#73 Christmas – Bringing Hope to a Dark World

Showing us the Reason for the Season

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Christmas is one of the most exciting, meaningful holidays of the year. However, for some, it can also be the most depressing, lonely time of the year. It all depends on your experience, broken or lost relationships. Because of all the emotions surrounding Christmas, highs and lows, it is important to prepare for the holiday.

I know in many families, the wife tends to lead the way in actual preparation for Christmas. While I was involved in the lead-up to Christmas, it was a bit awkward for me. Even so men, get as involved as you can to ensure the family feels your involvement, which ultimately communicates your love.

Christmas is the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. For the next 33 years, Jesus lived on this earth: with no sin, establishing his authority among mankind as the Son of God, and ultimately he paid the price for our sins, He rose again… and that is why we celebrate Easter when we do.

Powerful Life-Changing Verses about the baby Jesus!!

1. Isaiah 7:14 Therefore God himself will give you a sign – a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us).

This verse establishes the foundation of our faith in the birth of Jesus.

1. Luke 1:35: And the Angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called Holy, the Son of God.

This verse demonstrates the God part of Jesus -conceived by the Holy Spirit.

1. Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.

This verse establishes the purpose for Jesus coming. He paid a debt He did not owe, for us who had a debt we could not pay.

1. John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…

This verse establishes the fact that Jesus was fully human and lived among the people of His day.

1. John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The most popular verse of the Bible. This shows the motivation behind God sending His son to give to us a gift we could never earn. Without God’s gift, we are all bound for an eternity without God.

1. John 1:5 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

This verse indicates that through the person and work of Jesus, we will have eternal life with Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit.

1. Romans 15:13 May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit

This verse gives us a reason for hope no matter the circumstances in which we find ourselves. This life is short, even though it feels long at times. Our hope is in Jesus, the life He lived, and the work He did on the cross. Because of that we can hope every day and find a way to live in victory this Holiday Season!!

Questions to consider:

1. If you have a family, as the husband and/or father, how will you intentionally insert yourself into the process this year to make this the best Christmas yet?
2. How do you prayerfully need to prepare yourself, so you can lead your family this year?

https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#72 How to Communicate Thankfulness

Act Like Men- Men’s Leadership Podcast

Do you consider yourself a Thankful Person? This is the time of the year when all of the conversation is about being Thankful. The history of Thanksgiving did not come out of tremendous blessings. It came out of challenging circumstances, and the pilgrims believed they should be thankful regardless and the Native Americans and the Pilgrims shared a wonderful time together after coming through a difficult season.

Regardless of where you find yourself this time of the year, the spirit and the act of being thankful can change your entire perspective on your life. This is not only a great suggestion, but the Bible also tells us to focus on being thankful always, not just at the end of November.

Often I am reminded of teaching children to say thank you when someone gave them something. Do yo you remember saying to your children, “What do you say?” At that time we were teaching our children to respond kindly to the generosity of another person. But as our children got older, we did not have to prompt them as much for their words. In fact, as parents, we are pleased when our children demonstrate that they have been paying attention and applying what they have been taught. Sometimes we as adults need to take a lesson from our children and remember to be thankful in every aspect of our life.

Let’s look briefly at what the Bible says about being thankful.

1. The Lack of Thanksgiving is the Source of All Kinds of Sin

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21, ESV)

2. Giving Thanks is Commanded for Believers

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

When you examine the Greek of this verse, you discover that the verb “give thanks” is both an imperative (you must do it) and present tense (you must keep doing it continually). We should never stop expressing our gratitude.

Let’s End With a Challenge:

1. Start every conversation with God with a list of Thank You to God- not necessarily for the good things in your life, but the gifts God has given to mankind in general – His Son to pay for our sins, the joy of a new day that is challenging or not, the certainly of Heaven as a follower of Christ, “all things working together for good for those who love Him and are called according to his purpose”.
2. Be intentional in looking your fellowman in the eye and telling them an intentional Thank you for any consideration they provide – an open door, to coffee served, to food served, to work done on your behalf. People feel loved and valued when you look them in the eye and intentionally tell them you appreciate what they did.
3. Look for the good in everything that is happening in your life. While we all want this life to be like heaven – always bright and cheery – this is not heaven and we need to search to find good in some of the very difficult times that come our way and the way of those whom we love.

https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#71 – Breaking Generational Curses

Guest: Pastor Lee Hall

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes

What is a generational curse and how do you know if you have one? With the advent of popular psychology, we often have labels for behaviors and attitudes that generations before we may have called, what the bible would call what is passed from one generation to the next, without breaking that curse. The definition today is they are repeating patterns of misfortune that affect parents, their children, and beyond. They can manifest in several ways: disobedience, violence, idolatry, or bad habits.

