Proverbs 27:6 - The wounds of a friend are faithful…

What does it mean to be a “friend” and why is it important to use that word with precision and clarity? I think about the biblical admonition to be a friend…and George Washington’s statement that “True friendship is a plant of slow growth that must withstand the shocks of adversity before it is given the name.” A proper understanding and expectation of what a “friend” is will be helpful in finding good friends…and being a good friend!

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle ([email protected]) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

Guest: Dr. Steven Lytle, Sparrow House Counseling

Far too many young men struggle seeing a clear and accurate picture of God, as their Heavenly Father, because of the real or perceived shortcomings of their earthly fathers. Dr. Steven Lytle reminds us that the role of the father is to provide for this family, but it is so much more than just putting food on the table and a roof over their head. A father is also meant to provide his attention, affection, and affirmation. Listen as Steven and I discuss how men can be the best father-figures for their boys, but also how the greatest calling of every father is to point their children to the loving embrace of their Perfect Heavenly Father!

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle ([email protected]) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

Guest: Jordan Salim, Founder and CEO of 3:23 Financial Services

The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. 3:23 Financial Services LLC is a registered investment adviser in the state of Texas. 3:23 Financial Services LLC is not affiliated with this podcast, and any financial advice is only provided through a formal advisory relationship with the firm.

Continued our great conversation with Jordan Salim, this time we talked about various financial missteps and pitfalls to avoid. This is helpful advice for every young man as you look to not only live well within the financial resources that the Lord has blessed you with and that you’ve worked hard for, but also as you look to be a mindful and cheerful giver meeting the needs of others and advancing the Kingdom of Heaven!

Some resources that were referenced and recommended during this podcast include the following:

Your Life…Well Spent: The Eternal Rewards of Investing Yourself and Your Money in Your Family by Russ Crosson

Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work by Tim Keller

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle ([email protected]) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

Guest: Jordan Salim, Founder and CEO of 3:23 Financial Services

The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. 3:23 Financial Services LLC is a registered investment adviser in the state of Texas. 3:23 Financial Services LLC is not affiliated with this podcast, and any financial advice is only provided through a formal advisory relationship with the firm.

Had a great conversation with Jordan about what financial “stewardship” is and what it means today. This is helpful advice for every young man as you look to not only live well within the financial resources that the Lord has blessed you with and that you’ve worked hard for, but also as you look to be a mindful and cheerful giver meeting the needs of others and advancing the Kingdom of Heaven!

Some resources that were referenced and recommended during this podcast include the following:

Your Life…Well Spent: The Eternal Rewards of Investing Yourself and Your Money in Your Family by Russ Crosson

Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work by Tim Keller

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle ([email protected]) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

1 Samuel 16:18 - David was described as “a man of good presence.” God was telling me to go back and look at that definition of “good” again - there is MORE there! What does it truly mean to be a man of good presence…listen to this episode and think through the concept of goodness, God’s design and purpose for His creation (including you and me) and if we are truly being the men that God has designed and purposed for us to be!

Referenced The Awe of God by John Bevere - check it out, powerful read.

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle ([email protected]) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

God’s Word speaks about the importance and value of work - we are demonstrating to a watching world the character and nature of our God when we work and are creative and use our gifts and talents for the betterment and wellbeing of others, too! Let’s appreciate that we can be rewarded for our labors - if you need an accurate description of the problems with a socialistic economic system, check out Frederic Bastiat’s The Law - great, and short, read!

Young men, now is the time to develop your biblical worldview of work - before you give yourself to a world system that will take your youthful years and leave you little to no time for developing your relationship with the Lord, your family, friends, or for taking care of others in need. The world system will reward you for sacrificing your family (and your morals) to the advancement of your career - don’t play the fool and sacrifice the eternal rewards for the temporary ones! Remember the question from Jesus in the Gospel of Mark - what does it profit a man to gain the whole world…and lose his soul?

If you want to know more about how divorce adversely affects children, check out Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce by Elizabeth Marquardt (with a foreword by Judith Wallerstein, author of The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: The 25 Year Landmark Study)

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle ([email protected]) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

Guys, just got back from a wedding…and have “marriage” on my mind - wanted to share some thoughts - hopefully helpful thoughts - about the importance of marriage and how to do this powerful relationship “right.” 

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle ([email protected]) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

Jeremiah 12:5

If you have raced with men on foot and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?

Challenge - find time to pause and reflect - assess your life, mission, purpose, trajectory in life - are you walking in a manner worthy of your calling, are you serving God’s purposes and using the gifts and talents to advance His Kingdom? Take time to dive deep into God’s Word, look for God’s wisdom and direction for your life, surround yourself with godly people to encourage and challenge you - and then live with significance and purpose, pausing frequently to assess your journey!

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle ([email protected]) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

1 Timothy 3:8-13

Qualifications for Deacons

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Paul continues his list of qualifications for men, this time for the position of deacon, the chief servant of the family of God.

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle ([email protected]) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.