• Accountability is Annoying
• Dr. Loritts brings it again.  You can hear more of that brilliant message at this YouTube link...
•   https://vimeo.com/1099322108
• Marcus Rogers, Best Life, please buy and subscribe to his music.
• Under construction.  What do you need to have built, rebuilt or renovated in your life?  Who have you entrusted/shared that with?  Are they encouraging you to do so?  Have you tasked them to hold you accountable?
• 20+ years of men's and couple's groups.  Without a doubt, this is one of the most challenging fronts...accountability.  If you are so bold and motivated, you will share with select trusted others your dreams and struggles and ask them to hold you accountable.  Odds are over time, that will fail.  Either they won't care enough to ask you over time.  Or you won't care enough to be uncomfortable and get pushed for better at times.
• The comfort zone = the fade zone.
• If you are coasting, you are going downhill.
• BTW, I don't share this to look down at you.  I share this to look up to you.  I need this.  I need this so much that I helped my brother Greg (who has been featured multiple times on this podcast ) with his vision of accountability tools.  We created a workbook and even have a basic web app.  If you would like to learn more for your group, simply let us know at the contact us page at FriDudes.com.
• Yet, how tough is this?  I have been fired multiple times as an accountability partner.  Maybe I'm too tough?  Perhaps.  Yet in a way, isn't that what we need at times.  Why does God let you go through uncomfortable times?  
• Iron sharpens iron, Pro 27:17
• Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
  As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
• https://www.bible.com/search/bible?query=proverbs%2027%2017
• Who on this broken planet is sharpening you?
• Who are you sharpening?  

• Yes, you are in!  Welcome to Scooter month!  How kind and gracious of Scooter to give us 4 episodes fo getting real and pursuing/sharing truth on what has worked in life and what didn't.  That is wisdom.  That is a gift. Here you go...
• Cherry on top.  Thank you Brother Scooter, the bold one.  
• Too late?  You can change at 60, 70. If you are still breathing, you can change for the better.
• Injury leads to a new mission field.  Bridges2Hope
• Romans 8:28 NLT
  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
• https://www.bible.com/bible/116/ROM.8.28
• God extended Scooter.  Why did God extend you?  
• https://thebridges2hope.com/
• If you are ready...you have to be ready for change.  
• Matthew 16:24 NLT
  Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.
• https://www.bible.com/bible/116/mat.16.24
• From dead on the rail road tracks to being baptized and in Purpose, 6 months later.  
• What if Scooter didn't go?  What if you don't go?  
• Why are you here?  How are you making this broken planet better while you are here?  Are you ready to give account?
• Romans 14:12 NLT
  Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.
• https://www.bible.com/bible/116/rom.14.12
• If you are willing and able, will you pray this with me?  Heavenly Father, thank you for having a plan for me.  What do you want me to do for the rest of my life?  Some of these listeners like Scooter know exactly what they should do now.  Some of these listeners don't.  As they are willing to listen and see, thank you in advance on how you will tug on their hearts where they should serve more.  Thank you for giving them certain strengths to uniquely serve others.  In Jesus name we ask and pray, Amen.

Yes! You are in!  Part 3 of Scooter, he keeps bringing the boldness and wisdom.  Sharing more on what worked after about 50+ years of suicidal thoughts.  Does this world need more hope or hopelessness?  Some of you need to break some chains.  Some of you know somebody that needs to break some chains.  Here's some more Hope to share...

If you dig that opening hook, that is Marcus Rogers, Best Life.  Please buy/subscribe to his music.

Navigating the Blame Game

If you can't forgive, you can't move on

Breaking those chains

Go to this post for all the key organizations mentioned in this series...

https://www.fridudes.com/post/scooter-from-hopeless-to-full-of-hope

Serving Overflows the heart

The more Scooter served; the more he felt better about himself

https://www.handsofmercy.com/

2 Corinthians 9:12
New International Version
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

Yes, you are in!  Scooter is back for Part 2.  If you haven't heard Scooter yet, back up one to Scooter, Part 1.  On this one Scooter shares how a young son helps him see different.  Here you go...

Thank you Scooter!  Bold and brave.  1 Peter 3:15.  Could you share like that?  Hit us up at FriDudes.com and let's get your testimony lined up to help others...just like Scooter.

I've heard the stories how one can go to church for years and not believe.  Going through the motions.  Box checker.  Once you get out of church, do you just do what you want to do?

