Podcasts about god's men

The beatitudes are antibiotics from God's pharmacy and each one includes a blessing --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marvin-fant/support

Ten years after Nebuchadnezzar had installed Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to his court, there was a rebellion in the Empire. After the revolt was suppressed, Nebuchadnezzar raised a 90 foot tall idol, and summoned all the Empire's infrastructure to come for a loyalty check. The thousands who came were to bow to the ground in front of the idol and the King. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah did not bow, and were dragged before the King. When they refused to bow, they were bound and thrown into a super-heated furnace. They were seen by the King as they walked about in the fire with a 4th figure. When the came from the furnace, there was not even the scent of smoke on their clothes. Nebuchadnezzar gave credit to God Most High.

Key Bible Verse: "Then Moses was afraid...Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian." Exodus 2: 14-15

Where are God's Men in this Day & Time?

Manhood is under all-out assault, but nobody is going after womanhood or certain cultural groups with this level of antipathy. What's the deal- The commitment is to the unraveling of a society, and any remnants of manhood and fatherhood stands in the way of that.-But, God is gracious to His people, and there are still islands of redemption left in a dying world. When it comes to masculinity, conservatives and liberals tend to get it wrong. The Bible doesn't speak to machismo and aggression. The Bible speaks to categories like faith, work, sacrifice, watchfulness, prayer, headship, and responsibility.

We have completed our time in the Old Testament looking into the lives of more than three dozen men in more than 100 episodes. What did you learn about their lives and relationships with God through their successes and failures?

In a jail cell in 2002 Glenn felt God urging him to start writing books. With 7 years of a prison sentence for drug trafficking left he obeyed. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, Glenn wrote for a year and then questioned if it was God who was urging him to write. Within a week a random letter arrived from Hope for Today Ministries in Tustin, Californiathat was addressed to an inmate who went home over a year prior. Inside the letter was a little note that said, “Here is what you asked for on how to write books.”  Over 17 years later, God has used Glenn to publish over 77 books. The first 10 books shined a light on the drug war and prison conditions that he spoke about on TV and in radio interviews. Then he started writing prayer books and became confused on how people would judge him, especially within the church. He began to realize that God’s Plan of Redemption is to be bold to explain what God delivered him from. He now writes about the prophecies of God that point to Jesus Christ and feels compelled to preach the Gospel.  In this episode Glenn discusses how he left his life as a drug dealer on the streets with his younger brother to sell meth surrounded by Mexican cartel and finally find his way to preach the Word of God. The Enemy had him locked in fear and self-loathing, but he found his way to Christ. Glenn’s journey is inspiring. Be blessed and be welcome at God’s Men of Influence. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

Psalm 37:7-9 - "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land."  In this episode Dino talks with Antonio Zanellato, the first guest who has yet to surrender to God. Antonio has never been a patient man, but is ready for change. He is trying to learn forgiveness so that he can let go.  If you can’t forgive, the devil uses that door as a way in. Antonio is from Italy and came to the US in 2009. He grew up fatherless in Northern Italy, but was taken to Naples to live with his Grandparents.  He was not close to his mother and had mixed feelings about his dad.  Antonio was waiting for his dad to rescue him, a day that never came.  As he grew older, Antonio never turned away from a fight and went from being a good kid to one who was not. From 14 to 19 Antonio robbed, defrauded and stole cars all along knowing that it was wrong and only for validation. At 24 he was sat down by a family member and was told no one is going to save you. This belief led to objectivism and atheism. Antonio did not care about others for the next 10 years. Antonio got married and came to America, but within a few years infidelity crept in.  When Antonio met his second wife Jan it changed his life.  Her love is so complete and when she got pregnant, Antonio began feeling closer to God, but was not sure what to do until he discovered the book “Wild Are Art” by John Eldritch. He went through many dark times, but the worst was just 2 weeks ago brought on by shame, fear and guilt. Antonio has a family and when he resigned his job without another, he put them at risk.  We pray for Antonio’s growth in God and we pray for his family and for him to find employment. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  In this episode Dino talks to Doug Travato about his journey to find God. They discuss pride, ego, gratitude, humility and God’s blessings.    Doug is a man who is very repentant about the people he’s hurt in his past. He grew in a non-Christian home in Southern California and was never disciplined.  Doug joined the strongest Italian gang in town.  Fighting, drinking and skipping school was the norm and continued into college.  At 26, he ran off to Reno and married his sweetheart from the 2nd grade.  She was the only Christian in his life and helped to save Doug.   Things took a dark turn when Doug’s wife was told she had an Aneurism of the Aorta. She needed immediate surgery.  She called men at the church to pray over her and when the doctors went to look for the Aneurism it was gone, but they wanted to open her up.  Doug fell to his knees and gave himself to God.  The next day he refused to let her go into surgery.  She got over her pneumonia and the Aneurism never re-appeared.  At a financial low point where it felt like his world was falling apart, a Christian brother told Doug “God doesn’t care about your comfort he cares about your character.” He began talking to Christ all the time.  His new mantra is “May the rest of my life be the best of my life for Christ.” For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

National Teachers Workshop (NTW) General Session Bro. Martin Thomas Topic:  Connecting God's Word to God's Men

On Father's Day in 1974 Freeman Palmore's father passed away and at 17 years old he denounced God.  What was to follow was 28 years of drugs, alcohol, infidelity and male prostitution that took him away from his wife, 3 daughters and son from another woman.  Freeman Palmore never taught his children about God.  He believed God had left him, but it was he who turned his back on God.  Freeman abused drugs and alcohol and cheated on his wife until he was finally kicked out of the house.  He made his way to New Orleans where the substance abuse continued and Freeman became a male prostitute to pay for his addictions.  There he had a son, but soon left for California and the Costa Rica.  In 2002 a near death drug overdose sent him into rehab where he rededicated himself to God and his family.  Dino and Freeman also discussed: Abuse Infidelity Addiction Prostitution Trust in Christ Parenthood Repentance  Making amends                                                                           This is Freeman's testimony. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Steve Murrin is a recovering sex addict who found himself in such pain that he planned his own suicide.   The grace of God stepped in and with a cinderblock and chain in his trunk, Steve called a crisis hotline.  The police tracked his car down and admitted him to a hospital where he was kept until his crisis was over.  Unfortunately, the deep rooted pain from being abused as a child by his stepfather left the scars that led to his addictions yet again.  Steve had no good answer when his 10 year old daughter asked him why he wanted to die and no good way of dealing with the pain when her mother took her and moved them away.  When the dark thoughts came again and all hope was lost, Steve was saved by 3 books given to him by a friend.  The day he handed back the 3rd book, he was hungry for the Word of the Lord.   In this episode Steve and Dino discuss: Abuse Pornography Addiction Suicide Trust in Christ Parenthood Repentance                                                                            This is Steve's testimony. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Jerry Fisher and his brothers were beaten by his father.  Although he has forgiven his father, it left deep wounds that he still reconciles today.  In his 30's Jerry traveled for work, made lots of money and lived like he was single, but it wasn't the way to happiness.  At 40 years old Jerry found Christ.  A few years later, he brought his daughter to recovery at Mariner's Church for a meth addiction.  Jerry was angry with her boyfriend, whom he believed was the cause of her 3 year addiction.  God spoke to Jerry.  He drove to her boyfriend's house and reunited him with his own estranged father.  In this episode Jerry and Dino discuss: Abuse Marriage Infidelity Divorce Addiction Trust in Christ Parenthood Repentance                                                                            This is Jerry's testimony. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

When Jamie Looney left the military, his life took an ugly turn toward drugs, alcohol and infidelity.  He and his wife Crystal, obsessed with partying, became less involved with their children.  Jamie's oldest son Sebastian began using drugs. Although Jamie and his wife eventually found Christ, it was too late to change the path Sebastian was on, until on Christmas Eve he was arrested for a serious crime.  This is Jamie's testimony. In this episode, Jamie and Dino discuss: Growing up on the Yakama Indian reservation where drugs and alcohol were prevalent. Deploying as a Marine and the effect on his family. Leaving the military. Drugs, Alcohol and Infidelity in his marriage. Finding Christ through influential Christian men. His son's spiral into drugs and crime. Driving from Minnesota across the country on Christmas Eve to be at his son's arraignment. Surrendering to Christ when his son is sentenced to 17 years. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Correct your spiritual damage as early as you can.  Today at 70 years old, Dino's guest Jim Hogan is an ambassador for Jesus Christ, but it has not always been the case.  In this episode Jim and Dino discuss Jim's "Standing Stone Ministry" as well as: 1. Jim's marriage of 48 years 2. Growing up in a dysfunctional alcoholic family. 3. Finding and losing Surrogate parents in a terrible accident. 4. The loss of a mentor to suicide. 5. Building and losing a multi-million dollar business. 6. Ego and Isolation. 7. Dealing with Financial Loss. 8. Moral troubles inside a popular ministry.  Recommended Books: 1. Leadership is an art - Max Depree 2. Team of Teams - General Stan McChrystal 3. Prayer Shield - C. Peter Wagner "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[ have been called according to his purpose" - Romans 8:28 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Betrayed and molested by a family member, Eric Botelho had many trials before finding God. In this episode Eric and Dino discuss his sober living homes Sanctuary House as well as: 1. His Christianity - God did not call him to be comfortable or safe. 2. Radical Encounters with Jesus.  3. The Effects of sexual molestation by a trusted family member. 4. Running with a crew and being the only survivor with his brother. 5. The power of his mother in the fight against his addictions. 6. Adulterous relationships. 7. How his family was pushed away by the Catholic Church. 8. God put people in his life to show him Jesus. 9. Choosing faith on days you don't feel it. 10. Seminary Training 11. Anchored Recovery Community   "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

What is the purpose behind our trials?  This answer is beyond us.  We only need to know that there is a purpose.  We call this knowledge faith.  In this episode Dino talks with Jon Lugo about his faith as well as: 1. The Power of Sharing Your Christianity 2. The Pain of Denying Jesus. 3. Drugs and Alcohol. 4. Selling drugs at church. 5. Fighting with a pipe, arrested & sent to court. 6. Unleashing his drug addiction in college. 7. Selling drugs on a large scale. 8. Being attracted to evil. 9. The power of guilt. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - Jame 1 Verse 2&3 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Anger is the thorn that drives our guest David Kamashin to his cross. After a life filled with addiction, prison, theft and homelessness David has been delivered and sees the Gospel in everything.  In this episode, Dino and David discuss: 1. Alcohol, drug and sexual addiction 2. Sex offense  3. Prison 4. Fatherhood 5. The power of meth amphetameme 6. Adultery 7. Theft 8. 12 years of homelessness 9. Dealing drugs 10. Radical Recovery Ministries 11. Fuel Ministries Recomended Books: Crazy Love - Frances Chan Radical - David Platt "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." - Hebrews 12:1-2 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord.  Nobody understands this better than our guest Steve Woodson.  In this episode Dino & Steve discuss: 1. Drinking, Drugs and Drug Dealing  2. Promiscuity, living in the flesh 3. The Impact of Spreading Yourself Too thin on Your Spirituality 4. Hearing the Lord's Voice 5. The threat of Prison and much more. "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord" - Psalm 1 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Most people don't think God is listening to them, but when you walk in his word you realize how attentive he really is.  The Word becomes flesh and today's guest Matt Arellano talks about going deep into Scripture and dwelling in the Word.   Dino and Matt also discuss: 1. Losing Your trust In the Lord 2. Stepping out in faith 3. Fighting pride to stay humble 4. Fuel Ministries  5. The Pain of pornography & justification, 6. Habitual sin and much more... For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" - Romans 12:2

Before his was a major league baseball pitcher, Tim Fortugno was the angry son of a single mom and then an abusive stepfather.  He struggled with poor choices like stealing, drugs and alcohol abuse that led him to trouble with the law and a juvenile home.  Tim had thoughts of suicide and murderous rage for his stepfather, but God protected him.  Tim was rejected when at 16 his mom told the court that she no longer wanted him at home.   Tim was put into a Christian foster home and at 17 he gave his life to the Lord.  At 21 he came to California, met his wife and was brought back to his love of baseball.   Tim was pitching and no longer checked in with the Lord.  He hurt his arm and entered a very dark time, until he came back to God. After years in the minors, Tim found himself pitching for the Angels in Anaheim as a 30 year old rookie.  Now Tim works as a scout for major league teams. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

August 15, 2016

FRIDAYS ON THE SPIRIT ALIVE NETWORK Every Man Standing In His Place: Discipleship Training Join Them @ 6:00 PM (PST) - 8:00 PM (CST) - 9:00 PM (EST) Call: 424-675-8300 We are so excited to be able to share with the world anointed men of God who are truly not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are tackling the tough questions that Christian men face today. Join us for these transforming programs and more on your Transformation Station. Pastor Lester Carver, Ministers; Kevin Parks, Anthony Brooks, Isaac Wright, Kevin Hinkston, & Pablo Rangel are your hosts and the Mighty Men Of God's Round Table. Yes, we're giving you more of what your soul is looking for right here on the Spirit Alive Network  Taking It To Streets: Mondays @ 5:00 PM (PST) On The Spirit Alive Network Tuesday Teachings: Tuesdays @ 7:00 AM (EST) On The Spirit Alive Ministries Network Tell It Tuesday: Tuesdays @ 11:00 PM (EST) On The Spirit Alive Network The Faith Cafe: Wednesday @ 4:00 PM (PST) On The Spirit Alive Ministries Network Prayer Changes Things: Wednesdays @ 7:00 PM (PST) On The Spirit Alive Network  Walking Wounded: Thursdays @ 7:00 PM (PST) On The Spirit Alive Ministries Network Every Man Standing: Fridays @ 5:00 PM (PST) On The Spirit Alive Network Stories of the Bible: Saturdays @ 9:00 AM (PST) On The Spirit Alive Ministries Network Spirit Alive Praise & Worship: Sundays @ 9:00 AM (PST) On The Spirit Alive Ministries Network Visit our website at www.spiritalivebiblestudies.org  

Dr. Fazale “Fuz” Rana became a Christian during graduate school while studying biochemistry at Ohio University. Having been raised by a Muslim father, this created a tense rift in their relationship and was unable to be mended even on his father’s dying day.  In this episode, you’ll hear our third guest from the organization, Reasons To Believe, takes a logical and scientific approach to demonstrating the truths of the Bible. He has authored several groundbreaking books, including Who Was Adam?, Creating Life in the Lab as well as recently released Dinosaur Blood and The Age of the Earth. Dr. Rana, Through research of the cell’s complexity, elegance and sophistication coupled with the inadequacy of evolutionary scenarios to account for life’s origin compelled him to conclude that life must stem from a creator. And since his father’s passing, he has dedicated himself Christian apologetics and the use of science as a tool to build bridges with nonbelievers. “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1 Recommended Books: Dinosaur Blood and The Age of the Earth –Dr Fazale Rana Who Was Adam – Dr. Fazale Rana For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influencecommunity, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook forour daily devotionals and updates and please like ourpage www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes andleave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from thisepisode.

