Desmond Frey: Four Key points to grow as a Mentor

It is through God’s divine guidance that God's shows us the path that He has for each individual's life. This guidance comes from being discipled. This can be as a child and your parents teaching you the “rights and wrongs” for your actions and behavior. Or it comes from a teacher or counselor helping you learn skills for as you grow and use in life. 

As christians, we get guidance from our pastors and evangelists that bring a word from God to strengthen, encourage, correct or rebuke us. But each of us should have a close relationship with a leader or mentor that is discipling us. 

Paul wrote letters to Timothy and Titus as their mentor to strengthen them as leaders. This is what discipleship is about. 

This is evident when Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy chapter three verses 16 & 17 that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 

You know that the Word of God is inspired or God breathed and that it is useful for the training and edification of the saints. So how does each person apply this in their individual life?

There are 4 points that Paul shared with Timothy in those verses that I am going to share. Two of them are on beliefs, what we should or shouldn’t believe. The other two are on behavior, what each of us should or shouldn’t do.

1.  Teaching-These are instructions through God’s Word. God reveals His Word through His Spirit to us. 
   • 1 Corinthians  2:12-13
   • John 6:64
   • Psalms 71:17
   • Colossians 3:16
2. Rebuking-This is when God through the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sinful actions.
   • 1 Timothy 2"14
   • 1 Corinthian 15:33 
   • Proverbs 15:32
   • Romans 8 :5
   • 1 John 2:16
   • Titus 3 :3
3. Correction-This is a revealing of bad behavior that comes from conviction of those sinful actions.
   • Proverbs 15:32 
   • Proverbs 10:17 
   • Proverbs 3:11-12
   •  Proverbs 19:20
4. Righteous training. This is developing the right behavior of what God wants you to do and act. 
   • Romans 7:6
   • 1 Peter chapter 3:1
   • 1 timothy 2:14
   • Titus 2 :1
   • 1 Peter 1:15 
   • 1 Peter 3:17
   • Ephesians 5:1- 2
   • 1 Corinthians 11:1

In conclusion, I want to go back to those verses in 2 Timothy chapter 3, but this time as you read it, insert your personal name, where it says “man of God”. 

It would sound like this” All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training righteousness, so that Ryan Hare, may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Music - Egg Rollz by Jobii Baegel 
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/YyZZD5KjMd/

So often we feel it is easy to purchase that new home or car and not worry about the cost, but then the first payment comes or a costly repair and your appreciation for that item diminishes.

How about with your marriage?

Or even your relationship with God?

In this episode, I share about how God sees the true value in each of us no matter what you and I have gone through in life.

You may have that feeling that you are worthless and junk just like an old abandoned house or vehicle, but God doesn't see junk only a Masterpiece and is worthy of being a FIXER UPPER.

Scripture:
Mark 4:14-20
Matthew 25:14-30

Music: Links provided
Intro segment- Eye of the Newscaster by Out to the World
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/K4Xu4Jlesc/

Outro segment - Kid on the Move by El Flaco Collective https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/h8KuCiV7Al/

ZWOAoXeM5bRMM0dqFmQv

The 318 Project is taking a short mid-season break.

I recently took on a new role in the Fire Department and my schedule is changing from a 24/48 schedule to a Monday-Friday routine. 

Because of this change and going through training for this position, it has left me little time to concentrate on the podcast.

The 318 Project is NOT ENDING, but simply taking a short hiatus.

New episodes will return starting on Thursday, June 2nd, 2022. Until then, I challenge you to go back to the previous episodes that you haven't heard yet or one that stood out to you  and listen to them.

Music:
So Get Ready by spring gang on epidemic sound
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/wCVDLnVW3f/

Do you remember in school when a classmate would whisper or make a noise just loud enough to get your attention while hoping that the teacher did not hear it?

Maybe you remember when your wife, an old girlfriend or even that first crush you had in school came up and whispered something sweet into your ear for only you to hear it.

How about those times when you were outside playing and it was getting dark and you heard your mom or dad yell your name so that the whole neighborhood heard it, that it was time to come home for dinner?

Do you feel like you are waiting to hear God shout your name to speak to you?

