DiscoverThe Checkpoint
The Checkpoint
Claim Ownership

The Checkpoint

Author: Hillcrest CRC Hudsonville

Subscribed: 0Played: 2
Share

Description

Helping men become better leaders, husbands and fathers for God’s glory.
46 Episodes
Reverse
Purpose. What is our true purpose? Guest Geoff VanLeewen, a fellow disciple, joins us to share some of his journey. You will be encouraged and challenged as we talk about: What do you find security (salvation) in?"Salvation by the System"You find the end of your own means no matter what.If you are not saved by grace, an authentic faith in Christ; then you are not saved (you can't truly be saved by works).How do we operate in the mission field around us?What is a healthy fear of G...
Today's podcast featured Pastor and Counselor Brian Smilde. Brian does his counseling with West Michigan Wellness. His area of focus is informed by facing trauma and our past woundedness. If we avoid it or suppress it, it tends to come out 'sideways' or in unintended ways that we don't want. https://westmichiganwellnessgroup.com/ It is important to face our stories, especially any experiences that have been painful. If we don't face them, and the emotional upheaval of it all, it comes...
Guest John Riley is back to talk about how to approach conflict with a ministry mindset. This can be done in conflict if on a church security team or in other interpersonal conflicts. Last season he joined us for: De-escalation: gentle response. (E7/S2). John draws from his experience in the military and police force, and blends in Biblical relational principles. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918177/1490345 John shared many useful tips in approaching conflict, and challenged us to think...
Mike is back, with some more questions as he grows in his faith. These have come up as he is growing in his faith and having discussions with his Mom, brother and daughter. Pastor Curt has joined us for this session, being brought in as an expert for the 'hard hitting questions'. Curt did a 'Jesusy' thing by asking additional questions to help shed light to narrow in on an answer to these questions as we look at Scripture. Listen to the podcast as we discuss our understanding of...
We discuss Mike's top questions he has had, as he looks to disciple people via his blog by sharing his journey of faith, he wants to give them the proper answers. Q1: How do you know when it is actually God talking to you? Q2: How does the devil use the world to get us to question God or God's existence? Q3: How do we find our calling in life? Q4: What if you feel you are too bad of a person for God to want to save you? Mike, our guest, recently began att...
The end of a year, the start of a new year. In this time of transition, join us as we share some resources that we read or listen to - books and podcasts. As you prayerfully consider how and where to invest your time and grow in the year ahead, consider choosing 1 or more of these to check out for yourself!"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV
Boys to Men: What does a man of God look like - as compared to being a boy? What defines manhood? What are the blessings and joys of being a man? It seems our culture today has eroded much of the common historical understanding of this. Listen in as we reflect on a list of comparisons between boys and Biblical men, and what we have seen in our own lives and those around us. We hope and pray this is not just something you listen to, but perhaps there are some things that convict you and call ...
Our guest, relationship counselor Jim Brazel from West Michigan Wellness group talks about four typical stages conflict can progress through that lead to disaster - and helpful ways you can learn how to master conflict in communication to bring about healthy resolution. We can all learn from this powerful episode! One of the common areas that impact relationships is conflict. Conflict is going to happen in all relationships. How you deal with that conflict is a real strong indicator of wheth...
How to Help Hurting Men - Standing shoulder to shoulder. Kevin DeKam, counselor and owner of West Michigan Wellness Group shares insights and tips in areas: Spotting men who may be hurtingThings you can do or sayThings you should avoid doing or sayingAs a self-described "counselor for normal people" listen to his advice and learn a bit more about how to come alongside another person during a trying time in their life. You may have to listen twice to catch all the wisdom shared in this ...
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...
How you react to others can change the course of events - for the better or the worse. Join us as we gain wisdom in our discussion about de-escalation with special guest John Riley. John shares his wisdom from training Church Security teams and others how to have a gentle response, to interact in situations with a "Kingdom mindset." John 's experience early on was in the military and law enforcement, before launching his current 6 year plus ministry to churches. In a nutshell, see all peopl...

Overwhelmed (E5/S2)

2023-03-2959:48

We all feel overwhelmed at times. How do you know when you are overwhelmed? What can trigger this feeling? What do you do when it happens? What rhythms have you found to help minimize becoming overwhelmed? Join our discussion on this topic."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.."1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV
Proverbs: A book of wisdom, in direct contrast with foolishness. In Proverbs we learn that A FOOL: lacks wisdom, has no concern for others, does not desire to avoid sin, and brags about his sinful actions. Or more simply a fool is anyone who rebukes and runs away from God's wisdom. A fool is directly mentioned 71 times directly (and 100 indirectly). Listen as we discuss the some of the proverbs and how as men of God we can use them to better identify how we should live and use them to guard a...

Take a break! (E3/S2)

2023-03-0952:38

Vacation: taking time to enjoy family, creation . A break from your routine, from your work, is a healthy thing. Hopefully we have fun memories of vacations growing up. We do! and we shared some of these impactful moments. BE INTENTIONAL. As a Father and Husband, make time to spend family time together on vacation (leaving work behind). Your children and wife will enjoy it - both in the moment and in the future as they recall your investment in them. Vacation is a treasur...
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
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 a...
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 mo...