Philosopher and theologianKennethRichard Samples has a great passion to help people understandthe reasonableness and relevance of Christianity’s truth claims. Heis the senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe and the author ofseveral books, including Christian Endgame and 7Truths That Changed the World.Kenneth lost his brother tosuicide at a young age, which certainly reshaped his childhood, buthe believes that there was good that came from it. It was at thisdark time that he began to ask more spiritual questions that helpedhim become the Christian man that he is today.Kenneth is our second guest fromReasons to Believe, which educates people on the marriage betweenscience and Christianity. Kenneth encourages believers to develop alogically defensible faith and challenges skeptics to engageChristianity at a philosophical worldview level. “And we know that in all thingsGod works for the good of those who love him, who havebeen called according to his purpose.”Romans 8:28Recommended Book:Without a Doubt – Kenneth SamplesFor past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influencecommunity, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.orgJoin us on Facebook forour daily devotionals and updates and please like ourpage www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence  Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes andleave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from thisepisode.

“Confrontation of our own depravity teaches us compassion.” These are wise words spoken by our latest guest, Pastor Jack West. Jack specializes in Care and Recovery at the well-known Mariners Church in southern California. Jack is able to connect and help people struggling to overcome many forms of addiction. Having personally dealt with drug abuse and alcohol addiction, Jack utilizes not only his past experiences, but reaches people by demonstrating the power of the Lord’s will to love and heal us. Jack makes it a point to reference, “If you never get better, God still loves you,” and those words are as comforting as any. Listen to Jack’s story of how his faith in God brought him to a life of healing and helping people who struggle with many physical and psychological issues.   “Jesus wept” - John 11:35   Recommended Book: In the Grip of Grace – Max Lucado For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Astronomer and best-selling author Dr. Hugh Ross travels the globe speaking on the compatibility of advancing scientific discoveries with the timeless truths of Christianity. His organization, Reasons to Believe, is dedicated to demonstrating, via a variety of resources and events, that science and biblical faith are allies, not enemies. If you ask many people, you’ll find that there tends to be a divide in how they feel about this topic. Do you pick creation or evolution? Do you believe in a young earth or an old earth? Modern science has developed so many complexed discoveries, we almost have no choice on whether or not we compare them to what we’ve always known to be the biblical truth. Our ministry was blessed with the opportunity to speak with this world-renowned figure, and in this installment, you’ll hear answers to some of your most burning questions. 1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.   Recommended Book: Why is the Universe the Way it is – Hugh Ross For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

  There's nothing better than knowing when you've turned someone's day around, or even better, turned their life around. This is what our guest, Wayne Tesch, has made of his legacy. Wayne was born into a Christian home where his father taught him strong moral values. Instead of taking his loving upbringing for granted, he put it to good use.    In 1990, Wayne and his wife, Diane, formed a non-profit organization that hosts distressed foster children for a week of fun at camp all over the country. Their organization, Royal Family Kids, is present in 48 states and 5 different countries, and is pieced together through a community of Christian churches that all have the same goal: Confront child abuse. Wayne, Diane and Royal Family Kids provide a Cathedral of the outdoors for many children around the world. In fact, over 7,700 foster children were able to be a part of this wonderful movement in 2015 alone.   "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him." - Psalm 40:1-3     Recommended Book: The Making of a Leader - Frank Damazio   Recommended Video: C.A.M.P (on Netflix)   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Ken Dirrim has lived a strong Christian life, but like many of us do, he’d come to a point in his life where he found himself focusing on other things and not giving his full attention to God. At times he battled himself on which path he would take: to feel success, or to be a man of God. It wasn’t until he came home from work and his eight year old daughter approached him and asked, “Is this my loving dad or his evil brother?” that he realized it was time to allow himself to be more attached to the Lord. Ken, a native of the United States, now lives with his wife in Athens, Greece. He is a servant of the Lord who spends his time there helping embattled individuals that risk their lives to escape the clutches of unjust persecution. God called upon Ken and asked him to take part in the Helping Hands ministry, where he helps these people get clean and fed while teaching and demonstrating the gospel. “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” - Leviticus 19:33-34 We often find ourselves judging or misunderstanding people that we don’t know well: refugees, immigrants and naturalized citizens. Today, nobody’s bloodline predates immigration, so be kind to your fellow man. Verse: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9 Recommended Book: Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World - Tom Doyle For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

Parents beware that student loan debt is now higher than credit card debt in America. Start with a plan for your child early and make sure that everyone understands the goal...avoiding student loans!  Here’s an idea. Instead of buying toys and gifts, contribute to the higher education savings account.  In this episode Financial Executive from Trilogy Financial Services Daniel Lungu gives great tips for parents and their kids alike to help avoid the crushing results of high student loan debt.  Also in studio with Daniel and Dino is Shelley, a real life example of the student loan crisis. Here’s just a few examples of what you’ll hear: Teach your children to work for compensation from a young age. Teach your children about saving. Consider community college for the first two years. Find out everything you can about grants and scholarships. Know what you want to do as a career before you enroll. Understand what to expect from college. Credit Cards Interest Rates Treat your education like a job. Federal Loans vs. Private Loans Getting a job in the professional world. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Finishing well is better than starting fast.  That’s the mantra Jonathan Daugherty from Be Broken Ministries gave us on today’s show.  Jonathan’s biggest struggle in life has been with fear.  Fear had pulled him to secrecy and isolation after his exposure to pornography and sexual deviance led him toward darkness.  God’s strength has helped Jonathan to speak about his fear and help others with his story.  This is Jonathan’s testimony.“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” - Ecclesiastes 7:8 Recommended Books: Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

Mark Martinez has struggled like many of the men that appear on our show. However, his problem was unlike most of the guests that we host on our podcast. Mark spent a large portion of his life with his faith and God on the backburner and essentially out of his life. It wasn’t until he was 26 years old when he realized that spirituality was what his life was lacking, and what was keeping his life from feeling complete. It was at that time that he sought after and studied various religions around the world and found his place in Christianity. His past feelings of displacement within his faith inspired him to do something truly unique for children going through a very vulnerable time in their lives. Mark, a father of two adolescent girls, founded CROP Ministries: A non-profit organization that pairs children with their parents during a highly transitional and impressionable period as they mature. CROP (Christian Right of Passage) provides Christian mentorship programs that help parents properly guide their children through adolescence and into young adulthood. Parents and children of all walks of life can benefit from the message and lessons taught within Mark’s ministry. Listen in to hear about how he’s helping families. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 1:3   Recommended Book: Already Gone – Ken Ham For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

Dr. James Reeves was a child of neglect and abandonment. Born into a home with no parental supervision, he was able to come and go at will. If he didn’t want to go to school one day, no one would be there to stop him. He is the son of a drunk wanderer and over-worked mother, who were both unable to give him their love and attention. As a young man he found himself getting into drugs, alcohol and sex before going off to college where upon his return, his father soon passed away at the age of 41.It wasn’t until his mid thirties, after he’d earned his doctorate degree and become a pastor that he had realized that he was harboring resentful feelings towards his father. These hateful emotions were the roadblocks keeping him from being truly at peace with life, and finding the ability to trust in Jesus and forgive his father. It is only fitting that a 12-step graduate and new member of his church was able to guide him through a process with deep biblical roots that would finally allow him to let go. Dr. Reeves is the founder of City on a Hill, a ministry which he refers to as a “hospital” because of their extraordinary belief in healing the heart, as well as the head and the hands.   Romans 12:2 - “ Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind"          Contact information: james@jamesmreeves.comwww.jamesmreeves.com For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

James Knight is a full time staff member at City on a Hill church, Certified Peer Support Specialist, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Student and a devoted father and husband.  As a child, James made bad decisions forcing his parents to leave their church out of shame.  His biggest weakness is being judgemental as a Christian without knowing a person’s life story.  This frames many of his discussions as he mentors other Christians.  James teaches that there is good in everyone, but you must look to find it. After 30 years of bad choices, James looks back and reveals that at 12 he experimented with pot and alcohol, at 18 he shot up meth amphetamines and he spent the next 20 years pursuing a life of crime, sex and debauchery.  Among many other things James began manufacturing different drugs for consumption.  This is his testimony   “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” - Proverbs 22:6 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Welcome to God’s Men of Influence 100th show.  This show is different from our typical show because it’s not a testimony, rather Dino asked Pastor Ryan Tirona listener questions and he gave us answers directly from the scriptures.  Dino and Ryan delve into questions about suicide & mental illness, the nature of how we’re saved, what happens when we die, who is Jesus, living without fear and much more.  Thank you for being part of our community. Enjoy our very special 100th show with special guest Pastor Ryan Tirona. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

James is a child of God, but he wasn’t always.  As a child he went to 4 hour services at church and because it was so interactive, it went by very quickly and was engaging.  He is very analytical in his approach to God and his beliefs and this analysis brought him from being a casual believer to a man of God.  At times he finds himself looking away from Jesus and he knows that these are the times he faces trouble in his life. This is why he makes prayer the center point of his family life. In college James questioned the foundation of his faith at his Christian college.  For a few years his faith took a back seat to the level that he lost the point of why he had faith at all.   The amount of information and change was a force that was difficult to handle and James was not actively involved in a church during this time.  During a trip across country, James was challenged to fast and pray about his faith.  When he got to D.C., he found a church and attended every event.  A member of the church said to him “let’s pray, God told me you will get the job you want.”  The next morning he got a call and received the job he prayed for, he was only 22.  This was the beginning of his true path and this is his testimony.   A Plain Account of Christian Perfection - John Wesley A Letter to the Philippians - Polycarp “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,  instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.” - Hebrew 6:1-3 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Brad is a 45 year old Father of 3 from Grand Rapids MI.  In August of 2014 he moved his family to Irvine, CA knowing no one.  Brad’s biggest weakness is based around trust.  Brad believes his trust as a child was broken due to abuse.  Luckily, he has in him a glass is 99% full attitude which leads him to want to inspire people.  At 28 years old, he allowed himself to get into a bad 10 year Real Estate deal that threatened his family’s security.  Now he realizes that it was his greed that led him down that path.  The healing is in the telling and when you bring it into the light, you should have men of God around to support you. In 2008, Brad read a story about a family who needed bikes.  He and his family took the afternoon, bought bikes and hunted down the family from the newspaper.  I Like Giving was born as a way for people to tell their inspiring stories of giving like Brad’s family. www.ilikegiving.com   “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” -  2nd Corinthians 9:7   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Now is the time to review your finances particularly how taxes during the distribution of retirement will affect your nest egg.  Having the right Financial Planner on your side can literally mean millions in tax savings if things are handled properly and at the right time. In this episode Regional Vice President of Trilogy Financial Services Kevin Leon comes on to set the record straight.  He and Dino discuss: IRA/Roth IRA contributions Who qualifies for IRA deductions Who qualifies for Roth IRA contributions Coverdell ESA.  Who qualifies and who much you can contribute Charitable Contributions made id 2015 Realized Capital losses For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Mike Long is a Pastor and the Executive Director of “Voice of Refugees.”  He is the father of 8 children and teaches that there is a new love shared in God.  Sometimes he is too trusting and believes the best in other people, but he knows no other way to live in Christ.  The world doesn’t trust enough.  Pastor Mike had a grandchild in distress during birth and God’s sovereignty became very apparent.  He used to think that he would be a missionary traveling the world, but instead “Voice of Refugees” is Pastor Mike’s missionary work that comes to him.  Over 50% of people will never get out of Refugee camps.  The Church is the largest giver of relief to these camps. www.VORservices.org Recommended Book - “Seeking Allah Finding Jesus” - Nabeel Qureshi “A Wind in the House of Islam” - V. David Garrison   “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” - Jeremiah 9: 23/24 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Specialist in child sex trafficking Opal Singleton started her work in Cambodia in 2008. What she discovered is that sex trafficking is now in the purview of gangs and drug cartels.   These organizations target the most vulnerable kids from foster care and those who have run away from home; however, these are not throwing targets.  Now that they can use technology and social media they could be coming after your children as well.   Human trafficking is a crime of psychology. Fathers are key in the fight against sex trafficking and must be involved in the solution.  Our children carry devices that allowed them to be in contact with over a million predators.  Opal has trained over 50,000 people about the dangers of human trafficking and understanding how and why it happens. http://www.millionkids.org/ For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Western Regional Director of Global Media Outreach (GMO) Gary Schneider tells the story of the Gospel to millions of people around the world online.  There are over 6000 missionaries online to disciple new converts from the previous day.   Today, Gary is a man of great faith who brings people to the Lord, but he never expected as a young man to follow this path. Gary grew up in a home with an alcoholic father.   When he was 14 his parents got divorced and from age 14 to 17 things were very dark. There were many accounts of Gary being a bully and even a time when he went to jail.   He had one friend from high school named Keith who had a transformation.   Gary went with him to a youth group and learned what it was that had changed him so dramatically.  Gary committed himself to God and started on his path to ministry.  This is Gary’s testimony. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2nd Corinthians 5:17 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Married for 6 years and a father of 3 at age 28 Rob is living a truly fantastic life; however things were not always that way.  When Rob’s wife was pregnant with their second child the doctor revealed a cleft palate during a sonogram.  Fear struck Rob and his wife and they went to work immediately trying to figure out what to do next.  God always provides and began showing up in the form of friends donating time, support and information and a random act of monetary kindness from a stranger, but the struggle was just beginning. Rob’s son was born with a very dramatic version of a cleft palate.  He had no lip and one nostril missing.  Many tears were shed knowing that their child was going to have to suffer many years of surgery and procedures.  Rob believes that God is using his son’s condition as a way to bring other blessings and opportunities into their lives.  Although having a child with special needs can drive a wedge between a couple, they take it on as a team undivided.  This is Rob’s testimony. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,I know that full well” - Psalm 139:14 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Skip Lanfried's concern for people began with his relationship with the Lord.  He helped children because he was supposed to, but his true compassion was something that came to him much later.  His fight is against Human Trafficking the definition of which is holding anyone against their will and forcing them to do something against their will. This is slavery and today human slavery is at an all time high.  There are almost 30 million people in slavery around the world.   India is the center of all slavery where the most extreme poor are forced into servitude. Bonded servitude is forced labor and is a form of slavery as is child labor and sex slavery.  Approximately a million children go missing every year.  They are manipulated and forced into the slave trade.  Some children are purposely maimed and then told to beg.  This is Pastor Skip Lanfried's Fight against Human Trafficking. Recommended Book - “Seduced” by Opal Singleton www.millionkids.org , www.friends.church For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Eric Heard was a boy in a man’s body who got exposed.  He was weak in life because he couldn’t be who God wanted him to be.In the American culture we do not teach the rites of passage that allow a boy to become a man.  Fathers are too busy to speak truth into their sons.  This is a generational problem and Eric decided early as a father that he would never be absent.  He wanted to bless his son with the knowledge of who he is as a man.  It is men’s responsibility to step up and make order out of chaos. This is a very special show where we get a glimpse of a Pastor's perspective on Fatherhood. Recommended Book - “How to Raise a Modern Day Knight” by Robert Lewis For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Ryan is a Pastor and is married with three kids, but this is a very different marriage than his first one.  His testimony talks about the struggles and pressure that a pastor and pastor’s wife feel, and how he changed his approach in his second marriage to one of humility.   “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” - Psalms 16:11 Biggest Weakness - Ryan is a self-reliant addict rather than relying on Jesus.   We have less trust in God than we think we do.  Your money will let you down, but God never will. Dark Time - Ryan was married in 2003 as a young pastor and 4 months later his wife said she didn’t want to follow Jesus.  The spiritual rift kept pulling them apart.  She finally left and then he was asked to step down from his job as a pastor because he was separated.  7 months later he was drinking too much and literally banging his head on the wall.  God came to him in the form of 3 friends although many of his friends could not bring themselves to call.   Ryan bought a one way ticket to Hawaii, went to the beach and asked God to be his father and to let him know that he was still around and loved him. He spent time with the Bible and began to see it as a true story of love rather than rules His ex was a full Christian, but she didn’t have the same convictions as Ryan.  As a pastor, Ryan believes he was arrogant which may have pushed his wife away.   Ryan was trying to be his own savior and it was a lot of pressure for his wife. In his 2nd marriage he know longer wants to be right.  He never wants his wife to apologize before he does.  He is much more open to being wrong, because he was wrong so many times in the past. Today Ryan wants his children to see Jesus as the one who has all the answers not him.   As a father he pastors.  If his child is hard-hearted he gives him the law, if their broken-hearted he gives grace.  Grace will always be there for him, but there needs to be a balance between Grace and Law.   Recommended Book - “Prodigal God” by Tim Keller “Three Free Sins” by Steve Brown God’s Men of Influence - Someone who treasures Jesus and looks for all his satisfaction in Jesus. rtirona@thechapelfh.org For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

