The most dangerous story in your life might be the one you keep telling yourself. John Eldredge steps in for Kyle and Joby to sharpen the Daily Blade with a clear challenge for Christian men: stop clinging to the story you want to be true, and learn to live in the story that is true, with God’s help. We look back at Saul’s conversion, Ananias’s quiet obedience, the Genesis vision of bringing order out of chaos, and David’s lesson in not leaning on old tools or familiar methods. Each story points to the same theme: God is committed to our growth, and he often matures us by disrupting our shortcuts so we learn to wait, listen, and follow. If you have ever felt stuck, reactive, or spiritually tired, this conversation gives language for what might actually be happening beneath the surface. Then we open 1 John 2 and walk through the stages of spiritual development: children who know their sins are forgiven, young men and women who are strong and overcoming evil, and the mature who truly know Christ. We talk about maturity as the ability to accept reality and rise to it, and we end with practical questions you can take to prayer: Where are you asking me to step up? Where are you asking me to risk? Where are you asking me to wait? Subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a five star rating and review so more men can stay sharp and grow up into a stronger life with God.<a rel="payment" href="https://admin.newhorizonsfoundation.com/donation/create/3047">Support the show</a>Want to connect? Email communication@coe22.com

<description>&lt;p&gt;The most dangerous story in your life might be the one you keep telling yourself. John Eldredge steps in for Kyle and Joby to sharpen the Daily Blade with a clear challenge for Christian men: stop clinging to the story you want to be true, and learn to live in the story that is true, with God’s help.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;We look back at Saul’s conversion, Ananias’s quiet obedience, the Genesis vision of bringing order out of chaos, and David’s lesson in not leaning on old tools or familiar methods. Each story points to the same theme: God is committed to our growth, and he often matures us by disrupting our shortcuts so we learn to wait, listen, and follow. If you have ever felt stuck, reactive, or spiritually tired, this conversation gives language for what might actually be happening beneath the surface.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Then we open 1 John 2 and walk through the stages of spiritual development: children who know their sins are forgiven, young men and women who are strong and overcoming evil, and the mature who truly know Christ. We talk about maturity as the ability to accept reality and rise to it, and we end with practical questions you can take to prayer: Where are you asking me to step up? Where are you asking me to risk? Where are you asking me to wait?&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a five star rating and review so more men can stay sharp and grow up into a stronger life with God.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://admin.newhorizonsfoundation.com/donation/create/3047"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Want to connect? Email communication@coe22.com&lt;/p&gt;</description>

The most dangerous story in your life might be the one you keep telling yourself. John Eldredge steps in for Kyle and Joby to sharpen the Daily Blade with a clear challenge for Christian men: stop clinging to the story you want to be true, and learn to live in the story that is true, with God’s help.  We look back at Saul’s conversion, Ananias’s quiet obedience, the Genesis vision of bringing order out of chaos, and David’s lesson in not leaning on old tools or familiar methods. Each story po...

#378 - John Eldredge // The Masculine Journey: Stages of Our Spiritual Development

Same enemy. Same valley. Different instructions. That’s the tension we sit in with John Eldridge as he unpacks David’s two battles with the Philistines from 2 Samuel 5 and shows why yesterday’s win is not always today’s plan. If you’ve ever tried to lead your family, fix a problem at work, or make a big decision by repeating what “worked last time,” this conversation will hit close to home. We talk about the partnership mentality David models when he keeps inquiring of the Lord, even after a clear victory. The first time God says go and promises deliverance. The next time God says do not go straight up, circle around, wait, listen for the sound of marching in the treetops, then move quickly. That moment pushes us toward Christian discernment, spiritual maturity, and real dependence on God rather than a spiritual toolkit of habits, gifting, or memorized principles. We also get practical about hearing God’s voice. Like learning a skill, it takes time, repetition, and humility, and it often starts with small questions before the dramatic ones. If you care about Christian men’s discipleship, spiritual warfare, and learning to follow Jesus in real time, you’ll leave with a clearer next step. Subscribe, share this with a brother who needs direction, and leave a five star rating and review so more men can get equipped. What’s one “small” decision you want to start praying about today?<a rel="payment" href="https://admin.newhorizonsfoundation.com/donation/create/3047">Support the show</a>Want to connect? Email communication@coe22.com

