Last week and this week, we're discussing four fatherhood traps that each of us can accidentally step into. We dads are powerful, for better or for worse. We can do a lot of damage, but we can also do a lot of uplifting. Let's be our kids' biggest fans and support them in everything they do while not letting our insecurities get in the way. No matter where our kids are on their journey, our job is to remain faithful to them and trust the Lord's plan for their lives.

Culture tells us that Father's Day is the one day each year when it's OUR day. A day for us to receive gifts - socks, a tie maybe, who knows - a belt? Even Father's Day cards are great. But the underlying message from culture is you deserve to receive. So, let's flip the script this year, go against the grain and use Father's Day as a day to MODEL service to others - especially those in our own family. Let's be counter-culture and celebrate who we are as Fathers On Purpose!

As dads, we are the steward of our children, but it's God who owns them at the end of the day. We must serve our kids and give them every chance to know God and love Him; after that, it's up to them. We just have to let God direct their adult life and not connect our success as fathers to "their success." Whatever they get into, whether music, cars, or something we know nothing about, all we gotta do is be there when they need us the most. The rest can be left up to the Lord.

With over 60 published books and more than 20 million copies sold, Dr. Ken Blanchard needs no introduction. Coming off the release of "The Mulligan," a movie based on his book "The Mulligan," Dr. Blanchard talks about how important it is for dads to lead like Jesus and rely on Him for a mulligan in life when they need it. Dads need to know they always have another chance with the Lord on their side. So, why should we dads go through life trying to figure everything out by ourselves when we've got the ultimate partner in the Lord? All we have to do is ask God for help and let Him show us the way. Check out The Mulligan movie: https://themulliganmovie.com/

Husbands have a unique role in ensuring their kids treat mom with the utmost respect and dignity. When they give her lip, we're there to reinforce her authority. And being a cultivator not only applies to bad behavior, but we can also promote good behavior and encourage acts of compassion. Team up with your kids and try buying her flowers and surprise her with her favorite snack. Those moments will not only instill godly principles in our kids, but they will also be a catalyst for a greater mother-child connection. Tell us a current dad challenge you're having: manhoodjourney.org/podcast.

How should we deal with symptoms of imbalance that take valuable time away from our family? As loving husbands and fathers, our relationship with our wives and kids requires a much larger time commitment than anything else (if you want them to love you, that is!). So, let's ask ourselves: For the 16 hours we're awake each day, what can we do to carve up that time in a way that honors God, honors our family, and honors our professional duties? It's definitely not an easy task, nor one size fits all. But simply having awareness and intentionality are all we need to prioritize the most important parts of our lives. Tell us a current dad challenge you're having: manhoodjourney.org/podcast.

"The best thing a father can do for his kids is to love their mother." When kids see dad embrace their mom and treat her with dignity, it provides an unparalleled sense of security and stability in their lives. As the leader of our homes, we dads must be that godly example for our children every day. If we show them that the Lord matters more than sports, a career, or any political figure—they'll walk throughout life with His Word as their compass. Learn more about Bob Russell Ministries: https://www.bobrussell.org

The last episode in the Nehemiah series calls on us dads to let our kids know when they're just not doing it right. When we rebuke our children, it's crucial to be wise in how we go about it. One idea is to keep the conversation private, mainly because kids can quickly become embarrassed when their actions are challenged in a public setting. The real power of rebuking comes when done in a private, loving manner. When we take our time and measure our response to an emerging issue, our kids are more likely to trust us to get them back on track. Tell us a current struggle you're having: manhoodjourney.org/podcast.

Two leading factors in whether or not our kids will pursue a spiritual connection with God as adults include the kind of music they listen to and if they participate in Bible study. We dads can't control everything our kids become exposed to, good or bad. And these life patterns and experiences can significantly impact their spiritual relationship with the Lord in adulthood. So that begs the question: What can we do now to lead our children spiritually and give them the best shot at walking with the Lord when they leave home?

An essential part of our mission as dads is to anchor our families in the Word of God. Whether it's a routine devotional or chat at the dinner table, every moment in God's Word matters. Even weaving Biblical perspective into age-appropriate current events - sports, news, politics, entertainment, etc. can work wonders. Take something from the cultural moment, and tie it back to Scripture. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." - Ephesians 6:4. Tell us a current struggle you're having: manhoodjourney.org/podcast.