The Checkpoint

Purpose.  What is our true purpose?Guest Geoff VanLeewen, a fellow disciple, joins us to share some of his journey.You will be encouraged and challenged as we talk about:What do you find security (salvation) in?"Salvation by the System"You find the end of your own means no matter what.If you are not saved by grace,  an authentic faith in Christ; then you are not saved (you can't truly be saved by works).How do we operate in the mission field around us?What is a healthy fear of God?What we do is a reflection of who we are.Masculinity involves rejecting passivity.Insecurity is something we all share in common.Letting God change our heart to be loving and missional.Some resources mentioned:Book of Jeremiah in the BibleCourage to Stand: Jeremiah's Message for Post Christian Times by Philip Graham Ryken,Raising a Modern Day Knight: A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood, by Robert Lewis.Geoff's talk at Grace Community Church on 12/16/2023https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOqQFNMcIuw"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Today's podcast featured Pastor and Counselor Brian Smilde.  Brian does his counseling with West Michigan Wellness. His area of focus is informed by facing trauma and our past woundedness. If we avoid it or suppress it, it tends to come out 'sideways' or in unintended ways that we don't want.https://westmichiganwellnessgroup.com/It is important to face our stories, especially any experiences that have been painful. If we don't face them, and the emotional upheaval of it all, it comes out sideways. A lie believed as truth will affect us as if it is true.As he faced his pain, taking it to Jesus, he brought truth about who he truly was and this brought healing over time, in community, to his beliefs, emotions and behavior.Be a safe parent, and your kids will tell you stuff, and you have the opportunity to share truth with them. Help them feel safe, see them, sooth them, make them secure.Stop asking people, "What is wrong with you?", and instead ask "What happened to you?" instead. If you feel something is going on inside you, find the safest person you know. Maybe don't tell them all 100 things, but tell them one thing and see where it goes. That is the key to being released, is to start talking about it. "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Guest John Riley is back to talk about how to approach conflict with a ministry mindset. This can be done in conflict if on a church security team or in other interpersonal conflicts. Last season he joined us for: De-escalation: gentle response. (E7/S2). John draws from his experience in the military and police force, and blends in Biblical relational principles.  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918177/1490345John shared many useful tips in approaching conflict, and challenged us to think of these interactions from God's perspective. What makes you so sure that God did not put you in that place at that time to minister to that person?  They are still a child of God, even if they may be misinformed or misled or different than you. You will never look into the eyes of someone God does not want. Are you developing a ministry mindsight, so that when you do encounter another child of God, who may be misinformed or misled, you are at least planting a seed in their life that someone else can water. Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.""Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Mike is back, with some more questions as he grows in his faith.  These have come up as he is growing in his faith and having discussions with his Mom, brother and daughter.Pastor Curt has joined us for this session, being brought in as an expert  for the 'hard hitting questions'. Curt did a 'Jesusy' thing by asking additional questions to help shed light to narrow in on an answer to these questions as we look at Scripture.Listen to the podcast as we discuss our understanding of the Biblical response to them.Q1: Once someone is saved, are they always saved? Q2: If a person lives a loving and caring life, how can God send them to hell?Q3: What would you say to someone that has a fear of eternal life?Mike is also sharing some of his 'thinking out loud' on his blog:www.iamtheimperfectchristian.com"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Psychiatrist Aaron Plattner discusses the variety of ways mental issues we face can be handled.There are many factors that make up who we are and how we feel:       > Biology       > Psychology (things that have happened to us)       > Spiritual       > EnvironmentAll these things shape us and work together and interact.  What is the role of medicine?In light of our purpose - to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (Westminster Catechism Q&A 1) - can medicine help us glorify God and enjoy Him forever. If so, how and how do we make that work. Or if they hinder that and we rely only on the medicine and not God, has it become some kind of idol?Listen in on the discussion of being vulnerable to deal with things as they are, so we can find more full health.Learn more about Aaron at Spero Psychiatric Services www.speropsych.com"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