<description>&lt;p&gt;Same enemy. Same valley. Different instructions. That’s the tension we sit in with John Eldridge as he unpacks David’s two battles with the Philistines from 2 Samuel 5 and shows why yesterday’s win is not always today’s plan. If you’ve ever tried to lead your family, fix a problem at work, or make a big decision by repeating what “worked last time,” this conversation will hit close to home.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;We talk about the partnership mentality David models when he keeps inquiring of the Lord, even after a clear victory. The first time God says go and promises deliverance. The next time God says do not go straight up, circle around, wait, listen for the sound of marching in the treetops, then move quickly. That moment pushes us toward Christian discernment, spiritual maturity, and real dependence on God rather than a spiritual toolkit of habits, gifting, or memorized principles.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;We also get practical about hearing God’s voice. Like learning a skill, it takes time, repetition, and humility, and it often starts with small questions before the dramatic ones. If you care about Christian men’s discipleship, spiritual warfare, and learning to follow Jesus in real time, you’ll leave with a clearer next step.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Subscribe, share this with a brother who needs direction, and leave a five star rating and review so more men can get equipped. What’s one “small” decision you want to start praying about today?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://admin.newhorizonsfoundation.com/donation/create/3047"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Want to connect? Email communication@coe22.com&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Same enemy. Same valley. Different instructions. That’s the tension we sit in with John Eldridge as he unpacks David’s two battles with the Philistines from 2 Samuel 5 and shows why yesterday’s win is not always today’s plan. If you’ve ever tried to lead your family, fix a problem at work, or make a big decision by repeating what “worked last time,” this conversation will hit close to home.  We talk about the partnership mentality David models when he keeps inquiring of the Lord, even after a...

#377- John Eldredge // The Masculine Journey: Relying on the Voice of God

Chaos is everywhere right now and it is easy to feel like the faithful response is to hunker down, complain louder, or just hope God fixes it all. We take a different path by going back to the opening pages of Scripture, where God brings order out of chaos and then turns to humanity with an invitation that still shapes our lives today.  John Eldridge walks through Genesis 1 and 2 and connects it to the daily pressure men feel in their homes, work, churches, and communities. Being made in the image of God is not abstract theology; it is a calling to create, steward, cultivate, and bring life-giving order where things are unraveling. We also ask an honest question that cuts through the noise: are we adding to the chaos through our reactions, habits, and relationships, or are we bringing order, beauty, and peace?  Then we zoom out to a theme that runs throughout the Bible: God loves using human partners. From Ananias and Saul to Moses and the church, God invites people into what He is already doing. That changes how we pray. We stop living in constant “please fix this” mode and start asking, “Jesus, what are You up to in my life, my church, and my community, and how can I join You?” If you want a practical, biblical mindset for spiritual warfare, Christian leadership, and steady living in a chaotic world, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a five-star rating and review to help equip more men for the fight.<a rel="payment" href="https://admin.newhorizonsfoundation.com/donation/create/3047">Support the show</a>Want to connect? Email communication@coe22.com