8 times trying to commit suicide.  

Getting past molestation.  

What a bold confession.  

We always say here, mental illness is as real as cancer.

Celebrate Recovery is for more than just addiction.

We have another saying here, we have never met anyone better from drinking or using.  

I have met countless people that are stronger from Celebrate Recovery.  Countless!  Getting real.  Pursuing Truth.  Sharing what works.

Never read the Bible.  

I've never met anyone stronger from not reading the Bible.  

I've met countless people stronger after reading the Bible.  The Owner's Manual for Life.  

The importance of Serving.  Serving overflows your heart.  If you are down, go out and serve.  

1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

• Yes you are in for another treat!  Meet Scooter!  We say here at FriDudes that we are in the Hope and encouragement business.  For about 60 years, Scooter was suicidal and lost.  He enjoyed the motorcycle and the party yet something was missing.  What could that be?  Well, here you go...
• Website references mentioned during the Scooter episodes...
• https://www.brokenchainsjc.com/
• Scooter's Anti-Trafficking Mission, you can contact Scooter at...
• [email protected]
• https://thebridges2hope.com/
• https://www.hopepd.org/
• https://www.overflowshowers.org/
• Thank you so much for listening.  Extra thanks for sharing!  Somebody else needs to hear Scooter's story.  For we ALL need Hope and encouragement at times.  As for now, I have 3 more parts/chapters from gracious Scooter that will be released in the near future.  Stay tuned.
• Lastly, when I have my A game, I end each episode with Matt 22: 36-40..
• 36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
  37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.  39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
• https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.22.NIV
• Love your neighbor includes people that look like Scooter.  We'll get his picture up on the Fridudes.com blog.  The average person will judge someone based on appearance.  Just because they look tough on the outside does not mean they are not hurting on the inside.  This sweet soul Scooter was hurting and suicidal until he found Hope.  So please keep that in mind the next time God 'tees you' up with a person that doesn't look like you.  Do not judge a book by its cover.  Give them a smile, perhaps a kind gesture and boldly pray, God how can I encourage this person.  If you want me to, what can I say or do to better love on this son or daughter of yours?
• Now go, Love, serve.

• Yes!  You are in!  Bill Bohline is back!  Some of you ask who is Bill Bohline?  Well, one of my favorite teachers ever.  And he has a mic drop for you and me.  Check this out...here you go...
• Thank you Pastor Bill Bohline and Hosanna Church in Lakeville and several campuses around the south metro of the Twin Cities of Minnesota.  That was my home church for about 20 years until God called me to the mission field of Crazy Cali.  My family and community was blessed with that teacher for over 20 years.  He is gifted and anointed.  He's not perfect and what a leader to even mention that in that message, in fact, I encourage you to listen to that entire message, you can find it right here by clicking on the link below in the show description...
• https://www.youtube.com/live/-2fZ4O9fC74?si=_2xxpvmblWzTW5Gw
• Bonus listen, Bill actually has his own episode right here as he graciously allowed me to interview him, click on the link below in show description to listen to that one...
• https://www.fridudes.com/podcast/episode/801da61f/bill-bohline
• Ok listeners, odds are if you are listening to this that you are believers in Jesus Christ.  Some of you are not sure and I sincerely thank you for even listening and being open to a better way.  Some of you have been believers for a long time.  
• So let's go back to Bill's point.  If you have been married for a really long time and you never mention your wife...that's a problem.  As you get to know me better and I never mention my wife of 30 years, Lori, that is a problem.  
• Do you recall in my previous episode where I said we are ALL "Religious" in something(s).  I also said if you give me about 10 minutes I can tell you where you are religious.  If you ask me what I do for a living, that tells me you are religious with work and money.  If you are wearing a Patriots hat, that tells me you are into football.  If you are getting distracted and looking at beautiful women while we are talking or your phone, you are showing your cards.  
• If you never mentioned Jesus Christ and what he has done in your life, that's a problem and flag.  
• Matthew 10:32 (NLT)
  “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
  
  Matthew 10:33 (NLT)
  But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.
• Scary verses!  They are in there.  Those are two of them and they should be like smelling salts for some of you.
• How can we be followers of Christ, married to Christ?  Without ever mentioning Him?  Not reading his love letters?  The Word?  
• You get the point.  Conviction is a blessing.  We all need 'areas for improvement' to flash up on our dashboard.
• Pray on it.  God will tee you up.  