We discuss Mike's top questions he has had, as he looks to disciple people via his blog by sharing his journey of faith, he wants to give them the proper answers.   Q1: How do you know when it is actually God talking to you?  Q2: How does  the devil use the world to get us to question God or God's existence?  Q3: How do we find our calling in life?   Q4: What if you feel you are too bad of a person for God to want to save you?Mike, our guest, recently began attending our church and is a self-declared newer believer, joined us and asked several very good questions that we discussed.Mike, Chad and some of their neighbors have been doing the Every Man a Warrior men's Biblical discipleship program  for the last 7 months or more. Mike has been transparent about his growing faith in God and is willing to ask questions as he grows.  Mike realizes other people also have questions and has started  his own blog as a way to process his thoughts and help others.Here is Mike's blog:  www.iamtheimperfectchristian.com "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

The New Testament book of Ephesians gives us many good aspects of what biblical Disciple Making looks like.  Dr. Michael Cooper, author of the book Make Disciples - Discovery the Spiritual Journey of a Christ-Follower outlines more the topic of "what is a disciple".Discipleship is not something that is done just one day a week, it is done every day of the week. We always have opportunities to either disciple others or be discipled ourselves and it is just a matter of what we are choosing to be disciple by. Sometimes these are negative things or positive things.Michael challenged us to regain our identity with Christ as part of being a disciple. "to obey all he has commanded" means there is to be no distinction in what you believe and how you behave.  Our doing should flow out of our being.  One key way to do that better is to get back to knowing who Jesus really is, as it is He that we are imitating as His disciples."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

The end of a year, the start of a new year. In this time of transition, join us as we share some resources that we read or listen to - books and podcasts.  As you prayerfully consider how and where to invest your time and grow in the year ahead, consider choosing 1 or more of these to check out for yourself!"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Boys to Men: What does a man of God look like - as compared to being a boy?What defines manhood? What are the blessings and joys of being a man? It seems our culture today has eroded much of the common historical understanding of this.Listen in as we reflect on a list of comparisons between boys and Biblical men, and what we have seen in our own lives and those around us. We hope and pray this is not just something you listen to, but perhaps there are some things that convict you and call you into being more engaged as a Biblical man."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Caleb Jones from West Michigan Wellness joins us and talks about Addiction. He shares his personal sobriety story, things that helped him find recovery and some of the dynamics in facing and finding freedom from addiction.Addiction is anything that you place as an idol above God.Alcohol gave him an escape - a way to avoid facing/answering the question that faces every man, "Do I have what it takes?" After several years of his journey, thankfully during an onsite treatment God revealed to him that he did not need a substance to have a meaningful and full life. He is now three years sober and training to be a professional counselor. Some things we discuss are: emotions, the brain, biblical allies, authentic allies, the Word of God and common factors that can impact one's addiction or addiction level.Be encouraged that you are not alone, and God wants you to find healing. We pray something in Caleb's story will grab you and give you a foothold for you or to share with someone you care for. "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

