The Checkpoint

Today, in our final episode in Season 1, we discuss Scripture Memory - as this is being published as we start a new year.
We share, honestly, how we are doing ourselves in this area, as well as some helpful things we have found to be more successful. Hear about the benefits of Scripture Memory and how this can help you apply Biblical Truth and Wisdom to your life and to others.

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Friendships - this is something we all value, and have various experiences of being and having friends,

In this podcast we discuss some keys to vibrant friendships, as well as the challenges and joys in this essential area of life. Listen for some insights and encouragement.

Proverbs 18:24  "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother."

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.  African proverb

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

The topic for the podcast is Garbage in, Garbage Out.
What we allow ourself to 'consume' with our eyes, ears, mouths affects us more than we might realize.  We discussed movies, excess information - financial or news, etc.
We also explored how we need a filter to distinguish between 'garbage', harmful things and 'good', God-honoring things - and the role of the Word of God in developing and maintaining that filter.

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

In this episode we discuss technology - what can be good, what can be harmful, dangers of making it an idol and the impact it can have on us and our relationships.  How can it help us grow our faith, how might it harm our faith.
Join us as we reflect on this important topic and what God and the Bible says about it. 

...just inserting a little levity on the discussion of this important topic:
The "important" tech trivia to start the podcast is that George Jetson, of the Jetsons cartoon takes place in the future (^2062), and he was born 'this year', in July 2022. Note: please email us if you know when Pong first became available (without the help of the internet). 

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

In our 17th episode we discussed how to rely on the Holy Spirit to develop and grow our SELF-CONTROL. Richard did a wonderful job demonstrating this, mostly, by reducing his reliance on a favorite phrase - "I like it" - which he uses often in our podcast dialogue.

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

What is tithing and offerings?  
We are stewards of what God has given us, and we have the opportunity to give back to God and to bless others.
The tithe is a physical example of our trust in God. It is a matter of the heart, not about the amount but the principle of giving to him first. God is a giving God, and giving is one way for us to be like him.
The offering of time, talent and treasure is a blessing to give generously. It should and can give us joy to bless others.

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

In this episode welcomed back Matt DeYoung as our special guest as a follow-up and continuation of Episode 12 - God's Calling.  Matt and his wife are doing business as a mission in Belize: the Crazy Coconut Farm and Dairy.  Instead of giving help to people, they are providing jobs and a product. They spent some time recently away in the US, with a goal to discern what God is calling them to next... to stay in Belize, to leave, or finish the work...  Listen in to find out what and how God revealed the answer as we talked again with Matt.

Some things discussed are: 

• Value of getting ready to hear from God
• Getting a new perspective
• Asking - Am I in control, or is God in control?
• Do I see things as a burden or a gift?
• Am I following God, the prompting of the Holy Spirit?

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Solitude and Silence.
These are countercultural concepts. 

Jesus often practiced silence and solitude.

We explored the benefits of this for our spiritual, emotional and mental health.
We shared some small ways and more significant ways we have tried to build this into our practice, as well as share some steps you can take to build this into your life.

Taking time to unplug from distractions and day-to-day demands and relationships, and to spend time along with God can be one of the most rewarding and rejuvenating practices that help you as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

In this episode, we discussed the challenging issue of pornography.  This is an issue that is growing and all around us, and is a challenge for Christians as well as non-Christians. We discuss it's prevalence, it's danger to us as men and our children, and also share some resources for healing and protection.

We share some sobering statistics and discuss the harm that pornography causes on individuals, marriages, and children.  We conclude by sharing Seven Keys for Freedom and several resources that are listed in the transcript at the end.

Hillcrest Hot Topics Sermon Series
Pastor Curt is currently preaching about cultural issues and what God's Word says about them in our morning services. So far he has covered homosexuality, gender dysphoria, and other upcoming topics will include: racism, creation vs. evolution,  suffering, etc.. We encourage you to listen to these at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church on Facebook or on our website. The message on Sunday, July 24 will be about pornography.... hence the timing of this podcast.

          https://www.facebook.com/hillcrestcrc

          https://www.hillcrestcrc.org/sermons.html

 As always, thanks for listening and please contact us at checkpoint@hillcrestcrc.com

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

In our seventh episode, we  reflected on Rest and Relaxation, both what we do and enjoy, and what God says about this topic. Yes we are called to work as though working for the Lord, but there is also the invitation and commandment to rest - what does this look like?

In the opening dialog we answered some 'open questions' regarding 'important' facts from earlier episodes...

• The song "Take the Long Way Home" was written by Supertramp.
• The Fab Five (U of Mich basketball) are Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson.

If you have input, feedback, or other things to request, please send us an email at:
checkpoint@hillcrestcrc.com

Quiet time scriptures we reviewed:

• Isaiah 55:1
• Exodus 34:5-7
• Proverbs 19:11
• James 5:12

Each of us shared some of the things we like to do to rest and relax. These included: walking with our wife, bicycling with the guys, observing the Sabbath by worshipping and not working, family hikes together, taking a run after work, playing a simple game like FreeCell or watching a simple TV show, campfires, camping and last - but not least, going fishing.