• Yes!  You are in!  Are you a strong man?  Are you a strong woman?  What is a strong man?  Whoa, lot's of questions.  That's what we do here.  Getting Real and Pursuing Truth, oh and if you dig that opening hook, that is Marcus Rogers, Best Life, please buy/subscribe his music, here you go...
• Thank you Robert D. Wooten, making his debut as the play of the day on FriDudes.  NPHX not your debut yet major kudos for having that strong man speak.  I strongly encourage you to listen to the rest of that message, which can be found at this link in the show description...
• https://youtu.be/5bneMdVZHxM?si=nhoBZHQ4eDIFhkHG
• Ways of the world will judge and say what is toxic.  Toxic masculinity?  You know what I call toxic?  Saying that if you are a certain gender or race that you are automatically toxic.  That is discrimination.  The Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., a black life with whom we celebrate and even honor with a national holiday says, "Let us select by content of character...not by color of skin.".  Gender can apply to that statement too.
• "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." 
• Didn't we just have an episode on about not judging?  Yes!  And I so appreciate MLK Jr.'s words.  If we are to be judged, let it not by something trivial like skin color or gender, etc.  Character.  I
• So let's get real and pursue some truth more.  We know the danger verse of judging (if not, back up one episode).  We know that verse that we are all flawed...Rom 3:23.  So we know there is no perfect character.  Yet we also know there are stronger characters than others.  We know a stronger character will show fruits of the spirit...
• Galatians 5:22 NLT
  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness
  NLT: New Living Translation
• https://www.bible.com/bible/116/gal.5.22
• So a Strong Man = Strong Character.  Same with a strong woman.  Think about your favorite people.  Do you love people that take advantage of you or treat you with respect, the fruits mentioned above with character?  Yes, I love rhetorical questions.  
• Confession, at times, I have not been a Strong Man.  Avid listener, you know my dirt....if not back up, perhaps even to episode 1...if you dare.  
• Yet a Strong Man will confess in order to be healed, James 5:16.  A strong man will turn where needed and correct what can be corrected.  In progress right now.
• Are you worthy to be served/submitted?  Many religious like to point out wives submit to your husbands.  Not many point how it opens in Ephesians 5.  
• 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  Eph 5:21
• https://www.bible.com/bible/116/EPH.5.NLT
• Confession, it is much easier to serve one another when we have our A games.  However, on the days we don't, what did/does your Jesus Christ do for you?  Does he forgive you?  If you believe and choose John 3:16 and Rom 8:1, then, yes, absolutely.  That's a Strong and Amazing Grace Savior.
• Matt 22: 36-40

• Yes!  You are in!  Have you been judged lately?  This broken planet has gone bonkers on judging each other...super fueled by biased media and algorithims to feed you only one side of a story.  Everyone is convinced they are correct.  So how do you stand out?  If you are so brave, here you go...
• Thank you Kenton Beshore, guest speaker at SW Church in Indian Wells, CA.  Kenton is one of my favorite teachers.  I so appreciate how God has wired him.  He's edgy yet comes with the Word and Truth.  Tough love.  Makes his audience respond.  Very interactive.  You can hear more about that message at the YouTube link right here, in the show description...
• https://youtu.be/ZAiEf_uhMEg?si=3YbuSdQ1ReA7aR0N
• So how about you?  I know you are being judged too much.  How about in return?  How's your judging ratio?
• Confession, I can improve.  My two weak points seem to be politics and the road.  
• Matt 7: 1-6
• 1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
  3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye  when you have a log in your own? 4How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
  6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.  Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
  Matt 7: 1-6, NLT
• https://www.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.7.NLT
• One of my favorite sayings, "We are all religious...in something(s)."  That is a fact Jack and the truth Ruth.  Some of you say religion is a crutch and I'll ask you back, what is your crutch?  You don't get to say nothing...for it is something:  love interest, money, sex, drugs, alcohol, politics, cars, boat, house, a movement, pick your topic du jour., free this or that change or no ______.    
• We can see via your social media or just give me 10 minutes with you and I'll be able to tell real quick what is your religion.  
• For with any hard core religious person comes...judgement!  They will judge you...whether you be blue or red or purple.  
• So when someone is coming down hard on you, simply say, ooooooh, religious.  You are really religious with that.  
• If you happen to call Christianity your religion, well are your Jesus' words in Matthew enough for you?  They should be.  Me too.  I'm going to work on that...every day until the day I die.  
• Matt 22:  36-40.

