Vertical Pursuit

Ben is a leader, speaker, pastor to pastors, and hosts the podcast Rise and Lead, which is in the top 1% of podcasts in the world. To call him simply a “life coach” is an understatement. He has spoken to large corporations, and trained faith leaders, business heads, communities, groups, and couples, in over 20 countries.

In this episode we share the story of our brother Isaac, who has been illuminated in a way he couldn't have predicted. It's been painful, and miraculous at the same time. An accident has him feeling anointed and promoted, and we can all profit from his example and story.

What is the secret to navigating life's trials, decisions and unmet expectations? How do we get clarity in the midst of lifes chaos and complexities? If you got everything exactly the way you wanted it, would you be happy? Or, would you immediately want more? Your suffering is not caused by things not going your way. Are we holding on to expectations of how we think things should always go? How do we break that? We can often be haunted by the deicsions we regret that keep paralyzed by fear and worry for the decisons in the now. 

From profanity to pornography, we all know the dangers of giving in to habitual sin, and these days pornography is at the top of the list. Porn can be a bear trap for men, and turns into a neurochemical addiction. You start needing a quick fix to give you that escape. We call can agree that it is destructive. So, how do we get free?

Many of us have witnessed miraculous events, and even more of us are open to the idea of them happening. What should our reaction be to true “Jesus moments?" We dive into scripture to explore this subject and more.

Pastor Mike recaps a recent trip on NBA All-Star Weekend to the oldest prison in the United States, where some incarcerated men are actually discovering a freedom that is available to us all. 

When God wants you to grow, he makes you uncomfortable. No pain, no gain, right? This is a fundamental teaching, but it's easier said than done. How do we really reach the point where we are lacking nothing? It sure isn't by being satisfied with always being comfortable.

The Bible tells us to spend time, and our lives, with people who share our same vision. But, where is the line? Aren't we supposed to go make disciples, even among non-Christians? What about close friends, and even prospective spouses?

What do Biblical numbers mean, and what do we do with this topic? Also in this episode we wrestle with the idea of a wrath of God, and what that could look like in today's world. Are natural disasters God's judgment today?

Could we actually be on the verge of coming out of a very cloudy time where the truth was suppressed, shaped, and controlled by a select few, and into a time where there is power in consensus, and that's easier to access? 

This episode is weird, hopefully in a good way. At times we make “going off on tangents” an art form, and this episode certainly falls under that heading. We start with the drone drama, and that took on to an off ramp of strangeness, viewed through a lens of faith, of course.

Not everything we read in the Bible is warm and fuzzy, and some is downright scary. And, that's okay to admit. Are we doing enough? Will I make the cut? And, if I'm living in sin, does God even hear my prayers? Ugh.

If over 90% of men believe in God, why do only roughly 35% of men in the U.S. regularly attend church? Many of our female listeners have not only noticed this, but have asked for advice on how to get their men on the road to an abundant Christian life.

Actually, the question shouldn't be "who are you,” but rather "WHOSE are you?” Paul sets this example for us in Ephesians by identifying that he is not bound to his past, and instead identifies himself by whose he is now, through Christ. That can help remove the pressure of our past mistakes, which leads to freedom.

We often choose to hold on tightly to anxiety and worry, thinking that we'll be able to at least have some measure of control over our circumstances. We do not gain control through fear, but our fear ends up controlling us. The gap between our illusion of control and our reality then gets filled with anxiety. What do we do with this?

There can be some confusion about what both of these words mean, and certainly negativity, these days, about anything referring to anything masculine. But, in this episode we discuss a new book that sets the record straight on both, and gives practical advice, and a Biblical perspective to the true meaning of masculinity, and what we should aspire to be.

It says in scripture that the one who is in control of the deception will literally blind the eyes of mankind. How can we not relate that directly to what we see (or not see) in today's world? What do we do with that? And, what role does the government, and the vote, play in a Christian's life? Buckle up, cowboy.

We live in a world of distraction and deception. As a result, we're seeing a hunger for foundational truth, especially in young people. Foundational truth is Biblical truth. Some of the lost are actually calling for the Bible to be labeled ‘misinformation' these days. Is that a cause for concern? Yes. Should we worry? No. 

