As Bold As Lions Podcast Derek Charles Johnson

Moving along through the path of a man's life, we next stop at the years of "career and family man."  The point at which this phase starts may change from man to man.  But the years are marked by marriage, raising a family, holding down a job, buying a home, and many other important milestones.  This is most likely the majority of where a man will spend his days.  It is important to not just focus on his own wealth and accumulation of "stuff."  To serve his family and others well.  And to stay pure and holy especially in terms of the issues of lust and sexuality.  This is an important stage of life to make sure the foundation in Christ remains solid.  Retirement and the last phase of life lies right around the corner...

Mentioned in this episode:
 
Be Generous podcast series -- 
BE GENEROUS - Stewarding Money & Resources
BE GENEROUS - Giving Of Our Time & Talents

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.”  John F. Kennedy 

As we work our way through this series, we are first stopping at the age of men youngest and most impressionable:  those young adult (high school/college) and single men.  Yes this is a large age group to cover.  Yes a lot happens in these years.  But there are some common tenets these younger men must adhere to; certain traits they must develop in Christ.  We see a firm foundation of truth must be laid.  We see an avoidance of the world's trappings and temptations (and necessary boundaries/preventative measures established).  Finally we see that in charting a course in life (finding a career, a spouse, a calling) involves seeking the Lord's heart and following His lead.  This is a crucial part of a man's life.  This is a time to either press in and put down roots OR waste and squander the potential we have. 

I pray this is an episode that will minister to young men in this stage of life.  Please feel free to share with those who you think might need to hear this teaching. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Whom Shall I Send? - Isaiah 6 (Prayers Of The Bible) blog article

Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker (Book on Amazon)

He raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.”  Acts 13:22

We are spending the next several weeks on the podcast talking to a specific audience:  Christian men.  If there is a demographic within the church that I have felt most specifically called to reach, it would be Christian men.  To seek a path in life that brings the Lord glory and is directed by Him.  To tell them to lead well as husbands and fathers; in a Christ-honoring way.  To come to the end of life knowing you led well and you have much left to impart to the generations that follow.  This series attempts to hit all of these areas and cause men to consider the weight of the call they have in Christ.  We model David, as he in turn modeled Christ:  he was a man after God's own heart.  This episode serves as an introduction and sets the stage for what follows.  Will you join me?

Mentioned in this episode:
 
Song "100 Years" by Five For Fighting:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDKjX7YMJ6w

Are Young People Really Leaving Christianity? article

Where Are All The Men?  Exploring The Gender Gap In Church article

blind spot:  an area where a person's view is obstructed.  
I believe; help my unbelief!  Mark 9:24

Today's episode is a look at blind spots...areas in our faith that keep us from deeper levels of trust and devotion to Christ.  Identifying these areas is a process we continually take before the Lord, asking Him to examine our hearts and reveal any wayward thing in our lives.  We also remain in community with other believers, looking for and seeking out authentic, genuine Christian fellowship and accountability.  As we do these things, we enter into deeper levels of freedom and the ability to trust God for even more.  Our desire is for blind spots to diminish and for Christ to increase.  It's a daily struggle and surrender as we ask the Lord, "I believe, help my unbelief!"  It's my hope you will be encouraged as you listen in today and apply these thoughts to your own walk in Christ.  God bless!

Rounding out this series on Sharing Your Faith, this episode looks more specifically at those who we should be sharing Christ to.  If we have a sphere of influence (immediate or expanded), we ask ourselves "Do they know Jesus?"  Sometimes that answer presents itself!  But we pray through that and if there is an open door, we take that opportunity to share our faith and to share our testimony.  This process doesn't need to be overcomplicated but it DOES need to happen as we are called and commanded to share our faith and our hope in Christ.  This episode leaves with a challenge:  try it out and see for yourself!  If you have questions or have someone you are praying for/have shared Christ with, I'd love to hear from you.  As always, you can email me at info@derekcharlesjohnson.com  BE BOLD, SHARE JESUS!

This next episode in Sharing Your Faith dives into our own story of faith in Christ.  Namely, who were you before and after meeting Jesus and what happened at the moment you encountered Him?  This is important to know and be able to relay to others.  Your story is uniquely yours.  No one can take it from you and no one can argue against what Christ has done in your life.  It's a time to be and to be honest...someone might be dealing with the same things you were dealing with and need to know there is hope in Jesus!