Children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior, not arrows in the hands of a wimp. Men aren’t wimps. But, what does that mean true masculinity is - a strong, rough and tumble man? Listen and learn from the personal experience of Jacob Browning who grew up in a home where physical abuse was present - how did Jacob respond and what steps did he take to make sure that he didn’t pass along those abusive traits to his family?

What life lessons does physical abuse teach children? Jacob shares how he was taught that men dominate a situation and others and that men should use physical force to exert themselves and get their way. What about the Biblical stories of when God uses force to restrain evil - when is the use of force allowed and helpful? Jacob has a powerful testimony of God's grace and transforming power in his life!

Listen to an important conversation with MY state legislator and good friend Matt Shaheen as we discuss all things "politics" - WAIT, don't ignore this episode - it's vital for men to be leaders in their communities and being active, informed and engaged in the political arena is one opportunity for your voice to be heard on issues that affect not only your family (and your pocketbook), but also affect your community and the lives, businesses, and families of those around you. Listen, learn, lean into this conversation - then go out and be involved as a man "at the city gates."

 

Step 1 Register to Vote - check out Vote.gov or visit the Secretary of State's website in your home state.

Step 2 Get to know the issues - check out the "party platforms" of both major political parties. Republican and Democrat

Step 3 Compare your values and principles to the "party platforms" and assess which principles you want to advance with your vote.

What He Must Be...If He Wants to Marry My Daughter

Voddie Baucham, Jr.

 

1. Must be a Christian

2. Must be committed to Biblical headship

3. Must be a suitable Priest

Spiritual life of a person comes FIRST

Priest is the chief servant for his community

4. Must be a suitable Prophet

Man must be able to speak truth (and be discerning to know truth)

Psalm 1

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, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

 

5. Must be a suitable Protector

Spiritually

Emotionally

Physically

6. Must be a suitable Provider

Spiritually

Emotionally

Physically

 

Learning to serve others starts when you’re young and starts with the “small things.”

What should a man be to "qualify" to marry a wonderful young woman - for the next two weeks, listen as Dan Panetti talks with his brother-in-law Rob Snyder about this concept - Rob is the father of three girls - one who is married, one who is engaged, and one who is dating - so Rob can speak to all aspects - but before all those things can happen, understand that the principles of manhood should begin at a much younger age! Dan and Rob talk about what those principles look like so that a young man can meet and marry an incredible woman!

Why is it important for a man to speak truth? Is exaggerating really all that bad? What about your intentions - aren't they important? And what does it mean to "speak the truth in love" - something that you might have heard, but don't understand. Men have a unique role of speaking life into a situation - and this can be both positive and negative - learn how to use your words to build up others and make a positive impact in the lives of those around you.

The idea that men speak truth, serve others, love deeply and endure joyfully are all grounded in the concept that men have an authority in their life which guides them, instructs them, teaches them what it means to be a man - and that authority is God Himself. Time with God, in His Word, is essential for the training of a man - just like time in gym is essential for the athlete, a man must do the hard work of learning from the Author and Perfecter, the Creator of life - God.

How do you handle adversity? Men “endure joyfully” - meaning that you make the best of a situation, regardless of whether it’s your fault or someone else’s - you don’t allow the pressure of the situation to change you - remember the "principle of the toothpaste" - when there’s pressure applied, what’s inside will come out! What comes out of you when you are under pressure?  Hopefully the character which is revealed in tough times is attractive, positive, beneficial, and respectful!

What will others say about you at your funeral - not thinking about that now, well you should be! What you love will drive your passions and influence your actions - it will be obvious to all - and a day will come when others are reflecting on the man that you were by talking about the things that you loved - what will they say about you?

This is the second week of examining some key concepts of what it means to be a man - Men speak truth, serve others, love deeply, endure joyfully, and humbly walk with the Lord. What does it mean to "serve" others - it takes eyes to see the needs of others, a humility to be willing to do what needs to be done, and then a commitment to serve them even if it costs you! Remember, a prideful life is a lonely life - serving others makes connections and builds vital community that you can't, and shouldn't, live without!

The only thing that grows without work is weeds! To grow into manhood takes work, effort, intentionality! Our guest this week is Gabe Boyd who shares a motto for manhood that he created working with middle school boys - "Men speak truth, serve others, love deeply, endure joyfully, and humbly walk with the Lord." What is your motto for manhood?