In the valley... a story of life transformation
So many nuggets in this episode!
Listen as Jeff shares his journey of faith. When buried in shame and choosing isolation, a Christian brother invited him to fellowship with other men to dig into God's Word. "This was the best decision of my life."
Life circumstances turned his life upside down, then God turned his life upside down (in a good way) as he leaned into Every Man a Warrior, growing his love relationship with God. What was effectively a non-existent relationship is now foundational, his identity is in Christ.
The building blocks of discipleship:
Flipping the pyramid: All of his life was previously about trying to find his purpose (the top). He is now focused on the base - his love relationship with God. Instead of making him "sea-sick" most of the time, life now makes sense and is stable. His identity is based in Christ and God is giving him purpose and growth as a disciple and disciplemaker.
Be inspired to invite someone to walk closer with God. together with you.
Say yes when a brother invites you into a band of brothers, let God use them to reach you.
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV
In the Valley...
Jeff's testimony:
God is there.
God provided other men to join him while he was on this journey in the valley.
His relationship with Christ is now his foundation.
Instead of looking for purpose in life, enjoying a relationship with God and simply going from there.
Jeff shares his journey of faith. From youth and early adulthood (first 35 years) of sin and addictions...to about 5 years of calm as a single Dad of one...and then a world turned upside down when 1.5 years ago as his other daughter, aged 15, came into his life.
He was buried in shame, losing his identity as a Dad, and isolated himself.
But...
A long-time friend invited him to a 6:45 am Bible Study, and he agreed to come.
They dug into the Bible, and Jeff wanted more. One month in, they started Every Man a Warrior.
This turned his life upside down again, in a good way!
Quiet Times, Scripture Memory, Life application for self and others. So much growth!
"one day I packed up all my shame, guilt and remorse and put it out at the curb. I finally forgave myself. That is when I feel God reached out and said, w'ell done, now let's get to work.'"
Saying yes to joining the Bible study with other men was the best decision of my life.
QUIET TIMES
- Jeremiah 16:15 - God will restore you
- Matthew 26: 6-13 - Extravagant adoration is to be celebrated
- James 1:6 Ask God expectantly, don't doubt.
The purpose of our podcast is to help each other be better leaders, husbands and fathers for God's glory. Our discussions are based on elements from the Men's Ministry at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI. For more information about us, check our website and hillcrestcrc.org