<description>&lt;p&gt;Chaos is everywhere right now and it is easy to feel like the faithful response is to hunker down, complain louder, or just hope God fixes it all. We take a different path by going back to the opening pages of Scripture, where God brings order out of chaos and then turns to humanity with an invitation that still shapes our lives today. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;John Eldridge walks through Genesis 1 and 2 and connects it to the daily pressure men feel in their homes, work, churches, and communities. Being made in the image of God is not abstract theology; it is a calling to create, steward, cultivate, and bring life-giving order where things are unraveling. We also ask an honest question that cuts through the noise: are we adding to the chaos through our reactions, habits, and relationships, or are we bringing order, beauty, and peace? &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Then we zoom out to a theme that runs throughout the Bible: God loves using human partners. From Ananias and Saul to Moses and the church, God invites people into what He is already doing. That changes how we pray. We stop living in constant “please fix this” mode and start asking, “Jesus, what are You up to in my life, my church, and my community, and how can I join You?” If you want a practical, biblical mindset for spiritual warfare, Christian leadership, and steady living in a chaotic world, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a five-star rating and review to help equip more men for the fight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://admin.newhorizonsfoundation.com/donation/create/3047"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Want to connect? Email communication@coe22.com&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Chaos is everywhere right now and it is easy to feel like the faithful response is to hunker down, complain louder, or just hope God fixes it all. We take a different path by going back to the opening pages of Scripture, where God brings order out of chaos and then turns to humanity with an invitation that still shapes our lives today.   John Eldridge walks through Genesis 1 and 2 and connects it to the daily pressure men feel in their homes, work, churches, and communities. Being made i...

#376 - John Eldredge // The Masculine Journey: An Invitation to Partnership

Saul can’t see, can’t eat, and can’t even walk into Damascus on his own, and that’s exactly where God chooses to rebuild him. John Eldridge sits in and takes us back to Acts 9, not just to highlight Saul’s conversion, but to spotlight Ananias, the kind of man most of us would overlook. He’s not famous, not powerful, not “inner circle,” and yet God calls him by name and sends him straight into a situation that feels unsafe. We slow down and notice the part that sounds almost too human to be holy: Ananias pushes back. He tells God what he’s heard, what he fears, and what could happen if he obeys. That honest conversation becomes the doorway into a bigger theme: you can bring your whole life to Jesus. Your objections. Your anger. Your loneliness. Your confusion about why prayers feel unanswered or why relationships blow up. If we don’t bring those needs to God, we’ll carry them to something else, and that never ends well. We also press into a deeper vision of Christian discipleship, especially for men: the goal isn’t just being a “good servant,” it’s growing into friendship with Jesus. John 15 matters here, because Jesus explicitly says he calls us friends and lets us in on what he’s doing. We close with simple, direct questions you can pray today: What is Jesus talking to me about right now? Where is he inviting me into a real conversation about my marriage, my career, or my fears? If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a five star rating and review so more men can get equipped for the fight.<a rel="payment" href="https://admin.newhorizonsfoundation.com/donation/create/3047">Support the show</a>Want to connect? Email communication@coe22.com

<description>&lt;p&gt;Saul can’t see, can’t eat, and can’t even walk into Damascus on his own, and that’s exactly where God chooses to rebuild him. John Eldridge sits in and takes us back to Acts 9, not just to highlight Saul’s conversion, but to spotlight Ananias, the kind of man most of us would overlook. He’s not famous, not powerful, not “inner circle,” and yet God calls him by name and sends him straight into a situation that feels unsafe.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;We slow down and notice the part that sounds almost too human to be holy: Ananias pushes back. He tells God what he’s heard, what he fears, and what could happen if he obeys. That honest conversation becomes the doorway into a bigger theme: you can bring your whole life to Jesus. Your objections. Your anger. Your loneliness. Your confusion about why prayers feel unanswered or why relationships blow up. If we don’t bring those needs to God, we’ll carry them to something else, and that never ends well.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;We also press into a deeper vision of Christian discipleship, especially for men: the goal isn’t just being a “good servant,” it’s growing into friendship with Jesus. John 15 matters here, because Jesus explicitly says he calls us friends and lets us in on what he’s doing. We close with simple, direct questions you can pray today: What is Jesus talking to me about right now? Where is he inviting me into a real conversation about my marriage, my career, or my fears?&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a five star rating and review so more men can get equipped for the fight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://admin.newhorizonsfoundation.com/donation/create/3047"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Want to connect? Email communication@coe22.com&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Saul can’t see, can’t eat, and can’t even walk into Damascus on his own, and that’s exactly where God chooses to rebuild him. John Eldridge sits in and takes us back to Acts 9, not just to highlight Saul’s conversion, but to spotlight Ananias, the kind of man most of us would overlook. He’s not famous, not powerful, not “inner circle,” and yet God calls him by name and sends him straight into a situation that feels unsafe.  We slow down and notice the part that sounds almost too human to be h...

