I was speaking at a men’s conference last weekend, and a guy in the audience was wrestling with what to do when he makes mistakes. First, I told him, “Join the club!” We all make mistakes! Then, I said, “Just don’t bench yourself.” I loved watching Derek Jeter play baseball for the NY Yankees. He was a gamer. Hard worker, amazingly skilled and frequently delivered the big hit or the key fielding play when the pressure was greatest. Yet, he also made errors from time to time. Sometimes, he struck out with the go-ahead runner on base. He failed. Yet, he didn’t walk back to the dugout each time he failed, yank off his jersey, and plop down on the bench. He didn’t think the coach would pull him each time he blew it. He was assured of his position on the team, even when he made mistakes. Dad – you’re probably going to blow it from time to time (aka, daily or weekly!), but don’t bench yourself. 1 John 1:8-10 reminds us that God is “faithful and just to forgive us” when we confess. Rest in that. Now, get ready for the next play!

10 family Bible studies you can start today: Individuals gathered to dig into God’s Word isn’t reserved for a church classroom or a small group in someone’s home. It can happen right under your own roof with your own kids. If you’ve been thinking about doing a Bible study with your family, we have some ideas that could help.

Up in the air: Juggling your responsibilities as a man: One thing is guaranteed for every day: It only has 24 hours. That translates to 2,460 minutes or 86,400 seconds. No matter how you slice it, though, you never have enough time! As a man, a husband, and a father, you probably feel the tension of keeping all your plates spinning each day. We know because we asked our listeners about their biggest struggles, and “priorities” ranked near the top of the list. So, in this episode, we’re taking a look at what the Bible says about time and time management.

“If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.”
– John Wooden

“A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.”
– John Maxwell

“Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Put the jersey back on. Have you benched yourself lately? You messed up as a dad, so you’ve pulled back and withdrawn. You were rude to your wife but are avoiding her instead of apologizing. You botched a project at work, and now, you’re just going to stop innovating and trying new things. Get back in the game my friend! Odds are, nobody told you to get off the field. Your enemy – Satan – tricked you into doing it yourself. Play the next play dad. Your family, church and this world needs you back on the field!

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.