Many times when you read the Bible it would say that God spoke to someone; but was it always in an audible voice?

In this episode, I talk about the different ways God spoke to the saints in the Old and New testament.
There are other ways that God can speak to us that lets us know what He wants each of to hear.
It may be through a feeling about a situation, or when a Bible verse stands out to you at that moment.
Maybe it is another Christian brother or sister that brings a word of encouragement; or even a worship song  that lifts your spirit.
 
Scripture References:
John 10:27
1 Samuel 3:2-10
Exodus 3:1-4
Acts 9:3-7
Joshua 5:13-15
1 Kings 19:11-13

Music in this episode:
Intro - "Whisper Out" by Mica Emory https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/t2XvNhSaax/
"In the Cool of the Day" by JOYSPRING https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/1ZegjHOK1L/

Did your parent ever tell you to "Don't throw the ball in the house"?
What Happened when you disobeyed and broke a bowl, plate, or special figurine?
Did you try to hide what you did by gluing the broken pieces back together?

More than likely after your parents found out and the ceramic ware couldn't be fixed it was thrown out in the trash.
You probably feel the same way after some of the things that have happened in your life that you are junk and that God has no need for you and just discards you.

In this episode, I share about how God can use the broken pieces of your life to create something wonderful and even more valuable that the original.

I talk about how a trip to St. Peterburg, Russia and seeing the mosaic artwork at the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood reminded me of how God can use those broken pieces to make a masterpiece.

I also share about the ancient Japanese artform called "Kintsugi" and how an artist will take a broken ceramic ware and add something special to fill the cracks to make it more valuable than before.

Scriptures:
Isaiah 64:8
Jeremiah 18:4
Ephesians 2:10

To check out the music in this episode:
Introduction- "Dust till Dawn" by Dusty Decks https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/FhKgzwY2Jm/

"Broken Pieces" by Gavin Luke https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/J5X91AXv9G/

What does it look like to have an encourager in your life?

We all want to have people that will speak life and encouragement to us when we are going through a trial or crisis.

Does that person have a selfish or selfish agenda?

Are they looking for way to lift you up even if it means they take a back seat to your accomplishments?

Do you have a BARNABAS your life?

What was so special about Barnabas?
He is mentioned only in a few chapters in Acts, 1 Corinthians, Galatians and Colossians; yet he had such an impact that the majority of the New Testament was written by those he encouraged.

In this episode, I will share with you the 3 key character traits that Barnabas displayed and how we can apply those same traits in our lives to be an encouragement to others. We can also us these key areas for what to look for in a person that we are seeking as a mentor.
1. He was a good man
2. He was full of the Holy Spirit
3. He was strong in his faith

Scriptures:
Acts 4:36,37
Acts 9:27
Acts 11:24 ( 3 key character traits)
Acts 13-15
2 Timothy 4:11

Music:
Intro - It's Time by Ealot - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/4XvPw1VzFE/
Train of Thought by Ealot- https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/wXHX9VhnF8/

Do you have an armorbearer? 

In the Bible, you only see an armor bearer mentioned in the Old Testament, but the same duties and responsibilities continue on even today.

An armor bearer was a young man that would carry the weapons and shield of the man he was under, much like a knight's squire that would carry the weapons into combat, but also use the shield to protect his master. Over time he would train and even be able to fight alongside the warrior or knight. 

Sometimes the armor bearer would use the shield or weapon to protect or defend the flank of his master. 

In 1 Samuel 14: 1-14 we read of Jonathan and his armor bearer defeating the Philistines. 

We see that David became Saul's armor bearer in 1 Samuel 16:21

But it isn't just about having one person, there are times you need a full garrison of brothers. 

The foundation of the 318 Project comes from Genesis 14:14. Here we see that Lot was taken captive and Abraham raised up with his 318 men and servants that were trained in his household to go and rescue Lot. 

Proverbs 17:17  says " A friend loves at all times, but a brother is born for adversity." 

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friends."

To sharpen a sword or weapon means that it has been used in a battle and has been dented, chipped and gotten dull from hitting against the enemies armor and shield. 