FEAR  or FEAR NOTAs follow up to S2/E13, fear is a primary emotion. The secondary emotions surfaced from fear are feeling anxious, insecure, inferior, panic.Fear often comes from possibly losing something: love, identity, meaning, purpose (or the chance to express oneself), or life."Do not fear" and similar phrases are mentioned OFTEN in the Bible (365 times or more, depending on how you search for similar words/thought). It is a primary theme. God's command/invitation for us to "Not Fear" is to be taken in view of the reality of who God is and who we are as his children.            God spoke "Do Not Fear" to the leaders He called into mission with and for Him. We are well served when we stop looking at things from our perspective, but from God's perspective. Are the things we may be afraid to lose really ours to lose?  These are all gifts from God and in God's Kingdom we cannot lose His love for us, our identity in Christ, meaning or life.God gets that we have a tendency to be afraid, so he is reminding us regularly about the spiritual reality and keep our focus on God/Jesus and who He is, not the "surrounding waves" around us and what we feel that we lack.    We should not be controlled by our fears, but to give them to God, or Heavenly Father. After we give our fears to God, we need to leave those fears with Him  - and not pick them back up to try handle or deal or dwell on with them with ourselves."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Pride and praise, when is it healthy? When is it unhealthy? What does Scripture say about this? What is appropriate for us to do as followers of Christ?  Join us as we reflect on this and draw on some of what Scripture says about it.As a Christian, you are given everything by God, so that you can work out of the gifts you have for God's glory. Work well for the glory of God. When we deflect, minimize or steal the glory of God that is sinful pride.From the book The Intentional Father: a man is an image bearer and son of God entrusted with the power and responsibility to create, cultivate care and defend for God's glory and the good of others.Men, we are capable of so much. God has built us and designed us to achieve anything he calls us to. We are to remember it is for God's glory and the good of others, not to bring the glory to ourselves."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Our guest, relationship counselor Jim Brazel from West Michigan Wellness group talks about four typical stages conflict can progress through that lead to disaster - and helpful ways you can learn how to master conflict in communication to bring about healthy resolution. We can all learn from this powerful episode!One of the common areas that impact relationships is conflict. Conflict is going to happen in all relationships. How you deal with that conflict is a real strong indicator of whether your relationships will survive or not. Your initial response, e.g. a soft start up versus criticism is an essential first step. Listen to learn the additional steps."Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."  - 1 Peter 3:7-8"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Scott shared some of the challenges or hopes he has for others by stepping out and going on a mission trip, having recently gone on one with Paradise Bound to Guatemala.  See the people as people, not the povertyDare to go out on mission, and once you go, do it againSee God more clearly by looking intentlyMany times these can be done best when we get out of our comfort zone. Staying in our comfort zone may limit our ability to see, experience and share God with others."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Drift: to slowly move off courseWhat causes us to drift in our spiritual disciplines and walk with God?We all, at times, find ourselves getting out of regular, life giving rhythms - mentally, physically, schedule, etc. that can cause us to drift spiritually.Join us as we talk about how this happens, and some key remedies:     1 - TARGET/VISION     2 - INTENTIONALITY     3 - COMMUNITY     4 - PRAYER"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

How to Help Hurting Men - Standing shoulder to shoulder.Kevin DeKam, counselor and owner of West Michigan Wellness Group shares insights and tips in areas:Spotting men who may be hurtingThings you can do or sayThings you should avoid doing or sayingAs a self-described "counselor for normal people" listen to his advice and learn a bit more about how to come alongside another person during a trying time in their life.  You may have to listen twice to catch all the wisdom shared in this podcast, and the good thing is you can do that if you wish!Enjoy and we pray this helps you move toward healing in hurting relationships.2 Corinthians 2:5-11  Bringing Reconciliation"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

As regular listeners, you have heard us share in each episode our personal reflection on Scripture from our own "Quiet Time" with God. In this episode we talk more about the "HOW" of doing a Quiet Time.  Listen and be encouraged as we share the key elements - the ABC's of a Quiet Time method from Every Man a Warrior, and some variations we each have to this base method.Scripture has instruction for life. Scripture is God's voice. The more we read and reflect on Scripture, the better and clearer we can hear God. This is a critical part of living an abundant life of close fellowship with God.     A - Ask Questions     B - Best Verse     C - Communicate (pray)Many men do not have a regular time with God:    1) They have not been trained.    2) Satan does not want you to spend time in the Word of God.   3) We have not had anyone to hold us accountable.Three reasons to have a Quiet Time:    1) God wants to meet with you.   2) You need it.    3) The world around you needs to hear about God."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

In the valley... a story of life transformationSo many nuggets in this episode!Listen as Jeff shares his journey of faith. When buried in shame and choosing isolation, a Christian brother invited him to fellowship with other men to dig into God's Word. "This was the best decision of my life."Life circumstances turned his life upside down, then God turned his life upside down (in a good way) as he leaned into Every Man a Warrior, growing his love relationship with God. What was effectively a non-existent relationship is now foundational, his identity is in Christ.The building blocks of discipleship:Flipping the pyramid:  All of his life was previously about trying to find his purpose (the top). He is now focused on the base - his love relationship with God. Instead of making him "sea-sick" most of the time, life now makes sense and is stable. His  identity is based in Christ and God is giving him purpose and growth as a disciple and disciplemaker. Be inspired to invite someone to walk closer with God. together with you.Say yes when a brother invites you into a band of brothers, let God use them to reach you."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

