Manual1

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m nual Power/pleasure/ poker/pork pies

Carl Beech with andy frost and bryan pill

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Carl Carl is married to Karen and has two daughters. He’s the leader of CVM (an international men’s movement) and the founder of ‘the code’.

Previously a banker, church planter and senior pastor, he is convinced he is a great chef, plays the piano, loves cycling, movies and sci-fi books and caught a record-breaking catfish on the river Ebro in Spain.

Twitter @carlfbeech

Andy Andy Frost is a surfer living in land locked London. He helps lead a local footie team; is passionate about helping the Church engage with contemporary culture; and runs the missionary organisation Share Jesus International.

Bryan Bush Pilot, Guernseyman, Lover of one wife, Owner of one Kayak, Speaker, Father of three great youngsters, am a King’s man. Have the best job in the world that part involves me in short-term flying for Mission Aviation Fellowship, and part gives me the chance to speak about this exciting mission to anyone who will listen.

Blog – Biggles Abroad Youtube – bigglesgsy

Copyright © Carl Beech 2012 Published 2012 by CWR, Waverley Abbey House, Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8EP, UK. Registered Charity No. 294387. Registered Limited Company No. 1990308.

The rights of Carl Beech, Andy Frost and Bryan Pill to be identified as the authors of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, sections 77 and 78.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of CWR. For a list of National Distributors visit www.cwr.org.uk/distributors Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are from the Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV), copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society).

Concept development, editing, design and production by CWR Printed in Croatia by Zrinski ISBN: 978-1-85345-769-2

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Contents

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Introduction 01 Power 08 Tough Teachings Andy Frost 12 Temptation 21 Stay Focused Bryan Pill 25 Kingdom Living 38 Rebuild 45 Known 53 Attitude Beatitudes

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[intro] We’ve finally cracked it!

After being asked to write daily notes for men a number of times over the years, we’ve finally nailed it. So in a nutshell, here you go and let the journey begin!

It’s a simple and well-proven approach. The notes are between 150–300 words long. Each day begins with a verse and ends in a prayer. It will take you no more than a few minutes to read but I hope that what you read stays in your head throughout your day. The notes are numbered rather than dated, so it’s OK if you miss a day to pick it back up. If you want to study with a group of guys you can easily keep track of where you are up to or swap ideas on that particular study online (we’ve a Facebook page). If you want to be part of a band of brothers internationally swapping thoughts, insights and prayer requests then you can do that as well by using our new Facebook page.

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In each issue, I’ve asked some of my mates to contribute. In this one, big thanks go to Andy Frost and Bryan Pill for their insights and thoughts. Both great guys going after God’s heart. We really hope that the subjects from Pork Pies to Poker speak into all of our lives and help us stay on the narrow path!

So there it is. The Word of God has such power to inform and transform our lives, so let’s knuckle down and get reading.

Your brother in Christ Carl

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[power ] 01

Who’s the daddy?

‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.’ Genesis 1:1–3 When I worked as part of the sales force in a bank, it was all about who had the nicest pen set, the best office and the most sales. When I go to the gym it all seems to be about who has the best car in the car park. When guys meet up, the first thing they ask each other is ‘What do you do for a living?’ I suspect that’s because we are behaving like pack animals, working out the hierarchy based on who has the most influence or the biggest pay packet.

As followers of Jesus we don’t play those games, do we? We already know who really has all the power and all the glory. Someone with a nice

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office pales into insignificance next to the God who turned on the lights of the universe.

Keep your head today – and your perspective. No matter who you are or what you do, remember we are all God’s sons and that’s amazing. It’s His grace that allows you to live and breathe.

Prayer: I acknowledge that all the power and the glory is with You, God. Thank You for Your grace and Your patience with me. Help me today to keep my life in perspective to Your glory. Amen.

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[power] 02

A son ‘The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.

And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.’

Romans 8:15–16

Many men suffer with a disease called insecurity.

We get our feelings of apparent security from how we are perceived, how successful we seem to be and whether we are popular or not. We worry constantly about what others think of us, which perpetuates our lack of fulfilment. I know because I’ve been there. I remember walking around years ago before a church meeting, stressed out and telling God I was rubbish. It was in that moment of darkness that I heard the Holy Spirit speak to me like this: ‘Yes, that’s true ... you’ve not been all that really.’

Talk about kicking a man when he’s down!

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Then came the killer blow ...

‘But you are My son and I love you ... that’s all that matters!’

Who cares how sophisticated or successful people think you are. You are a son of the Living God. Unconditionally loved and accepted. So man up, get the truth deep into your spirit and live a life free of worrying about what everyone else thinks about you!

Prayer: I reaffirm today that I am Your son and that You are my Father. Help me to see myself as You see me and not to be worried about how others view me. Amen.

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