Episodes
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Moving Through the Phases of Maturity
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Guest: Dr. Steven Lytle, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founding Partner of Sparrow House Counseling
Guys, the journey to manhood begins early in life. Moms are great at giving a foundation of unconditional love. Dads are great at giving encouragement to a young boy and calling him upward.
Great resource - Fathered by God by John Eldredge - a young man needs to go through some developmental phases of maturity:
- “Cowboy” phase - not a lot of wisdom, but a lot of energy. Separation individuation is an important process. You’re experimenting, and failing, and learning! Most important social influence is actually your parents - better to be connected to parents than peers! But your peers/friends are an important element in your development - so be wise in whom you allow to speak into your life.
- “Warrior” phase - the launching time for a young man, rules and accountability are set by you, not others. Learn to appreciate how God wired you. You don’t have to compare yourself to others who are designed for a different plan and purpose!
Another great resource - Love, Identity, and Purpose: Finding Purpose in Our Identity as God’s Children by Terry Moore
- “Lover” phase - the time to find your passion in life. This is the time you look for your wife to share your life and passion with.
- “King” phase - now you’re the expert and are doing the work you’re called and equipped to do.
- “Sage” phase - this is the time that you’ve accumulated a lifetime of wisdom - now is the time to pass it on to others!
T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections.
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Created for Deep Community (Don't Settle for Superficial Substitutes)
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Guest: Nick Henderson
Far too many men are lonely and isolated - the value of authentic community is underplayed in our culture today, but is necessary for truth growth and maturity!
Guys, we need to move from casual conversations to personal conversations…then next to intentional conversations - don’t settle for casual conversations - casual conversations don’t build authentic community!
There is a huge difference between a man who offers his opinion and one who can share the truth of God’s Word with you.
You were created with eternity in your heart and no person, except Jesus Christ himself, will ever be able to fill that level of love, intimacy, and depth!
Christ had a method, a message, and a model for spiritual transformation. The model was life-on-life discipleship. The method was building relationships. Men, if you’re lonely, go find a disciple-maker.
Sin struggles are cheap substitutes for God’s best for you.
Men, step out in faith.
T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections.
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Value of Authenticity and Community
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Guest: Nick Henderson
Guys, what do you find your identity in - your work, success, family, friends, behaviors, failures? Scripture tells you that “as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). Faith in Christ begins with receiving the free gift of salvation by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8-9).
Men, what is holding you back from God’s best for your life - secret sins, pornography, addiction? There is freedom found in a relationship with Jesus Christ who offers forgiveness and redemption from sin and replaces your old sin nature with a new heart. In the Gospel of John, Jesus claimed to be “the light of the world” - and whoever follows Christ walks in the light and not in the darkness. Jesus also says that freedom from sin is found in a relationship with him! Don’t allow the shame of your past hold you back from the goodness that God has for your future!
Guys, it is very important to have good, solid, Christ-centered community to encourage and equip you to grow as a man of God.
The Christian life isn’t a call to a life of convenience and ease - it’s a battle cry against sin, against the flesh, against the powers and principalities of this world that set themselves up against the knowledge of God.
T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections.
Monday Apr 01, 2024
What Does Trusting God Look Like?
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Guest: Ethan Severin
What does it mean for a young man to really trust in the Lord?
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
When you trust in God, will that mean that you always get what you want from a good and loving God? No. God’s ways are higher than our ways…sometimes love hurts or is disappointing or painful - we have to learn to trust the heart and plans of a good God will run counter to our own self-interests in many ways.
Psalm 23 - The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Jim Elliot - He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Men - you can’t trust someone you don’t know. You must know God personally to learn to trust Him. Can you know God? Yes. God reveals Himself through His creation, through His Word, and through His one and only Son Jesus Christ! God created us to be in an intimate and personal relationship with Him made possible by the work of Jesus Christ who lived the perfect life that we couldn’t and gave His life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28).
T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections.
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Building the Qualities of a Godly Man (Building Altars Part VI)
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Guest: Tricia Panetti
So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac’s servants dug a well. Genesis 26:25
Guys, if you want to be the men that God has designed for you to be - start right now where you are. Start practicing for future relationships with the ones that you have. Start preparing for marriage by treating the women around you with honor and respect - your mom, sister, teachers, etc.
Guys, being a better communicator starts with being a better listener. Practice being a good listener and putting into practice the wisdom and advice that others share with you.
Guys, if you want to lead another person and your family spiritually, start with leading yourself spiritually - don’t just rely on others to feed you, learn to feed yourself…don’t rely on others to serve you, serve others.
Joshua 24:15 says, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua made that decision to follow the Lord and to lead his entire household toward the things of God. And he demonstrated the character of Christ with his humility - leadership is about serving God and others. If you want to practice leading a family, practice putting the needs of others ahead of your own!
