| I submit to you that we generally have three types of fathers. 1) Heavenly Father, 2) Earthly fathers (biological, founding), 3) Spiritual fathers (Pastors). (Read Bastards & the Removal of Statues & Flags) |
Happy Father’s Day! Speaking of fathers, years ago I happened to be in Kansas City for a funeral. While shaving one morning, I was praying and conversing with the Father. I asked, “Lord, why does my family struggle with their belief in You?” The Spirit of God spoke to my spirit-man, “Because, earthly fathers are supposed to be a reflection of your Heavenly Father. If earthly fathers are absent – physically, emotionally, etc. – people tend to project that on to Me and perceive Me as an absent Father. If earthly fathers are abusive, people will project that on to Me and perceive Me as abusive.” I was mildly dizzied as this revelation flooded through me. Because fathers give.
Men, what are you projecting? A mantle of fatherhood was placed squarely on your shoulders by God Himself (Gen 2:15-17; 1Cor 11:3). To wit, the word husband literally means “house-band,” i.e., the thing that keeps a house together. So, understand the presence of fathers is the beginning of order. Therefore, in the absence of fathers we will tend toward disorder. With the colossal removal, absence, and degradation of fathers (leaders/authorities) today, death and decay is always the result. The absence of fathers is also a sign of judgment from God on a society (Isa 3:1-5; Hos 4:4-14). Because fathers give.
| When men forfeit their God-given role as leaders, some form of death is always the result. (Read “This is your fault! they did not need to die!”) |
While speaking to a group of men, the majority of them quickly, indignantly, and ignorantly stated, “Pregnancy is NOT a reason to get married!” I challenged. “Before you make a general conclusion like that, let’s examine this situation a bit more closely.” I asked, “What must a pregnant, unmarried woman be feeling?” They imagined that she’d most likely be scared, worried, ashamed, alone, shocked, and maybe feel unprepared. She’d heavily be weighing her options – to keep the baby or have an abortion. I then asked, “What about the baby when it’s born? Wouldn’t that child benefit from the immediate, constant presence of the daddy? Wouldn’t validation from the daddy benefit that child?” I then turned the tables. “How many of you wish your daddy was around to raise you? And, how many of you understand that your life was greatly handicapped with the absence of your father?” Practically every man conceded this as a deep sense of conviction fell upon them. They saw more clearly the damage that self-absorbed men can cause. Because fathers give.
I pressed, “Why couldn’t you see those consequences five minutes ago?” They replied, “I didn’t think about that,” or, “I didn’t see that.” I explained. “It’s because you were only thinking about yourself!” They all humbly confessed this was true, that too often they think only of themselves, and that they’ve lived self-centered lives instead of wife-centered, child-centered, and Christ-centered lives. Because fathers give.
▪Jn 15:12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (vs.13) Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
▪Jn 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
▪2Sam 10:12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.
| In the absence of men, there is still work to be done. (Read “Leaving It For Someone Else?”) |
By default, children without fathers inherit roles as orphans, bastards, or illegitimate. Very early in life they are somewhat handicapped and crippled. At nine or ten years-old my family fell apart, so I spent the rest of my life largely growing up without a father. I am now sixty-one years-old and very well adjusted, but to this day I still wrestle with the effect of that dreadful void. I couldn’t explain it then, but I know now that that trauma fostered issues of loss and lack of identity, insecurity and abandonment, loneliness and confusion, feelings of inferiority, and shattered confidence and self-esteem. I firmly know that if I had had a good father there to guide, teach, push, and validate me, I could have gone further in life, earlier in life. Because fathers give.
Overwhelmingly today, men (leaders, politicians, authorities, teachers, athletes, celebrities) are godless and preoccupied with self-interests – their flesh, their ignorance, their fear. They are consumed with self-indulgent lives and have learned only to take, never to give. The late Doctor Edwin Louis Cole wrote, “Love gives — lust gets. Love gives at the expense of self. Lust gets at the expense of others.” Because fathers give.
