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Last night was absolutely incredible! @hiforrest was incredible, which was to be expected. But it was the moments like this - moments that left me almost in tears, hearing my kids worship the Lord without any reservation or embarrassment.

I was emotional because I thought my whole world came crashing down 3 years ago, and yet here I am with my whole world worshiping the Risen Christ! ONLY GOD!!!

As I continue on this journey of rebuilding, a journey that’s just beginning, I’m reminded that God does give beauty for ashes, and will make all things beautiful in His time. He is the only God who restores, who redeems, who renews, who resurrects, who is alive!

@hiforrest thank you for the reminder.

Kids, let’s keep storming the gates of hell and let’s make much of Jesus with everything we got. We only get one life. Let’s live it for the glory of the King.

#forrestfrank #jesusisalive #divorcerecovery #affairrecovery #healingseason

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Best day of my life. Ever.

My three little ones decided to declare their faith publicly before our spiritual family and loved ones. And I was an absolute mess.

See, it’s almost 3 years to the day their mother and I separated, which would lead to divorce. Aside from interceding for the restoration of my marriage, I prayed with such desperation for the salvation of my children, and that they wouldn’t grow to resent God because of what was happening.

Today, God showed me - it was the exact opposite. He would use the situation, the hardship, the many nights of prayers and tears to draw my children to himself. “Gratitude” doesn’t even begin to describe what I’m feeling.

I hugged so many of my church family and we rejoiced, saying “God is faithful! We’re looking at answered prayers!” Indeed, He never forgot us, and my kids will know that truth for all their lives.

So be encouraged, God is in the business of redeeming the most broken of situations for His Glory and for our joy.

Who am I that you’re mindful of me, Lord? May you receive all the honor and all the glory!

Oh, and we got to celebrate a birthday!

#happyeaster #resurrectionsunday #divorcerecovery #baptism #grateful

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Following the aftermath of discovering my ex-wife’s affair and ensuing divorce, I’ve been looking for redemption everywhere. Maybe I could have saved my marriage and seen it redeemed. Maybe being a good dad will redeem me. Maybe starting a movement to help men navigate similar hardships will redeem all I’ve been through. Maybe a godly significant other will redeem all the hell I’ve been through.

The truth is none of it was enough. If anything, that perspective created idols and would lead to destructive decisions and patterns, because the reality is man can’t offer me the kind of redemption that has already been secured by the blood of Christ! I’ve had to understand redemption was ALREADY secured on my behalf, and therefore I have the privilege to live freely in Christ from that place!

This alleviates the pressure from everyone else to satisfy this impossible task - including myself! I simply get to live freely out of my greatest identity - a child of God. Therefore whether it’s parenting, leading @theforgemensdiscipleship, or one day entering into a kingdom relationship that makes Hell tremble, I get to enjoy and steward it from a place of freedom and sonship.

My story was never mine to redeem. And that’s such a relief.

#divorcerecovery #affairrecovery #jesus #redemption #foryoupage

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“Should I take that position in another state?”

“Should I ask her out?”

“Should I move to another neighborhood?”

So many of these questions we often find ourselves assuming the answers without first submitting the petition.

Then we wonder why we experience burnout, heartbreak, or hardships.

We assumed the move, without first submitting it to the Lord - genuinely asking for His wisdom and His guidance in the decision - because in all honesty we believe we know best.

It’s giving a whole lot of “lean on your own understanding, and in some of your ways acknowledge Him, and you can direct your own path.” Foolations 2:25

But what if we’re being invited into something more? Something deeper and more extravagant? What if in the rhythms of submission and surrender, there’s a beautiful tapestry being formed where there is joy and delight - not because of your circumstances, but because you KNOW the One weaving your tapestry is also holding your hand. Your steps are aligned with His.

Idk, maybe I’m tripping and needed more caffeine in Panera. Or maybe the Lord is showing me, this time around let’s do it His way. Maybe He’s trying to show you too.

#healingseason #foryoupage #jesus #divorcerecovery #affairrecovery

@ivhisglory @buildtempl @theforgemensdiscipleship

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Sometimes things don’t work out. Maybe the promotion falls through. The marriage isn’t restored. The healing doesn’t come on this side of glory. The relationship ends.

You find yourself asking “why?”

Perhaps the Lord has greater in mind - a greater that is so different than the image you’ve painted for yourself as to what “good” can ONLY look like.

I’m learning God’s “no” or “not yet” comes from the same loving heart as His “yes,” and it’s for our good and His glory! So why not trust Him in this as well?

Stay faithful, keep pressing on, and trust the Lord in the unknown! Cheering you on to make much of Jesus today!

#divorce #divorcerecovery #affairrecovery #healingseason #jesus #winterarc #gym #healing #foryoupage

@ivhisglory @theforgemensdiscipleship @ffc_chicago

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#thecomeback

@theforgemensdiscipleship

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Going through a divorce, I often questioned God with so much frustration asking “why?” and “how?” Did I not sacrifice enough? Was I not devoted enough? How could he allow such a thing? But it also struck a deep wound for me in that I never wanted my kids to experience what I went through as a product of divorce. It hurt so much to know they’ll have to navigate a life I never wanted for them.

And then I come across this note from Analise.

“You are a man of Jesus.” Talk about ugly cry.

While I may not have been able to create or keep the “perfect” situation for them, my prayer is that I’ve shown them what godly perseverance looks like - and more importantly that the God of the Bible has kept their daddy in the midst of adversity, heartbreak, and trials. I want them to know Jesus keeps daddy in perfect peace as his mind stays on Him, for he trusts in Jesus.

This is my testimony: that Christ has kept me, and the same God who keeps me will keep my children, and is able to keep you as well. Endure well my friend!

#redemptionstory #divorce #divorcesupport #jesus

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The start of a movement.

When the Lord comes to do business with a people, He begins with the men. If we are going to see a move of
God happen in our families, our communities, and our church, it is going to require men who have experienced
the crucibles of life, discipline, and redemption - coming out the other end forged in their walks with Christ because of it. However, this was never meant to happen in isolation. This journey needs to be walked through with other men. This is where that journey begins.

Welcome to The Forge.

#discipleship #discipline #mensministry #men #holisticdiscipleship #movement #jesus #theforge

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