#88 Addiction and Finding God in Prison - Brian Johnson Brian Johnston is a very different man today than he once was.  Brian suffers from a mental disorder and addictive personality which pulled him away from Jesus during the darkest times in his life.  It wasn’t until his last prison sentence that he finally understood why he was making such bad choices and how God could lead him toward the life he wanted.  This is his testimony “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future - Jeremiah 29:11 Biggest Weakness - The shame of his past still affects Brian.  It makes it more difficult to focus on all the good he has in his life.  It is difficult for him to forgive himself.   Biggest Strength - Love.  God taught him to love himself and love others.  He gives love now as much as is possible. Dark Time - Raised Christian with good parents.  There are things in his family like addiction and mental illness that ultimately became the problem for Brian.  He began abusing his ADD medication in high school.  Once he went off to college he began partying and had a manic episode which was the onset of bipolar disorder.  That was the start of some really bad decisions.  Brian relied on Marijuana as a stability, but when he stopped using the bipolar really advanced.   In college Brian took way too much medication in an attempt to commit suicide due to his disorder.   He spent a long time trying to self medicate away from his bouts of depression. Brian became a missionary which was helpful. but when he came back he fell into bouts of depression.  He underwent electroshock therapy which helped to get past the depression, but did not help the addiction. His first arrest was during a manic episode.  Brian had began taking Meth and stole a car to sell in Mexico.  He was sent to jail for 6 months. There were many times he experienced jail in Mexico and had gotten back alive. In 2010 he was arrested again and sent to prison for 16 months.  This time in prison God finally got his attention.  Brian is grateful that he was arrested, because he got sober. Spending time with his bible aided in his recovery more than anything else. Brian was unprepared to be in prison, but he believes that God has plans and based on Brian’s actions, he needed to be there.   He had to learn what led him there and how he could avoid returning.  Once he started walking with God, he felt a little protected. Once he got out anger was a new struggle for Brian.  Prison had changed him.  His anger led to a 3 day relapse in Mexico.  Fortunately he made it back. His life today is very good and it’s all because of Jesus.  Brian had always had the conviction that he wouldn’t make it, so he is constantly aware of everything he has.   Brian has a fiance and is getting married soon. His parents learned about co dependency and put their foot down which also was key in his recovery. Best Advice - Have a conversation with God about why your life is happening the way it is. Recommended Book - “The Meaning of Marriage” - Christian Geller   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

God has a purpose for your life regardless of whether you’re adopted or not.  Paul Aubin is a Chair person for a faith-based organization named Convene focused on CEO’s building Christian based businesses and comes on to tell the remarkable story and mystery behind his adoption. “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ - Mathew 25:21   Married to a Women’s Pastor who works with couples named Margaret.  Together they have 7 children. Biggest Weakness - Because of his adoption he seeks validation and acceptance through sports and work.  Now he gets affirmation from God, but he still struggles. Biggest Strength - God has made it clear that he is to lead other men to be men of God.  To lead men from pride to humility. Dark Time - in 2000 things went bad for about 5 years.  When Paul lost his job, he lost his identity.  He went through financial issues, divorce, health problems and a loss of friendships.  The missing piece was a connection with God and other Godly men.   Soon after Paul was saved he met his wife Margaret who is a women’s pastor.  He desperately didn’t want to be less than in his faith. In 1991 he discovered that his cholesterol was very high.  His liver was creating too much and he needed to find his birth parents so that he could be properly treated. While at a business function he was given a sign from God in the form of an adoption seminar.  As it turned out there was a cover up to protect his birth father.   Paul tracked down his mother and talked to her for 45 minutes on the phone.  He flew 3000 miles to meet his mom and she said she couldn’t.  He had no idea how many people could be hurt. The investigator helping Paul named Nancy, decided that there has been a cover up.  She had a thought and found a man who was a family friend, that looked exactly like him.  The man named Ted  was a Catholic Priest.   He met with his family friend Father Ted for the first time and noticed the low cholesterol lunch.  Paul, addressed it with Father Ted and slowly the information came out that he’s found his birth mother.  Paul felt God’s hand on the meeting. When he got back to the hotel there was a message from Father Ted who wanted to spend more time with him.  They got together the next day and just spent time getting to know each other.  Paul drove away still not confirming. After Paul told his aunt Kris his suspicions, she went to her brother Father Ted and got him to eventually reach out to Paul and remove the mystery. Father Ted met with Paul again and gave him the whole story.  Father Ted told the bishop and was sent to Vietnam and became a chaplain war hero on the front lines. Paul later went to Harvard Business School and finally reached back out to his mom and met her for the first time.  He had a picture of his mom in his mind and when he met her she was completely different.  She was very attractive in a business suit and they sat down in a coffee shop at the hotel for 3 hours.  This was closure for Paul. Secrets of the Father - by Paul Aubin is his book about his story.  It took him 20 years to write. Advice for those who were adopted - Before you go on a search understand why you are doing it.  There are other lives at stake so tread lightly.  Pray about it as well and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Paul used to think he was a mistake, but now knows that God does not bring children into the world by mistake. Recommended Book - “The Purpose Driven Life” - Rick Warren “The Critical Journey” - by Janet O. Hagberg, Robert A. Guelich paul.aubin76@gmail.com   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

God has a purpose for your life regardless of whether you’re adopted or not.  Paul Aubin is a Chair person for a faith-based organization named Convene focused on CEO’s building Christian based businesses and comes on to tell the remarkable story and mystery behind his adoption. “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ - Mathew 25:21   Married to a Women’s Pastor who works with couples named Margaret.  Together they have 7 children. Biggest Weakness - Because of his adoption he seeks validation and acceptance through sports, women and work.  Now he gets affirmation from God, but he still struggles. Biggest Strength - God has made it clear that he is to lead other men to be men of God.  To lead men from pride to humility. Dark Time - in 2000 things went bad for about 5 years.  When Paul lost his job, he lost his identity.  He went through financial issues, divorce, health problems and a loss of friendships.  The missing piece was a connection with God and other men.   Soon after Paul was saved he met his wife Margaret who is a women’s pastor.  He desperately didn’t want to be less than in his faith. In 1991 he discovered that his cholesterol was very high.  His liver was creating too much and he needed to find his birth parents so that he could be properly treated. While at a business function he was given a sign from God in the form of an adoption seminar.  As it turned out there was a cover up to protect his birth father.   Paul tracked down his mother and talked to her for 45 minutes on the phone.  He flew 3000 miles to meet his mom and she said she couldn’t.  He had no idea how many people could be hurt. The investigator helping Paul named Nancy, decided that there has been a cover up.  She had a thought and found a man who was a family friend, that looked exactly like him.  The man named Ted  was a Catholic Priest.   He met with his family friend Father Ted for the first time and noticed the low cholesterol lunch.  Paul, addressed it with Father Ted and slowly the information came out that he’s found his birth mother.  Paul felt God’s hand on the meeting. When he got back to the hotel there was a message from Father Ted who wanted to spend more time with him.  They got together the next day and just spent time getting to know each other.  Paul drove away still not confirming. After Paul told his aunt Kris his suspicions, she went to her brother Father Ted and got him to eventually reach out to Paul and remove the mystery. Father Ted met with Paul again and gave him the whole story.  Father Ted told the bishop and was sent to Vietnam and became a chaplain war hero on the front lines. Paul later went to Harvard Business School and finally reached back out to his mom and met her for the first time.  He had a picture of his mom in his mind and when he met her she was completely different.  She was very attractive in a business suit and they sat down in a coffee shop at the hotel for 3 hours.  This was closure for Paul. Secrets of the Father - by Paul Aubin is his book about his story.  It took him 20 years to write. Advice for those who were adopted - Before you go on a search understand why you are doing it.  There are other lives at stake so tread lightly.  Pray about it as well and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Paul used to think he was a mistake, but now knows that God does not bring children into the world by mistake. Recommended Book - “The Purpose Driven Life” - Rick Warren “The Critical Journey” - by Janet O. Hagberg, Robert A. Guelich paul.aubin76@gmail.com For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

March 3, 2011, Jessie Rees (age 11) was diagnosed with an incurable form of Brain Cancer.  She moved to heaven on Jan 5, 2012 and Erik knows that through Jesus he will see her again.  Erik has to invest in his family everyday, there is no rewind button.  This is his testimony.   “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” - Ephesians 2:10   Biggest Weakness - Selfishness.  We all fight it, but this hit him hard after Jessie was diagnosed.  Erik had taken his family for granted. Biggest Strength - Faith in God.  It’s what got him through the death of his daughter.  Erik yelled and screamed at God, but has held on to the promise of heaven. Dark Time - Grew up in an abusive family with an abusive father, but although the time with Jessie was very dark, she was the silver light.  Every dad wants to save their child and when you can’t the only option is to trust. Jessie asked the question “when do the other kids go home?”  After hearing the answer she asked, “How can we help them?”  This changed everything. She created bags for the kids who couldn’t leave the hospital.  Jessie’s middle name was Joy and so they came up with Joy Jars.  Erik and Jess did this in the garage and then would bring them up to the hospital on her next visit.  During Jessie’s 10 month 2 day fight she sent over 3,000 Joy Jars to children with the message of NEGU (Never Ever Give Up). To donate go to www.jessie.org Erik uses Jessie’s NEGU motto to get through every day.  He spends a lot of time pastoring to families of children with cancer. Our faith does not tell us to sit on the sidelines, so Erik focuses on creating smiles. Erik had prayed and screamed and begged God to help his daughter.  When she wasn’t, he took the only choice he had which was to believe in God, his family and to not be bitter for their sake.  God had answered the prayer that Jessie wouldn’t suffer. After Jessie went to heaven, Erik’s wife went through severe depression and despair.  It took them a year to a year and a half to get through the initial grief. Jessie’s mom is now heavily involved in the foundation. Great Advice: Find people to be your anchors, who know you as well as God does and be real with them.  Get help. God’s Man of Influence - Allow God to work through you to do good in the world. Recommended Book: “Living the Life You’re Meant To Live” by Tom Patterson For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

What happens when you grow up lacking affection from your parents?  Insecurity, fear of transitions and anxiety ruled Mark Giraud until he read his bible and began to heal.   “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” - Proverbs 3, 5 & 6 Mark is a wealth consultant for Vantaquest.  At Vantaquest, they encourage clients to find their calling not only financially but in life. Today Mark is grateful that God has brought him to a place where he can be obedient and happy in his relationship with the Lord and his family.  He’s very involved in Celebrate Recovery ministry. Biggest Weakness - A drive to perform that became a false Idol and an effort to control. Biggest Strength - Commitment to Christ and be faithful. Dark Time - Grew up in New Orleans and was missing a lack of emotional connection with his parents.  Normal transitions were difficult for Mark, because life felt scary.  Mark struggled with low self-esteem and anxiety.  He was socially awkward and when his parents divorced it made things worse.   The lie was that he had something to prove and led to a performance focus that left him empty.   His life looked OK when he was first married, but he was dying inside. At 25 he became a Christian when he missed church on Christmas Day and went back to reading the bible. God showed Mark a book “How People Can Change” by  and this taught him about community.  Mark found a counselor who said he was not loving his wife well by not confronting her problems. His wife wasn’t interested in transforming their marriage. Mark had to change the pattern of avoiding conflict and he couldn’t do it without community and God. In every addicts life, there’s always an enabler helping them to continue their behavior.  Mark became very intentional about getting better.  He had to acknowledge the things from the past and grieve for them with God.  Then he repented for carrying the lies with him about himself and take responsibility even though it was easy to feel like a victim. God’s Man of Influence - Be aware that the Holy Spirit lives within you.  Seek God’s will and be obedient to it. Recommended Book - “S.H.A.P.E” by Erik Rees 562-598-7800            mark@vantaquest.com For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

God will show a man who he’s been so that he can change who he will be.  This is a lesson that John Tumminello learned when he woke up having everything, looked in the mirror and hated himself.   “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” - John 15:5   John is from NY.  He’s a father of 2 children and husband.  While trying to help people, he believes he’s learned more than he’s given.  God has wrecked him to teach him. John’s non profit’s are focused on the fatherless and those who were wounded by their experiences with their fathers. John’s father had one arm and ran a deli to keep the family fed and his mom was detached.  He didn’t feel a lot of affection as a youth, because his parents suffered from the were scared to stop working. Biggest Weakness - When he’s running ahead of God Biggest Strength - To encourage people. Dark Time - He didn’t even know how he got there, but his dark time lasted 5 years.  He was told he was selfish emotionally and would consume people and alcohol.  He was very promiscuous  John was at a high point financially and in business during his dark time.  He used his skills for his own advantage instead of for God’s kingdom.   Anyone who has God’s spirit does not enjoy that lifestyle, it’s there to cover the pain. John grew up Catholic, but it was more of a cultural experience.  In that space God, put the right people in front of John, like a Christian brother who prayed for him from age 16 to 38. 2 people who were really close to John that called him emotionally selfish was the change he needed.  He woke up, looked in the mirror and saw the ugliness. It took 5 years to change his life. John went into isolation.  He moved to California to try and get away from himself. The final transition was when he started reading.  Found a book called “Just like Jesus” by Max Lucado.  It was when he first really heard the Gospel even after Catholic high school and college. When John struggles it’s because he is not trusting God. God’s Man of Influence - Less words and more action.  Lead with who you are.  Walk in a way that let’s people know that God is in your life. Recommended Book - “Tattoos on the Heart” by Greg Boyle and “Abba’s Child” by Brennan Manning. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Pornography is not a victimless crime and led James down the path to divorce and even greater sin.  In his testimony James talks about the difference between going to church and taking the time to know God in your day to day life. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” - Ephesians 6:10 Biggest Weakness - Apathy.  James gets too caught up in daily life and forgets to give time to talk with God. Biggest Strength - Being a good father and husband.  God has called him to have unconditional love for his family and to be a spiritual leader. Dark Time - Addicted to pornography in the late 90’s while he was in the military.  He started objectifying women and James believes it is a disease and not a victimless crime.  It changed the way he looked at his wife and led to divorce.  The sickness continued until 2005 when James found God. Christian music helped him to discover the Word and the message behind it. The lightbulb went off when James was doing things he was not proud of and realized this was not who he was called to be.  He asked God one night “why am I doing what I’m doing? Why am I sinning?” The next service he went to at church was about pornography. James was baptized in 2005. James grew up Catholic and always believed that family and church go hand in hand. Having a God centered marriage is the best chance of having a lasting marriage. James is remarried and allows God to guide he and his wife through the ins and outs of their life. Advice - Look to God first in all things. Recommended Book - “Happily Ever Laughter” by Ken Davis For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

