p How to Stay Faithful When Life Hurts Scripture: “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.” – James 1:2-3 Why the Hard Days Matter “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 Hard days hit without warning. Whether it’s a health scare, job loss, grief, or a season of waiting, no one is immune. The pain might be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It may be short-lived or stretch on longer than we ever expected. But no matter what form it takes, one truth remains: our response matters. Faith doesn’t exempt us from suffering. In fact, following Jesus often brings new challenges. But it also brings a deeper strength—a strength rooted in something far more stable than our circumstances: God’s presence. 1. Expect the Storms “In this world you will have trouble.” – John 16:33 Jesus didn’t sugarcoat the truth. Trouble will come. But the presence of pain doesn’t mean the absence of God. On the contrary, some […]/p

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p We love to quote Isaiah’s bold declaration: “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” But if we’re honest, many of us live out a different prayer: “Here I Am Lord Send Someone Else.” Moses was standing on holy ground, talking directly with God, and still tried to opt out. Sound familiar? We may not be facing Pharaoh, but God calls each of us to a mission. And too often, we respond with excuses, fears, or flat-out resistance. Availability Over Ability God isn’t looking for the most gifted—He’s looking for the most willing. Moses didn’t feel equipped. He questioned his speaking skills, his leadership, and even God’s choice. But God wasn’t concerned with Moses’ résumé—He was looking for obedience. You might not feel ready or qualified. But God’s not waiting for perfection—He’s waiting for surrender. Uncommen Reflection:Are you saying “yes” to God—or making excuses? Practical Step:Pray a simple but bold prayer: “Lord, I’m available. Use me however You want.” Following God Often Means Losing Control Trusting God isn’t about having the full plan in front of you. It’s about saying yes before the details are clear. Moses had no idea what lay ahead—plagues, Red Sea crossings, wilderness wandering. If he had […]/p

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p It’s time for March Manness Scripture Focus: “For just as the body is one and has many members… so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12 Are You On the Bench or in the Game? When March Manness hits, everyone talks about brackets, buzzer-beaters, and underdogs. But in the body of Christ, we’re not just spectators—we’re players. And just like a basketball team struggles when one player doesn’t show up, the church struggles when believers don’t step into their role. God has placed unique gifts inside every one of us. Some teach. Some lead. Some encourage. But all are called to serve. The question isn’t whether you’re gifted. It’s whether you’re using those gifts to build up the church. Every Role Matters—Even the Side Door Think your gifts don’t matter? Think again. Whether you’re on the stage singing or holding the door with a smile, your role makes a difference. The church isn’t built on talent alone—it’s built on commitment, humility, and teamwork. The key isn’t comparison; it’s contribution. When we stop worrying about who gets the spotlight and start focusing on glorifying God, the church becomes stronger and more unified. Uncommen Reflection: Are you showing up and […]/p

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p Mastering Your Reactions in a Chaotic World Scripture Focus: “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5 What Sets You Off? We live in a world full of triggers. From social media debates to unexpected setbacks, it doesn’t take much to send us into anger, anxiety, or frustration. The challenge isn’t just avoiding triggers—it’s learning to respond to them in a way that honors God. The Bible calls us to self-control and wisdom, but if we’re honest, most of us struggle. Whether it’s road rage, workplace stress, or social media drama, our reactions often reveal what controls us. So, how do we stop letting emotions run the show and start mastering our responses? Let’s examine the common triggers and consider how we can control our thoughts, words, and actions. Emotional Triggers: Are You Really in Control? We like to believe we have control over our emotions, but do we? Ask yourself: Do you get defensive when someone challenges your opinion? Do you let pride keep you from admitting you’re wrong? Do you react in anger when things don’t go your way? Emotions like anger, competitiveness, and insecurity are powerful forces. Left unchecked, […]/p

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p A Path to Renewal Scripture Focus:“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28 The Cultural Stronghold of Pornography Pornography is no longer a hidden vice—it’s a cultural stronghold. With instant access at our fingertips, what used to be tucked away in magazines behind counters is now just one click away. Exposure starts young, with the average age of first contact around 11. Society markets porn as “harmless entertainment,” but the consequences are far from trivial. The reality? Porn rewires the brain, disrupts relationships, and isolates men in shame. More than that, it fuels a billion-dollar industry built on exploitation, trafficking, and addiction. As men, we need to ask ourselves: Are we passively conforming to a culture that normalizes sin, or are we actively fighting for purity? Let’s examine key areas where porn is shaping us and how we can start breaking free of porn today. The Accessibility Trap “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away.” – Matthew 5:29 The battle against pornography isn’t just about willpower—it’s about access. The internet, social media, […]/p