How you react to others can change the course of events - for the better or the worse.Join us as we gain wisdom in our discussion about de-escalation with special guest John Riley.John shares his wisdom from training Church Security teams and others how to have a gentle response, to interact in situations with a "Kingdom mindset."John 's experience early on was in the military and law enforcement, before launching his current 6 year plus ministry to churches.In a nutshell, see all people as image bearers of God. If they offend you or seem a risk, the first steps should be:     1) Be nice.     2) Agree to disagree     3) Walk awayIf you serve on a security team, as a parent, teacher, etc take this ministry mindset and you will de-escalate potential conflicts -- instead of fanning them, even unintentionally, into flames.Proverbs 15:1 MSG "A gentle response defuses anger,    but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire."Learn more about John's approach and resources at his website:https://gentle-response.com/"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Sports. ...the Good. ...and the Bad. Listen as we reflect on some of the good things sports provides, and some of the negative sides that also can grow out of sports.Why do we love sports? What problems come from sports?What defines a sport?     Pick the definition you would agree with:    (a) You can't do it while eating a hot dog. If you can, it is NOT a sport.     or    (b) competition between two or more relatively equally skilled parties according to a set of rules

We all feel overwhelmed at times. How do you know when you are overwhelmed?  What can trigger this feeling? What do you do when it happens? What rhythms have you found to help minimize becoming overwhelmed? Join our discussion on this topic.

Proverbs: A book of wisdom, in direct contrast with foolishness. In Proverbs we learn that A FOOL: lacks wisdom, has no concern for others, does not desire to avoid sin, and brags about his sinful actions. Or more simply a fool is anyone who rebukes and runs away from God's wisdom. A fool is directly mentioned 71 times directly (and 100 indirectly).Listen as we discuss the some of the proverbs and how as men of God we can use them to better identify how we should live and use them to guard against our sinful nature and natural tendency to not choose God and his ways.

Vacation: taking time to enjoy family, creation . A break from your routine, from your work,  is a healthy thing.  Hopefully we have fun memories of vacations growing up. We do! and we shared some of these impactful moments.BE INTENTIONAL. As a Father and Husband, make time to spend family time together on vacation (leaving work behind). Your children and wife will enjoy it - both in the moment and in the future as they recall  your investment in them. Vacation is a treasure to invest more deeply to enjoy PEOPLE  important to us - spouse, kids, friends, and others. And this is often done in PLACES that are new or help us connect to God and his glorious creation.  We shared these are lakes, rivers, mountains, woods - but may different places for you. Going to PLACES with PEOPLE makes for memorable JOURNEYS - you are together on the same mission and can just enjoy the time together. Make the space to show your wife and kids you love them, that they are important to you by giving them your time - time together.

Setting Goals. Why is this important? What is the link between habits and goals. What are some of our current goals and experience in achieving them. How to set goals that are achievable using S.M.A.R.T.                 Specific - Measurable - Achievable - Realistic - Time boundQuiet Times        Matthew 27:34  - "What have we done?"      1 Chronicles 16:11 - Seek the presence of the Lord      James 5 - Get Serious      Matthew 26:39-46 - Alignment to God's Goals

Season 2 is here!  We start  this season talking about Communication and how it is essential in building stronger relationships.Listen as we discuss, among other things the importance of:being clearasking for feedback to gauge understandingneed for two-way communicationusing the same language5 levels of communication (shallow to deep)using the appropriate level based on the relationshipusing deeper communication to grow relationshipsgoing first - being vulnerablebeing honest - address issues, not peoplemaking time to have authentic conversationsrealize you communicate with your words - as well as your tone and body languagebeing present (not on your device)Note, we also have changed the format, with the Quiet Times following at the end, after discussing the Podcast topic.Thanks for listening. Like Us. Share Us. Send us feedback, we want to communicate with you!

Today, in our final episode in Season 1, we discuss Scripture Memory - as this is being published as we start a new year.We share, honestly, how we are doing ourselves in this area, as well as some helpful things we have found to be more successful. Hear about the benefits of Scripture Memory and how this can help you apply Biblical Truth and Wisdom to your life and to others.