#375 - John Eldredge // The Masculine Journey: Bring Your Whole Life to God

Saul is convinced he’s the hero of God’s story, right up until a flash of light knocks him to the ground and a voice asks a haunting question: “Why do you persecute me?” We walk through Acts 9 and the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, not as distant Bible history, but as a lived pattern of how Jesus confronts, rescues, and rebuilds a man from the inside out. John Eldredge sits in and points out a detail that’s easy to miss: Jesus doesn’t lead with a title, he leads with his name. “My name is Jesus.” That single line reframes Christianity as relationship, not just religion, and it challenges the way many of us approach faith like a project to manage. Saul’s transformation is immersive and humbling: blindness, silence, surrender, and a brand-new understanding of reality that eventually shapes the Apostle Paul’s entire life and mission. We also get painfully practical about the stories we tell ourselves. There’s the story we want to be true and the story that is true, and growth in Christian discipleship often starts when Jesus exposes the gap. We ask what that looks like in marriage, parenting, work, addiction, and the hidden narratives we protect because they keep us comfortable. If you want spiritual growth that deals in honesty, listen through to the closing prayer and take the question with you: “Jesus, what is the story I think is true that actually isn’t true?” Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a five-star rating and review to help equip more men for the fight.<a rel="payment" href="https://admin.newhorizonsfoundation.com/donation/create/3047">Support the show</a>Want to connect? Email communication@coe22.com

<description>&lt;p&gt;Saul is convinced he’s the hero of God’s story, right up until a flash of light knocks him to the ground and a voice asks a haunting question: “Why do you persecute me?” We walk through Acts 9 and the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, not as distant Bible history, but as a lived pattern of how Jesus confronts, rescues, and rebuilds a man from the inside out.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;John Eldredge sits in and points out a detail that’s easy to miss: Jesus doesn’t lead with a title, he leads with his name. “My name is Jesus.” That single line reframes Christianity as relationship, not just religion, and it challenges the way many of us approach faith like a project to manage. Saul’s transformation is immersive and humbling: blindness, silence, surrender, and a brand-new understanding of reality that eventually shapes the Apostle Paul’s entire life and mission.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;We also get painfully practical about the stories we tell ourselves. There’s the story we want to be true and the story that is true, and growth in Christian discipleship often starts when Jesus exposes the gap. We ask what that looks like in marriage, parenting, work, addiction, and the hidden narratives we protect because they keep us comfortable.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If you want spiritual growth that deals in honesty, listen through to the closing prayer and take the question with you: “Jesus, what is the story I think is true that actually isn’t true?” Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a five-star rating and review to help equip more men for the fight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://admin.newhorizonsfoundation.com/donation/create/3047"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Want to connect? Email communication@coe22.com&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Saul is convinced he’s the hero of God’s story, right up until a flash of light knocks him to the ground and a voice asks a haunting question: “Why do you persecute me?” We walk through Acts 9 and the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, not as distant Bible history, but as a lived pattern of how Jesus confronts, rescues, and rebuilds a man from the inside out.  John Eldredge sits in and points out a detail that’s easy to miss: Jesus doesn’t lead with a title, he leads with his name. “My name is Jes...

#374 - John Eldredge // The Masculine Journey: The Story That is True

The Daily Blade, hosted by Pastor Joby Martin of the Church of Eleven22 and Kyle Thompson of Undaunted.Life, is a short-form devotional show that equips Christians to apply the Word of God to their everyday lives. ---Connect with us at communication@coe22.com Want to support this podcast and other work of The Church of Eleven22?Text DONATE to 441122 or visit https://coe22.com/donate --- Don't miss the chance to join Pastor Joby &amp; Kyle in person at the 2025 Men's Conference in Jacksonville, Florida — grab your seat at http://mensconference.com

The Daily Blade: Joby Martin & Kyle Thompson

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