The Devil loves it when we doubt ourselves, but the truth is that God loves us no matter what.  If we remember our faith and put our lives in God’s hands, the we have nothing to fear and no reason to doubt.  In this episode Caleb Vaden talks about God, Family and the military.   “Because I feel that it is as real as it gets, and it is exactly what Jesus wanted us to retain” - Mark 12: 30-32,   Biggest Weakness -  Self judgement and doubt plague Brian. Biggest Strength - Faith in God. Caleb was saved when he was 9 years old, and it was a "light bulb" moment when he realized the sinner he was.  His hatred for his dad kept him from embracing the Lord. At the time,  there was a baptist church that Caleb had been going to that had an evangelical preacher visit.   Dark Time - I found out some horrible news about my dad and some heinous crimes.  Caleb was then deployed overseas and his marriage was coming undone.  He began allowing hatred to ruin his life. After the revelation where God showed Caleb forgiveness through Mark 12: 30-32, he started to see that his anger, hatred and even malice was causing him to sin and miss out on God's many blessings!  It has helped him witness by allowing him to really understand someone's pain along their journey. Advice -  Read Job, and then hold on to God's promises. GMOI - We are called to lead our families, communities, nation by God's example.  Caleb tells people to let that sink in, really sink in and then look at circumstances through God's lenses of love. Recommended Books - Modern Day Knight, Wild at Heart, Killing Lions, and Quiet Strength. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Brian Croom was addicted to drugs and alcohol in high school and women in his 20’s.  He was an adulterer and lost his job and his family.  With a gun in his mouth he heard God’s Voice and was saved.   Now diagnosed with MS, Brian has his family back, a job and is incredibly grateful of God’s Mercy.  This is his moving testimony.   “Trust in the Lord forever,for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” - Isaiah 26:4   Biggest Weakness - Having a hard time praying for his spouse and he’s not sure why. Biggest Strength - Transparency in his relationship with God.  It’s a great way to help a lot of people. Dark Time - Was in rehab while in high school for drugs and alcohol.  Then in his 20’s he became addicted to what women could do for him.  That caused him to be adulterous.  When he lost his job the affairs become public.  At the time Brian was not Christian, but his wife was a church-goer.   His wife left him and took his 2 youngest girls.  He had a gun in his mouth that morning, but he heard the words in his head, “that’s not the way my son.”  He knew God had found him. Brian went with his friends to church and cried throughout the service.  He took communion that day. Brian lost his home and his cars. On his 40th birthday on May 18th, Brian was baptized. On July 12th Brian woke up and had lost all feeling in his legs.  He went to the emergency and then a few days later a neurologist.  His fees were paid by a member of the church because he had no insurance. Brian had been pursuing his wife to get his marriage back and she was with him when he got the call for the MRI results.  Brian was diagnosed with MS.  Brian laughed and said, “my God is going to heal me.”  That was the moment that his wife decided to come back to him. God knew Brian wouldn’t make it on his own and brought Brian to church many, many times during his time without his wife and that continues today. Brian confessed to his children what he had done during the separation with his wife.  He’s blessed that they are back and knows we as men are responsible for our legacy with our children.  His kids are excited to go to church. Share this testimony with your friends.  You never know what they’re going through. bcroom10@yahoo.com For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Forgiveness is the key to freedom.  God wants us to look at all people through his eyes and at that moment you can forgive anything.  Mauricio Rodriguez was thrown down a hole in an out house in Nicaragua and left to die by his biological mother.  God saved him and is now bringing him back to Nicaragua at age 31 to spread his words and help young women to be better mothers.  That is the power of forgiveness. “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth”  Exodus 9:16   Mauricio works full time on the Tree of Life 84.  His work for the foundation requires Mauricio to be in Nicaragua in the town of Esteli, when meetings are called. Biggest Weakness - Asking for Help.  Mauricio wants to be available for everyone, but can’t ask when he is having a problem. Biggest Strength - Compassion.  When he sees others suffering, Mauricio’s heart breaks and he must be with them.  He’s asked the Lord to always help him to hold on to that compassion. Dark Time - At age of 15 Mauricio discovered he was the result of Fornication and adultery.  He was the last of 25 children his father had with different women.  His mother threw him as a baby into an outhouse hole and threw rocks down on top of him.  Amazingly boys playing heard a baby screaming and their mother and a man with a rope went down into the hole and pulled him up.  His body was purple and he was raced to a hospital an hour and a half away.  Nobody knows why there was no broken bones or brain damage.  It was a miracle. The story spread and his aunt on his dad’s side, came down to claim him, but he was going to have to be sent to an orphanage.  That was the beginning of the fight to raise him. Mauricio has met 10 of his brother and sister. The authorities kept fighting Mauricio’s aunt, but she was determined and after a year of fighting, and the community getting involved she was allowed to adopt him.  She was an extremely poor single mom, but had a strong relationship with God and taught that to Mauricio. Mauricio’s grandfather had a similar story to his father and had sired 31 children with different women. Mauricio came to the US at age 4 and his family dynamic is very difficult because he was told to call his father his dad, but there was no affection between them or attentiveness from his dad.  Even when his dad promised to come and spend a day with him at 7 years old, he never showed. At 15 Mauricio was told by his adopted mom about the abandonment. He was thinking what’s wrong with him and asked God are you real?  How could his past be God’s plan?  This was the opportunity for the enemy to come in.  Mauricio began getting angry and though he would’ve been better off dying in the hole.  He cried himself to sleep at night for 4 years. His adoptive mother said the only thing that could heal Mauricio is God.  She believed God was the only counselor that had the power.  Mauricio never hated his adoptive mother, she was his hero. At 15 after some time he decided he wanted to meet his biological mom.  At the house was his biological grandmother, so he waited for his mom.  The Lord had given him specific instructions.  When she got there she hugged him and called him her son.  Mauricio said, “I forgive you and God loves you.”  There were no tears, just smiles from his biological mom.  Mauricio didn’t get what he thought he should get and his anger with God became clear. During this time in high school, he had a social group, but never really let them into his life. God had to take Mauricio out of Nicaragua, to bring him back and do his work.  It helped him realize that he didn’t want to have hate in his life, he wanted forgiveness.  He began searching for the answers to why he was here. Mauricio at 19 began working for Foursquare Church, but had so much hate for his dad that he wished he was dead. His grandmother got ill and his father showed up at the hospital.  The Lord said to talk to him, but Mauricio didn’t want to.  He didn’t want to see him through God’s eyes, because he didn’t want to forgive him.  The first words out of his mouth was “Forgive me for hating you.”  Again he didn’t get the response that he wanted.   Forgiveness is a daily choice and it’s not about them, it’s about Mauricio being free.  They have not been able to accept the forgiveness. Repentance and Remorse are very different.  Repentance, creates the opportunity to ask and be forgiven, remorse is guilt. Psalms 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  This was the inspiration for Mauricio’s foundation The Tree of Life 84. The Tree of Life 84 gives young women the knowledge of the Lord and fundamental tools to be loving mothers. http://www.treeoflife84.com/ and donate to help Mauricio buy the land in Nicaragua to set up the foundation there. Advice - Be inspired to know that God can turn all evil into something good. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Forgiveness is the key to freedom.  God wants us to look at all people through his eyes and at that moment you can forgive anything.  Mauricio Rodriguez was thrown down a hole in an out house in Nicaragua and left to die by his biological mother.  God saved him and is now bringing him back to Nicaragua at age 31 to spread his words and help young women to be better mothers.  That is the power of forgiveness. “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth”  Exodus 9:16 Mauricio works full time on the Tree of Life 84.  His work for the foundation requires Mauricio to be in Nicaragua in the town of Esteli, when meetings are called. Biggest Weakness - Asking for Help.  Mauricio wants to be available for everyone, but can’t ask when he is having a problem. Biggest Strength - Compassion.  When he sees others suffering, Mauricio’s heart breaks and he must be with them.  He’s asked the Lord to always help him to hold on to that compassion. Dark Time - At age of 15 Mauricio discovered he was the result of Fornication and adultery.  He was the last of 25 children his father had with different women.  His mother threw him as a baby into an outhouse hole and threw rocks down on top of him.  Amazingly boys playing heard a baby screaming and their mother and a man with a rope went down into the hole and pulled him up.  His body was purple and he was raced to a hospital an hour and a half away.  Nobody knows why there was no broken bones or brain damage.  It was a miracle. The story spread and his aunt on his dad’s side, came down to claim him, but he was going to have to be sent to an orphanage.  That was the beginning of the fight to raise him. Mauricio has met 10 of his brother and sister. The authorities kept fighting Mauricio’s aunt, but she was determined and after a year of fighting, and the community getting involved she was allowed to adopt him.  She was an extremely poor single mom, but had a strong relationship with God and taught that to Mauricio. Mauricio’s grandfather had a similar story to his father and had sired 31 children with different women. Mauricio came to the US at age 4 and his family dynamic is very difficult because he was told to call his father his dad, but there was no affection between them or attentiveness from his dad.  Even when his dad promised to come and spend a day with him at 7 years old, he never showed. At 15 Mauricio was told by his adopted mom about the abandonment. He was thinking what’s wrong with him and asked God are you real?  How could his past be God’s plan?  This was the opportunity for the enemy to come in.  Mauricio began getting angry and though he would’ve been better off dying in the hole.  He cried himself to sleep at night for 4 years. His adoptive mother said the only thing that could heal Mauricio is God.  She believed God was the only counselor that had the power.  Mauricio never hated his adoptive mother, she was his hero. At 15 after some time he decided he wanted to meet his biological mom.  At the house was his biological grandmother, so he waited for his mom.  The Lord had given him specific instructions.  When she got there she hugged him and called him her son.  Mauricio said, “I forgive you and God loves you.”  There were no tears, just smiles from his biological mom.  Mauricio didn’t get what he thought he should get and his anger with God became clear. During this time in high school, he had a social group, but never really let them into his life. God had to take Mauricio out of Nicaragua, to bring him back and do his work.  It helped him realize that he didn’t want to have hate in his life, he wanted forgiveness.  He began searching for the answers to why he was here. Mauricio at 19 began working for Foursquare Church, but had so much hate for his dad that he wished he was dead. His grandmother got ill and his father showed up at the hospital.  The Lord said to talk to him, but Mauricio didn’t want to.  He didn’t want to see him through God’s eyes, because he didn’t want to forgive him.  The first words out of his mouth was “Forgive me for hating you.”  Again he didn’t get the response that he wanted.   Forgiveness is a daily choice and it’s not about them, it’s about Mauricio being free.  They have not been able to accept the forgiveness. Repentance and Remorse are very different.  Repentance, creates the opportunity to ask and be forgiven, remorse is guilt. Psalms 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  This was the inspiration for Mauricio’s foundation The Tree of Life 84. The Tree of Life 84 gives young women the knowledge of the Lord and fundamental tools to be loving mothers. http://www.treeoflife84.com/ and donate to help Mauricio buy the land in Nicaragua to set up the foundation there. Advice - Be inspired to know that God can turn all evil into something good. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

What does it take to be a God’s Man of Influence?  Today Pastor Counselor Harry Robinson talks about one aspect which is what it takes to be a good father.  First advice, read “How To Raise A Modern Day Knight.”   Father’s have a massive influence on their kids.  “Raising A Modern Day Knight” recommends specific rights of passage for fathers to do with their children. Teach your sons at an early age how to love their mother by words and by example. Harry’s father demonstrated to him what a real man does and looking back he is very grateful. Rights of passage are to create landmarks to tell your son that he has reached a new level in manhood. Everybody has a definition of what a man should be.  A man takes responsibility and rejects the passivity to accept a greater reward.  A man leads courageously.  A father must be demonstrating these things at all times. Harry created a necklace for his son with beads that he could earn.  You speak into their life the recognition of their efforts with the beads. Creating a “Coat of Arms” for your family creates a sense of belonging for you kids.  It also reminds them of what the family believes.   If they don’t belong to your family, they will find a place to belong. At 10 years old Harry goes away for the weekend and they get a chest of letters from their uncles which tell them how to be a man. At 13 Harry brought in a theme of learning to fight your own battles. The process can work with girls as well as boys. At 18 they rent out a place and all the friends come together to speak about his son.  He gives them each a sword that is engraved with a theme. Harry’s sons look back now and are amazed at what was put into making them a man. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Pastor Harry Robinson is a man who has walked a journey long enough to trust God.  The truth is that God will be found when he’s needed and in dark times we must look for him more closely than ever.     “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast” - Ephesians 2:8-10   Harry believes we all must remove our masks.  God doesn’t deal in falsehood. Biggest Weakness - Harry is clearly aware that he struggles with walking according to the flesh. Biggest Strength - Trusting in the Lord. When he walks in the spirit of God, great things happen.  He’s a constant companion. Dark Time - In his teenage years he experienced dark times, but also came to know God.  Harry started smoking Marijuana and understood that this was not what God wanted him to do.  There was never peace until he completely surrendered to God.  After a bankruptcy and having children, he asked God “what will you have me do?” In college Harry used to pray “Lord, don’t let me stray too far” Harry believes that for what God wants from him the darker days may be ahead.  He believes he will be asked for things on the next level and the struggle will help him to become the man he needs to be. When Harry and his wife had their first child, they started attending church together.  The leadership role as a husband had led them away from church and so he had to lead the family back. God has placed us in roles and they have nothing to do with a hierarchy, but rather just to accomplish the things that need to be done using our God given talents.   The spirit of God is gentle and wise and will always guide us to where we will best be served and where we can best serve as well. Advice - Look up because God is bigger than every circumstance and his redemption is near.  There are opportunities that God puts in front of us every day and if we are aware of his calling than we will find ourselves in the place that he wants us to be.  Finally, look back and see the things that God has done and remember how God has come through.  Be patient and let the Lord do what he is going to do. Recommended Book “Raising A Modern Day Knight” by Robert Lewis “Dangerous Calling” by Paul David Tripp For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Single Dad Beau Dobbs knows that his greatest purpose in life is to be a good father.  Though as an army veteran he suffers  with PTSD, Beau looks to God to support him with his children and with his struggles.  His life is changing in powerful ways. “ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” - Philippians 4:6 Greatest purpose in Beau’s life is to be a good father and a good Christian man. Beau’s blog is called “A Call To Manhood” at www.acalltomanhood.com Biggest Weakness - Surrendering to God’s plan.  Whenever Beau plans his own life, God erases it.   Biggest Strength - Beau’s ability to turn to prayer and have faith that God will provide in his perfect time. Dark Time - January of 2014.  Beau had been suffering from PTSD for 10 years and depression.  God was trying to get Beau’s attention and in Oct he had a near fatal car accident and in November his grandfather passed away.   As Beau asked God about what to do with work, his boss didn’t renew his contract, but God provided and he had a new job that day.  His girlfriend left him, but Beau felt the hand of God. Beau was never a believer and struggled with the definitions of good and evil during his time in the Army.  Why did God let evil exist? Beau took his children to church, but was never a follower until recently.  He believes that the Lord was slowly working on him and bringing him to faith. He began to realize that he was not the man he used to be, but he was beginning to have faith that God had a plan. PTSD affects everyone differently.  The VA is a great organization, but there are many other organizations as well like “Wounded Warrior”. Chaplains in the military and Christian friends were instrumental in helping him find God. Beau has been raising his kids now as Christians and they help to keep him accountable.  It’s something that they share. In a short time since Beau surrendered to God, powerful things have happened. Recommended Book: “Manly Men” by Stephen Mansfield For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