Ep 13 - The Problem of Porn

2022-07-1601:01:59

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 seve...
"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

Ep 6 - Areas Of Growth

2022-03-2443:47

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 La...

Ep 5 Care And Defend

2022-03-1548:22

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 37Joshua 1:1-6Hebrews 71 Thessalonians 5:21We discussed that CARING can involve nurturing in love, serving others, cleaning up after others ...
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 3John 15:5Matthew 11:28-30Psalm 27:4Isaiah 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...
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...............
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. ...

Ep. 1 The Beginning

2022-01-2548:13

Our first episode! We start laying the groundwork and foundation for our future conversations around what it means, and what it takes, to be a Man Of God who leads his team, marriage and family for God's glory. Being our first episode, there are lots of "ums", background noise and mis-matched volume...we decided to keep it "raw" and unedited just so we can look back some day on how far we've come! The purpose of our podcast is to help each other be better leaders, husbands and fathers for G...
Psychiatrist Aaron Plattner discusses the variety of ways mental issues we face can be handled. There are many factors that make up who we are and how we feel: > Biology > Psychology (things that have happened to us) > Spiritual > Environment All these things shape us and work together and interact. What is the role of medicine? In light of our purpose - to glorify ...
The New Testament book of Ephesians gives us many good aspects of what biblical Disciple Making looks like. Dr. Michael Cooper, author of the book Make Disciples - Discovery the Spiritual Journey of a Christ-Follower outlines more the topic of "what is a disciple". Discipleship is not something that is done just one day a week, it is done every day of the week. We always have opportunities to either disciple others or be discipled ourselves and it is just a matter of what we are choosi...
Caleb Jones from West Michigan Wellness joins us and talks about Addiction. He shares his personal sobriety story, things that helped him find recovery and some of the dynamics in facing and finding freedom from addiction. Addiction is anything that you place as an idol above God. Alcohol gave him an escape - a way to avoid facing/answering the question that faces every man, "Do I have what it takes?" After several years of his journey, thankfully during an onsite treatment God revealed to ...

Fear Not (E15/S2)

2023-10-2057:16

FEAR or FEAR NOT As follow up to S2/E13, fear is a primary emotion. The secondary emotions surfaced from fear are feeling anxious, insecure, inferior, panic. Fear often comes from possibly losing something: love, identity, meaning, purpose (or the chance to express oneself), or life. "Do not fear" and similar phrases are mentioned OFTEN in the Bible (365 times or more, depending on how you search for similar words/thought). It is a primary theme. God's command/invitation for us to "N...
Pride and praise, when is it healthy? When is it unhealthy? What does Scripture say about this? What is appropriate for us to do as followers of Christ? Join us as we reflect on this and draw on some of what Scripture says about it. As a Christian, you are given everything by God, so that you can work out of the gifts you have for God’s glory. Work well for the glory of God. When we deflect, minimize or steal the glory of God that is sinful pride. From the book The Intentional Father:...
Scott shared some of the challenges or hopes he has for others by stepping out and going on a mission trip, having recently gone on one with Paradise Bound to Guatemala. See the people as people, not the povertyDare to go out on mission, and once you go, do it againSee God more clearly by looking intentlyMany times these can be done best when we get out of our comfort zone. Staying in our comfort zone may limit our ability to see, experience and share God with others. "Be watchful, sta...
Drift: to slowly move off course What causes us to drift in our spiritual disciplines and walk with God? We all, at times, find ourselves getting out of regular, life giving rhythms - mentally, physically, schedule, etc. that can cause us to drift spiritually. Join us as we talk about how this happens, and some key remedies: 1 - TARGET/VISION 2 - INTENTIONALITY 3 - COMMUNITY 4 - PRAYER "Be watchful, stand firm in...
As regular listeners, you have heard us share in each episode our personal reflection on Scripture from our own "Quiet Time" with God. In this episode we talk more about the "HOW" of doing a Quiet Time. Listen and be encouraged as we share the key elements - the ABC's of a Quiet Time method from Every Man a Warrior, and some variations we each have to this base method. Scripture has instruction for life. Scripture is God's voice. The more we read and reflect on Scripture, the better an...

Sports (E6/S2)

2023-04-2850:26

Sports. ...the Good. ...and the Bad. Listen as we reflect on some of the good things sports provides, and some of the negative sides that also can grow out of sports. Why do we love sports? What problems come from sports? What defines a sport? Pick the definition you would agree with: (a) You can't do it while eating a hot dog. If you can, it is NOT a sport. or (b) competition between two or more relatively equally skil...
Setting Goals. Why is this important? What is the link between habits and goals. What are some of our current goals and experience in achieving them. How to set goals that are achievable using S.M.A.R.T. Specific - Measurable - Achievable - Realistic - Time boundQuiet Times Matthew 27:34 - "What have we done?" 1 Chronicles 16:11 - Seek the presence of the Lord ...
Season 2 is here! We start this season talking about Communication and how it is essential in building stronger relationships. Listen as we discuss, among other things the importance of: being clearasking for feedback to gauge understandingneed for two-way communicationusing the same language5 levels of communication (shallow to deep)using the appropriate level based on the relationshipusing deeper communication to grow relationshipsgoing first - being vulnerablebeing honest - ad...
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...
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 everyt...

Ep 18 - Technology

2022-10-2157:19

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 car...
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...
"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, ...
We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.