As an armor bearer and brother in arms that is what we are required to do for our fellow brothers. We may see their flaws, just as they see ours and through guidance and prayer allow the Holy Spirit to mend us. 

The thing is that Satan doesn't just attack us from the same direction. He may first  come at us with a frontal assault then the next time a sneak attack from behind or end tries to side swipe you or me, that is why we need brothers praying for us on all sides, almost like we are covered in a box on all six sides.

Going back to David, Over time he rose from being just a young shepherd that became King Saul’s armor bearer,  to became King David that had his mighty warriors that stood out as his elite force of mighty men that is stated in 2 Samuel 23:8-36. Many of these warriors risked their lives because they believed in King David.

He even had his army of 600 men that followed him when he was running from King Saul. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 talks about the value of a friend.. When you and I read it, we tend to associate it with marriage , but this also applies to any friendship. 

This is that unity and bond that when the enemy comes and attacks you, there is strength in numbers to overcome and defeat Satan.

So as I am coming to a close, my challenge to you is to start praying about and looking for those brothers that you can unite with that will be your band of brothers, but also that you can be theirs also. It isn’t just to say that you have a brother by your side, but to also know that they won’t abandon you in times of trouble. I want to encourage you to really search for that man that will be a mentor and brother in your life, but to also look for those men that you can be a mentor and brother to help encourage them.

Music from Epidemic Sound:
song during Intro: Choirs of War by Dream Cave- https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/FR6Ed05Tc0/I
song - The Gallant Squire by Jon Bjork https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/8nGHn5OQSj/
Anvil sound effect -https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ysH73yQcGi/

You and I have seen so many types of relationships and the different ways men and women have shown love for each other. Some have been healthy relationships and marriages that worked, while there have been harmful ones where the man or woman felt that even though it was a hostile environment that they needed to stay; or did leave the relationship because of a bad situation.

How do you view your relationship with God? Or do you have a full understanding of the relationship that God wants to have with you?

Many people would view it as a hard discipling Father that wants to punish you when you mess up and sin. Others see Him as a passive Father that just created the universe and then just left it alone. Maybe you see it as to how your mother and father were to you or to each other?

But, do you know that God wants to have a deep and intimate relationship with each and every person.

When you think of intimacy, is it usually in that close personal relationship with your spouse in bed. 

The definition of intimacy is a close friendship, a deep knowledge of a subject, a private atmosphere, or closeness to someone or something.

This can be stated in having an intimate knowledge of details about a person, place or event like sports statistics or movie quotes. Maybe it is being in a nice, quiet and romantic place or simply being close to someone such as holding, embracing or hugging someone.

The word “Intimacy” itself isn’t mentioned in the Bible, but God did show us how He wants to have an intimate relationship with Him.

There are several examples of intimate friendships that weren’t of a sexual nature in the Bible. There was the love that Jonathan and David had for each other as mentioned in 1 Samuel chapter 18. Then we see in the New Testament how John was called “The Beloved One” and we see him at the Last Supper with his head resting on the chest of Jesus. Both of these are examples of an intimate and caring friendship.

But something with John stood out to me when it said he rested his head on the chest of Jesus. Think about your marriage or relationship and when your spouse is lying beside you and lays their head on your chest. At that moment their ear is next to your body and depending on which side, over your heart they can hear your heart beating. 

That is what God is wanting from each of us. He wants you and I to draw close to Him and hear what His heart is saying to each of us. That is the moment of intimacy that we can truly have with God.

The word “Love” is mentioned the most times in the book of Psalms.
Why is that?
Maybe ,because David spent so much time with God in prayer while he was out in the fields watching the sheep that he had those intimate moments with God and even mentioned as “A man after God’s own heart”

How was that even when David stumbled and fell, made mistakes that God still called him that. It was because of those close personal times in prayer and worship. 

Dr. Cole said that “Prayer produces intimacy. You become intimate with the one for whom you pray, with whom you pray and to Whom you pray.”

When we get in a place that you and I can focus and not allow the distractions of the world around us to interfere, then we can truly get into the presence of God and have those intimate times with Him. 

