Jesus was not only the perfect man but also the perfect model of manhood. To translate the example of Jesus to their own lives, men need help from their Christian brothers.

The problem is that most men don’t have any Christian brothers. Today’s Christian men are attempting to follow Jesus without a single man to walk beside them on the journey.

This week’s Bible passage: Job 40:1-14

Weekly Strength podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men (ebook, paperback, study guide)

Other resources:

• Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men
• Mike Hatch’s book: Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel
• Relational men’s discipleship programs: CLC

I marvel at the integrity of the early Christians. But I also have good examples of integrity in my own life.

One man who demonstrated integrity throughout his life was my dad. I learned many things from his example, including these two: (1) play by the rules and (2) honor your commitments.

This week’s Bible passage: Proverbs 2:1-8

Weekly Strength podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men (ebook, paperback, study guide)

Other resources:

• Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men
• Mike Hatch’s book: Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel
• Relational men’s discipleship programs: CLC

Brett Baker was on a self-destructive path until he joined the military, which gave him discipline, structure, and goals. It wasn’t until he was medically retired from the military, however, that Brett discovered his true purpose: serving others.

In this interview, Brett explains how putting other people first and maximizing their success has had a tremendous positive impact on his business, his relationship with his wife, and his faith.

With his wife Mary Elaine, Brett co-founded and runs VA USA, which enables military spouses to become virtual assistants for businesses and other organizations.

Byner took a handoff, powered past the Broncos’ line, and headed for the goal line to tie the game. But he was stripped of the ball at the two-yard line, and the Browns lost.

Byner’s name is forever linked with that play, known simply as “The Fumble.” Browns fans couldn’t forgive Byner, and after one more season Cleveland traded him to Washington.

But that’s not the end of Earnest Byner’s story.

This week’s Bible passage: Psalm 73:21-28

Weekly Strength podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men (ebook, paperback, study guide)

Other resources:

• Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men
• Mike Hatch’s book: Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel
• Relational men’s discipleship programs: CLC

The Hebrew word “shalom” appears 237 times in the Old Testament. The usual translation is “peace,” but the word also means completeness or wholeness.

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament make it clear that true peace — true wholeness — comes only from God.

In the second part of our two-part interview with Joel Hanson, he draws from the Bible and from his own experiences to explain how each of us can enjoy the wholeness that God offers.

Joel is a singer, songwriter, and musician who has won a Dove Award and been nominated for a Grammy. His years fronting the band PFR brought much critical acclaim, and after three decades he is back in the studio with that band. He also has recorded several solo records and produced and assisted with records for other bands and artists. For nearly two decades Joel was the worship pastor at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, Minnesota; in summer 2022 he left that role to begin the next chapter of his life.

Joel and Kathy have been married for 34 years and have two adult daughters. Connect with Joel on Instagram and Patreon.

In Jesus’s time, there was no concept of equality in the Roman Empire or in Jewish society.

So where did Jesus stand on the issue of equality? How did he instruct his followers? How do his words and actions apply to us today, nearly 2,000 years later?

This week’s Bible passage: Galatians 3:26-29

Weekly Strength podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men (ebook, paperback, study guide)

Other resources:

• Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men
• Mike Hatch’s book: Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel
• Relational men’s discipleship programs: CLC

When a Christian leader sins, we expect him to step down and, essentially, disappear.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul instructs us to restore those caught in sin, using a spirit of gentleness. Does restoration mean restoring one to leadership? To the same leadership role?

Joel Hanson experienced that type of restoration. Hear his amazing story in the first half of our interview with him.

Joel is a singer, songwriter, and musician who has won a Dove Award and been nominated for a Grammy. His years fronting the band PFR brought much critical acclaim, and after three decades he is back in the studio with that band. He also has recorded several solo records and produced and assisted with records for other bands and artists. For nearly two decades Joel was the worship pastor at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, Minnesota; in summer 2022 he left that role to begin the next chapter of his life.

Joel and Kathy have been married for 34 years and have two adult daughters. Connect with Joel on Instagram and Patreon.

Most Christian churches face a shortage of men, with women accounting for 60 percent or more of typical worship attendance. So why do churches seem to go out of their way to alienate men who are divorced?

Church leaders respond that they simply are following and applying biblical principles. But are they?

This week’s Bible passage: Matthew 19:3-9

Weekly Strength podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men (ebook, paperback, study guide)

Other resources:

• Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men
• Mike Hatch’s book: Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel
• Relational men’s discipleship programs: CLC

After 17 years of successful youth ministry in Texas and South Carolina, Warren Mainard heard a call from God. His wife heard it, too. The call was to take their two children, move to Seattle, and plant a church there.

It took Warren three years to get church attendance to 100. Then came 2016, and political turmoil tore apart the small church. Two years later, with his family suffering, Warren had to step away from the church that he had planted.

Had God called Warren to Seattle to fail?

With nearly 30 years of ministry and leadership experience, Warren Mainard brings enthusiasm, vision, and catalytic energy wherever he goes. In addition to serving as the National Director of IMPACT Players — which inspires men to be great husbands, fathers, and leaders — Warren is a coach, consultant, speaker, and prolific writer. Warren has been married to Leah, the love of his life, for over 26 years and has two children, daughter Krista and son Micah.

Jesus knew that, in a few minutes, he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead.

And yet, when Jesus saw Mary weeping for her dead brother, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And when he arrived at the tomb, he wept.

Jesus wept.

Why?

Billy Graham had an answer.

This week’s Bible passage: 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

Weekly Strength podcast resource: 52 Weeks of Strength for Men (ebook, paperback, study guide)

Other resources:

• Chris Bolinger’s other devotional: Daily Strength for Men
• Mike Hatch’s book: Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel
• Relational men’s discipleship programs: CLC