The three young men who stood their ground against King Nebuchadnezzar are legends. Why? Because their faith wasn't based on an outcome. They believed, even if their prayers weren't answered. They understood that this isn't a transactional adventure, and God isn't a genie in a bottle. 

Do you have idols in your life, or things that are becoming idols? Where do your thoughts go by default? What outcomes or dreams are always on your mind? Purging idols is not easy, but anything that consumes too much of your thinking is taking the place of the Lord. Changing these habits is possible.

Matt is a leader of men, and as a high school basketball coach, a leader of young men. He walked away from the corporate world about a decade ago to become a pastor, and his obedience to that calling is worth celebrating. He is now on the front lines in helping men find their purpose and improve their faith lives. 

Why do negative, and even self-destructive thoughts, come to us so much easier than positive thoughts? Giving ourselves grace can be a massive challenge, but if we don't learn to do it, it's possible that it'll not only take us down, but everyone close to us. 

How did we get where we are? Did we obediently follow God's plan for our life? And, how do we know if we've arrived at our predetermined destination? Perhaps we're overthinking this. The plan isn't prefect because we're perfect; the plan is perfect because God is perfect. 

Anytime a group of two or more people get together, there are natural roles for each individual. It's easily explained when talking about a sports team, or a business, but is no less important when talking about a family, or a church, or even a group of friends. What is the role of a man, husband or father? Role acceptance leads to chemistry, which leads to culture. As the world works harder to destroy roles, and pushes a “you be you” strategy, push back with a Biblical vision for your role in relationships.

Artificial Intelligence is a hot topic these days, and it's advancing at warp speed. It's exciting, but also very concerning, because of the trans humanist movement that seems to be coming along with it. Is this human evolution, or is this a planned rebellion against God? Buckle up.

Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace. That sure sounds good, but it's not quite that easy, as we all know. In this episode we discuss the differences between mercy and forgiveness, and how it can truly be a gift to yourself. Also, how the freedom to forgive, or not, was a gift to us. 

Moral decay is on the rise, and it's argued that traditional values are oppressive. And, the quest to desensitize the culture to wicked behavior has picked up steam. Lines that were never crossed, like exposing children to debauchery, are now regularly stepped on and over. Christians are called to love, but logic and Biblical values, also deserve a seat at the table. 

Healthy expectations can be a good thing. But, expectations can also destroy things in many ways. And, what's the difference between hope and expectation? What are the ways we can guard against disappointment, frustration, and resentment, which can come as a result of unrealistic expectations- of others, of ourselves, of out circumstances? 

No matter the circumstance or subject matter of conversations these days, things usually circle back to the importance of knowing the truth. There are not different versions of the truth, there is just THE truth. While that was never a debate in the past, for some reason it is today. In this episode, we get to the heart of many matters of the day, with the goal of circling back to the one truth we can count on.

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like MEN, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13. This could turn out to be the mission verse for Vertical Pursuit, and in this episode we go through some of the most pressing issues we are hearing from men as of late. It's not getting easier, for sure, but we also know the adventure in your life will be found in responsibility and sacrifice, and not in comfort. 

There are many in this world who use fear to control us, and there is a lot to be fearful of right now. But, don't let fear call all the shots. This takes discipline and great faith. A healthy fear of God is how we defend against fear in the world. 

Of course, we want to always be grace-filled and loving, but at what point do our beliefs strengthen our confidence to the point that we're ready to fight for them? In a shaken world, standing firm and being bold is one way we can walk in obedience.

How many examples do we have to see of people we once held in high esteem crashing to the ground because they compromised? We always think of these as being major forks in the road, and they can be. But, they can also be the smallest of decisions that face us every day. Where is your line in the sand? How slippery is the slope?

We are bombarded every day with lies from the enemy. You are not good enough, strong enough, wise enough, are undeserving, and don't have what it takes, are examples. Have the strength to fight back with your own truths, and don't get caught in the crazy cycle. For every lie, God arms us with the power to rebuke them.