James Craft used pornography to cope with his childhood pain.  He and Teri married young and became very visible Christian Pastors.  James’ pornography addiction led him to an affair and Teri to a very difficult decision.  In this episode Teri talks about how her journey with God helped her decide to stay with James and how Pure Desire Ministries helped them to rebuild trust and faith in their marriage.   Teri knows that there were years of sin in their marriage that Teri may have noticed, but shut herself off from.  God wants us to live in truth and honesty, but sometimes we don’t. The Lord reminded Teri to be pure of heart and all will be recovered and so she went on a journey with the Lord. It is so important to have a consistent walk with the Lord even in the little things so that you can be ready for when the storms come. By the time the infidelity was discovered, James and Teri were already miles apart. Teri still loved her husband, but now she was damaged by him and the question became “Lord how can you make this a safe place?” Teri doesn’t hear the Lord just for her husband, she hears him for herself.  When they were pastors they felt like they had to be perfect and Teri was afraid to say that things were going wrong. They are no longer looking for a perfect marriage.  Teri said to James, “I will give you grace if you meet me with truth.” Pure Desire Ministries counseling was all through Google hang video conferencing.  One thing they learned is that staggered disclosure gives the spouse the emotional make-up of a rape victim. It is the hardest thing to be publically vulnerable about pornography and infidelity and it is difficult for Teri to watch James stand in front of groups to talk. Teri seemed to only have hame surrounding their marriage, but the friends who showed Grace inviting the family over for dinner is what propelled them forward.     The Craft family mantra is “When in doubt, give them grace.” James was afraid to come out with his sin because he saw how people treated sinners.  In Pure Desire Ministries they’ve created a safe space to talk about your sin. The family can’t stay together if you live in shame, you must instead have relentless communication.  When you feel shame, communicate. The children still healing and can’t be forced to feel a certain way about God or the betrayal.  Teri is honest with her children and apologizes when she and James are wrong. Confession before God is crucial to heal as well as walking through a process and surround yourself with the right people.  Not everyone should be part of your journey.  Be consistent and celebrate your victories.   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Alcoholism and violence put Derek Boyd in jail, but you would not recognize who Derek says he was if you met him today.  This is surely God at work.  Listen to Derek’s struggle and testimony and hear the power of our Lord’s work in this inspiring episode.   “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” - James 2:17   Biggest Weakness & Strength - Not helping enough people, but his mission is to help others. Dark Time - Derek grew up in a broken home with a lot of fighting and police.  When his mom passed away at 9 years old his father left and he was raised by his grandmother.  He didn’t understand why his mom was taken and he resented God.   Derek became an alcoholic and stopped going to work and burned many bridges.  Soon he was alone and homeless on the street. Derek’s bottom kept getting deeper for 16 years.  He had no relationship with his family and hadn’t talked to his daughter for a year.   Originally, Derek believed alcohol was a solution to his pain, but in his early 20’s he realized it had become a problem. If you think you’re an alcoholic, ask yourself honest questions.  Can you stop once you start or is it interfering with your life.  To recover, you must accept that you have a problem. Derek got into a fight in his home while he was drunk and was grabbed by a cop whom he reflexively elbowed.  He ended up in jail for about a month and a half. Jail was terrifying for many reasons.  At any moment you could be put in a position where the choice is end your life or remain in jail for life. He began asking God for help, but he knew it was out of crisis.  Derek started by telling himself he wouldn’t drink, but an alcoholic convinces himself that he could handle it. The solution to recovery had nothing to do with drinking.  He was spiritually sick and needed to trust with God, then clean house and finally help others.   Derek now has a thrilling career where he can help people.  The relationship that were broken have been amazingly repaired.  Derek is engaged to the love of his life and is able to people through recovery.   Contact Derek: carpidiem3983@gmail.com   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

How powerful would it be to get to the end of yourself and use your gifts only for God’s purpose?  Bryce Johnson is on a journey to let go of himself and only work through God with his Faith-Based sports radio show “Unpackin It Ministries”.  This is his testimony. “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Bryce lives in Charlotte N. Carolina and leads a ministry called “Unpackin’ it Ministries”  for faith based sports fans.  Each week they look at sports stories through a biblical lens.  They continually talk to sports figures about their faith. Find the show and ministry at www.unpackinitministries.com Biggest Weakness - Bryce gets distracted by his own pursuits from what God wants.  He chases things on the peripheral of what God wants from him. Biggest Strength - His belief in a very powerful God.  Bryce steps out in faith in a big way. Dark Time - After college when he started his radio show professionally things moved quickly.  Everything seemed great, but an emptiness crept in and ultimately Bryce walked away from the job that he thought he always wanted.  He had a lot of pride thinking that he could do better, but he had nothing.  He was living at home with no girlfriend and friends leaving and Bryce was lost.  God told him he needed to incorporate his faith into his radio talent.   Bryce had too much pride and selfishness thinking he needed to accomplish his goal and God would give it to him. With the help of other good men he began to become accountable when he strayed from God’s purpose for him. An opportunity to work for “Sports Spectrum” a faith- based sports magazine came to Bryce.  In the beginning he was humbled by what he was asked to do.  Eventually he was able to start a podcast with them. Left the magazine to send his show to a station in Boston and realized he could syndicate.  “Unpackin It Ministries” was born. Recommended Book - “The Promise: God Works All Things Together For Your Good” by Robert J. Morgan Advice - Ask friends and family to help you let go of selfish desires so that God can be the focus.  Get to the end of yourself. God’s Man of Influence - Discern what other people need and be that for them. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Human Trafficking is a terrifying plague fueled by a very dark evil.  Finding Freedom International is a Christian organization that is fighting back by going directly to the darkest shadows and bolstering the safe houses and caregivers that are taking care of the young victims who are sometimes no older than 10 years of age.  Terry LaDow & Tera Schatsky have developed a year long training program that is making a big difference in the lives of these victims.  Here is their story.   Finding Freedom Int’l works with organizations that set-up safe houses for the victims of human trafficking. Terry & Tera are Christians who share their story and train caregivers so that they can do better in their jobs. The training program is a year long so that they can be certain that the material is understood and implemented. The girls that are victimized typically work 6 days a week and only keep enough money to survive and continue working.  They stay because for many complicated reasons, they believe they have no choice.   The key to creating a powerful safehouse is to explain to the girls what their current belief system is and then help them change it to a more positive one with limitless possibilities. Finding Freedom International only puts their time and resources where they can be most effective which is why they work exclusively with safe houses that are well established. When a house is truly safe, children will feel safe enough to act out and the caregivers need to know how to handle this as well. It is more common to find women that are victims are human trafficking because it is more acceptable to traffic girls than boys, but there are male children being victimized as well. Many times women are brought into the safe houses through drug busts and they are allowed to stay until they are truly self sufficient.  Even after they leave they have access to mentorship for life. The girls in the house are home schooled to protect them from people looking to re-enslave them. Many times enslavement starts with gang rape at 10 to 12 years old.  They become broken and then forced to work in the sex trade from that point on. Donate at:  www.findingfreedomint.org For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence        Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

God is a firm, but loving parent says special forces hero Larry Broughton.  This is a guiding principle for Larry as he leads his very successful Real Estate business.  Things were not always so clear for Larry.  In this episode, he talks about how he overcame sexual trauma and molestation as a teenager to become the man of Christ he is today.   “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.Nothing will be impossible for you.” - Matthew 17:20   Child of God - Larry often times feels broken, but is on a journey to be a better person than he was before. Larry used to think God was punitive and angry and therefore would not love him because of his sins. Don’t hide your talents and expect God to solve your problems if you’re not using the gifts you were given. Biggest Weakness - Larry doesn’t always trust that God loves him, but has realised that it’s really that he doesn’t love himself.  God doesn’t expect perfection from us, only progress. Biggest Strength - Compassion and Courage.  Larry has moments of fearlessness. Dark Time - Larry suffered sexual trauma and molestation when he was 15 at camp.  He was very frightened to tell his father about the drinking and trauma.  That is a cloud that hung over him for years.  The economic downturns hit Larry hard and he began to act out looking for comfort in things like prescription drugs.  During the last downturn, Larry faced divorce. After his divorce, he lost many of his friends and dedicated himself to 40 hours a week for 6 months of spiritual counseling.   Larry missed the camaraderie of the military and was stealing prescription drugs to numb the pain. Special Forces - Need a high IQ and lots of training to be a self reliant and innovative member of a team. There are typically 12 guys on each team and they are deployed before an official conflict begins.  Many times, their job is to work with foreign forces to advise and train them. When talking about being a Christian in the military, Larry said “Life is precious, but you have to prioritize.” God created us to be in community which drives Larry to go to veteran’s conferences to speak and be in community.  A bond among men is powerful because you hold each other accountable.  Do the hard right over the easy wrong.  Integrity is the key. Looking back at his life Larry feels like God was pursuing him. “As leaders” Larry says, “We must count the people we impact too put things into perspective.  The way you treat your sphere of influence will be the way they treat others.” Recommended Book - “The Shack” by Paul Young For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence        Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Suffering from a near death experience and being a child victim of drug addicted abusive behavior formed Joel Bogges belief structure.  After a moment of fear and inspiration, he revisited his faith and became a true follower of Christ.  Now as a podcaster with his own show called “Relaunch” Joel speaks loudly about his Christianity and how it is possible to be more, earn more and contribute more.   “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”Jeremiah 29:11   Biggest Weakness - Struggles in the way he sees opportunities.  He looks for trusted partners to fill in the gap Biggest Strength - Joel loves to lead people to Clarity and Confidence which equals Direction. Dark Time - Joel’s parents divorced and lived with his mom, but spent time with his dad.  On a camping trip at 5 years old went onto a bridge and didn’t know that a train was heading right at them.  Joel fell off the bridge 30 feet down and lost so much blood.  Somehow he was saved by the crew that were able to find them and took him to a hospital.  Joel fell in a coma until he was 6 years old.  When he finally went back to his mom’s she invited an abusive man with drug issues into their home while his dad was dealing with his own drug addiction. At 46 years old Joel still has trouble processing the tragedies of his childhood.  He goes with God and through God. Joel believes that someone was always praying during Joel’s childhood and that is what got him through. His grandparents tried to take him to church when he was young, but his parents never did. Joel revisited his faith when as a young man, he had a sexual health scare with his girlfriend. He was baptized and then brought his dad to join him at church.  His father said “Joel, you changed my life.” Joel resets himself with his faith and sees it as a continuous effort.   At one point, Joel asked God how he could get closer to him and heard God say “you must get married.”  He said a prayer and went to a singles dance at his church and met his wife who was a guest there.  After 10 months, they were married. His wife was not a Christian, but while they were dating, her heart was softened to the possibility of Christ.  At church without Joel, she gave her life to Christ. You can’t hear God’s voice if you’re not doing what he tells you to do. Advice - Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. Recommended Book “Dialogue with God” - Mark & Patti Vikler Joel’s podcast is called “Relaunch” and is a show for people that want to be more, earn more and contribute more and are on a search for new ideas. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence        Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Life changes when tragedy happens.  Aaron Walker was living a successful life when in 2001 he struck a pedestrian with his car killing him.  There were many lessons that Aaron keeps close to him from this event, most important is that he never forgets that his life could end at any moment.  Now as a Christian life and business coach Aaron says “Work like it depends on you and trust like it depends on the Lord.”   “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” - Colossians 3:23   Biggest Weakness - Not very compassionate confirmed by his wife.  Aaron does not know how to show his compassion. Biggest Strength - Discernment in business and with his family and friends. Aaron has been a Christ follower since 9 years old and tries to live in obedience with the Lord. Even as a successful businessman he starts his day through prayer and scripture. Aaron takes his coaching very seriously and prays every day for each client. Started early in business at 18 and sold his business at 27.  Started another business and then in 2001 hit a pedestrian who didn’t live. Aaron was arrogant and thought he was invincible until the accident. Aaron took about a 5 year break to learn how to change his life. He retired at 50 and has been in a mastermind group with Dave Ramsey and was told to start coaching. Aaron resisted the idea of coaching, but eventually started coaching and setting up mastermind groups online.   It is a Christian based business, but you don’t need to follow Christ to receive his coaching. Aaron never forgets that his life could be taken at any moment just like the man that he hit.  He never gets over it, but God helps him live with it. Because Aaron came from a very humble beginning he was very driven to succeed financially. Aaron does not believe in luck, but instead that success comes from where preparation meets opportunity.  Work like it depends on you and trust like it depends on the Lord. Money is important, but it can’t be the only reason you’re doing what you’re doing.  He believes relationships are more important.  It takes practice to fully engage in your relationships. We should honor our families more than anyone else, but the problem is that we don’t.  Families understand what’s important to you based on your actions. When we help people who can’t possibly repay us, we become truly generous.  Be significant with random acts of kindness. www.viewfromthetop.com/godsmen for a free gift.   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence        Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