Pastor Lee Hall talks about a generational curse that he was under until God opened his eyes and delivered him from this curse. There were many things that Pastor Hall mentioned as helping give him victory:

1. Awareness of the behaviors and attitudes he was manifesting that he had seen in his father.
2. Decision to be different.
3. Asking God to deliver him from the direction he was heading.
4. Asking his father to forgive him for his attitude towards his father. You heard that right – he believed it was on him to seek forgiveness. Most of us would wait until our father came to us and asked for forgiveness – and would go to our grave with bitterness and anger towards him within us.

This is the critical step in getting released from all the “stuff” that is in our heads, our hearts, and our spirits towards God and others.

1. Live in victory daily and REFUSE to submit again to the curse from which you have been delivered.

Pastor Hall has hung onto II Corinthians 5:17 – If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. These verses were extremely valuable to Pastor Hall. He states: “if God is not changing my situation, then God is about to change me”. You can only live that when you engage in a faith walk, not walking by sight.

Be encouraged today – trust God for your future – allow Him to change you and walk by faith every day!

Questions to ask yourself:

1. Do I feel stuck, repeating the attitudes and behaviors I saw in my dad? Which one(s) specifically?
2. Are you willing to allow God to change you and will you walk by faith, not by sight according to what is around you?
3. Who do I know who can become a prayer partner and accountability partner to help me walk out of these “curses”? Ensure this man could be or is a mentor for you.

To contact Pastor Lee Hall for a discussion or prayer:

leehallsr81@gmail.com

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#70 – Marketplace Ministry

Guest: Ray Hilbert

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes

Our guest today is passionate about helping high-capacity Christian Business leaders as they address balancing the demands of personal, professional, and spiritual lives while building successful companies and organizations.

Ray Hilbert helps business owners and other coaches through a company called Kingdom Factor: Out of Psalm 78:72: 1)David – flawed leader: Ray and his coaches work with flawed business leaders who want to follow Christ and run a Biblically-based business. 2) Integrity of Heart: Doing the right things; handling your business with Christlike Biblically based principles and practices. 3) With Skillful hands he led them; doing the right things to be profitable and sustain for God’s glory.

Kingdom Factor leadership brings over 60 years of combined experience helping Christian business leaders become who and what God has called them to be. Our calling is building God’s Kingdom in and through the marketplace. Our passion is developing godly business leaders whom Christ is transforming. Our model is focused on developing Coaches who are equipped to be a leader of leaders.

Work is not the result of sin in the world. Works is what God gave Adam to do tending the garden, it was fun, enjoyable, and rewarding following the plan God had for him. It was after sin, that that same work became difficult, and man would then sweat and toil as a result of sin. However, we still work and the work we do is for God’s glory and our good. How do we flip the script and see our work as a missionary endeavor and choose to be able to share our faith, love, and encourage our coworkers or employees, and by doing so bring God the Glory and God gives us the benefit?

Today, challenge yourself to embrace work. God has you where are for a reason – for now fully embrace where you are so He gets the glory, and you receive the benefit. God has something special for you – enjoy the work God has given you!!

Questions to ask yourself:

1. As a Christian employee, how do I approach work? Is it because I have to be there with no other opportunities, or is it because I have an opportunity to share Jesus with my peers and my bosses, through my Christlike attitude, excellent work, and refusal to participate in gossip?
2. As a business owner, how do I approach this business? Is this God’s calling on my life? How can I use the joys and struggles of owning a business to share my faith with others and have them bloom at work? How can I use my business for God’s glory?
3. If you would like to have coaching or just to have a conversation with a coach, please reach out to Ray Hilbert and Kingdom Factor at the contact info below.

