Yes, you are in.  You know that feeling when you lost signal.  It's wild how dependent we've gotten on mobile/internet connection.  When desperate, we have all asked for the WiFi password.  So we tackle something better today.  Your next play of the day.  Here you go...

Thank you Pastor Rick, you can hear more of that play of the day at this link...

https://www.pastorrick.com/current-teaching/series/hearing-the-voice-of-god-2025?view=how-god-talks-to-you---part-2

I'm going to start off with one of my favorite/funny stories about hearing from God.  Once upon a time, when I lived in the Land of 10,000 lakes, my primary church was Hosanna in Lakeville, MN.  At that time was a very funny pastor named Derek Rust.  A witty Englishman that loved the Lord found his way to that church thanks be to God.  The season didn't last long enough for my liking yet that's life and I digress.  He once shared that a lady approached him after one of his sermons and said, "Pastor Derek!  I spoke with God and he said you should watch my cats while I go on vacation."  Pastor Derek replied, "Hmmmm, that's funny because I talked to God and he said I'm not the one to watch your cats."  One of us is listening to the wrong God."

On a lighter note, that is super funny.

On a darker note, we all have seen in the news or maybe even know the person that says "God told me...".  So how do we know they are really hearing from God?  A few key pointers...

It must reflect Matt 22: 36-40.  Loving God and loving others.  If you are using that voice that goes against Jesus Christ's words, your savior and Lord, that can't be the right voice.  

• Yes!  You are in!  Do you have a reputation that you want to change?  Not happy with past mistakes.  Welcome to the Club and here is a case study on how to move forward.  Here you go...
• Yes, thank you, once again, Dr. Lorrits.  You can hear more of him at the Bryan Lorrits podcast.  Simply click on the link in this episode's description...
• https://www.youtube.com/live/qjpCWov6c0Y?si=2ggetogt4YF-59gz
• The Bible as what I like to call the Owner's Manual for Life is full of jaded, flawed characters being redeemed.  Chosen.  
• As stated, if you think you are the least likely and especially if those around you think you are the least likely to do something amazing for/with the Lord, you are prospect A1.  
• Woman at the Well...check John 4.  Checkered past.  Looked down so much by her community that nobody would affiliate with her.  She had to go to the well in the heat of the day to avoid bullying and judging and cruelty. And Jesus Christ chooses her.  She wasn't even Jewish like the other disciples.  She was a Samaritan.  In other words, think of who is your enemy...that person.  
• David, side note, very interesting series on Prime if you have it.  Extra side note, interesting to see MGM inspired by Angel Studios to go for that series.  David was seen as a loser to his family and brothers.  Dad didn't even round him up when Samuel asked to see all his sons.  A literal sheep shepherd is chosen to take down the mightiest warrior the Philistines had.  He rises to power.  He screws up in a massive way.  And rallies himself again.  
• As for your life, anything is possible with God.  Matt 19:26
• Some of you may be thinking, aren't you beating this drum too much?  No.  I think we keep going until everyone has Hope and living their best life that honors/loves God and our neighbors.  In other words, we are not done until Jesus Christ comes back or until we die.  
• BTW, for returning listeners.  How much has happened to fade you from Hope of the last message.  I bet a lot.  That is what the enemy does.  Want to confuse you, make you busy and make yourself think you are a loser and to stay down.  
• As for this podcast, we are in the Hope and encouragement business.  1 Thes 5:11.  Thank you for sharing when worthy.  As for your loved ones, they may seem good.  I bet they are not.  Ask how are you really doing?  
• Ending on a prayer note...Lord, who does this listener reach out to?  Will you put specific names on their hearts?  As for their life, what have you chosen them to do shines your light and Love Matt 5:16?

• Yes!  You are in!  Thank you for sharing when worthy.  We'll see how this one stacks up.  Did you know you are a surfer?  Ok, maybe you've never touched the ocean.  You are absolutely surfing waves called life.  Some waves can be thrills of a lifetime.  Some waves can wreck you, destroy relationships and even you.  Here you go...
• Thank you Pastor Rick Warren, Daily Hope and Saddleback Church.  I start off almost every day with Daily Hope.  How about you?  Do you start your day with something uplifting and strengthening or the news or Fakebook or Instabrag?
• When I have my A game.  I start the day in the Word, prayer and iron sharpens iron listens.  Oh, to hear more on that one, please click below...
• https://www.pastorrick.com/current-teaching/series/a-toolbox-for-life-2025?view=learning-to-be-both-fast-and-slow---part-1
• So I do call SoCal home.  I do surf.  And that's when the vision came to me.  To catch waves you need intention.  You need to train.  You best take some lessons.  Better yet, you go with a pack so you can keep an eye on each other.  
• When it comes to Life Planning, that's how GCrossSurf was born.  My wife still thinks we should rebrand and maybe we do.  What was fun to learn that Pastor Rick and team also use waves for teaching.  I love affirmations.  I had no idea.  First time I ever heard him mention waves.  And I pretty much listen to him 5 out of 7 days per week.  
• Anyway, smarty pants out there will say you can create waves behind a wakesurf boat or wave pool.  Yet that isn't what Pastor Rick was teaching on.  In life, you hop into the ocean called this broken planet.   And you have to ride with what God gifts you and also what this broken planet will serve up.  
• If we could all just create our own destinies then we would all be Michael Jordans or Lebron James or Taylor Swifts or Lord knows what.  
• The woman at the well had waves of failed relationships.  Check John 4.  Joseph's brothers threw him into a pit to die.  Genesis 37.  Daniel was enslaved by Babylonia.  Check the book of Daniel.  Moses thought he was leading his people out of slavery in Egypt and ended up enslaving themselves in the desert. Check Exodus.  
• And we can go on and on.  Some fair, some deserved, some definitely not deserved, all crappy waves that eventually turn into beautiful surf of life...for those that love and seek Him.  Rom 8:28
• Odds are you are in crappy surf right now.  Maybe you are in the best surf of your life.  Ok, enjoy it while it lasts.  Give God thanks.  Yet for those in crappier surf, learning to be content (not happy) content (big difference) shows your might faith and strength.  Knowing that Rom 8:28 waves are going to pay...someday is mighty Faith.
• So if so inspired, hit us up at FriDudes.com and we'll give you a free GCrossSurf workbook.  Planning and riding the most important waves of life.  If you are tech savvy, we'll even give you early access to the beta web app.  For it needs some lovin and shapin.  
• Ending on a prayer note...  