Friendships - this is something we all value, and have various experiences of being and having friends, In this podcast we discuss some keys to vibrant friendships, as well as the challenges and joys in this essential area of life. Listen for some insights and encouragement.Proverbs 18:24  "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother."If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.  African proverb

The topic for the podcast is Garbage in, Garbage Out.What we allow ourself to 'consume' with our eyes, ears, mouths affects us more than we might realize.  We discussed movies, excess information - financial or news, etc.We also explored how we need a filter to distinguish between 'garbage', harmful things and 'good', God-honoring things - and the role of the Word of God in developing and maintaining that filter.

In this episode we discuss technology - what can be good, what can be harmful, dangers of making it an idol and the impact it can have on us and our relationships.  How can it help us grow our faith, how might it harm our faith.Join us as we reflect on this important topic and what God and the Bible says about it.  ...just inserting a little levity on the discussion of this important topic:The "important" tech trivia to start the podcast is that George Jetson, of the Jetsons cartoon takes place in the future (^2062), and he was born 'this year', in July 2022. Note: please email us if you know when Pong first became available (without the help of the internet). 

In our 17th episode we discussed how to rely on the Holy Spirit to develop and grow our SELF-CONTROL. Richard did a wonderful job demonstrating this, mostly, by reducing his reliance on a favorite phrase - "I like it" - which he uses often in our podcast dialogue.

What is tithing and offerings?  We are stewards of what God has given us, and we have the opportunity to give back to God and to bless others.The tithe is a physical example of our trust in God. It is a matter of the heart, not about the amount but the principle of giving to him first. God is a giving God, and giving is one way for us to be like him.The offering of time, talent and treasure is a blessing to give generously. It should and can give us joy to bless others.

In this episode welcomed back Matt DeYoung as our special guest as a follow-up and continuation of Episode 12 - God's Calling.  Matt and his wife are doing business as a mission in Belize: the Crazy Coconut Farm and Dairy.  Instead of giving help to people, they are providing jobs and a product. They spent some time recently away in the US, with a goal to discern what God is calling them to next... to stay in Belize, to leave, or finish the work...  Listen in to find out what and how God revealed the answer as we talked again with Matt.Some things discussed are: Value of getting ready to hear from GodGetting a new perspectiveAsking - Am I in control, or is God in control?Do I see things as a burden or a gift?Am I following God, the prompting of the Holy Spirit?

Solitude and Silence.These are countercultural concepts. Jesus often practiced silence and solitude.We explored the benefits of this for our spiritual, emotional and mental health.We shared some small ways and more significant ways we have tried to build this into our practice, as well as share some steps you can take to build this into your life.Taking time to unplug from distractions and day-to-day demands and relationships, and to spend time along with God can be one of the most rewarding and rejuvenating practices that help you as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

In this episode, we discussed the challenging issue of pornography.  This is an issue that is growing and all around us, and is a challenge for Christians as well as non-Christians. We discuss it's prevalence, it's danger to us as men and our children, and also share some resources for healing and protection.We share some sobering statistics and discuss the harm that pornography causes on individuals, marriages, and children.  We conclude by sharing Seven Keys for Freedom and several resources that are listed in the transcript at the end.Hillcrest Hot Topics Sermon SeriesPastor Curt is currently preaching about cultural issues and what God's Word says about them in our morning services. So far he has covered homosexuality, gender dysphoria, and other upcoming topics will include: racism, creation vs. evolution,  suffering, etc.. We encourage you to listen to these at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church on Facebook or on our website. The message on Sunday, July 24 will be about pornography.... hence the timing of this podcast.          https://www.facebook.com/hillcrestcrc          https://www.hillcrestcrc.org/sermons.html As always, thanks for listening and please contact us at checkpoint@hillcrestcrc.com