We hear all the time how men chase rest, peace, and refreshment. There is a shortage of all three, in a big way, right now. Yet, the Bible doesn't just suggest it, it commands that we practice it. How do we put aside our need for constant achievement, practice resistance and reclamation, and reach the rarified air of true rest?  

Pastor Tatlock recently returned from his 4th trip to Rwanda, and was a guest speaker at a big conference put on by Africa New Life. He discusses his experience, and we go into all that is right with that country, and what the United States can learn from the great people who have completely turned that country around following a bloody genocide.

We have discussed in past episodes the opportunity Pastor Tatlock has had as the team chaplain for the Portland Trail Blazers. But, we've never really gotten into details about what it's all about, and how so many athletes seem to gain their strength from their faith. Why is this? And, why are some so bold in sharing, while others opt for a more private approach?

He may have played 456 NBA regular season games, along with 30 playoff games, but it took a public fall for Meyers Leonard to find his true identity, joy, and peace. We are so drawn to stories of redemption, and this much is clear - through the fire, Meyers, a devoted husband and father, is now living his best life. 

Surely we're not expected to simply fake it when we're hard times. But, how exactly do we practice thanksgiving in the face of tragedy or anxiety? How can we turn our eyes from our situation to our Saviour? 

We've all know that the value of something is determined by what someone will pay for it. Are you spending time reminding your soul of its worth, by reminding yourself of the high price that was paid to redeem you? Sounds simple, but how do we do that?

Milo Curtis is a chaplain in the United States Navy, and is currently stationed in Virginia. He joined us to discuss the moment he realized he was being called, and what he's learned since. The job of a chaplain entails more than just one sit down discussion could hold, but the adventures, stories, and duties, are fascinating and inspiring.

These are crazy times, indeed. The politics of 2024 will be front and center, and will likely cause a massive amount of worry and anxiety for our country. So, how should we be approaching this in prayer? And, what are some ways we can put what is happening in America in the proper perspective? It's a complex issue, and we take a swing at it in this episode. 

We all know this feeling. We've all heard things like “what does your gut tell you?” Or, people will say “I just have a weird feeling about this.” Are we sure that our sixth sense isn't a link to immortal existence, and perhaps a way for us to perceive the devine? The Bible calls this discernment. Perhaps we should be paying a little more attention to those hairs on the back of our necks.

What are prophetic words, and why does it seem everyone is getting a message exactly like this right now? We know that 2024 will likely be a little crazy, and time seems to be moving faster recently. So, rather than let chalk this up to ‘coincidence' we thought we'd take a deeper dive into what it could mean.

Jason has been a senator, candidate for governor, public leader, author, storyteller, speaker, director of big global projects, and is a massive influencer in the fly fishing world. When facing a time of reinvention, he turned to the idea of serving shepherds. What he's created is something called Pastor's Monday. He joined us to discuss that, and much more. 

Honesty, communication, and forgiveness need to be the foundation of a healthy marriage, along with love and respect. Start by destroying any thought of an escape plan, and practice 100% commitment. Can we learn to truly be Jesus to our spouse?

If making disciples is a commandment, then we need to look at it as a responsibility and hold ourselves accountable. Do you hesitate to share your faith because you might get a strange look, or be put in a category? Whatever it ‘costs' you, the gain far exceeds it. 

When you don't know the truth, you settle for the lie. So many things in our lives attempt to steal our freedom. And, we're not just talking about power-hungry governmental players. We're talking about the true enemy who hates the idea of us being free. When you seek Jesus, he gives you TRUE freedom. 

Drifting from the life you want to be leading can be aimless and involuntary. But, we're all susceptible to it. We can wander down a path, and by the time we look up, we're miles from home, living a life and making choices that are destructive. But, no matter how far we drift, we must know that God is at home, awaiting our return.

We all have friends in our lives who live in denial, deal with distractions, and cling to the comfort that whispers to them that they don't need God. It's not that they don't believe in something, it's that they don't feel the motivation to press past the surface. Are there tools available to us to help them, and ourselves, get unstuck

Israel has the attention of the world right now. The reaction, following the brutality of attacks by Hamas has the world divided and confused. Since most of this nation now gets its history lessons from biased media outlets, in this episode it was necessary to walk things back from a Biblical perspective.