To learn more about Kingdom Factor or to reach Ray Hilbert directly please go to:

https://kingdomfactor.us/

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#69 – From Fatherless to Fearless

Guest: Candice Crear

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes

Whether your father has walked away, is in jail, has passed away, or is emotionally unavailable in the next room, this leader and her organization are here to help you. You matter, and you are seen, says the founder. She goes on to say we understand your journey because this founder, and our guest today, Candice Crear, had a challenging road of being fatherless at the age of 2, molested at 14, kicked out of college due to a lack of financial stability at 18, and laid off multiple times throughout adulthood. She was constantly hitting the brick wall of life and just wanted the pain to go away. She’s fought courageously to take back her life. You can too and they are ready to help you. Whether you're a fatherless daughter or a mother trying to understand your child's pain, we’ll empower and equip you on your journey to healing and wholeness. Every day is a day worth fighting for.

This ministry organization focuses on girls ages 13 to 19 in the greater Cincinnati area. It varies slightly depending on how this organization gets connected with the girls. They currently focus on being in schools and juvenile detention centers. It is important to connect with the girls in the environment where they are.

To refresh from the last time Candice was on our podcast (Episode 29), “From Fatherless to Fearless” primarily uses a methodology called “B.R.I.D.G.E.” This program is designed to help them set boundaries and exercise accountability; build healthy relationships and learn to express their feelings in a healthy way; grow to the next level while pursuing financial health; and live a greater tomorrow by embracing and facing their fearless journey.

Fatherless to Fearless has been around for three years. Since we met them 18 months ago, they have served 3x the number of young ladies, and their revenue has increased 5x. This says that Candice and her team are clear on the vision, able to execute their planning, and have expanded the number of schools and detention centers that are willing to utilize their services.

I will say that we need more people like Candice Crear who will take the pain of their life and put it into reaching those who are experiencing the same pain she has. Too few of us know how to take intense pain and turn it into a ministry that will reach generations yet to be born.

We are MMC are praying for Candice and others like her in this country who are selflessly pursuing the calling God has placed on their life to make a difference.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. Who do you know who is fatherless? Start by praying for them and determine what your involvement might be. Women work with young girls and men work with young boys. They need a spiritual parent in their life.
2. Does your church have a ministry for those who are fatherless? If you have a burden for this, perhaps God is calling you to start it in your church.

To learn more about “From Fatherless to Fearless” please go to:

https://www.fromfatherlesstofearless.org/

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

Most of us are aware of the Israelites and their march across the desert after they left their bondage to the Egyptians. As you recall, they had many ups and downs and spent much longer in the desert than was necessary. However, God proved faithful, and the Israelites became loyal to God back to God once again, the promised land was theirs.

The same can also be said of us in many areas of our lives. The topic today is sexual purity and our guest makes many comparisons between the journey across the desert and our journey to purity.

Mike leads his men to victory with four modules, and 10 videos on each module. He is also available for one-on-one coaching and conversations.

The Modules are:

• Identity – to live in victory a man’s identity needs to reflect that. Many who struggle also struggle with who they believe they are during this stage especially.
• Habits – you have no doubt heard the statement – show me your habits and I will show you your future. I applaud Mike and his process for making this a very high priority.
• Overcoming Obstacles – everything worthwhile has significant challenges to them. Purity is a high calling for Christian men – out of the “overcoming” we add to our identity, changing our habits, and moving towards living in victory from sexual sin.
• Freedom is Not Free –in this country, many have gone before us and paid a great price for our freedom. Many have created a path so we know we can live in victorious purity. Just as others paved the path to victory, so we have a responsibility to pave the path for those who are coming behind us. The privilege and the responsibility are ours.

At MMC we pray for you and your path toward entering into the promised land and possessing it. It will change your life and the lives of those around you and those who follow you. Psalm 78 talks about impacting the generations yet to be born. We pray that is you.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. Are you willing to admit to having a purity problem and are you willing to get help?
2. Are others aware of and supporting you in your journey to purity? It is only an empty closet that can no longer have power over you.
3. How are you doing in identifying the four areas as anchor points in your life to keep you from falling back down the mountain?