In our seventh episode, we  reflected on Rest and Relaxation, both what we do and enjoy, and what God says about this topic. Yes we are called to work as though working for the Lord, but there is also the invitation and commandment to rest - what does this look like?In the opening dialog we answered some 'open questions' regarding 'important' facts from earlier episodes...The song "Take the Long Way Home" was written by Supertramp.The Fab Five (U of Mich basketball) are Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson.If you have input, feedback, or other things to request, please send us an email at:checkpoint@hillcrestcrc.comQuiet time scriptures we reviewed:Isaiah 55:1Exodus 34:5-7Proverbs 19:11James 5:12Each of us shared some of the things we like to do to rest and relax. These included: walking with our wife, bicycling with the guys, observing the Sabbath by worshipping and not working, family hikes together, taking a run after work, playing a simple game like FreeCell or watching a simple TV show, campfires, camping and last - but not least, going fishing. The disciples, after Jesus death and resurrection, got away for a while to fish. When done fishing, Jesus was waiting for them. Often we need to get away from our normal routine and look for Jesus to be waiting for us to connect in a new, renewing way. (John 21:3)Our soul needs God. God brings us to places where we can connect to Him and experience his restoration. We need to rest in Christ, he is faithful. (Psalm 23:1-2)God commands and invites us to rest, to observe the Sabbath.What is rest? It can be physical, or simply a break from our regular routine.  The most important rest is rest for our souls.In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus calls out to those who are 'weary and heavy laden' and explains the key to finding rest for our souls.  The answer is being yoked to Jesus, to be hooked or connected to him.  We wondered out loud, what if?  What if I  would only do what God says is right, how many things go away and I can truly rest.  If I take out of my life things not of God and take on the things of God, how much trouble and turmoil in my life would fade away?We cannot do this on our own strength, but when we submit to God and live by the Spirit and not by the flesh, this is the way of God, of living in His kingdom that does bring a peace that passes understanding.This is the first step, getting out of the worldly rat race and focus on God and who he is calling you to be.FINAL THOUGHTSTake time to rest! Get connected with your Savior and King, your Lord and your God.Bottom LineOur hope is that this encourages you to think about the areas of being a godly man we have been discussing on this podcast where God wants YOU to grow.The purpose of our podcast is to help each other be better leaders, husbands and fathers for God's glory. Our discussions are based on elements from the Men's Ministry at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI. For more information about us, check our website and hillcrestcrc.org.

In our sixth episode, we  reflected on the various topics covered in the first 5 episodes and shared in which area we want to grow as men of God.A man is an image bearer and son of God entrusted with power and the responsibility to create, cultivate, care and defend, for God's glory and the good of others.In the opening dialog a recommended Quiet Place to get away is the Tahquamenon Rivermouth campground in the Upper Peninsula - great for kayaking, biking, camping, and sunrises on Lake Superior.Quiet time scriptures we reviewed:2 Chronicles 20Isaiah 46Matthew 18:21-35James 3:13-18We discussed what area we want to put more effort into living intentionally in one area in the next month.  Our commitments are: Scott - Cultivate. family, Adult children. Cultivate conversation about where God is in your life. Chad - Cultivate. Adult children. Finding ways to connect on a regular basis to continue/ renew building relationships more intentionally.Justin -Cultivate (1) Spend intentional time with guy friends (2) Intentional time with his wife, no phone after 8:00 PM, spend time with his wifeRichard - Defend  Intentionally Praying  with his kids, over the kids for protection. More often, more consistently (which ideally at times would also be with his wife praying protection with him)We plan to follow up in a month to see how we did in following up on our plans to invest in being a more intentional, purposeful man of God in these areas.FINAL THOUGHTSSome final reflections on the definition we have been discussing highlighted the key aspect of what we do is for God's glory and the good of others.  This is Biblical and counter-cultural, so requires intentionality to be in focus for us as men of God. Everything we do is for God's glory, everything!Bottom LineOur hope is that this encourages you to think about the areas of being a godly man we have been discussing on this podcast where God wants YOU to grow.The purpose of our podcast is to help each other be better leaders, husbands and fathers for God's glory. Our discussions are based on elements from the Men's Ministry at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI. For more information about us, check our website and hillcrestcrc.org.

