Name: What's A Dad to Do? Lesson 2: Be Better – Not Perfect by Highland Church Podcast
Duration: 12 min 22 s
Description: In week two of What’s a Dad to Do?, Jim Martin encourages fathers to release the pressure of perfection and instead focus on steady growth. This session reminds us that being a great dad isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about showing up, learning, and becoming just a little better each day.

In week two of What’s a Dad to Do?, Jim Martin encourages fathers to release the pressure of perfection and instead focus on steady growth. This session reminds us that being a great dad isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about showing up, learning, and becoming just a little better each day.

What's A Dad to Do? Lesson 2: Be Better – Not Perfect

In this message on Psalm 23:4, Eric Gentry draws us into the heart of the psalm’s most famous promise: “You are with me.” When life brings its darkest valleys, the gospel doesn’t merely offer abstract comfort — it gives us the concrete reality of Christ’s presence walking beside us. Eric shows how the psalm moves from general provision to an intimate, personal with-ness that changes everything: we’re not left alone to suffer, but held, guided, and comforted. This sermon will help you recognize the Shepherd’s voice in your darkest moments and carry the assurance of His presence into everyday life. If you need to be reminded that you are not alone in the valley, don’t miss this one.

Lacking Nothing: Witness the Withness (Psalm 23 Part 3) Eric Gentry

Psalm 23:4 reminds us that the valley isn’t just dark—it’s where ambushes happen. In this message, Eric shows how the Shepherd protects His sheep not with empty hands, but with a rod to defend us and a staff to guide us. Eric explains that our greatest dangers are not just the external threats around us, but also the temptation to wander away from the One who keeps us safe. The good news is that Jesus is both gentle with His sheep and fierce against their enemies—our Mighty Warrior who never loses. His rod comforts us by defeating what we fear, and His staff comforts us by pressing us closer to Him when we stray. If you’re walking through a valley right now, this sermon will remind you that your Shepherd is near, armed, and for you.

Lacking Nothing: Comfort in Battle (Psalm 23 Part 4)- Eric Gentry

In week three of What’s a Dad to Do?, Jim Martin explores the power of a father’s words. From encouragement to correction, our voices shape the lives of our children in ways we may not always realize. This session calls dads to be intentional, speaking life, guidance, and truth into their kids’ hearts.

What's A Dad to Do? Lesson 3: The Power of a Father's Voice

In week four of What’s a Dad to Do?, Jim Martin highlights the lasting impact of simply being present. This brief session reminds fathers that presence matters—not just in big moments, but in ordinary, everyday life. The challenge is to stay engaged right now, resisting the pull of yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s assumptions, and to see how even the small, ordinary moments truly shape our children.

What's A Dad to Do? Lesson 4: The Power of a Father's Presence

Psalm 23 paints a picture not just of a shepherd guiding his sheep, but of a host preparing a table for his guest—and in this sermon, Eric Gentry shows how that changes everything. The Lord doesn’t just lead us through valleys; He personally serves us at His table with goodness, blessing, and overflowing grace. What kings and shepherds would normally delegate to servants, God Himself does for us—preparing, anointing, and filling our cup to overflowing. Even in the presence of enemies, we can feast in peace because of His presence and provision. This is not generic comfort—it’s deeply personal, up-close, You + Me fellowship with the Shepherd. Watch or listen this week and be reminded that with Him, you truly lack nothing.

Lacking Nothing: The Shepherd's Table- Psalm 23 Part 5- Eric Gentry

In week five of What’s a Dad to Do?, Jim Martin focuses on one of the most powerful ways fathers can influence their children—by loving their mother well. This session explores how the way a dad treats his wife shapes how children understand love, respect, and the value of women. Fathers are encouraged to see their marriage as a daily example that leaves a lasting impression on their kids.

What's A Dad to Do? Episode 5: When You Love Their Mother Well

In The Shepherd’s Pursuit, Eric closes the series on Psalm 23 by reminding us that God’s goodness and love don’t just follow us—they relentlessly chase after us. Like faithful sheepdogs, His mercy and kindness pursue us through every valley and over every hill, determined to bring us safely home. David looked back on a lifetime of joy and heartache and still declared that only God’s goodness and love had been behind him all along. The Shepherd who leads us also guards our steps from behind, surrounding us with His care. This is the Gospel in motion—God coming after us so we can dwell with Him forever. Watch or listen this week and be reminded that you are never beyond the reach of His pursuit.

Lacking Nothing: The Shepherd's Pursuit (Psalm 23 Part 6)- Eric Gentry

This week, guest preacher Juan Meza brought an inspiring message called “A Fruitful Heart.”  Using Jesus’ parable about planting seed in good soil from Matthew 13, Juan reminded us that fruitful growth doesn’t happen by accident—it takes preparation and care. He used a garden hoe as a powerful visual, showing how the soil must be worked and softened before it’s ready to receive seed. In the same way, our hearts must be tended and made ready for God’s Word to take root. Through hard work, humility, and openness, we can cultivate hearts where His truth grows strong and produces lasting fruit. Don’t miss this message—it’s a powerful reminder that God can do incredible things in a heart that’s been made ready for Him.

A Fruitful Heart: Matthew 13:1-23- Juan Meza

Episode 6: An Ordinary Guy’s Guide to Spiritual Leadership
In week six of What’s a Dad to Do?, Jim Martin reminds fathers that spiritual leadership isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about being faithful in everyday life. This session encourages dads to lead their families by example through prayer, humility, and consistency. Even ordinary men can have an extraordinary impact when they take simple, intentional steps to point their families toward God.

What's A Dad to Do? Episode 6: An Ordinary Guy’s Guide to Spiritual Leadership

Each and every one of us was made for God’s mission. We see this mission clearly in the life, death, and new life of Jesus Christ. We believe that at Highland you can find your place in God’s mission. This podcast includes sermons from Preaching Minister, Eric Gentry, and also includes select Wednesday Night Classes and Special Events.

What's A Dad to Do? Lesson 2: Be Better – Not Perfect

Highland Church Podcast

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