Our prayer is that God will give you hope so you know you are not alone and that there is an answer and a direction, no matter where you find yourself.

To get involved in the Exodus Freedom Journey, please go to:

https://menrestored.com

To put time on Mike’s calendar to speak with him, go to:

https://menrestored.com/chat

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#67 – Humor With Your Children

Guest: Comedian Nazareth

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes

The Bible says “Laughter is good for the soul, spirit, and body”, Proverbs 17:22. Our guest today, Comedian Nazareth is a top-tier comedian, who was born in Nazareth, moved to Kuwait, and then to the US. He has been on tour for comedy along with appearing with the likes of Tim Conway, B.B. King, The Righteous Brothers, The Temptations, and many other notables. He has appeared in over 200 prisons and death row facilities.

While comedy may be the way he communicates to audiences, he is passionate about helping remove the defenses of people to be able to share a message of hope and encouragement. He is a strong proponent of family, Christian, and humanitarian causes.

MMC encourages you today to enjoy Nazareth and hear his story of grace. What we have enjoyed the most is that Nazareth is all about sharing the gospel of hope. His life changed dramatically thanks to Jesus and now he wants to use comedy to share the gospel with those who do not know Christ and to encourage those who do know Christ.

The topic that caught our attention was the idea of using humor with our kids. It helps them enjoy us, and more importantly, it creates an opportunity for them to feel safe and secure within the context of the family. Dads who relax and enjoy the family, have an opportunity to impact their family tremendously.

To get your copy of the book, You Are So Funny Daddy, by comedian Nazareth, go to: nazarethusa.com/shop

To reach out to Comedian Nazareth:
Phone: 877–266–3392
Email: info@nazarethusa.com
Website: nazarethusa.com

Questions to ask yourself:

• How am I doing as a dad in my family? Am I always serious, or am I having fun with my kids?
• What dad joke did I hear lately that I can repeat to my kids?
• We are MMC are praying for you and your family. It is easy to get caught up in drama at work, challenges financially, and issues in the marriage, however, our kids need to see us as an anchor to make the family secure. Humor is a great way to help create that security.

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

#66 – 365 Christian Men

Guest: Blake Mattocks

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes

Wouldn’t it be great if all Christian men would start their day sitting and reading God’s Word and contemplating God’s encouragement for each day? The truth is many men do not typically begin the day sitting and reading. Here is some very encouraging news. Six years ago, 365 Christian Men started video recording ~7-minute stories of Hero of the Faith. These are available free, through an app or the website.

365 Christian Men is a project built on some basic truths about God and His character. God cares deeply about each man, and He has a specific purpose for every man’s life. God wants to tell His stories through the lives of His men. These very short stories would be about men who have fought their battles, are overcoming their obstacles, and are using the lessons they’ve learned to help others.

For more than two years, the team has worked hard to see that vision come to life. To make that happen, they were committed to several foundational truths:

1. History is shaped by how men live their lives.

2. No man is perfect. Many of the great triumphs in life have come through trials, great fails, setbacks, and heartache.

3. God can use real-life stories to demonstrate His power, His goodness, and His love for men. He can do tremendous things through a man who recognizes his need for God, is willing to submit to His plan, and will trust Him with his future.

The Executive Director of 365 Christian Men is our guest today. He is passionate about getting these stories out for all men to be able to read. In addition to the US, 365 Christian men are now in multiple countries reaching millions of men every week. In the US it is listed in the Top 10 Podcasts, but far exceeds that internationally.

Men, MMC highly recommends 365 Christian and encourages you to subscribe however you consume your podcasts. With a short story every day, followed by a simple but clear challenge on what to do with what you just heard, this will impact your life. You can listen on your way to work, while you walk or work out, or listen with a group of other men who are as serious about their faith as you are.

Blessings to Blake Mattocks and 365 Christian Men as you impact men around the world.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. Where am I going for daily Biblical truth and Christian inspiration?
2. When was the last time I heard a story of a Biblical or modern-day hero in the faith and applied truths of their life to my own?
3. How would my faith be different if I would take less than 10 minutes a day for biblical truth and encouragement?

To connect with Blake or 365 Christian Men, go to: https://www.365Christianmen.com

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts, go to: https://mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/