In our fifth episode, we dive into another part of the definition of Man Of God. What does it mean to care and defend? We are not sure what the Michigan "Fab Five" has to do with caring and defending, but apparently many of the hosts don't recall all five members,  just one more example that we are human.Quiet time scriptures we reviewed:Isaiah 37Joshua 1:1-6Hebrews 71 Thessalonians 5:21We discussed that CARING can involve nurturing in love, serving others, cleaning up after others , feeding others, meeting the needs of others.  DEFEND can involve protecting against spiritual and physical harm. Praying is a key way to defend:      (a) praying  for  your team and/or family      (b) praying with  your spouse and/or family      (c) praying  blessings  over othersAll of these things are our responsibility as a man of God.It is also important for us to defend the church, the truth, and the name of God - being on watch and alert of things opposing the church, the truth, and God.Defending can also involve coming alongside the weak, marginalized, defenseless (Psalm 82:3-4).Bottom line - we need to take action. We cannot live on auto-pilot and be a true man of God. We need to both -- ask/pray for God to do his part AND also do our part.   We are invited to join God on his mission in this world.  This also involves taking time to listen to God, to stay connected to him in fellowship - being a man of the Word and Prayer.The purpose of our podcast is to help each other be better leaders, husbands and fathers for God's glory. Our discussions are based on elements from the Men's Ministry at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI. For more information about us, check our website and hillcrestcrc.org.

In our fourth episode, we dive into another part of the definition of Man Of God. What does it mean to create and cultivate? Quiet time scriptures we reviewed:Daniel 3John 15:5Matthew 11:28-30Psalm 27:4Isaiah 14:5The purpose of our podcast is to help each other be better leaders, husbands and fathers for God's glory. Our discussions are based on elements from the Men's Ministry at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI. For more information about us, check our website and hillcrestcrc.org.

In our third episode we continue the conversation around our definition of Man Of God and how we handle our God-given power and responsibility as we lead our teams and work and home. The purpose of our podcast is to help each other be better leaders, husbands and fathers for God's glory. Our discussions are based on elements from the  Men's Ministry at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI. For more information about us, check our website and hillcrestcrc.org......................................................................................................................................................................Quiet Time passages:  Psalm 119, Mark 12:41-43, Mark 13, Psalm 71:20, James 1:1-8.....................................................................................................................................................................

Episode 2! Not sure we have any listeners...but we're doing a second episode! In this conversation, we dive into the definition of what a man of God is based on the book The Intentional Father; A Practical Guide to Raising Sons of Courage and Character by Jon Tyson. The purpose of our podcast is to help each other be better leaders, husbands and fathers for God's glory. Our discussions are based on elements from the Men's Ministry at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI. For more information about us, check our website and hillcrestcrc.org......................................................................................................................................................................Quiet Time passages:  Ecclesiastes 2:24-25, Psalm 37, John 3:1-21, John 10:10.....................................................................................................................................................................

Our first episode! We start laying the groundwork and foundation for our future conversations around what it means, and what it takes, to be a Man Of God who leads his team, marriage and family for God's glory.Being our first episode, there are lots of "ums", background noise and mis-matched volume...we decided to keep it "raw" and unedited just so we can look back some day on how far we've come!The purpose of our podcast is to help each other be better leaders, husbands and fathers for God's glory. Our discussions are based on elements from the  Men's Ministry at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI. For more information about us, check our website and hillcrestcrc.org......................................................................................................................................................................Quiet Time passages: 1 Peter 4:8, Proverbs 21:30, Joshua 1, Psalm 121.....................................................................................................................................................................Book The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character by Jon Tyson, 2021 Baker Books.  His definition of a man: an image bearer and son of God entrusted with power and responsibility to create, cultivate, care and defend, for God's glory and the good of others. (p. 37)Again, from Tyson's book, he suggests there are 5 Types of Fathers, only partial definitions below (p. 32-33)Irresponsible father ...no involvement, no responsibility, no support.Ignorant father ...doesn't know anything about being a father, doesn't try to learn or improve.Inconsistent father ...has the capability to do better, but prioritizes other things, bounces  between selfishness and attempts to invest as father, but no stable sense of security or identity is passed down to his children.Involved father ...does a lot of things right, but because of the business of life and the failure to ask the right questions, he never seeks to understand specifically who his children are and why God gave them to him.Intentional father ...deeply invested in discovering who his children are and how he can help them reach their redemptive potential. He seeks to understand the children God has given him and wants to form them into young persons who can fulfill their purpose. He sees parenting as central to his call before God and does it with all his might. This kind of father leaves multigenerational blessing in the lives of his children.