The disciples, after Jesus death and resurrection, got away for a while to fish. When done fishing, Jesus was waiting for them. Often we need to get away from our normal routine and look for Jesus to be waiting for us to connect in a new, renewing way. (John 21:3)

Our soul needs God. God brings us to places where we can connect to Him and experience his restoration. We need to rest in Christ, he is faithful. (Psalm 23:1-2)

God commands and invites us to rest, to observe the Sabbath.

What is rest?
It can be physical, or simply a break from our regular routine.  The most important rest is rest for our souls.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus calls out to those who are 'weary and heavy laden' and explains the key to finding rest for our souls.  The answer is being yoked to Jesus, to be hooked or connected to him.  We wondered out loud, what if?  What if I  would only do what God says is right, how many things go away and I can truly rest.  If I take out of my life things not of God and take on the things of God, how much trouble and turmoil in my life would fade away?
We cannot do this on our own strength, but when we submit to God and live by the Spirit and not by the flesh, this is the way of God, of living in His kingdom that does bring a peace that passes understanding.
This is the first step, getting out of the worldly rat race and focus on God and who he is calling you to be.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Take time to rest! Get connected with your Savior and King, your Lord and your God.

Bottom Line
Our hope is that this encourages you to think about the areas of being a godly man we have been discussing on this podcast where God wants YOU to grow.

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.

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

In our sixth episode, we  reflected on the various topics covered in the first 5 episodes and shared in which area we want to grow as men of God.

A man is an image bearer and son of God entrusted with power and the responsibility to create, cultivate, care and defend, for God's glory and the good of others.

In the opening dialog a recommended Quiet Place to get away is the Tahquamenon Rivermouth campground in the Upper Peninsula - great for kayaking, biking, camping, and sunrises on Lake Superior.

Quiet time scriptures we reviewed:

• 2 Chronicles 20
• Isaiah 46
• Matthew 18:21-35
• James 3:13-18

We discussed what area we want to put more effort into living intentionally in one area in the next month.  Our commitments are:

Scott - Cultivate. family, Adult children. Cultivate conversation about where God is in your life.

Chad - Cultivate. Adult children. Finding ways to connect on a regular basis to continue/ renew building relationships more intentionally.

Justin -Cultivate (1) Spend intentional time with guy friends (2) Intentional time with his wife, no phone after 8:00 PM, spend time with his wife

Richard - Defend  Intentionally Praying  with his kids, over the kids for protection. More often, more consistently (which ideally at times would also be with his wife praying protection with him)

We plan to follow up in a month to see how we did in following up on our plans to invest in being a more intentional, purposeful man of God in these areas.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Some final reflections on the definition we have been discussing highlighted the key aspect of what we do is for God's glory and the good of others.  This is Biblical and counter-cultural, so requires intentionality to be in focus for us as men of God. Everything we do is for God's glory, everything!

Bottom Line
Our hope is that this encourages you to think about the areas of being a godly man we have been discussing on this podcast where God wants YOU to grow.


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.

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

In our fifth episode, we dive into another part of the definition of Man Of God.
What does it mean to care and defend?
We are not sure what the Michigan "Fab Five" has to do with caring and defending, but apparently many of the hosts don't recall all five members,  just one more example that we are human.

Quiet time scriptures we reviewed:

• Isaiah 37
• Joshua 1:1-6
• Hebrews 7
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21

We discussed that CARING can involve nurturing in love, serving others, cleaning up after others , feeding others, meeting the needs of others. 

DEFEND can involve protecting against spiritual and physical harm.
Praying is a key way to defend:
     (a) praying  for  your team and/or family
     (b) praying with  your spouse and/or family
     (c) praying  blessings  over others
All of these things are our responsibility as a man of God.
It is also important for us to defend the church, the truth, and the name of God - being on watch and alert of things opposing the church, the truth, and God.
Defending can also involve coming alongside the weak, marginalized, defenseless (Psalm 82:3-4).

Bottom line - we need to take action. We cannot live on auto-pilot and be a true man of God. We need to both -- ask/pray for God to do his part AND also do our part.   We are invited to join God on his mission in this world.  This also involves taking time to listen to God, to stay connected to him in fellowship - being a man of the Word and Prayer.

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.

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

In our fourth episode, we dive into another part of the definition of Man Of God. What does it mean to create and cultivate? 

Quiet time scriptures we reviewed:

• Daniel 3
• John 15:5
• Matthew 11:28-30
• Psalm 27:4
• Isaiah 14:5

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.

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

In our third episode we continue the conversation around our definition of Man Of God and how we handle our God-given power and responsibility as we lead our teams and work and home.

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.

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Quiet Time passages:  Psalm 119, Mark 12:41-43, Mark 13, Psalm 71:20,
James 1:1-8
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"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Episode 2! Not sure we have any listeners...but we're doing a second episode! In this conversation, we dive into the definition of what a man of God is based on the book The Intentional Father; A Practical Guide to Raising Sons of Courage and Character by Jon Tyson.


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.

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Quiet Time passages:  Ecclesiastes 2:24-25, Psalm 37, John 3:1-21, John 10:10
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"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV