Raising Godly Boys Minute

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#1129: H.E.A.R. the Word Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Here’s an idea for studying the Bible with your teenage son.
First, find a simple Bible reading plan online. Each day, you and your son read the passage together or own your own.
Then, after reading the passage, go through the H.E.A.R. acronym. This was created by Pastor Robbie Gallaty.
H stands for– Highlight a verse that stands out
E— Explain what this verse means
A— Apply this to your life
And R— Respond to God’s Word.
Pastor Robbie says he created this acronym to eliminate many of the excuses people give for not understanding God’s word. It’s also an excellent catalyst for sparking spiritual conversations between you and your son. Pray about giving the H.E.A.R method a try.
For more ideas to raise your son to be a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1128: William Wallace Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

William Wallace, who fought for Scottish independence, recalls this quote his uncle used to tell him: “I tell you a truth: Liberty is the best of things, my son; never live under any slavish bond.”
Teach your son to walk in freedom. Many things in this life will seek to enslave him: twisted immorality, the pursuit of selfish ends and amassing wealth, or a life of ease and pleasure. But it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Your son is free from the bondage of Pharisaical judgment, Corinthian licentiousness, and everything in between. Whom the son sets free is free indeed.
So help him fight his battles, help free him from society’s grip, and let him soar with eagle’s wings so he, in turn, may reach out and help free others.
For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1127: Integrity Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Integrity. We sometimes call it, “Honor,” or “Our Word.”

If we say, “You have my word,” we wish for that person to believe us and trust us. Not just now, but in the future as well.

Yet, Integrity is a difficult thing for young men to build in today’s society. They are surrounded by peers, cultural icons, and even relatives who lie to “save their backsides.”

The Bible says, “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”*

God said we could believe His Word unto salvation and everlasting life. And if our young men are to follow in the Master’s footsteps, then having integrity that mirrors their Master should be a priority. Not only for themselves, but for their posterity too.

For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1126: John Eldridge Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

John Eldredge writes, “Men want a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. That is what is written in their hearts. That is what little boys play at. That is what men's movies are about. You just see it. It is undeniable.”
In today’s world, those desires can become distorted, twisted, or boys can be shamed out of righteous desires to pursue the lies society paints with glitter and holds up as bait.
You can affirm your boys in their desires for adventure, victory, and love, and do it with purpose. Teach them the right battles to fight. Give them tremendous adventures to live. Train them to be ready to rescue.
Surround your son with men and boys seeking a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.
For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1125: Popcorn Development Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Do you know how microwave popcorn works?
Each kernel has a tiny drop of water inside. When that drop of water is heated up, the kernel explodes into popcorn!
Here’s what I want to hone in on– even though they are placed in the same bag and heated in the same microwave— each kernel will turn into popcorn at different times.
In the same way, your son will develop at his own rate. It’s very normal for boys to develop at a slower rate than girls, and then eventually catch up. But often, the school system continues to compare boys and girls as equals, which leads to many boys being considered developmentally delayed.
If that describes your son– don’t lose heart. Most likely, he will catch up in due time. He is perfectly and wonderfully made.
For more ideas for raising boys into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1124: More Fish Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

How much food can one boy eat? What about ten boys? If your son is anything like mine, they can put away some groceries.
David and the other leaders planned ahead, and had a cooler full of food for the boys' outdoor leadership training retreat. What they did not count on was the fish.
Camping right next to a lake, the boys spent every free moment with a line in the water, built a fire, and cooked fish for breakfast, lunch, and supper. David went home with 90% of the food he brought to the campout!
Godly mentoring, fun with friends, and lots of fish-- it was a weekend to remember!
For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1123: Out of the Heart Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

It’s getting harder and harder to find programming on TV, movies in the theaters, or books in the bookstore to which we, as parents, feel comfortable exposing our children.

Guarding their hearts and minds becomes infinitely more difficult the day you hand them their first smartphone.

Because boys are typically very visual, in both their learning and what stimulates them emotionally, our “visual society,” with all of its ungodly trappings becomes a literal minefield, slowly destroying their boyhood innocence, one blast at a time.

We know the saying: “Garbage in, Garbage out.” Jesus phrased it like this: “From out of the heart, the mouth speaks.”* What are your boys viewing that will eventually come out as words and deeds? And does the answer to that question alarm you?

For information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1122: Belonging Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever felt like an outsider? Like you didn’t fit in?
God created us with an innate desire to belong, to connect with others, to be part of a community.
Our sons are no different. Even when they act uninterested, hide in their room, or say they don’t care, they still long to fit it. They want to join with others and experience the thrill of being part of something bigger than themselves. Our job is to steer them toward a group with healthy goals and positive influences. Pray about a place for them to belong.
Encourage your boys to join a Christian group like Trail Life, where they can experience God’s creation, mature into godly men, and accomplish tasks alongside others.
For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1121: JD Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Does your son know how to succeed?
A young boy was talking to JD, an infectiously happy disc-golf expert who drove trucks for a living.
Eyes crinkling, JD told the boy, “I figured out the secret to making money as a truck driver. Wanna hear it?”
The boy nodded eagerly, and JD answered with a smile, “Keep the left door closed.”
What JD meant was, “don’t stop unnecessarily; keep on driving.”
Whether your son is climbing a mountain, practicing for football or soccer, or learning a trade, the secret to success is often that simple; just keep going. Persistence brings success, and small successes now mean you have prepared him to succeed on a much larger field: in life.
For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1120: Only One String Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Teach your son to do the best he can with what God has given him.
Violinist Niccolo Paganini was playing a piece in front of an audience when, one by one, his violin strings began to snap. Finally, Niccolo was left with only one single working string. Unfazed, he finished the piece on the single string he had left.
This is a wonderful example of focusing on our strengths. Our Creator has a specific purpose for every young man’s life. But sometimes, it’s easy for boys to only look at their weaknesses and decide that they aren’t equipped to do great things.
Instead, help your son focus on his strengths, and offer those to God. After all, our Lord can create beautiful music with any number of violin strings.
For more ideas for raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

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