Godly, healthy, selfless men are missing today simply because men don’t genuinely have Christ. Therefore, most men today don’t possess a godly, fathering-spirit. And, this loss of God-given purpose can only lead to frustration and self-abuse. It’s like the story of the sea lion who has lost the sea, and he instinctively suspects he was made for something far greater, but doesn’t know what. And while he wrestles with resignation and compromise, he cannot ignore, replace, or kill a desire placed in his heart by his Creator. Nor will God let him stay there, lost. Because fathers give.
▪Proverbs 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set.
▪Proverbs 23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless.
Spiritually and prophetically speaking, these scriptures declare that fathers are responsible for setting boundaries such as faith in God, morality, standards of conduct, decency, and protection. These scriptures also warn against abandoning conventional, established ways that the Father established, which have worked for generations. Not long ago, fathers understood godly standards and maintained them. They negotiated and illuminated paths through wild and untamed places for their families. And, these “ways” worked! Have you ever seen a footpath? What happens when a footpath is no longer used? It literally gets lost due to neglect, abandonment, and rejection. Men will always have to travel the path of life, but increasingly today there’s no trail. What are we left to do? When asked this question, most men, almost in unison, say, “Cut our own path.” Oh, how far have we strayed?!! Because fathers give.
| We all have holes in our lives that only God can fill. (Read “You all have holes in your life! I’m trying to fill those holes with the Word of God!”) |
The dynamic between fathers and children is of cardinal significance. So much so, that God addresses this issue with the final verses of the Old Testament. He closes the Old Testament with an enormous reveal and promise. “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. (vs.6) And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” (Mal 4:5-6) To God be all the glory! Here, literally in the last two verses of the Old Testament, God highlights the heart of mankind’s problem – the Father/child disconnect. And He graciously promises to restore this relationship! Because fathers give.
I have found that most men want to be good husbands and fathers, and love well. They just don’t know how, though. They’ve not had very good examples, so they haven’t been taught. Men, this may sound crass, but you’re called to be fathers by impregnating people (family, friends, society) primarily with the incorruptible seed of the Word of God (1Pe 1:23; Mt 28:19-20). Would you see godliness restored on this earth? In our families and homes? In our communities? In our nation? In the world? Then stop just taking and start giving people the Word of God. Because fathers give.
▪Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world He gave…
This is the solution! Reconnecting souls with the Father! Only when I gave my life to Christ did I begin to unlearn all my mess and begin to learn His message of my true identity. He said He would be the Father to the fatherless (Ps 68:5) and He’s taught me how to give. Because fathers give!
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This month’s featured Videos:
– “Kill the grasshopper!”
– “You are an original masterpiece!”
– “Are you guilty of ‘Stolen Valor’?”
– “Did you just call me a sissy?!!” (A song I wrote and sang.)
“Fix Bayonets!” (Role-playing Drills)
Far too many Christians are opinion-based, not Word-based. “Fix bayonets” are role-playing drills (Christians vs. Critics) that we conduct to practice responding with the Word of God to worldly arguments we may encounter. These drills are uncomfortable at first, but they bear much fruit. (Read “Does God need defending?”)
When you think of war, what comes to mind? Russia and Ukraine? China? WWII? Did spiritual warfare cross your mind? Did demonic possession come to mind? Did hell-bound souls? God calls Christians to fight the good fight! (1Tim 6:12) (Read “Do you wrestle?”)
Common Objections (101/201/301)
These are the most common objections (excuses) to the gospel. Simply put, the degree to which you can respond with scripture to each of these arguments is a reflection of your discipleship. I challenge you to research at least one argument each day. I promise you will grow! (Read “We make disciples!”)
These issues are religious, political, moral, and philosophical. And, believe it or not, the Bible addresses each of these topics. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for clarification or guidance. (Read a harrowing dream I had. “They took my youngest daughter first.”)
Some of the biggest battles we face are internal. Your greatest challenge is NOT killing giants. It’s killing your grasshopper mentality. Every soul seeks Meaning, Dignity, Identity, Value. However, only the Creator of all things is qualified to fill these needs. The answers we’re looking for are in His Word. (Read: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”)
“Fellowship + Food + Fun = Fam!”