When a boy is molested at 8 years old and discovers pornography a few weeks later, he is at a high risk for living a dysfunctional and sinful life.  David Zailer was a victim of molestation which led him to drug addiction and eventually performing in pornography films.  This is a powerful story of how David found God at age 40 and launched Operation Integrity, an organization dedicated to helping people find resources for recovery.   “I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations.  At first I didn’t think of it as a gift and begged God to remove it.  Three times I did that and then he told me My grace is enough; it’s all you need.  My strength comes into its own in your weakness.  Once I heard that, I was glad and let it happen.” - 2 Corinthians 12   David grew up going to church for 3 to 4 weeks and eventually Gave up asking God for help. Biggest Weakness - Unbelief and Fear.  David grew up fearful, but ignored his feelings.   Biggest Strength - David is not afraid to tell the truth. Dark Time - For the first 40 years of his life David could not remember a time of being happy.  His family kept many secrets, primarily his Dad’s and he learned later in life that someone who keeps secrets can not have intimacy.  David was diagnosed as mentally retarded as a child and lived like that’s who he was.   At age 8 David was molested.  2 weeks later he found his Dad’s pornography collection and began an addiction that lasted 40 years. From being addicted to pornography, David started going to strip clubs where he discovered drugs and then the pornography industry.  Soon he was performing in porn and he was using the money for drugs. As a society we’ve compartmentalized sexuality to a point that it’s now a drug.  Women are actually catching up to men’s addiction to porn. When people are in pain because of trauma, they seek to medicate with an addiction.   Making peace with the dark time is what opens the door for God to walk through. David was caught and arrested for drug possession 3 times in one week and faced years in prison.  He was spending $500 per day on cocaine and heroine. David said to God “Help me or I will die”.  He heard a voice say, “OK David, now I can go to work.” Advice - Don’t solve your problems on your own.  Don’t be embarrassed to express weakness.  Find like minded people to talk with about your truth. David’s Books “When Lost Men Come Home” and “Our Journey Home”   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence      Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Terry LaDow was a person who admittedly behaved horribly as a younger man.   He was an angry drunk who was both physically and emotionally abusive to his girlfriends and then first wife.  Although this behavior was learned at a young age through growing up in a violent and loveless home, Terry was able to find God at age 31 and slowly change his life.  This is his testimony.   “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” - Matthew 5:14   Dark Time - Terry grew up in an alcoholic and violent home and started drinking at age 8.  He realized quickly that drinking gave him acceptance and a sense of self-worth that he sorely needed.  His mom never said anything kind to Terry and his dad was physically abusive.   In his early 20’s Terry moved to Los Angeles to get away from his family, unfortunately he brought the bad behavior of abuse with him.   Terry easily found relationships with women whom he could abuse and them charm to keep them from leaving.  He abused alcohol and emotionally and physically abused his ladies. In business Terry would cheat to get ahead. Terry married his first wife and began cheating 6 months later.  He once threw her down the stairs and dragged her by her hair into the pool.  They stayed married for 7 years. When his dad got sick Terry brought his bible to the hospital to speak with him about God and for the first time he did.  His mom of course thought it was ridiculous, but his father passed away knowing the Lord. Terry remarried and has stayed married through good times and bad for 36 years.  They spent a lot of time redefining their relationship. When his mom was dying Terry went to her home with his sister and niece and prayed by her bedside.  The next morning she awoke and was lucid for the first time since he arrived.  That told her of God and she said it was time to pay attention. A-ha moment - Oct 23rd 25 years ago Terry met a man Named Jack Clark who told him he was an alcoholic.  That day Terry went home, looked in the mirror and asked God what was happening? AA says “You can only control the next decision you make.” This allows God to have the space to work. Recommended Book “Furious Longing of God” Brennan Manning cell: 714-731-6617  email: teach2think@gmail.com   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence        Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Even the best Pastors can get caught up in sin, but God forgives.  James Craft was addicted to pornography that led him down the dark path of adultery and the loss of his ministry.  In this episode learn how James and his wife overcame the dark addiction and James’ poor choices and found God’s path to recovery..   “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17   James and his wife created the thenovusproject.org to help couples with pornography addiction. Women are not meant to be martyrs, but instead to discover what God wants.  James’ wife was angry, but realized he was a broken man and her heart shifted. Since the walk with the Lord and his wife, James has become healthy and the real James Craft.   If James relapsed he would have to sleep on the couch.  He had to do a polygraph test to become completely exposed.  James knew that this was what he needed to beat the addiction. James wrote a letter of full disclosure to the church.  The church stayed very connected to their process.  James repented to the leaders of his church and it was humbling and healing. James disclosed everything to his daughters and has been repenting since then and now has a wonderful relationship with his children. James compartmentalized his affair completely so that it had nothing to do with love.  He continually wanted to get out of his life and that’s why they ran to Hawaii, but you can never outrun your sin. They both spent 4-6 hours in their recovery program and it was a very safe place to grow together.  They sold everything to do the program and lived in a smaller house to be closer.  It was a commitment to healing. They did not want to fall back into old routines. James and his wife wrote a book to tell their story and to help others that are addicted to porn.  In it they talk about isolation The brain on porn is much more damaged than even a brain on heroin. Donate or get involved with www.thenovusproject.org.   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence      Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.      

Even the best Pastors can get caught up in sin, but God forgives.  James Craft was addicted to pornography that led him down the dark path of adultery and the loss of his ministry.  In this episode learn how James and his wife overcame the dark addiction and James’ poor choices and found God’s path to recovery..   “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17   James is a husband of 23 years, father of 3 girls and a son of God. Biggest Weakness - Fear is the root of all his challenges and it pushes God away. Biggest Strength - Faith that he has been able to develop throughout the years.  He has learned to be a conduit for God’s wishes. Dark Time - Grew up in a Christian home with lots of dysfunction.  Everything had to look perfect to the outside world.  Image was everything and it taught James to keep a facade up.  He learned to isolate and medicate when things went badly in a very unhealthy way.  James’ drug of choice was pornography to cope with the difficult times.  He kept going through guilt and shame, but he never confessed his sins to anyone from the outside.  It would recur as a pattern. James went to Pastor in a large church in Hawaii and had this very dark part of himself.  He was a liar in this one area.  James had an affair and was exposed at church.  Next he was exposed for watching porniography.  The church could not allow him to Pastor any longer.   When his wife found out she heard God’s voice tell her “Terry please go walk with my beloved”. People who watch pornography are 300% more likely to have an affair.  It gives men an unrealistic view of women. During that dark time James considered suicide.  He even thought how he could do it and still allow his family to be taken care of. Church and friends were ripped away from James and his wife.  Terry didn’t know the outcome, but whatever God has planned is what will happen. If men engage in watching porniography they usher something into their marraiges and families that was not intended by God.   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence      Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.      

After his father was found tied to his own bed and shot to death, Byron Davis and his sister were left to be raised by their mom.  Although she instilled faith in the Lord and the belief that he should never let anyone tell him how his story will end, Byron drifted into rationalizing his addiction to sex and committed adultery.  In this episode he discusses the fall of man and the way back to God.   “For all things work together for good to those who love God and are called to his purpose” - Romans 8:28   The Epic Life Project - Empowers people to live the life God wants them to live. Biggest Weakness - When he gets passionate about a problem he tries to do too much and drops the ball. Biggest Strength - Approaches problems in a systematic way.  He helps people become their best. Dark Time - Raised by a single mom after his father was found shot to death.  His mom told him to never let anyone tell you how your story will end.  Byron became a champion swimmer and went to school on a scholarship.  When Byron went off to college he drifted from his faith and made some bad choices.  His weakness was sex and he developed a pattern of using sex to validate himself.  After he was married he continued to be addicted to sex.  When his wife got pregnant, he feared that he was a fraud and had passed a sexual disease to his child.  This led Byron to confess his sins to his wife. Experiencing the love of his wife who stayed with him after his adultery and the love of God restoring his marriage and faith made Byron want to grow up and become a better man. Byron asks himself “What does integrity look like after you fail?” The women in his life have a powerful affect on how he grows as a man. Adultery is a symptom of the fall of man and the root stems from entitlement.  We must take up our cross on a daily basis. Men in our culture can only express laughter and anger.  Women are much more in tune with expressing emotions.  The reality is we’re all emotional, but men compartmentalize and emotionally justify our sins. Advice - 1. Start being the Church.  Don’t compartmentalize our relationship with God. 2. Start meditating on and absorbing the Word of God.  3. Practice 360 accountability.  Be vulnerable so that you can be called out when you move away from the Lord.   We need a mentor, a cheerleader, a constructive critic, and men we can be accountable to and mentor. Recommended Book - “Integrity, the Character To Meet the Demands of Reality” by Henry Cloud & “In Search of Wholeness the Pursuit of Spiritual Integrity” by Martin Samuel Cohen   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence      Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.    

Pastor Randy Moraitis is a devoted husband and father, the founder and President of Care Possible and a man of God, but it wasn’t always this way. Randy was raised by a teenage single mother, who had troubled marriages and an addiction that eventually resulted in an overdose.  This is Pastor Randy’s testimony.   “Teach me to do your will,for you are my God; may your good Spiritlead me on level ground” - Psalm 143:10   Care Possible - www.carepossible.org Donate to help people get the therapy they need who can’t afford it. Biggest Weakness - Randy judges people, but would prefer to look at them through Christ’s eyes. Biggest Strength - Faith, Family and Friends. Randy’s dad was not in his life and so he looked to God as his father. Dark Time - Randy’s mom was 15 when he was born and his parents divorced after 2 years.  His stepdad was an alcoholic which created a very dysfunctional home life.  Randy felt like a caregiver for both his mom and sister.  When his stepdad and mom divorced, they moved into a trailer outside of Detroit. Randy was baptized at age 14, it was the only time his mom went to church. Randy began partying a lot  and got into a fist fight with his mom’s boyfriend.   His faith had taken a back seat. After high school, Randy moved to California.  He married an alcoholic whom he divorced to raise 3 kids as a single dad. Randy’s mom overdosed and he went into depression and began abusing drugs. Randy had given up on romance until he met his wife Kim.  They went to church on their first date and she knew before Randy did that he would become a pastor. Randy sold his martial arts business and was ordained as a pastor at Calvary Church. When Randy realised that he could change his life by making better choices, he wanted to teach that to others.  God put people around him, who needed counseling as well as those who were counselors. You must let light into darkness for healing to happen.  People who have addiction issues typically have a dual diagnosis.  The substance abuse needs to be treated first and then you can address the emotional and psychological issues. Recommended Book: “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud, Dr. John Townsend‎ Recommended Book: “Love Does” by By Bob Goff www.randymoraitis.com   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence      Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

Before you can move forward in a troubled relationship you have to clean up the issues you’ve had in the past both as individuals and a couple.  You must get clear about each others positions and show respect for how your spouse feels and thinks.  So how do you do this in a constructive way? Marriage and Family counselor Mark Howerton gives valuable tips on how to clean up the past so that you can have a long and healthy relationship. Dino and Mark discuss things like:   Releasing resentments Family of origin Faulty beliefs Thinking patterns Sympathy vs. Empathy   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.    

What happens to a man when he grows up with a void he can’t fill?  Marcus Slaton was abused as a boy by a stepfather who didn’t know how to be a parent and a mother who was too weak to stop it from happening.  He grew up to become a man who was searching for love; the void he couldn’t fill.  This need led him down a very dark path.     “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” - Ephesians  3:20   Marcus had an addiction to pornography starting when he was a child who found his stepdad’s collection.  It set an unrealistic standard for he and his wife.  It distorts reality and dishonors love and sex. The woman who exposed his 3rd wife’s affair, introduced him to his current wife Teri. They became friends and moved slowly, because he was afraid to tell her of his 3 marriages. Marcus married his wife in 1997 and they had a daughter, but that wasn’t enough to fill his void.  He began to make bad decisions and started an affair with a personal trainer in his gym that lasted a year and a half.  Teri suspected, but didn’t know of the affair for 8 months. Teri discovered the affair during the time they had been going to counseling.  They decided to go to a marriage conference anyway and had a great time, which convinced Marcus to end his affair.  Two months later he was back in the relationship. Marcus didn’t really understand what he was doing until he had to tell his daughter that he was going away.  On the day he was going to show with divorce papers his daughter asked if he was divorcing her mom.  He couldn’t do it.  He also couldn’t handle the idea of his wife being happier with another man. Teri had a prayer closet where she would go every day to tell God why Marcus was so difficult to love and ask for guidance.  God said “Love Marcus”. The past still creeps up in their marriage, but Marcus realizes that his wife needs the time to heal. Best Advice - Don’t go to an island when you’re having trouble.  That is where Satan will go to tell his lies.  You must have accountability and men around you who will tell you the truth.  God hates pride.   Recommended Book - “Finishing Strong” - Steve Farrar   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence        Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

Every Man Standing In His Place With Guest Host Bishop Shirleen Cook Presenting God's Mighty Men Of The Round Table Join Me: Friday @ 5:00 PM (PST) - 7:00 PM (CST) - 8:00 PM (EST) Call In Live: 424-675-8300   I am so excited to be able to share with the world anointed men of God who are truly not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus, because they live to serve God, and to serve Him His way! This week I will be joined by God's mighty men; Pastor Lester Carver, Ministers Kevin Parks, Isaac Wright, and Anthony Brooks, along with Teachers; Kevin Hinkston, William Isbel, and Pablo Rangel who discussed the topic of Dating, Sex, & The Godly Man.

What happens to a man when he grows up with a void he can’t fill? Marcus Slaton was abused as a boy by a stepfather who didn’t know how to be a parent and a mother who was too weak to stop it from happening.  He grew up to become a man who was searching for love; the void he couldn’t fill.  This need led him down a very dark path.     “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” - Ephesians  3:20   Biggest Weakness - Marcus is really good at making things happen and leaving God out of it.  Waiting on God is very hard for Marcus. Biggest Strength - The gift of encouragement.  Marcus will always see the good in every person and situation. Dark Time - His father was away in the Air Force and Marcus’s mom cheated on him with the church priest.  The priest named Norm was kicked out of the priesthood and married his mom.  Marcus didn’t know his biological father growing up and that created a void in his life.  Norm was an abusive man physically and verbally and while he was out cheating on his mom, Marcus’s mother was cheating on Norm at home. Eventually Marcus left the abuse and moved in with Stan and Elise and his mom and step-dad stopped talking to him.   2 years later his step- dad was in jail for hurting people while drunk driving.  Marcus went to see him to say he loved him. At age 19 Marcus married his neighbor, but the marriage only lasted 9 months. Next Marcus got his medical license so that he could work with Norm in the eyeglasses and contact lens store.  They developed a friendship there. One day Norm stood talking with a friend and had a heart attack.  Marcus ran to do CPR, but he died.  He was 51 years old and this was really hard on Marcus. Marcus began spending way too much money and met a girl in his tore that he then married 6 months later in Vegas.  That marriage also lasted 9 months. His 3rd marriage was to a woman he dated for 2 years.  3 months after they married he found out she was a stripper and was having an affair with a couple.   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence        Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

What causes conflict in marriage?  What typically causes conflict to escalate in relationships?  What are the characteristics of a conflict-free or low-conflict relationship? In this episode marriage and family counselor Mark Howerton provides the secrets to discovering true intimacy in your relationships.  He and Dino discuss:   Rules for a fair fight Faulty Perception and interpretation Releasing resentments Over-arching values of our relationships Empathic connection 4 legs to relational intimacy   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence      Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

How do you discipline your child properly?  Well, first you start from day one.  If a child is not disciplined early, they begin to believe that their way is preferable and then they demand it.  This erodes empathy and creates narcissism.  If not kept in check, a narcissist heads their logical extreme and they become sociopathic.  In this episode, licensed therapist Mark Howerton explains his 5 tips for practical parenting.   Discipline Math - A+B = C A = Clarify Expectations B = Take the opportunity to Warn them C = The consequences if they don’t heed your warning   2.   The Parent’s State of Mind CFCF - Calm, firm, consistent, follow through        3.    Choose Your Battles - There are many things we can and should ignore.  We must    remember that our children just want our attention, so lavish them with good attention or they will seek negative attention by acting out poorly.        4.   Say yes as much as possible, but when you say no mean it.      5.   Be a United Front - Be your spouse's partner in the raising of your children.  Have     proactive standards that you adhere to.   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence      Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Struggle was a big part of host Dino Katsiametis’ life until he surrendered to Jesus Christ.  Dino struggled through infidelity, divorce, financial ruin and a party lifestyle.  Through Christian teaching and men’s group Dino found stability and created the God’s Men of Influence ministry.  Prayer and scripture now lead his decisions  and his life improves as he surrenders to the Word.   “As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another” - Proverbs 27:17   God’s Men of Influence ministry is based on Proverbs 27:17 Dino believes men’s groups are crucial because there are things that men can only hear from other Christian men.  Talking to other men with Christian values is the best way to be held accountable. Biggest Weakness - Competitiveness and Pride.  The love of money get’s a hold of Dino and he struggles against this weakness. Biggest Strength - Dino’s desire to be more like Jesus drives him. Dark Time - During his first marriage when things got bad Dino cheated on his wife.  He became very selfish and yet was in denial.  Financially things crumbled, his marriage crumbled and he was blaming his circumstances. A-ha moment - Began going to Saddleback Church, but when he went to men’s group for the first time it was a turning point. Dino began reading the bible and would wake up at 4 in the morning and studied until 5:30.  He absorbed the scripture and refused to skip any part.  God’s Men of Influence Facebook page came out of this study God’s Men of Influence page became Dino’s accountability along with his men’s group.  He posted scriptures that were meaningful for him every day. Dino’s experience with Money Matters With Dino happened so that he could prepare for the God’s Men of Influence podcast. Surrender vs. Struggle.  Dino has surrendered the God’s Men of Influence ministry to God’s will and it has been effortless in comparison to his other projects. Prayer is the key to all his decisions.   Dino won’t act until he feels it’s time to act and therefore, it becomes easy. God’s Men of Influence - Be a man of action.  If you see a man in need and you walk by him, you’re not being a good Christian. Recommended Book - “Raising A Modern Day Knight” - Robert Lewis  click here to view… http://amzn.to/1MAfeWj   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence         Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

