In His Presence...

So, I decided that I should write out the post that I wrote in my head whilst running a week or so back, which was actually the inspiration for starting this blog.
This past weekend, I ran a 5K with my mother and brother. What you probably don't know, is that it was my first one since my Freshman year of High School, about 5 years ago. So needless to say, I wasn't exactly in running shape. However, I was determined to do the best I could do and so I started training. I only ran three times before the race, but I accomplished so much more, in the grand scheme of things, during those three runs, than I believe I would have if I had consistently run and trained during the weeks and months leading up to it.
The first two times I ran, I did about 1 mile each time, just to get myself warmed back up to the idea. The third time I ran, the race was looming closer, so I decided to do a full loop of my neighborhood (about 3.3 miles). During this third run, I had finished about half of the loop and was coming down my second full length side of the square. As I was running, I saw something small and fast out of the corner of my eye. Not knowing what it was, I made a small hop sideways in mid-air to avoid it. As I made my hop, I realized that it was simply an English Bulldog running at full speed towards me. When he caught me, I reached down to pet him but he scurried away from me. I saw his owner rushing towards me as well and decided to help her get the dog before he had time to cover much ground. I caught the dog and returned him to his owner who promptly thanked me, to which I returned a warm "No problem!" As I jogged back to speed, I felt God tugging me toward a song on my iPod. So I switched to it; Light Up The World by Desperation Band.

This actually does deserve a paragraph of it's own as it has a big meaning for me. My first summer here in Colorado, I was invited to Desperation (a youth conference hosted by New Life Church in Colorado Springs) and I decided to go. That was the year that Desperation Band wrote this song. It become a sub-theme of the entire conference and served as just an awe-inspiring song for most any situation.
That being said, back to my run. Before the dog incident, I had noticed my legs beginning to tire and my breathing had become heavy. As I started the song, I decided to stop running for myself, and just focus on God. The next thing I knew, the song was over and I was about 100 yards from home, breathing evenly with my legs showing no signs of strain.
I know that God did that to give me a real-life example of His strength. He took me, on my last legs, about to give in and walk the rest of the way, and He carried me in His arms for about a mile. So I hope this gives you some kind of encouragement in whatever way you may need it.

Prayerfully His,
Ben Means

Namely....

So for the first thing I put on here, I want to discuss my name, "Warrior On The Right" and the meaning behind it. Thanks to the amazing guys in my "Way Of The Warrior" study a.k.a The Man Study, I've been getting more and more interested in names, identities, and the meanings behind them. My name for example, Benjamin Keith; Benjamin means "Son Of My Right Hand", while Keith means "Descending Warrior". I've known the meaning of my first name for a while, but up until last week, I had no clue as to the meaning of my middle name. I wasn't exactly sure what to make of it at first, but a good friend of mine put it into perspective for me. When he thought of a descending warrior, he thought of a guy who was leading his army down the hill, straight into the fray of battle. A man who was brave, valorous, and depending on God to guide his path. Needless to say, I really really like my name.

As for the name of my blog, "Journey to Godly Manhood". This stems from my recent actions taken, and God's ongoing plan, to become a better representation of a Godly man to the world around me. I am right now in the middle of my second "Man Study", the first one being about purity, love, and relationships mainly, the current one being about the warriors of the Bible. It is so amazing to dive into God's Word with fellow brothers in Christ who are struggling through the same mud pits that I am. To be able to be honest and open and real with each other without any fear of reprobation.

I hope you will enjoy this journey which we are embarking upon "together", this journey towards a deeper intimacy with Christ. I know I will.

Prayerfully His,
Benjamin Keith Means

P.S. I wanted to leave you guys with this Scripture which has been a big part of my life for a while now. I've found it to be useful when you find yourself to be caught in a valley.
"But You, O Lord, laugh at them; You scoff at all the nations. Because of his strength I will watch for You, for God is my stronghold. My God in His lovingkindness will meet me; God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes."
-Psalm 59: 8-10 (NASB)