So many souls. So many stories. So many struggles. But this is a thing I know… God is our fixed point of reference. (Read “Who moved the muffler?!!!”)
In our humility and love, the Spirit of God unites our hearts quickly. The Zebulun Fam is amazing! (Read “The grace of God is bigger than my ____?”)
2012 to Present
June 16, 2012 was Zebulun’s first service. We’ve come a long way since then. Much Kingdom fruit has been harvested! Watch “Love is not a chore. It’s an opportunity.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnt5b5WvJiI)
Stepping out in faith, years ago, was a huge leap for us. “What if it fails? What if no one comes? I don’t know what I’m doing!” Honestly, building Zebulun was such a great faith-challenge that we didn’t have time to be bored. I’ve learned that true faith isn’t boring! Watch “Ever been bored as a Christian?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uk0-yS5rEA)
Map in 2012. In 2012, I felt strongly led by the Holy Ghost to purchase this giant USA wall-map. As men and women come through our doors and get discipled, they’ve had the privilege of pinning and praying for their hometowns. (Read “I have a confession.”)
Map in 2023. Years later, thousands of men and women have been discipled, activated, and “released into the fields.” (Mt 9:37-38) (Read “I believed, so I spoke.”)
Our Mission: “Gather Sheep and Converts Goats!” Our Vision: “Catch, Clean, & Release!” Watch “Hey you! Rise up and walk!” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RNOk3D4-Ro)
I intentionally engage people. I provoke, I love, and I challenge them into a deeper relationship with Christ. (Read “Hey! I have been looking for you!!!”)
Agree with us in Prayer:
| We make disciples. We demand maturity. We provoke, immerse, expose, and involve people very quickly. As such, rapid Christ-like transformation occurs. Watch “On a scale from 1-10, what kind of Christian are you?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oFn98CJCEY&t=3s) |
a. For the prisoners in the Brig, that Christ is being preached, souls are being saved, and disciples are being made.
b. For Mature, Qualified Families and Permanent Personnel to co-labor with us in this northern-most, remote area of Okinawa. Henoko/Schwab outreach carries a constant rebuilding nature due its location, high turnover rate, and operational tempo. We literally rebuild a congregation every six months and gather new members. Pray for the discipling and releasing of more laborers into the harvest here. Pray for our strength, wisdom, and resources as weekly we gather sheep and convert goats.
c. For our current schedule, i.e. finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength:
▪ Sun: Share/Report Christians In Action ministries
▪ Mon: Radical & Relevant (R&R) @1900
▪ Wed: Publish YouTube Videos (Channel: YahwehHasASon)
▪ Thu: Publish Think On These Things newsletters
▪ Sat: Zebulun Christian Discipleship Center (ZCDC) @1800
▪Make a Donation
▪Facebook Live Ministry Videos
“Make a Donation!”
Sandy and I started building here by faith. We started making disciples back in 2000 with a small Bible study on Futenma Air Station. Since then, God continues to increase our territory. We can use your help. Financial support has been down, yet ministerial demands have increased. Please consider partnering with us in these works. Make a Donation (https://cinami.org/missionary/guerra-nick-sandy/)
In closing…
| Although far from perfect, I’ve tried to “give” to these ladies, right here. I’ve tried to give them Christ… to be an example of a godly man. Watch “Hey Dominic!” How we met. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpO06k53a14&t=169s) |
Beloved, grace and peace to you from God, our Father! Thank you for your prayers. We continue to covet them.
Week in and week out, Sandy and I minister to souls. We give them Christ! Weekly, we have the privilege of watching so many men and women be transformed by the Word of God, the love of God, and the power of God!
Please consider partnering with us in these works. Your contributions directly enable us to keep ministering to souls and make disciples. Donations can be made online through Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below.
I declare that you fully understand that the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil! (1Jn 3:8)
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In His will,
Nick & Sandy Guerra, Bond-servants of Christ
Contributions can be mailed to:
Dominic Guerra (Acct# 426)
c/o Christians In Action, Missions International
1300 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 135
Fresno, CA 93710-7904
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— Our Mission & Vision —
“Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!”
“Catch, Clean, & Release!”
ZCDC 