Guests: Sir Duncan, William Price, Brady Taylor, Dakota Kennan, Ty Olsen, Jake Edwards, Nathan Litwiller, and Grayson Frank   This is the continuation of our conversation from last week with some of the guys from Parker’s wedding party. Last week we heard  from Sir, William, Brady, Dakota, and Ty - this week we’ll hear from Jake, Nathan, and Grayson. T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

  Guests: Sir Duncan, William Price, Brady Taylor, Dakota Kennan, Ty Olsen, Jake Edwards, Nathan Litwiller, and Grayson Frank   Wow, what an exciting weekend celebrating the wedding/marriage of our son Parker. I wish we could have recorded the incredible speeches at the rehearsal dinner - funny, uplifting, encouraging, and challenging - and that got me thinking that I needed to catch the guys in Parker’s wedding party and record some of their thoughts - so, on Saturday afternoon, I tore the guys away from watching college football to record and share their thoughts and wisdom about marriage, relationships, life together with friends and family…and these young men shared some remarkable insights and wisdom.   I hope that you are encouraged as you listen - these young men are all in their mid-to-late twenties and doing life well - in a godly community, pursuing Christ, serving in their churches, loving God and others well. They haven’t bought into the lie that Biblical headship means putting others down to elevate self, or that submission means “less than.” They believe that leadership means serving and they aren’t just about talking the talk, but they are walking the walk…not perfectly, but in the grace of God and the truth of His Word.   Enjoy these two episodes of Wisdom from the Wedding Party - and be encouraged to build your own godly community of men who will strengthen and encourage you to be the best men you can be! T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

  Mark chapter 3 As you read about the crowd that followed Jesus, Mark turns his attention to those whom Jesus called out to be His disciples - and then listened them by name. Those twelve moved from the crowd, to the CALLED-OUT - from darkness to light, from death to life - and that is my prayer for each of you. Being called out means that you have been called INTO the family of God, INTO a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, INTO a new identity as a child of God, and INTO the meaningful, eternal work that the Lord has prepared before hand for you to walk in!   But, Jesus also reminds us that we should “count the cost” of following Him - of moving from the crowd of interested and intrigued to the family of God. Think about what it costs those twelve disciples that we mentioned earlier - the eleven that stayed faithful to Jesus all paid a tremendous cost for their relationship with Him. But, as Peter reminds us in John chapter 6, there is no other alternative to following Jesus that makes any sense at all! As Jesus says in John 14, He is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE - if you want access to the Father, it is available through Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son (John 3:16).   T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.  

  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 (info@training4manhood.com) 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 (info@training4manhood.com) 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 (info@training4manhood.com) 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 (info@training4manhood.com) 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 (info@training4manhood.com) 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? T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

  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 (info@training4manhood.com) 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 (info@training4manhood.com) 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 (info@training4manhood.com) 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 (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

  1 Timothy 3:1-7   Qualifications for Overseers The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.  He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,  for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?  He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.  Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.   Men, a great list from Paul written to a young Timothy about qualities for leaders in the church - should be qualities that all young men aspire to!   T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.  

Guest: Gabe Boyd   Gabe and I agree that one of the most valuable things that a young (well, any aged guy for that matter) man can do is spend time in God’s Word. Why? Well, take a listen to this conversation that I had recently with my good friend Gabe Boyd about the value of knowing God’s Word in the life of a man. And we also talk about a couple practical steps that each man should take toward this endeavor - get a good Bible that you can read and understand, read it and find others to read it and discuss it with you, and find a good, Christ-exalting, Bible-teaching church to join and grow in your faith journey.   T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.  

  I was listening to Pastor Jack Graham, Prestonwood Baptist Church, and he shared in his sermon on the life of David about some ways that the enemy attacks a man - he said that the enemy will use silver, sloth, sex, and self. In this episode, we’ll dive into each of these and talk about God’s perspective on each…and how to best counter the efforts to take us out!   T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

  Looking at the Book of James, there are some powerful verses in chapter 3 that share the difference between “worldly” wisdom and “heavenly” wisdom. These attributes of wisdom from above are great markers of maturity in the life of a man - and we examine each attribute in this episode. James reminds us that at the core of immaturity is self-centeredness, while the individual that plants the seed of selflessness will reap a life of peace. T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

  2 Chronicles 24:12 - And the king (Joash) and Jehoiada gave it to those who had charge of the work of the house of the Lord, and they hired masons and carpenters to restore the house of the Lord…   “It is a much easier thing to build a temple for God than it is TO BE A TEMPLE FOR God.” C.H. Spurgeon   A Good Start: A Book for Young Men and Women by C.H. Spurgeon   How can we BE a temple for God?   Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 5:23 that we are body, soul, and spirit - what do each of these components mean and how can we improve in each?   Spirit Must be “born again” - and being made alive in Christ means that you see the rest of reality through a different lens Soul Mind - we don’t want to conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our MINDS - trained to think differently, learning to use your mind to advance the Kingdom and not just yourself Emotions - good indicators, bad masters - listen and learn Will - what are you doing that is worthy of being a child of God? Body Be careful of vanity and chasing after temporary things Can you serve the Lord…your family…and others in your present physical condition? T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

Psalm 127 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.   Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.   Ricky Chelette’s Three A’s: Attention - I see you Affection - I love you Affirmation - You have what it takes to be a man T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

  The Book of James in the Bible gives the reader great wisdom and insight into God’s economy and how the maturity process of a believer generally works - it is usually not through ease and comfort that one grows and matures, but through hardship and difficulties - learning to hear the voice of God and trust Him through the process.   In James 1:19-20, the author tells the reader to “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.   Learn from the wisdom of the great saints of the faith - including Job, who learned that speaking about things that he didn’t fully understand was foolish and immature. I hope this examination of these verses in God’s Word reminds you to first connect your life to God, made available through the sacrifice of His one and only Son Jesus Christ…then, trust and obey as you walk with the Lord, learning to listen to His voice and trust His ways. T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.