Host: Dan Panetti   Scripture tells us in Luke 2:52 that “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with man.” How are you growing and maturing as a man? This year, let me strongly recommend that you read good books!   The value of reading is really far more profound that many of us realize. Reading trains our brains to process information in a much more meaningful and deliberate manner, far different than when we take in information from images. Listen to this podcast and determine that this year, you’re going to read some good books!   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.

Host: Dan Panetti   Last week we talked about the decision-making matrix - learning to LISTEN to God…and this week we turn our attention to the time before we make that decision - the preparation season, where we learn to wait on God as He leads and guides us! Interesting that there is a preparation time in Scripture - usually represented by the number 30, a season of maturity and growing. Scripture tells us in Luke 2:52 that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with man in the time before he turned 30 years old and launched his public ministry. And several other prominent figures in Scripture had meaningful preparation times as well.   So, what should you be doing in your season of preparation? Discipleship - Titus 2 instructs the younger men to seek godly wisdom from older men, in your season of preparation, seek wisdom from godly counsel God’s Word - deepen your knowledge of God through His Word - study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word Serve - preparation time isn’t just “sitting on the sidelines” but is a time to grow and mature - serving others is such a great way for us to grow in the grace of the Lord who came not to be served, but to serve - follow His example! Pray - as you wait, you can get frustrated and anxious - share those feelings with the Lord and as you communicate with Him…He will share with you as well.   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.

Host: Dan Panetti   How do you make decisions about what college to attend, what job to take, whom you should date and/or marry? Those are really important decisions and for many people, the criteria they use to make their decisions is filled with worldly wisdom about money, power, prestige…but lacking in wisdom from above!   Hopefully you will listen and learn from my own personal experience and God’s Word about how to listen to the “still small voice of God” and walk in obedience to His calling and purpose for your life.   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.

Host: Dan Panetti   There is a great description of a young David - before he defeated Goliath and before he took the throne of Israel - that I believe gives us a glimpse into the character of a “man after God’s own heart.” These character qualities are not only valuable for us to consider and contemplate, but also to recognize that just a few verses before this description is made of David that God reminded Samuel that “the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).   What are those character qualities of “the heart” that were important enough for God to record and share with us today - the description of David is found in 1 Samuel 16:18 and is the topic for our discussion today:   One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.”    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.

Host: Dan Panetti   I am teaching through the lives and ministries of Elijah and Elisha in 1 and 2 Kings - amazing stories of God doing some “impossible” things - which made me ask, is God able to do the impossible today…in my life and circumstances? I believe the answer is YES…and you need to know and live in that truth!   One area where I have seen God do some amazing work in the lives of people is in the area of unforgiveness - that God has radically transformed a person’s perspective on a situation allowing them to forgive a person who did unspeakable (unforgiveable) things to them - but God…because they have received the forgiveness of God, they are able to forgive others. To read more about this, check out John Bevere’s outstanding book The Bait of Satan.   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.

Host: Dan Panetti   When people say that America was founded on Christian principles, what do they mean? Is American “a Christian nation?” What about the “separation of church and state?”   Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has written down 7 Core Principles of Conservativism that are really the 7 Christian principles that helped found this country and give birth and direction to future generations and lawmakers. In this episode, I walk through these 7 Principles and explain why America really was founded on Christian principles and encourage you to examine the evidence for yourself.   The 7 Principles are: Individual Freedom Limited Government Rule of Law Peace Through Strength Fiscal Responsibility Free Markets Human Dignity   To better educate yourself on these Christian principles, let me recommend that you read The Federalist Papers and examine the writings of our early Founders themselves as well as the foundational documents of our country - The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution.   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.

Host: Dan Panetti   Guys, being a dad is awesome…and an awesome responsibility. As I reflect on the journey of parenting, there are some important truths that I want to share with younger guys about some important life lessons of being a dad.   You’ll hear it often - the days are long, but the years are short. Time really does fly as a parent - so don’t miss it! The younger years, those developmental/formational years of your child’s life are paramount - and I know your work outside the home is important, but your work inside the home is even more valuable! Men, be involved and connected to your family. My friend Ricky Chelette always says that kids need three things from their dad - affection, affirmation, and attention. Those are vital to the development of your children!   Also, I just wrote my first book about the importance of making sure that you focus your time, energy, and attention on the spiritual formation of your children. Temporary things, like sports and academics, demand so much attention and easily consume all of our focus and energy - but building your child’s character and spiritual life are the most important job you have as a dad!   Anyway, hopefully some good content delivered in this one for younger dads wanting to be the best dads they 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 ([email protected]) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

Guest: Kelly Cassels   What should you be doing today to be able to celebrate a meaningful Father’s Day in the future? I had an awesome conversation with my brother-in-law Kelly about how to move past the anger and hurt from the past to a place of experiencing the joy of being a dad with a family that loves and appreciates you!   Kelly and I both agree that the most important thing you can do is to get your life right with the Lord - to accept the free gift of forgiveness and salvation made available through His only and only Son Jesus Christ! Once that relationship has been forged, then prayerfully ask God to help you be the man that He has created and designed for you to be - and be ready to see God at work!   And Scripture tells you how valuable a meaningful relationship of an older man with a younger man is to the wellbeing of both! Titus 2 tells us that an older man should be teaching younger men. If you’re an older guy, look to discipline a younger man. If you’re a younger guy, find an older man walking with the Lord and glean wisdom from him.   And finally, just a word of encouragement to that older guy who looks back over his shoulder and sees a wake of disappointment left behind - today is the day of salvation and transformation - God isn’t done with you yet! Surrender your life to the Lord and ask God to restore the years the locust has eaten - and see what He will do!   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: Parker Panetti   Great conversation with my son Parker about the biblical themes and allusions to Christ in the movie The Sheep Detectives. Fun to watch and listen to everything through a biblical worldview lens - helps discern truth from error and see all stories as pointing to THE great story of Jesus Christ! 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.

Host: Dan Panetti   A good definition of a man is a male (God designed) that is doing manly things! What are those manly things - go to God’s Word and see what things He tells you that men should be doing - in many ways, God paints a picture for us of what a man is - a fortified city, a strong tree, a pillar, a soldier, a steward…and you can learn from those pictures what characteristics God’s Word is teaching you about manliness.   Game Plan: Spend time in God’s Word - seek out His definition for manliness, not the world’s. Spend time with godly men - build community, accountability, maturity Take time to assess where you are, how you can mature, what obstacles you need to overcome.   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.