The Good Fight

In this episode of The Good Fight Friday, Dan reflects on a powerful quote from Hal Moore, popularized in We Were Soldiers:“Three strikes and you’re not out.”When life feels like a series of swings and misses—at home, at work, or in your own head—the question becomes:What’s one more thing you can do?The answer might not be what you think.What You’ll Hear- Why failure often feels final—but isn’t- How a hard week can distort your perspective- The powerful shift from self-reliance to surrender- Why approaching God isn’t a last resort—but the first move- What it means to “do one more thing” when you’ve got nothing leftHebrews 4:16 - “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”Key Takeaway: When you feel like you’ve struck out—there’s still one more move:Approach the throne of grace with boldness.Challenge: Before you try to fix, solve, or grind your way through—pause.Take your “one more step” this way:Go to God first. Boldly. Honestly. Fully.Stay the course, keep the faith, and fight the good fight. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

Dan and his wife Megan dive deep into something many men experience but rarely articulate — the tension between receiving parenting advice and wrestling with the quiet anxiety of becoming a father.With a first child on the way, the flood of input, opinions, and expectations can feel overwhelming. This conversation unpacks:Why parenting advice can feel both helpful and heavyThe subtle pressure men carry stepping into fatherhoodHow anxiety often hides behind responsibilityThe difference between preparation and fearWhat it looks like to lead your family with steadiness instead of striving.This episode is not about having all the answers. It’s about learning to stand firm, stay grounded, and fight the right battles — internally and externally. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

If no one has told you today, happy 265th day of 2025!Today is September 22nd, 2025.Otherwise known as day 265 of 2025.Meaning, there are 100 days left in 2025.The 2% Challenge” starts today and goes until the end of the year, and the invite now extends to you. Here it is.The 2% ChallengeFirst of all, why “2%?” Well, that’s a great question. - 1% of your day = 15 minutes - Technically…..14.4, but round up with me here - Therefore, 2% of your day = 30 minutesFor the final 100 days of 2025, be resolute in protecting 2% of every single day for the below:1% (15 minutes) - 5 minutes of reading the Bible - 5 minutes of reflecting/responding to what you read - 5 minutes of prayer1% (15 minutes) - 15 minutes of challenging physical exercise - This can be whatever you need it to be: walking, running, rucking, lifting, working out, etc. You know your body better than anyone else. As long as it challenges you physically and you’re pushing yourself to be a better version of yourself than you were yesterday - you nailed it.Why? It’s not about checking the box or adding another thing on top of what you’re already doing. Which, if you’re not already doing this, even if not perfectly (no such thing by the way), I strongly recommend it. I think it is about, for me at least, personal discipline and resolve to find 30 minutes out of my day to invest in my relationship with my Heavenly Father (getting in His word, responding and reflecting on what He’s showing me through this, and having a conversation with him) and also to push myself physically to be a better version of myself than yesterday.Will you commit to getting 2% better every day with me for the rest of the year?If so, drop me a line at [email protected] or comment on this post - I’d love to cheer you on and encourage you in your 2% journey for the next 100 days. You can find daily updates and takeaways from my 2% Challenge here in Substack for the next 100 days.Train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.-1 Timothy 4:7-8Stay the course, keep the faith, and fight the good fight! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

Dan shares the story of his Bible being recently rebound, including three insightful resources, and how applicable Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 is after the evil and horrific events from the past few weeks. Even in the midst of ever-present evil: stay the course, keep the faith, and fight the good fight. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

Live from Aruba, Dan and Megan discuss the purpose for the Johnson University women’s soccer team being in country and the impact they’re having on the soccer community. This episode also features a Deep Dive from NotebookLM, which cracks open the Soccer-Faith playbook and how connecting these two things can happen in real time. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

I sit down with my good friend and brother Thomas Hodges today, to talk about an exciting new opportunity for men to connect at Fellowship Church in Knoxville, TN. Thomas talks through his walk of obedience, serving, and investing in other men and why it’s important. Thomas Hodges is launching a new men’s group called “The Men’s Report.” The group aims to address the need for connection and community among men. Thomas, along with Warren, Frank, and Tyler, will lead the group, inspired by the church’s “God Has More For You” message and Thomas’s personal journey of growth and service.Thomas recounts how a conversation about a calling on his life led him to start a men’s group at Fellowship Church. The group aims to provide a safe and simple space for men to connect, regardless of their experience with community. He encourages men who may be hesitant to join, emphasizing that it’s okay to start small and that there’s nothing wrong with their current spiritual journey.The Men’s Report is a community for men to connect, share experiences, and grow in their faith. It’s a low-pressure environment where men can come as they are, share stories, and learn from each other. The group is based on the principle of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, emphasizing the strength of a threefold cord, symbolizing the bond between men and God.A monthly gathering for men to connect, share life updates, and discuss their journey is being organized. The event will be held on the 2nd Sunday of the month, with the first one (at Fellowship) on April 13th, 2025.To learn more about The Men’s Report, how to get connected, and other men’s communities at Fellowship, click or tap here. The Men’s Report is a newly forming group. It is a gathering of men seeking to provide a consistent, safe, and simple space for each other to partner together through connection as we walk out the gospel in our lives with and towards Christ. We are focused on the Father, His Word, and how He is moving. Our group is open to men in all seasons of life and no registration is necessary. Please join us as we look to practice the principles given to us in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. For more information, contact Thomas Hodges at [email protected] for time and location. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

Why is it important to be reminded of truth?The Deep Dive audio dives into this fundamental question and more - from this morning’s time covering 2 Peter 1:11-15 at The Good Fight men's group at Fellowship Church in Knoxville, TN. Here are the verses:(12) Therefore I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. (13) I think it is right, as long as I am in this bodily tent, to wake you up with a reminder, (14) since I know that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has indeed made clear to me. (15) And I will also make every effort so that you are able to recall these things at any time after my departure.After reading these verses together, I took some time to share a few thoughts/takeaways with the group before going into a time of conversational table questions (which you can see below). If you’re curious about what these thoughts/takeaways were, check them out here.In my study of these verses - an incredibly helpful and insightful resource I used was the Blue Letter Bible. Specifically, an in-depth commentary by David Guzik, which you can check out here.Two questions that we talk through (almost) every Tuesday at The Good Fight are:(1) What is God saying here?(2) How can I apply this to my life?Think about these questions today and this week. I encourage you to read and re-read these verses - where Peter is challenging and encouraging Christians in their faith. Where in your life do you need to be reminded of truth? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

In the most recent edition of Send Me, the F3 Knoxville newsletter, I shared some thoughts around this idea that comfortability is a silent killer - over time it lulls you to sleep physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Plugging this into one of my new favorite tools - NotebookLM by Google - an AI conversation called a Deep Dive was created and it was pretty legit. Think smarter, not harder with NotebookLM: the ultimate tool for understanding the information that matters the most to you, built with Gemini 2.0.Enjoy the Deep Dive conversation and the source material below!Men of F3 Knoxville! It’s a great week to have a great week.Let’s talk comfortability for a second. My wife and I recently started watching season three of the Apple TV show Ted Lasso and if you know anything about this show you know Ted is this super-energetic and optimistic guy. He deals with his own demons and anxiety for certain, but he is an eternal optimist - always choosing to see the best in others, in situations, and in life. He has a great quote on taking on challenges and how it relates to being comfortable, and before diving into that I wanted to share what this word actually means.According to Wikipedia (so you know you can trust this), comfortability is “a sense of physical or psychological ease, often characterized as a lack of hardship.” Michael Easter talks a lot about this idea in his book “The Comfort Crisis.” If you haven’t read it - I would 10/10 recommend it. It’s pretty amazing the lengths (some obvious and some not so obvious) we go to as human beings to make ourselves comfortable. Comfortability is the silent killer - the one that is always there, even if you don’t realize it. When I have shown up to F3 over the past 8-9 years, it has rarely been comfortable. I mean, c’mon now - burpees in freezing weather, carrying heavy rucks and sandbags up/down hills, 50 SQUAT JUMPS?! Not a fan of squat jumps. BUT it has been good. Better than good, actually. It’s been exactly what I needed: to reject my comfort zone and accept the fact that I can do hard things even in an uncomfortable state. You can too.Here’s the Ted Lasso quote.Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.-Ted LassoSo this week, here’s the challenge: take on a challenge that might be uncomfortable. Taking this a step further: what would taking on a challenge that might be uncomfortable look like in your Fitness? Your Fellowship with others? Your Faith? Some examples that popped into my head:* Signing up to Q / lead an F3 workout* Saying the hard thing / exercising candor* Holding someone you care about accountable* Waking up earlier / going to bed earlier* Exercising restraint with consumption of food/drink* Doing 100 merkins a dayDon’t shy away from the challenges in your life - meet them head-on! Why? We were made to do hard things, men. We were created to take on challenges and invite others to do the same. That’s how we develop and grow. You absolutely have what it takes to take on challenges in your life. You do. I’m rooting for you, and so are thousands of other F3 men around the world. So get after it this week brother!Iron Sharpens Iron! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

In this episode of TGF Podcast — we bring you a conversation that is centered around this truth — you can do hard things. My wife Megan and I share the challenges we both faced during the Mammoth March and how together, relying on God to provide us the strength to press on, we crossed that finish line after 10.5 hours.We also discuss the significance and encouragement that Isaiah 41:10 provided for us during this challenge and what an incredible reminder of God’s providence it is:"fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (ESV)"Don’t panic. I’m with you. There's no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you." (MSG)Whatever challenges come your way, remember that you can do hard things. You got this because He’s got you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

Megan and I attempt to share a sneak preview of a full episode that will drop later this week. We’re bringing you a conversation about overcoming physical challenges and encouraging each other in the mental and emotional ones that happen along the way. We took on the 2024 Mammoth March in Upstate New York earlier this month and it was an adventure of epic proportions. The full episode will drop at the end of the week! Until then, stay the course, keep the faith, and fight the good fight! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”-Genesis 3:9In this episode of ITD — I share one of the most powerful questions God asks in the Bible: “Where are you?” I challenge and encourage you to not just ask yourself this question, but someone in your sphere of influence as well. Stay the course, keep the faith, and fight the good fight! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

John Eldredge reminds us in his book Wild at Heart, “Life is not a problem to be solved, but an adventure to be lived.” How often do you and I look at life as a set of problems to be solved, though? This week’s episode focuses on just that: the adventure we’re called into by our Creator, and the practicality of this in our daily lives. I share one quote, one video, and one passage of Scripture to help us reframe adventure in our lives.One QuoteThe place where God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. -Frederick BuechnerOne VideoJohn and the Wild at Heart team have put together an engaging video called “The Adventure” and you can view it by clicking here. It’s good stuff!One Passage of ScriptureMatthew 14:27-32 is a great depiction of being invited into a grand adventure by Jesus, stepping out of comfortability, and taking courageous steps of faith towards Him and the life He calls us to. There will always be wind and rain and “stuff” that keeps us in the safety of the boat or causes us to lose focus. But, we can put our faith in the fact that when these things seem to overpower us, Jesus is right there to help us back up and save us.But immediately Jesus spoke to them saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid. And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.”So whatever might be on the calendar and docket this week - remember that you have been personally invited into an adventure to live by God. Will you courageously get out of the boat?Stay the course, keep the faith, and fight the good fight! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

It’s a new week with new opportunities to grow! I’m bringing you two TPQs (Thought Provoking Questions) to ask yourself this week.(1) Are you curious?(2) Are you courageous?These two questions have challenged me to reframe the way I interact with people in my life, and I hope they will do the same for you. I keep them on a sticky note on my desk that I see every day, to remind me to be curious about the people in my life (in healthy ways - not paranoid ways), and that I would have the courage to intentionally ask questions to better understand them.These two TPQs are related to something I heard at a men’s group at Fellowship last week that stuck with me:Unasked questions lead to unanswered answers that the enemy can use to twist the truth.I am a firm believer that a tactic of the enemy is to disrupt communication vertically (with God) and horizontally (with each other). Sadly, it’s incredibly effective. If we’re not communicating with God or with our spouse, friends, or people in our sphere of influence in healthy ways, questions go unasked which results in answers being left unanswered which results in truth being distorted. “Communication is key” right?So here’s the challenge for this week":(1) In what ways can you be curious and courageous with the people in your life this week?(2) Identify one person to intentionally engage in conversation with - to better understand what’s going on underneath the surface.Happy Monday friends! Wherever this week finds you, stay the course, keep the faith, and fight the good fight! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com

Monday: the doorway to a new week.For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.-1 Timothy 4:8A few things to think about as we head into a new week:(1) In what ways are you putting your faith in the gym this week?(2) What are some areas of your faith that you can get some more reps in for this week?(3) What is an area of spiritual training that is tough for you, but you know is good for you and that you need to grow?(4) Ask God to give you the strength, fortitude, and discipline to put your faith in the gym and grow it this week.Stay the course, keep the faith, and fight the good fight. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danhenson.substack.com