After his second divorce, Mike Parker was broke and without hope.  He didn’t have enough money to provide Christmas for his boys and he spent all his time on the road trying to spend time with his daughter.  Friends and faith were the things that Mike needed to hold onto.   “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” - James 1:2-4   Mike sees himself as a dad first and a man who struggles with his faith, but is always trying to understand it. Biggest Weakness - His desire to control things.  Mike has trouble letting go of resentment.   Biggest Strength - Belief in Jesus.  Mike loves discovering that people believe in God, ministering and finding fellowship. Dark Time - Mike became a bad husband when he started struggling financially.  He lost his job in Palm Springs and was exhausted all the time driving to see his daughter from his first marriage.  Mike fell out of love with his second wife and began drinking a lot and cheating.  Soon his wife filed for a restraining order and he had to leave his home within a week.  Mike set up bunk beds in his dark 2 bedroom apt for his sons and after saying goodnight snuck back into their room and cried for 3 hours. Ego caused Mike to stop caring about his wife.  He took everything for granted and when his job started going south he began blaming and became selfish.  He has yet to earn the faith and trust of his ex-wife, but he still resents the way she’s treating him. Many times during this dark period Mike didn’t think God was in his life and began asking what faith really means. Mike has turned his anger at being away from his kids to gratitude at the time he spends with them. Advice - Don’t be an island unto yourself, because you can’t do it alone.  Small men’s groups are essential. Recommended Book - “Raising A Modern Day Knight.” - Robert Lewis God’s Men of Influence - Reaching out when it’s not easy, because you never know who you will touch.   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence       Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Ask yourself the question “What’s the Difference Between Success and Significance?”  That’s what Ted Chang had to discover so that he could keep his family together.  Ted had all the money and professional success that he could ever want, but at what cost?     “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight” - Proverbs 3:5-6   Ted has been married for 30 years, has two sons and has always been an entrepreneur.  He is committed to learning to let God lead his life in business and family. Biggest Weakness - Very competitive  When success happened in his career his relationship with God drifted. Biggest Strength - Ted’s ability to Study the Word and apply it in his life. Dark Time - When Ted started his business he had mortgaged his house and ended up one week away from missing payroll.  His wife had a difficult time and was ready to leave him.   Ted realized that his children saw everything, the good, the bad and the times he turned away from God. At age 52 after a tremendous amount of success, Ted realized that his life didn’t really mean much because his drive had taken over his family.  He asked himself, “What’s the difference between success and significance?”  Ted was a workaholic and knew his family was suffering. Ted dedicated his children to the Lord’s purpose and took it very seriously.  God has looked after them and they’ve learned what it means to be a child of God. Today, Ted is the President of a restaurant group that is a franchisee of Pieology.  It’s a Christian based business that is committed to reaching people with God’s Word. Recommended Book - “Halftime” - Bob Buford God’s Men of Influence - Declaring God’s power to the next generation through sharing and testimony.   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence       Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Greed and lack of gratitude for God’s gifts landed Reniero Francisco in prison.  With his partner, Reniero started a hedge fund and lost all of his client’s money.  Fear and ego kept him from being upfront with those who invested and Reniero tried to cover it up with his own money.     “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” - Mathew 6:24   Very judgemental.  Wants to put energy toward himself and become a better Christian. Greed is what put Reniero in jail. Biggest Weakness - Accepting God’s Will. Biggest Strength - Hope.  Believes that something good is coming out of a bad situation. Dark Time - Currently living in prison because of greed.  Reniero lost everything. Personal responsibility in jail is a major problem.  Without a schedule he would dwell on being in prison. Has worship practice 4 to 5 times a week and does bible study 3 times a week. He encourages other inmates to seek another way, but they don’t want it.  He continues to make himself available. Reniero has 4 more years and believes it’s in God’s hands if he gets out early. Reniero’s crime was covering up when his partner lost his client’s money in a hedge fund investment. Reniero was being greedy and selfish.  God had given him everything and he was not satisfied with what he was given. He is trying to live for God and purge his greed, but it is a struggle that’s worth fighting.  “How does God want to use me?” is what he continues to ask himself. Greed is always out there to take a hold of all of us.  He thought he was a good guy. The devil goes after those living in the Word and therefore Reniero wants to let go of desires. He struggles with the idea of going back to a humble life from luxury. “Please have what I want be in line with what you want me to do” is his prayer every night. Reniero’s family has never been closer, but is being tested constantly. Advice - Live today like it’s your last day.   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence      Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

God is immensely greater than anything we can imagine or understand.  Mark Howerton became very in tune with the essence of his faith when working as a Pastor at Rock Harbor he was critically injured on the 55 when he was struck by a speeding car while trying to assist people who had had an accident on the highway.  The pain and recovery was such that his faith was shaken and Mark was forced to ask “Why would God allow bad things to happen to a good person?”   “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” - Matthew 5:16   Mark is a licensed marriage and family therapist. He and his wife of 19 years have 4 children. Adoption was a priority to Mark and Kristen and they started with their first son from LA.  Next they had a biological daughter.  After that they adopted 2 more children through an organization in Port Au Prince,  Haiti. Biggest Weakness - Mark says that he is selfish, rude, narcissistic and entitled and is lazy about controlling these tendencies. Biggest Strength - Mark has a Pastoral heart and is able to be compassionate and walk with people during their struggles. Dark Time - 10 years ago Mark was in a horrible car crash.  While driving with his wife and friends on the freeway an accident happened in front of him and when he got out to help was hit by a speeding car.  Mark was in shock and critically injured.  When they got him to the hospital he was not allowed to have pain medication or surgery for 10 hours because of his head injuries.  He meditated on his prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ show me your mercy” to get through the incredible pain.  Mark stayed in the hospital for a month and had 5 surgeries in total.  Amazingly, after months and months of rehab he is fully recovered. During that time Mark battled with depression, but was very grateful that his wife Kristen was always there with patience.  In hindsight, he wishes that he had expressed that gratitude more than he did. Mark was a pastor, but over the course of recovery his faith was wounded.  “Why would God allow bad things to happen to a good person?  What is the essence of my faith?” Mark had a very immature faith before the accident.  A + B does not always = C.  God is immeasurably greater than anything we can imagine. Mark’s wife Kristen Howerton’s Blog “Rage Against the Minivan” in which, she talks about getting through the accident among many other things. Support Structure for Mark was the community of pastors at Rock Harbor as well as a group of close friends. Recommended Books - “The Power of Pain” - CS Lewis                                       “The Post Evangelical” - David Thomas Best Advice - You are not alone.  People will be around to help even strangers.  Reach out and find those communities and have an earnest call to faith. God’s Men of Influence - Continue to let my light shine before man. www.markhowerton.com , www.balancedlifeleadership.com   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Pastor Pete Cropsey had a brutal past.  From a violent molestation in Mexico at age 7, to his journey through heroin smuggling, burglary, prison, a motorcycle club and then accepting Jesus at Calvary Church where he became a Pastor.  This is an incredible and inspiring three part story of redemption.   “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” - Colossians 1:13   Pastor Pete believes he was saved as a kid, but didn’t know what the gospel was and therefore he was a difficult child to the Lord. Aha - moment - In 1997 Pete had gotten out of prison and had a room providing security for prostitutes at the Carousel Inn.  The special unit busted in on him and found his weapons.  His parole officer said, “if you go to a meeting at 4PM, then I’ll put the weapons away.”  Pete could not account for the time between then and the meeting, but somehow he ended up in Costa Mesa and went in. Pete always had felt disqualified from being accepted by God, but when he got to the meeting he ran into a guy he knew named Cecil who was doing well and it made him listen.  Everyone in the meeting had been a slave to something and he felt like he belonged. Although he continued to use drugs Pete attended the meeting for 30 days in a row, he just couldn’t fully commit. Soon he was caught with a gun and sent back to prison for 2 years.  This was the first time in his life that he didn’t think he belonged. When he got out he went straight back to the meetings in Costa Mesa and stayed for about a year until his hunger for God outgrew his need to be there. Pete found Calvary Chapel in Laguna, but was called away and became a rancher in Colorado. When he returned to Laguna years later, Pastor Joe was preaching and Pete received Christ that day in 1995. Pete began sweeping floors and cleaning toilets for the church and was happy to be there. Soon Pete moved to Kuwaii to work on a ranch, but when he was forced to come back to California he went to ministry school for 2 years and became a minister at Calvary Church. A friend in Kuwaii named Steve asked Pete to come back to Hawaii to set up a Calvary Church with him and after receiving signs from God he did. After 2 years in Kuwaii, his Pancreas shut down and he again was forced to go back to California.  This time he was angry at God for taking away something he had worked so hard for.  Pete was lost again to drug addiction after many years clean. When Pastor Pete got clean he ran into the woman he had always loved.  They’ve been married for 14 years and have 2 kids. She had to teach Pastor Pete how to be a husband and a father and has done so. www.deadmanwaking.net   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence        Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Pastor Pete Cropsey had a brutal past.  From a violent molestation in Mexico at age 7, to his journey through heroin smuggling, burglary, prison, a motorcycle club and then accepting Jesus at Calvary Church where he became a Pastor.  This is an incredible and inspiring three part story of redemption.   “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” - Colossians 1:13   Pastor Pete’s father committed suicide because he had brain cancer.  When Pete went through his personal effects and realized his father had that bad reaction because he himself had been molested and never came to terms with it. When Pete met a guy named Max who seemed so cool, he became a hero and Pete began dealing heroin for him. Soon Pete began doing heroin and after his first taste he became a slave for the next 20 years. Pete got to know the guys from the Vagos motorcycle club and hung around until he was asked to prospect.  This was a year long process. While he was in the club he became a Christian and went to bible college, but even though he knew his life was changing he didn’t want to abandon his brothers.  He finally went to national and asked if he could leave the club.  He had become the National Sergeant at Arms and earned respect and so they allowed him to keep his stuff.  They always treated him with honor. Pete’s passion for reading led him to read books from all religions at a young age, but the verses he heard and read from the bible are the ones that rang true. Spirituality is plagued with relativism, but the bible is black and white. Pete had heard God, but in prison wasn’t ready to serve.  He was prideful and didn’t like authority and had to portray this tough image because of what had happened in Mexico and with his father. Pastor Pete told the story of his molestation publically at a meeting and was set free by the act.  So many people suffer and hold it inside. “The purpose of worship is to open our hearts to God and let him wash us off” - Pastor Pete.  Be vulnerable before God. www.deadmanwaking.net   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence        Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Pastor Pete Cropsey had a brutal past.  From a violent molestation in Mexico at age 7, to his journey through heroin smuggling, burglary, prison, a motorcycle club and then accepting Jesus at Calvary Church where he became a Pastor.  This is an incredible and inspiring three part story of redemption.   “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” - Colossians 1:13   Pastor Pete’s dad left at 4 when he was shooting pictures for movie business.  His mom took him to Puerto Vallarta at 7 years old. For the first 6 months he had to fight every day to try and prove himself. At one point, he met a man named Chewy who took him under his wing and taught him to bow hunt, spear fish and ride horses.  Soon this man began molesting Pete which led to 2 years of abuse. Towards the end of the abuse Pete heard God say, “I love you and I will never let you go”.  A week later his dad called him back to the states to live with him. At 9 and ½ he moved back to LA with his dad.  Pete’s stepmom Lynn became a wonderful support for him. When he got to the house there was a sign that said no clothes allowed.  As a 10 year old was listening to Joni Mitchell and David Crosby. Pete told his dad about the molestation one night and his dad spit in his face, slapped him and called him queer.  His stepmom fought with his dad, came into the room and stayed with Pete for a while. Pastor Pete spent his adult life trying to prove to his dad that he’s not gay. Next he moved back with his grandmother and at age 12 met his friend Jimmy and became a drug dealer, hustling kids in front of Taco Bell. At age 13 he was smuggling Heroin across the border. Pete’s first felony was at 13  for burglary of Sneider’s clothing and drugs at a Doctor’s office.   In Juvie he began writing, became very popular and got paid to write to attorneys and judges. www.deadmanwaking.net   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence        Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

Growing up Catholic, Pastor Ric wasn’t allowed to talk about his ideas regarding faith.  He felt the calling, heard the voice and has been guided by Jesus Christ ever since.  Pastor Ric has seen the power of prayer and faith work miracles throughout his work in prisons and hospice care facilities. Enjoy this very passionate show. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17   Biggest Weakness - Can’t sit still and stop speaking so that he may listen and hear. Biggest Strength - Matthew 7:7 Seek and you shall find.  He loves to open scripture and search for understanding. Dark Time - Growing up Catholic you didn’t talk about other ideas of faith.  It became clear that the calling was becoming too hard to ignore, but it was difficult.  When he went to his wife’s church he stood up and felt the fire of Jesus Christ.  It felt like he was under a shower. A-ha moment - Pastor Ric was in a car at an intersection and asked God “what do you want me to do” and heard “Feed my Sheep”.  He cried for 45 minutes.  God is moved by faith. Pastor Ric is convinced that we all have the ability to hear God’s voice, but you must believe that it’s possible. We must condition ourselves and our faith in a similar manner to the way we exercise. Pastor Ric has seen miracles through prayer and faith during his work in prisons and hospice care facilities. When God’s doing his work, move out of the way. Advice - Do not give up, our decisions are eternal.  Put your trust in God. He does not work in your time, but in his own.   Seek God in everything, he will answer. God’s Man of Influence - Someone who uses his salvation for others. www.atthewellintl.com 626-688-4231 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence        Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

In this episode Joe Juliani asks the questions “What is God asking of me?” “Am I too busy for God?” and “Can I be me and still walk the path?”     “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” - Romans 8:31   Biggest Weakness - Joe has doubt.  He doesn’t stand in faith constantly.   Biggest Strength - Spending time with like minded brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. Dark Time - Joe pushes through the storm.  He always falls back on Romans 8:31. 2 years ago Joe would not talk about his faith with others.  Then the conversation opened up when he met his new neighbor who became a pastor.  Joe and his wife went to church and was overwhelmed, but felt something that made him want to go back. A-ha moment - Joe broke down and cried at church and things went silent.  He heard a voice that said “you are in the right place.”  He had no idea that there was a hole in his heart that needed to be filled by Jesus Christ. Now Joe wants to inspire those like him who don’t know that they have a hole in their heart that needs to be filled. The relationship with his wife became even stronger as she began to dig deep and understand how Jesus belonged in her life.  Joe says the relationship with your significant other should be as passionate as possible. Their new business is called Precious Little Bean coffee came out of working with their church. Recommended Book - “Fight” by Craig Groeschel Sometimes the best thing you can do is listen.   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence      Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

