements for years.  Moisture builds up in the engine and other places when a car sits for too long.  Normal driving burns off the moisture that creates rust and decay.

Cars are meant to be driven.  That’s why we buy them.  That’s their purpose.  When they don’t serve their purpose, bad things can happen.

The same can be said about men.  Men are meant to be in relationship with God and other men.  That’s how we are created, to be in fellowship with one another.  When men aren’t connected to other men, bad things can happen. 

Men, let’s avoid lot rot of the soul and engage in meaningful ways with one another.

Here are a few opportunities:

Thursday Morning Men: Life Lessons from the Warrior Poet

We are launching a new weekly Bible study on the life of David on January 20. The man after God’s own heart, but far from perfect, David lived a fascinating life.  It’s a life of incredible victories and soul-crushing decisions and defeats that all men should learn from.  The morning includes large group worship and teaching, followed by small group discussion.  Register HERE.

Living Lionhearted Tuesday Night Study | 7:00-8:30pm | C3 Church

​Perhaps​ now more than ever, men need a clear understanding of what biblical manhood looks like.  Living Lionhearted is Pastor Mike’s vision of manhood that he developed for himself and his son over many years.  Now it’s packaged as a journal with weekly reading and questions for reflection and discussion.  Men will gather in person off-site for teaching and small group discussion for this 10-week study.  Register HERE.

Forged | January 22 | Kampfe Farm

Forged is a ministry for teen boys and dads.  We are “Shaping Men for Life” as we gather to learn valuable life skills.  The first in a series of events, this one focuses on chopping wood, making kindling, and building the perfect campfire.  We’ll close with a short devotional​ and dinner cooked over a fire.​ Teens are welcome with or without their dad.  Register HERE.

Men’s Breakfast | January 29

We’re bringing the breakfast back!  Connect with other men, enjoy a great meal and hear an encouraging word from Pastor Mike.  Register HERE.

Weekly Sharpening Blog by Pastor Mike

Each week explores authentic masculinity and our lives as Christian men.  Subscribe HERE.  [If you have subscribed but aren’t receiving it, check your trash, spam or promotional folders.]  You can also access them on the website.  New posts arrive every Friday morning.​

4^th Quarter | Senior Men’s Group Bible Studies:

Paul-the Man Behind the Letter | Thursdays at 8:30am via Zoom | 8-week Study Starting January 6

Led by retired Portland Seminary professor Dr. Kent Yinger, we are focusing on Paul, the author of Romans, as well as the recipients of this letter.  We’ll consider various aspects of the context of this vital letter (Paul’s Jewish background, the Greco-Roman culture, the nature of the Roman church, etc.)  Contact Don Lewis for more information.  lewisdkl@comcast.net

Tuesday Morning Bible Study | John 19-21 | 8:00-9:15am @ RW

Contact Geoff Brown for more information.   geoff.brown@comcast.net

Future Events:

Father + Daughter Dance | February 18 @ RW | RSVP HERE

Father + Daughter Camp | April 29-May 1 @ Twin Rocks Camp

Father + Son Camp | October 14-16 @ Twin Rocks Camp [New date and location!]