• Yes!  You are in!  Just like Mother's Day, Father's Day can be a tough time for most.  For many of you did not have the best parents.  How do I know that?  I ask...plus Rom 3:23.  Yet there is a solution that some of you leverage that can guarantee you have the Ultimate Father.  Here you go...
• If you dig that opening hook that is Marcus Rogers, best life.  
• Ok, reflection time.  Good dad or bad dad?  Probably somewhere in the middle.  Here's a good test.  When you walk down the card aisle, can you pick any of those cards?  The sappiest of the sappiest.  Oh Dad, you are the greatest!  #1 Dad!  If you can't, you are not alone.  In fact, I would say you are in the majority of this broken planet.  Survey of FriDudes says that about 75% did not have the best dad.  You see that's the key fact.  We live on a broken planet.  Even if your parents were good, they weren't perfect.  How do I know that?  Rom 3:23.  
• So when my kids take something to me (I have 3 kids with my wife Lori of 30+ years), if I have my A game, I'll ask them, did you take this to your Ultimate Father first?  As for me, I'm far from perfect.  I've dug many holes.  Granted, I can also teach them what not to do (avoid my mistakes).  On top of that, my mood can vary.  That can swing advice.  
• No matter what your earthly Dad was/is, you do have a perfect Heavenly Father.  The Ultimate Power Source.  The Creator of Heavens and Earth.  You don't think He knows best?  
• My best decisions came when I put Him first.  My worst decisions came when I put myself first.  It is that simple of an equation.
• Your choice and freedom to who you put First.  
• My earthly Dad got that.  He didn't have the best earthly dad.  In fact, he had a violent alcoholic dad.  How did my dad change course?  You can actually hear his story.  Click here in the show description for that link...
• https://www.fridudes.com/podcast/episode/4a190612/fathers-flaws-jon-denzel-maya-and-the-way-what-works-and-doesnt-in-life
• Now go love, your Ultimate Heavenly Father and Guide.  Next, love others, such as your flawed parents.  So if they need mercy and grace, surely I say, you will need grace and mercy too.

• Yes, you are in.  People do peoplish things.  Got the pull to share more.  BTW, if you dig that opening hook that is Marcus Rogers, Best Life, please buy, support his music, here you go...
• Thanks for listening.  If worthy, thank you so much for sharing.  FriDudes are in the Hope and Encouragement business.  Last time, I checked, yes, this broken, frustrating planet needs some more Hope.
• So people do peoplish things, Rom 3:23.  
• Where I got the pull was 'Practicing the Way'.  Great book and teaching series by John Mark Comer.  If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, this one's for you.  If not, you are off the hook.  
• People may do peoplish things, including you, yet that doesn't give us an unlimited card to do whatever you want...well at least if you call yourself a Christian.
• One, you are not allowed to hate anybody.  Matt 22: 36-40
• You are to forgive everybody.  Matthew 6:14-15 New Living Translation (NLT)
  “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
• You are to do kind things for your enemies.  
• Matthew 5:44 (NLT)
  But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
• Odds are you have some work to do if you want to call yourself a Follower of Christ.  Me too.  Truth, we will until the day we die.  As we approach each day closer to death, for it is certain, Rom 6:23.  We will no longer strive to please this broken planet.  We best be pleasing our Creator before we meet.  Rom 14:12
• I am not perfect.  So don't expect perfection from me.  Yet, you should expect that I'm striving to be more Christ like each day.  If you were to ask my wife, kids, loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, etc., they should tell you that I was loving and caring.  Honoring Matt 22: 36-40.  They should also tell you that I loved God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.  They best know the reason why I love them through their flaws too. 
• So how about you?  You are not alone.  I'm not picking on you. I'm trying to encourage you to step your game up.  For if you do, your heart will overflow.  Not my design.  Your creator's.
• If you haven't yet, check out John Mark Comer's book, Practicing the Way.  If you are in a small group, excellent, hold each other lovingly accountable.  Oh bonus, you can find our Small Group Best Practice Guide on our latest post at FriDudes.com, here's the link...
• https://www.fridudes.com/post/dudes-guide-for-small-group-engagement-and-growth
• Now go, love God, love others, take at least one step forward each day on being more Christ-like.