A young man addicted to Crystal Meth and Bath Salts is dealing up to 500 pills of ecstasy at a time and doesn’t know how to break away.  A very bloody blackout and hospital visit finally turns his attention to God.  Listen to Connor Stephenson’s testimony from his really dark descent to his redemption.   “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” - Hebrews 11:6   To keep what you have, you must give it away. Connor believes he was born as an alcoholic.  At age 12 he took his first and felt like he belonged in the world.  He started drinking whenever he could. By age 15 Connor was hanging with people in organized crime and started dealing ecstacy.  He had 100 to 500 pills on him at all times and loved knowing everyone. Connor lived with a girl for 4 years in a drug riddled environment and was caught cheating on her.  He was forced to move back to LA with his parents. Back in LA, he began dealing and found that bath salts could be sold as ecstacy pills. Soon Connor began doing Crystal Meth and things went badly quickly.  He couldn’t stop, “Idle hands are the devil’s play things.” Connor’s crash came when he went to a friend’s house and stayed up all night doing meth and cleaning the apartment.  When his friend woke up they went walking and he continued doing drugs, ran from a siren, blacked out and woke up in an alley bleeding.  Thinking he was dead he wandered out of the alley and realized he was at the firehouse.  He immediately asked them to take him to the hospital. In the ambulance he made a deal with God and said “there was no life with drugs that was worth living. Help me stop”.  Later that day he called his mom and asked her to put him into a rehab program. Connor is now 8 months sober and driving for Uber, Lift & sidecar giving safe rides to those who need them. Biggest Weakness - He needs to find a church and stick with it. Biggest Strength - A certainty of God’s willingness to be in his life. GMOI - Be humble with all that you have and have faith in Salvation and Jesus. 760-846-8840 connormstephenson@gmail.com   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence       Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

4 ½ months clean and sober and attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings, 20 year old Hunter Mercurio has seen a lot in his young life.  Hunter came from a broken family, with parents who tried swinging that led to separating.  He turned to drinking at age 12, lost his virginity at 13 and was doing drugs and in and out of mental hospitals soon after.  Join us for Hunter’s compelling testimony and allow him to inspire you as he inspired us.   “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” - Romans 8:1   Hunter began drinking at 12 when he started taking beers from his father’s refrigerator. At 13 years old Hunter lost his virginity because he was looking for love. At age 14 Hunter went into a mental hospital for the first of 4 times because he was suicidal. Hunter came from a broken home with parents who tried swinging that led to separating.  He found his mom cheating on his father with a family friend Jeff.   Hunter grew up very angry with God.  He began stealing and stole Jeff’s ring right before Jeff was diagnosed with ALS and the guilt was overwhelming. His senior year in high school, Hunter met Ann.  She was a church goer and Hunter pursued her. During this time he was a football player, but his addiction to opiates and marijuana was couldn’t be stopped and Ann broke up with him.  This drove Hunter to smoking xanax and drinking heavily; he just couldn’t accept that he messed up his relationship with Ann. Hunter went back to selling pounds of marijuana, but addicts always become their own biggest buyer.  Soon he was in debt to bad people and his life was threatened. Hunter got an opportunity to play football at Orange Coast, but fell back into doing drugs.  He began to spiral when he tried to balance addiction with football.  Went to a hospital 7 times from anxiety of coming down from drugs. Soon he realized something was wrong inside him and he started hearing voices telling him the world was going to end.  Hunter called his dad and said “I’m coming home I hope I live”.  His dad called Steven Vandruff who reached out to Hunter to meet at Wahoo’s. Most Influential Man - Michael Medneck came to Wahoo’s that night with Steven and took Hunter into his home to live with his family. Now Hunter is taking life day by day and has plans to move out of Michael’s house at 6 months sober and wants to work towards being a personal trainer. Recommended Book - “A Purpose Driven Life” - Rick Warren GMOI - Constantly work on where you’re weak and share your struggles.   mercurio.hunter@yahoo.com 714-374-1234   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence       Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Pride makes it very difficult to be a great leader as a husband, father, business owner and Christian, but it is always there.  The enemy wants us to be prideful and put ourselves before God.  On this episode, Dino’s guest Tony Alesandra professes that he must always remember that God is in charge and he must lead his community by the example of service not words.  Take a listen to Tony’s very personal and inspirational walk with God.   “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” - Proverbs 3:5   Tony needs reminders that God is there and on his side.  He feels “stuck on stupid” when he walks alone, so he now creates a very personal walk with God. Biggest Weakness - There are times when he backslides and thinks only of himself.  In those moments he has to remind himself that God’s in charge.  Pride and ego build when things are going well and then you crash. Biggest Strength - Leading by example.  Tony tries very hard to let his walk speak louder than his words. There is no need to judge anyone.  Only God is perfect. Dark Time - When Tony went to college he forgot that God was there for him and spent those years focusing on himself and what he wanted. At age 27 his friend moved in and they began doing bible study in the morning. A-ha moment - When Tony began asking God to help him find his wife she appeared and they married 3 months after beginning their relationship.  He then knew he had to re-commit to God.  They’ve been married for 22 years. Advice - Don’t put your ego first.  Serve the person you’re with as well as the relationship. Transition from Catholicism to Christianity was ego because he went from a rigid to fluid relationship with God. Be bold and ask God into your life.  Also, become part of a great church that suits you. God’s Men of Influence - Be a man of God in the workplace so that you may lead. Tony is a member of Capo Beach Church. Tony was baptized as a baby and again at age 31. The closer Tony gets to God, the more he realizes he’s still far away. Best advice given - Rick Warren “Choose to Grow from it instead of Go from it”.  Leaders don’t run. Recommended Book - “Jesus Calling” - Sarah Young Favorite Charity - Boystown tony@ins-solutions.com   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence     Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Age is not a criteria for maturity says Dino’s guest Christian couples counselor Dr. Roger Tirabassi.  In this episode Dr. Tirabassi discusses marriage, Tithing, Tattoos and Free Will.  Take a listen to this in depth look at a Pastor’s beliefs on issues that affect us all.   “A noble man makes noble plans and by noble deeds he stands” - Isaiah 32:8   Marrying Young - Age is not a good criteria for maturity, so that is the more important thing.  There is a higher divorce rate for couple who marry younger.  The male brain isn’t even fully developed until 25 years old. Premarital Program - A good program should decrease the risk of divorce by 35%. What Makes A Good Husband - Have an older more experienced mentor.  Pride has to go.  Go to a marriage conference every year.  Pray together every day. When in marriage give affirmation, kisses, apology and time out process process. When a spouse changes - When children get our attention, the marriage will suffer if we are not attending to it. Enduring problems and preserving are what keeps a marriage together. Tithing - God wants us to have a responsive heart to what we were given. God’s plan or Free Will? - God tries to show us what to do, but gives us the free-will to do what we will. We have a just God who would never send someone to hell in an unjust way.   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence     Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

God works miracles and this one is especially amazing.  In this episode, Dino’s guest Dr. Roger Tirabassi tells the story of how he grew up to be a committed Atheist until, after a night of counseling himself over a failed marriage he heard the voice of God.   “A noble man makes noble plans and by noble deeds he stands” - Isaiah 32:8   Biggest Weakness - Pride & Greed.  Roger battles with his own ego and the world we live in. Biggest Strength - God has given him the drive and ability to be part of a team. Dark Time - 2 weeks after his wife said she wanted a divorce Roger went to a psychiatrist who gave him medications and wanted more.  He then went to a psychologist who told him to start dating.  He was never more depressed. A-ha moment - Roger counseled himself that night and as he started feeling better he heard God’s voice.  The next day he went to church. Roger went back to school for his master’s and doctorate to become a counselor. Inspirational Person - Marvel was a secretary working with Roger.  She kept quietly suggesting that there was more to life.  Eventually Roger realized she was talking about God. Roger and Becky married and have been for 37 years.  You must live the life of a Christian, it’s not enough to just say you are a Christian, you must be intentional. Best Advice - Don’t do it alone.  Live your life with others and be part of a church. God doesn’t just call us to be saved, he calls us to be used.  When you do what God means for you to do, you will be happy and fulfilled. God’s Men of Influence - Create disciples and know your gifts so that you can use them in service. Roger is a pastor at Viewpoint Church. Roger was baptized at 27 Best advice given - stay humble Recommended Book - “Practicing the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence Favorite Charity - Orange County Missions, FCA, Young Life roger@viewpointchurch.org   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence     Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

FCA is a wonderful organization that says if we can't get the influencers in society to speak out about Jesus, the rest will be inspired.  In our society the influencers are athletes.  In this special episode ex-NFL player Mark Boyer talks about his career with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and what this calling has meant to Southern California. Don McClanen - Founded FCA in the 50’s. Don was watching TV and realized if athletes could sell products then Christian athletes could sell Jesus. Do met with Branch Rickey after months of trying for a 5 minute meeting and stayed for 5 hours. FCA began with camp ministry to bring kids in to work on their sport, but also to develop their relationship with God. Campus ministry was an outreach to the campuses and student athletes. If you can influence coaches and athletes to be role models for Christ, than you will affect lives around the world. FCA is not just for athletes. Christian athletes have a responsibility to live a life of leadership for Christ. Support FCA - www.westernfca.org 714-841-2300 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Mark is an ex NFL football player for the Indianapolis Colts and the NY Jets and a Christian.  Through his struggle and search for his identity after his career ended Mark realized that being an inspirational coach was his future.  17 years ago he founded the first California Camp of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has been helping athletes find Jesus Christ ever since.     "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” - John 15:5   Found FCA in Tulsa when he was playing for the Colts and went to the camp.  He was amazed.   17 years ago Mark brought FCA to California and now is the VP of Field Ministry Mark didn’t have a relationship with God until he was a Sophomore in high school.  The Lord grabbed him when he went to see an Easter play. Biggest Weakness - Too much of a people pleaser.  It creates a conflict between what God wants and what people like. Biggest Strength - Building and nurturing relationships. Dark Time - 1993/94 Mark hurt his back in the gym and couldn’t play anymore.  He had trouble understanding why God would take this away from him.  His identity was rooted in being an athlete and he felt like he was wandering.  When he couldn’t go any further he heard a voice say “Perfect, now watch what I’ll do.”  Soon after that he founded FCA. Person of Inspiration - Mark’s wife Jena came to Christ separately, but within weeks of Mark.  They came together in high school and she’s been his biggest cheerleader. A man’s friends are incredibly important and therefore Mark is involved in men’s groups.  As men we need a team to be a part of something bigger. Mark’s goals as a man - Be a hero at home.  Be a good steward of all that God has given him.  Be passionate to help people reach their God given potential. Mark was baptized at age 16. Best advice - stay tight to Jesus. Recommended Book - “Draw to Circle” by Mark Patterson Recommended Charity - FCA Contact - mboyer@fca.org   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Stephen Young has had a hard road in his relationship with his family and with God.  His addiction to pornography as a younger man lead to an unhealthy relationship with his first wife, adultery and an abandonment of his kids.  By repairing his relationship with God Stephen was able to repair his relationship with his children.  This is his journey.   “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” - Romans 8:1   Biggest Weakness -   Stephen exposed hat he has a pornography and sexual deviancy addiction.  For a long time he did not have respect for women or understanding.  Satan has very powerful tools and this one is wicked.  The problem began in 4th and 5th grade. Biggest Strength - Stephens willingness to talk about life and Christ. Dark time - His darkest time when when he divorced his first wife and left his kids.  Stephen pictured his kids as being hung on a cross.  His thought was that it would be easier for his kids if he stayed away, but later came to realize that he was being selfish. You must admit you’re a liar and cheat before you move on.  Stephen stopped believing the Lord loved him or that he could continue in the marriage. Aha moment - When Stephen left the marriage he believed that God would never love him again, but his children had given him a bible and after seeing it in his stepdaughter’s room he heard God’s voice saying “I still Love you.”  He immediately went to his wife Karen and said he wanted Christ in their lives. Person of Inspiration - Pastor Steve inspired Stephen and Karen though his preaching to decide to be baptized.  Karen said, “we must surrender rather than try.”  The breath of God is in us. Now Stephen can feel the Holy Spirit guide him.  “When you lose everything, the Lord still provides and at that point you really understand it.” Advice - Become open and get rid of your secrets first.  Tell the ones you love of your struggles and sins.  Do not listen to your emotions, rather turn toward Jesus for answers. God’s Men of Influence - Be willing to surrender and allow God to use you. Stephen’s Church - Calvary Church in Lake Arrowhead. Baptized November 11 Best advice given - Stay married.  With God he could’ve done it, but he didn’t. Recommended Book - “The Calvary Road” by Roy Hession Recommended Charity - “Pregnancy Resource Center” Contact - welink2@gmail.com , 760-445-2992 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence     Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Matt Hanson is married with 3 children and has a deep desire to use the skills that the Lord has given him to lead and influence people.  Although he’s known struggle, in this episode he talks about gratitude and allowing faith to influence every moment of your day. “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” - Peter 4:10 Biggest Weakness - Trusting God.  Matt considers himself a doer who looks for a formula rather than having haith. Biggest Strength - Matt can imagine a dozen ways to solve a problem or find a way to succeed. Dark Time - Nothing extreme, but most defining moment was a business divorce.  He was very excited about an opportunity that his wife knew was wrong.  Now he discusses everything with her and trusts her intuition. Embracing the Lord - there was no real obstacle for Matt because the Lord always made sense to him and he thought it would be wise to try and understand how his creator designed him to live. A Person of Inspiration - Tony Campolo and Millard Fuller.  Also the people of Convene, a Christian CEO group. How has God changed Your life? - Recognition that God has given Matt a gift to offer of leadership and influence. Advice - Surround yourself with good, bible literate people and find the 5 or 6 verses of scripture that our God’s promises that speak to you and marinate in them. Advice Given - Show up on time, be truthful and don’t be attached to the outcome. Recommended Book - “Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster. Recommended Charity - Matt is the founding president of Habitat for Humanity (harbor area/long beach/greater LA. Also, World help-international email & phone: matt@thecentennial.com - 714-740-1111 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

As a young boy Pastor Kenny Luck was ignored and therefore was always seeking attention and Love.  He found unlimited Love and a feeling of self-worth when he fell to his knees and accepted Jesus.     “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” - Proverbs 5:8   When you walk around unsure if you’re worthy of love you use people to create the sense that you are worthy. Gratitude and the knowledge that God loves you, frees you to be better with your relationships and to stop using people. Kenny reminds himself regularly that “I’m loved, I have limited time and I have a meeting scheduled with my maker.” Advice - What’s the object of your hope? Turn to God for hope and let him speak into your issues. God’s Men of Influence - to recognize that God’s made you , he loves you and you’re going back to God. Baptized at age 17 Man ways actions, God ways intentions. A fully transformed Christian has a transformation personally as well as an external expression of faith and charity. Best Advice - Father-in-law said, “Consider context, all things are meaningless without context.” Kenny leads a men’s group, but has one that he attends as well. The closer Kenny is to God, the better his life becomes. Prayer is a moment by moment way to live. Tithing - a reminder that money is not #1 in Kenny’s life, but God is. Favorite Charity - Every man ministries, campus crusade for Christ, Relationship 180 Pornography - Acts as a methamphetamine in the brain.  Women are not what we see on the screen and therefore we don’t know how to relate with real women. www.evermanministries.com/contactus   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our pagewww.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence     Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Developing men who desire the courage to lead, wisdom to work, and faith to believe.