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p Who or What Is Shaping You? Scripture Focus: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 Discipleship in the Everyday Whether we realize it or not, the world disciplines us daily. From the shows we binge-watch to the conversations we have, the influences around us shape how we think, what we value, and how we act. But here’s the challenge: are these influences disciplining us toward Christ or away from Him? Let’s look deeper at four major areas where unintended discipleship happens and ask ourselves, are we being shaped by culture or Scripture?     Movies: The Stories We Absorb “How storytelling impacts our moral compass.” Movies are powerful tools of influence. They’re not just entertainment; they shape our views of morality, relationships, and priorities. Think about the subtle (and not-so-subtle) messaging in modern films. Whether it’s normalized themes of materialism, sexuality, or even direct shots at Christianity, what we consume often challenges our values. Uncommen Reflection: What themes dominate the movies you watch? Are they encouraging your […]/p

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p   Recognizing Spiritual Danger Before It’s Too Late Scripture Focus: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” – Proverbs 14:12 Living Dangerously Close Life is full of near misses. Whether narrowly avoiding an accident or stepping away from risky choices just in time, we all encounter moments where the line between safety and disaster is razor-thin. In 2022, there were over 227,000 unintentional deaths in the United States alone. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) These included causes like falls, motor vehicle accidents, and poisoning. Each of these fatalities began with a decision—sometimes a seemingly minor one—that had fatal consequences. The same principle applies spiritually. While we might not always recognize it, our choices can bring us dangerously close to spiritual ruin. Proverbs 14:12 warns us that what feels right at the moment can often lead to destruction. Let’s look at two stories of men in the Bible who found themselves closer to disaster than they realized: David and Samson.     David’s Decision Around Bathsheba Focus Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-4 “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with […]/p

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p Leading Well: A New Year’s Charge for Husbands, Fathers, and Leaders In this episode of the Man-to-Man Podcast, “A New Year, A New Change,” we explore what it means to lead with purpose as husbands, fathers, and leaders. Starting a new year often brings resolutions and goals, but authentic leadership demands more than intentions—it calls for humility, vision, and faith. Using Jesus’s example, this episode discusses servant leadership and practical ways to apply a new change at home, in the workplace, and within the community. Foundations of Servant Leadership Leadership modeled by Jesus contrasts the world’s view of power. As described in Matthew 20:26-28, greatness comes through serving others. At home, this begins with being present and intentional in the lives of your spouse and children. Leadership is not about perfection; it’s about consistently striving to lead with humility and purpose. Reflection: Jesus was hands-on with His disciples, leading by example. Are you present with your family in the same way? Think about how you can prioritize their spiritual and emotional needs this year. Lesson: Servant leadership starts at home. Whether initiating family prayer time or leading by example in your actions, every step builds trust and connection. Ephesians […]/p

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p Finding Direction When the Future Feels Unclear The dawn of a new year often brings a mix of hope and hesitation. While some dive headfirst into resolutions, others find themselves wondering what to plan for when the future seems so uncertain. In this episode of the Man-to-Man Podcast, “Finding Direction When the Future Feels Unclear,” we explore how to embrace uncertainty and find purpose in the unknown. Embracing the Season of Uncertainty Uncertainty is not the time to stand still; it is a time to lean on God. When the future feels unclear, trust that God is using this season to teach you something deeper. Reflection Life throws curveballs, as seen in the personal story shared during the podcast: a career disrupted by Hurricane Katrina led to the creation of Studio490. What seemed like chaos became the path to a greater calling. Trusting God in uncertainty opens the door for transformation. Lesson Psalm 37:5 reminds us, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Trusting God does not mean having all the answers—it means relying on His plan, even when you can’t see it. Challenge Take time this week to pray and commit your […]/p

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pFinding Peace During the Busy Season Welcome to another episode of the Mna-to-Man Podcast, “’Tis The Busy Season.” With the holiday rush upon us, this episode explores how we can find peace amidst the busyness of December. We’ll discuss practical ways to create moments of stillness, embrace rest, and stay connected to God as the true reason for the season. This is a time to slow down, reflect, and prioritize what truly matters. Embracing Stillness Amidst the Rush The holiday season can be overwhelming, with endless to-do lists, family gatherings, and last-minute shopping. In our conversation, we shared about planning family outings and Christmas light tours, which can still feel like a whirlwind. Even with fun traditions, it’s essential to find those intentional quiet moments. Key Takeaways: Prioritize Quiet Time: Taking even a few minutes each day can bring peace and clarity. Reframe the Season’s Purpose: Remember that Christmas celebrates Christ’s arrival—a moment of peace in a chaotic world. Challenge: This week, consider setting aside small moments for stillness. How might these moments help you find peace during this busy season? Scripture Reflection: Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Finding peace means pausing and acknowledging […]/p

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