In Psalms, each time the word “Love” was mentioned it was preceded by the word “faithful” or “unfailing”. When you read about the greatest type of Love that is mentioned it is called “Agape”, which means unconditional love. And that is how God showed us His love. It is that unconditional, faithful and unfailing love that even when we fall, mess up or even walk away from Him, that He still loves you and me.
Scripture:
Matthew 11:28-30
John 3:16,17
Romans 5:8
1 John 4:16
James 4:8

We have all probably grown up with the James Bond movies and the image of the character that is presented with him. If you are like me, you probably even saw yourself as the suave, debonair, mysterious man who got all the gorgeous women, drove the greatest cars and had all the cool gadgets. 

In every movie, he always was with the most attractive woman that was irresistible to his charm even if it cost her life. As a spy working for the Queen and country he still had an image to uphold that included being well dressed in a tuxedo that was custom fit. He had stylish and expensive cars along with all the latest gadgets created to help him out of any situation. This all seemed to come at no cost or expense to him and no concern for them. It seems that he had the Girls, Gold and Glory.

So why do so many men feel that they have to do everything in their power to emulate this fictional character?

Like many things, guys tend to fantasize about getting the girl, winning the big game, being rich or having super powers while feeling like they are stuck in a dull average Joe life. 

When you really look at it though, Bond may have had all those things, but he tended to be a loner. Yes, he had what many psychologists would say is an ISTP type of personality. This type of person is practical yet great at handling a crisis and resourceful. He prefers to be alone yet outgoing as an Introvert. He would be sensing depending on his senses and observation skills. His thinking would be based on logical decisions and not just going on his feelings. Finally, he would be a perceiver in that he is a non-planner and never plans what he is about to do.

Now you may be thinking, how does this apply to me as a Christian man?

In 1 John 2:16, it says “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

1. Girls- the lust of the Flesh
2. Gold- the lust of the Eyes
3. Glory- the Pride of Life

Now Dr. Cole said that “Lust is the desire to get at the expense of others, while love desires to give at the expense of self.” This is evident when you see Bond in that he uses women as an object for most parts to get information from them, help him to get to the bad guy (which usually gets her killed) or simply to use them for his sexual pleasure. 

Even Jesus was tempted. In Hebrews 2:18 it says “ Jesus was tempted in every way as we were. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”

With the James Bond syndrome, we see how these same issues can cause men to get caught up in the traps of sin. You can even see how many want to have that Peter Pan or Playboy lifestyle that they don’t want to grow up and take responsibility for their actions or to have that image of a rich lifestyle and have anyone or anything they want and then discard it when they are done with it. We have too many lives, marriages and families destroyed because of the temptation of Satan to try and live up to a glamorous lifestyle that God hasn’t intended for them and to later fall or destroy lives trying to reach it. 

Music is "Car on the Corner" by V. V. Campos https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/4mzm5x9ruQ/

In this episode, my guest host Cliff Hare shares a message about the Five sins that kept the children of Israel out of Canaan.

It is those same five sins that can keep you and I from reaching God's Promise Land that He has for our lives.

This teaching is taken from the book "Maximized Manhood" by Dr. Edwin Louis Cole.

0:00 - Intro
1:58 - Beginning of message and Introduction by Cliff Hare.
2:48 - Canaan Land is that place that many see as Heaven.
5:15 - Dr. Cole's direction to call men that are craving direction in their lives.
5:52 - Story about the TV show Monk and how it relates to men wandering for                     direction.
7:44 - Direction from God
8:09-  The Five sins mentioned by Dr. Cole in Maximized Manhood.
8:21-  #1 LUST - The desire to benefit self at the expense of others.
               Love is the desire to give as mentioned in John 3:16
9:28-   #2 IDOLITRY - Esteeming something more worthy of our devotion than
               devotion to God.
11:07-#3 FORNICATION - Every kind of sexual sin.
12:55-#4 TEMPTING GOD - Demanding that God do what is contrary to His
                character.  The characteristics of the kingdom emanate from the                                      character of the king.
15:14-#5 MURMURING - The negative confession
                Psalms 19:14
18:20- Conclusion - 
                Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:6-10 
                1 Peter 2:9
                John 17:15-17
22:07- Outro


Transition sound provided by:
Nerve by Dream Cave courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com