There are probably 700+ ways that Scripture can change you. We covered three ways last week. We have four more ways for you this week. #1 Scripture gives WISDOM. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Prov. 2:6). Scripture shows us two types of people: wise and foolish. In verse 5, Solomon said fear of the Lord should be your priority. He added that knowledge/wisdom/understanding is the Lord Himself. Love God and wisdom follows. #2 Scripture PURIFIES. How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word (Ps. 119:9). Scripture purifies by living/obeying it. Resist reading this verse and thinking, “I should make more rules for my kids.” Boundaries are beneficial; but know your kid, know what works, and know what doesn’t. Your rules shouldn’t push your kid away. #3 Scripture creates JOY. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:11). If your life’s marked by bitterness, something’s off. Jesus said these things to His disciples—guys who weren’t about to become kings. Jesus would later go to the cross. Through all this, He had joy in doing His Father’s will. You should do the same. #4 Scripture ANCHORS. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8). God’s Word speaks. It’s the anchor you must use for life. Nothing else stands forever; not you, not your job, and not any human relationship on this planet.

SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP AND FATHERHOOD: For many guys, leadership comes easily. It’s second nature to them—until they face the challenge of providing spiritual leadership at home. Still, God has established dads as the spiritual leaders of their families, and you’ll never take on a more important task in life. If you’re wondering what spiritual leadership in a family means and how you can fill that role more effectively, we’ve got some ideas that will help.

MORE REWARDS OF BEING ROOTED: Nothing in life feels worse than a sense of instability. As guys, we’re not big fans of uncertainty. We long for the secure peace that comes from knowing that we’re on solid ground. We prefer standing tall like a tree, even as the world around us is blown in every direction imaginable. As believers, we understand that this kind of certainty and stability has only one Source. That’s why it makes sense to ground ourselves in the power and authority of His Word. God has promised that His Word will last forever. Wise men let it take root in their lives.

“If you have no joy, there’s a leak in your Christianity somewhere.” —Billy Sunday.

“By trying to grab fulfillment everywhere, we find it nowhere.” ―Elisabeth Elliot.

“God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself.” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

“Joy is the serious business of Heaven.” —C.S. Lewis.

Kent Evans
Author of Bring Your Hammer, co-founder of Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.