Category: Basic Training

My year-long journey through The MANual, my NIV Bible for Men, brings us to the book of Acts, which is an accurate historical account of the birth and growth of the early church. Acts present a strong case for the validity of Christ’s claims and promises. It is a theological book with lessons and living examples of the work of the Holy Spirit, church relationships and organization, the implications of grace, and the law of love.  About Acts Also known as The Acts of The Apostles, this book was written by Luke (a Gentile physician) as a sequel to his Gospel, about 63 A.D.; just a few years after his Gospel. Like his Gospel, Luke also addresses Acts to Theophilus, which means “(be)loved by God” or “One Who Loves God” in the Greek language.  In 28 chapters, Luke tells the stories of men and women who spread the Good News

This series about how organizations like Movember and No-Shave November “change the face” of men’s health issues continues with one more post. In Men and Addictions, and in this post, I describe the stimuli that typically cause our addictions, another major concern for men. My hope is that this series helps us understand how addictive behavior impact our relationships with both family and friends. The Stimuli that Cause Addiction  This post and the last one include information from The Addictive Brain, a Great Course taught by Thad A. Polk, professor of psychology at the University of Michigan who has done significant research into addictions. The CDC reports the COVID-19 pandemic is causing a rise in uncertainty, fear, anxiety, isolation & loneliness, and economic repercussions that will likely increase the reported cases of substance abuse, along with mental & physical abuse.  Polk says addiction affects roughly 1 in 4 Americans. He