T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections.
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Qualities of a Godly Man (Building Altars Part V)
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Guest: Tricia Panetti
So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac’s servants dug a well. Genesis 26:25
Guys, if biblical manhood was not modeled for you in your home, the ideal for manhood is Jesus Christ and you can know Him and learn from His ways!
Consider the qualities that Tricia wanted in her husband:
- A servant-leader
- Good manners, values others ahead of himself
- A good listener
- Helps you be a better version of yourself!
- Actively engaged and serving in a community of believers
- Being discipled…and discipling others
- Pursuing purity in the relationship
- Not allowing alcohol to adversely impact life’s decisions
Guys, being the man that a quality woman would desire to lead her starts with being a follower of Jesus Christ.
T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections.
Monday Mar 11, 2024
One Special Relationship (Building Altars Part IV)
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac’s servants dug a well. Genesis 26:25
The Bible starts with a wedding and ends with a wedding - so marriage is important from God’s economy!
You need to find someone who is building altars and pitching tents - so you can do that work together and dig those wells for others!
Consider the wisdom found in Proverbs 31 about the important qualities and characteristics of a noble wife…
- She works hard
- She is clothed with strength and dignity
- Her inward character outshines her outward appearance
- She loves the Lord
T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections.
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Building Meaningful Relationships (Building Altars Part III)
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Guest: Parker Panetti
It’s not what you know, it’s who you know…
Knowing the “right” people can greatly enhance your life.
How do you develop meaningful relationships?
Genesis 26:25 - we don’t do this alone - a life is built in community…
So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac’s servants dug a well. Genesis 26:25
Harvard Study reveals the #1 key to happiness is meaningful relationships!
Jesus - didn’t come to share information, but build relationships…
Three things you can do to build meaningful relationships:
- Be the kind of friend you want to have
- Be gracious and forgiving
- Desire and work for the best for others around you
T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Living with Purpose and Priority (Building Altars Part II)
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
What do you want said about you at your funeral…?
Kind of a pointless question - people are going to say nice things about you - it’s your funeral, celebration of life…
Go back to Genesis 26:25 - build altars, pitch tents, dig wells…
So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac’s servants dug a well. Genesis 26:25
Build altars
- Comparison with pitching tents…
- Pitching tents is important too…just not as important…what will people remember you by - those things that are your top priority
- 1 Timothy 4:8 - training for godliness - compared to your physical training - so you need to do things in the physical world with excellence, dedication -”bodily training is of some value” - but training in righteousness has value for this life AND the next… and then do things in the spiritual world BETTER!
Building altars, pitching tents…
- Pitching tents is also important - need to have physical, material things in proper perspective as well…
- Your home, work, things - don’t allow them to become idols
- Examples - kids sports, keep in perspective - coach who wouldn’t take trophies for 2nd place - but I was there for 2nd grade football…
IF - and only if you have these two things in their proper perspective, can you see the importance of digging wells…
- Being a blessing to others…
- God’s economy - what if what you sacrifice here is stored up for you in heaven?
- Sacrifice and buy a cheaper car - so that you can use that money to bless others - what if that becomes a blessing to you for eternity?
- Focus isn’t on your prosperity - temporary wealth and comfort - but your posterity - your legacy - children, both physical and spiritual…
- Children - physical and spiritual - who are you investing in?
IF you’re build tents and pitching altars, you won’t see the needs around you, won’t want to make the sacrifice to be a blessing to others - you’ll give from your excess…and that includes your time, talents and treasure…
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster
Inward: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study
Outward: Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service
Corporate: Confession, Worship, Guidance, Celebration
T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections.
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Building Altars
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac’s servants dug a well. Genesis 26:25
What’s the difference between building and pitching?
Building vs. Pitching
More permanent vs. More temporary
Costlier vs. Cheaper
Planning involved vs. Can just pitch a tent just about anywhere
Skill/labor involved vs. Just about anyone can pitch a tent
Building an altar - metaphor/ picture of your spiritual life/dwelling
Pitching a tent - metaphor/picture of your physical life/dwelling
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
The comparison - you should spend more time, energy, and resources on building your spiritual life than your temporary physical existence…
Time - how does your time compare between what you’re investing in building your spiritual life vs. your physical life?
Talents - how are you using the talents that God has blessed you with to build your spiritual life - His eternal kingdom - vs. building your physical existence?
Treasure - how are you using the blessings that God has given you - for your own personal pleasure and comfort or to be a blessing to others?
Digging a well
- If you’re not doing the building and pitching correctly, you won’t be able to dig the wells…
- More concerned about yourself, won’t be focused on others…
- For the flourishing of the community - you are blessed to be a blessing…
- Not for your prosperity, but your posterity - those who come after you - leaving a legacy for the next generation…
- What wells are you digging for others?
T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections.