Jesus said, "in this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). So, let's make a list of potential trouble our kids may get into - it's not an infinite list - dating, porn, money, drugs, school fights, bad grades, disrespectful behavior, they may become Kentucky basketball fans, etc. Having our awareness level on high alert makes it much easier to anticipate trouble when it appears over the horizon. Now, when this trouble does arrive, don't be shocked beyond belief when "your little angel" gets in a fight or has a pack of smokes in their backpack. That's our job - to help our kids know what kind of trouble they're headed for and steer them in the right direction. Tell us what's challenging you: https://manhoodjourney.org/podcast

What does it mean to "not live in constant fear?" How do we manage fear and ignorance when parenting our kids? There's often a balancing act between letting our kids experience the world for themselves and being overprotective. Remember that God puts up guardrails (danger), but He also puts up the promise. If we're going to protect our loved ones from danger, we must make them aware of what threatens them physically, spiritually, and emotionally. As dads, the ability to arm those we love with truth is one of our most powerful tools. Want to learn more about Nehemiah? Read the first two chapters of Bring Your Hammer totally free: manhoodjourney.org/HAMMER

Dad, would you become closer to your kids if you asked better questions? Amid the constant challenges dads face (financial, relational, time management), it can be difficult to discern the TRUE needs around us. As we observe new challenges in our family, the ability to ask good questions can bring about great solutions. One where the situation is grounded in clarity and the problem is resolved. Want to learn more about Nehemiah? Read the first 2 chapters of Bring Your Hammer: manhoodjourney.org/HAMMER

What makes you uncomfortable? For the vast majority of us dads, we face daily challenges that we must have the courage to overcome. We are asked on a daily basis to step into a spiritual battle with our children or to engage in conversations with our families about complex topics. And, of course, we're asked to be honest and loving fathers, both of which require a big deal of courage in the face of life's chaos. It's important to tackle the tough conversations and challenges that arise each day. It's even more important to have peace in the discomfort that comes from these situations. Want to learn more about Nehemiah? Read the first 2 chapters of Bring Your Hammer: manhoodjourney.org/HAMMER

Glory can be one of our biggest downfalls when we direct it away from God. It often brings out the opposite of an "attitude of gratitude." We can't let our successes (financial, career, life accomplishments) convince us that we did it all on our own. Resisting the temptation to lay claim to personal triumphs helps bring glory to God's grace, not ourselves. "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Download 2 chapters of Bring Your Hammer for free: manhoodjourney.org/HAMMER

As we prepare our kids for the road ahead, are we identifying the areas in life where they are struggling? Asking ourselves and them how can we help? As the strategic leaders in our families, it's important to have a solid plan to serve our kids. What are the deepest needs they have? Start with questions and let those guide you in helping their situation and spiritual growth. Your game plan will help your families discern the problem and build towards the solution. Download 2 chapters of Bring Your Hammer totally FREE: manhoodjourney.org/HAMMER

The life of Nehemiah can be tied to fatherhood in several ways. One is the opportunities we take to show love to our families. Nehemiah was always concerned with how others were progressing through life. Are we having intentional conversations and making sure everything is ok with our kids (even if they're out of the home)? Do we ask them for ways we can pray for them? As dads, we need to be present and diligent with our kids. It is time we will long for when it's gone but can never get back. Download 2 chapters of Bring Your Hammer totally FREE: manhoodjourney.org/HAMMER

We dads often think that being a leader in the typical sense is good enough: food is on the table, the kids have clothes, and we take Sunday trips to the church where we learn about God. However, as Nehemiah teaches us, the idea of simply being a "leader" at home isn't enough. We must be the spiritual leaders that guide and guard our children. When we take that step to lead and be involved in our family's spiritual development, we're literally filling the role that God called us to serve (Ephesians 6:4).

In today's world, technology and pop culture can often have a greater influence on our kids than we do. So, why do our kids become depressed after watching other people's highlight reels on social media, and what can we do about it? Father and Christian film producer Stephen Kendrick shares some practical steps dads can take to help their kids find inner peace as they navigate the modern social arena. Having a peaceful home is every dad's goal; we just need to trust God and cherish our families to help get us there.

Have you ever wanted more fruit of the Spirit in your life? When talking about patience specifically, It's important we dads realize that our kids have a genetic desire to connect with us. Therefore, they'll bug us even when our work obligations or the game have our attention. It's our job to call on God's Spirit for the patience and gentleness to respond appropriately. They need us when they need us, not when our schedules allow.