The Lord has anointed Pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston and The Hillsong Church with a message and music of hope that has launched thriving campuses around the world and impacted thousands of churches and ministries around the world. And now, Ps Brian has authored a brilliant new book, There Is More. We’re honored to be friends and ministry allies with pastors Brian and Bobbie.
For years, CMN held men’s meetings in the small “Hills” church that became the great Hillsong. Read below Brian’s comments about how a man learns to walk in wisdom, and the role CMN played in his own life.
CMN is devoted to the work of the local church—in whatever form God shapes it culturally, and in whatever part of the world God grows it.
Pastor Houston graciously added his own wisdom to the CMN book, Strong Men in Tough Times. Be sure to take advantage of savings through April 20 for you and your men's group with the book, Strong Men in Tough Times.
FOREWORD FOR STRONG MEN IN TOUGH TIMES
BY PASTOR BRIAN HOUSTON
God’s Word teaches that what happens to a man cannot rule him. As men, we have to learn to endure the tough times that come with everyday life. We will always rise or shrink to the level of what is in our own souls, regardless of the circumstances. Joseph’s life in Scripture was not determined by what happened to him. He was beaten, left for dead, sold as a slave, betrayed by a woman, tempted, put in jail, and yet, everywhere he went, he became an achiever.
Our lives are not determined by what our father may have done to us, how Mom left us, who we married, the job we lost, who won the election, or any kind of opposition. Jesus said, “A man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things” (Matthew 12:35). It is not what happens to us, but what is in our hearts that determines the quality of our lives. It is what a man thinks in his heart and how he diligently keeps his heart, that determines how he perseveres through the issues of life.
By educating ourselves in God’s Word, we can respond in the right way to times of crisis. “He who walks with the wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). We become educated by listening to wise men. When tough times come, “anxiety in the heart of man causes depression. But a good word makes it glad” (Proverbs 12:25). Wise men can provide the “good word” that encourages us to overcome.
I was greatly touched by the life of Ed Cole, as were millions of men who never had the privilege of meeting him that I had. He was my friend. He was one of the “wise men” who enriched my life. I pray you will allow this book to speak a “good word” into your life as well. Whatever you are facing today, lean into the truth of God’s Word and believe wholeheartedly that God WILL fulfill His promises to you.
Brian Houston
Founder and Senior Pastor, Hillsong Church