• Yes you are in!  I'm a smurf?  You are a smurf?  What in the world does that mean?  One, it means we live on a very broken and brutal planet.  The earth is not perfect and neither are you...why?  Here you go!
• Thank you Dr. Loritts!  Making his way back and so grateful for teachings.  You can hear more of him at the Bryan Loritts podcast.  That one is entitled 'How to be a Godly Sinner'.  Or you can just click on the link in the show description...
• https://www.youtube.com/live/qjpCWov6c0Y?si=2ggetogt4YF-59gz
• If there ever was a Play of the Day for my weekly Rom 3:23 humble reminder...that may be the mic drop.  Epic!
• We are all flawed.  Hence, we all need Rom 8:1.  As you may look down on others, they need Rom 8:1 just as much as you.  
• I love that Smurf analogy.  It makes me smile.  Not that we are all flawed.  There's something about that simple analogy that should help take you and me down a notch or two.  To avoid the yeast of the Pharisees and religious hypocrites.
• Remember, Jesus used the words hypocrite quite a few times.  Who was part of his battle?  The Religious.  
• So this explains why some churches are major atheist factories.  Pick your favorite pastor...still a Smurf.  We are all Rom 3:23 hence we all need Rom 8:1.
• On the other side, for those that call ourselves Christian, including me, we best be one of the most loving Smurfs there are.  Matt 22: 36-40.  Yes, we need to hold the line.  When in doubt, simply let Jesus' words guide you.  When we have our A-games, we are to be more Christ-like each day.  And instead of looking down at people that appear to be more flawed, ask and pray, could this be the next Saul to Paul, Mary Magdalene or Woman at the Well?  What does Jesus see in them that I don't?
• One more Smurf observation and then we'll get off this train...for now.  Don't be Grumpy Smurf.  I can be Grumpy Smurf.  Who likes hanging out with people that are grumpy.  Misery that loves company.  Not saying you shouldn't be sad at times.  Jesus wept.  Not saying that righteous anger isn't a thing.  Jesus did flip tables.  Just do it in a loving way.  And remember, if the world hates you for being Christ-like, remember hit hated Jesus first, John 15:18
• Ending on a prayer note...

• Yes!  You are in.  Thank you for clicking in.  When worthy, thank you for sharing.  How does a code exist without a coder?  One of my favorite questions.  Why does your code (aka DNA) have certain strengths?  That is what we tackle today.  Next up, your play of the day and a very familiar voice...
• Thank you Rick Warren, another play of the day and another excellent series,,"Maximizing Your Strengths". You can hear more at this link...
• https://www.pastorrick.com/current-teaching/series/a-toolbox-for-life-2025?view=maximizing-your-strengths---part-1
• So whether you realize it or not, you are uniquely and wonderfully made...
• Psalms 139:13 NLT
  You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
• Psalms 139:14 NLT
  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
• https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx
• Gallup's Clifton Strength Finders is one of my favorite corporate/secular tools.  If you work for a large company, odds are you already took this test.  You can also find that link in the show description.  
• Even corporate America realizes you are coded uniquely.  It only makes sense if they invest in you that they would want to maximize your strengths.  
• So are you maximizing your strengths for your Ultimate Power Source, Creator, Abba?  Are you overflowing with Joy?  Are you content in all circumstances?  Well, then you and I have some more exploration to do.  
• On the flip side, I meet way too many dudes that are down and out.  If that is you, you are definitely not alone.  You are in the majority.  Why?  You are leaning too much on your own understanding and the rest of the broken people on this broken planet.   Odds are you are also leaning on some kind of substance to mask your hurts and what you are missing.  
• Next Steps:  Listen to the series mentioned "Maximizing Your Strengths".  Buy Gallup's Clifton's Strength Finders and take the test.  Hit us up at FriDudes.com and we'll give you a free digital copy of GCrossSurf (Planning and Riding the Most Important Waves of Life).  
• For the Versed Ones, you know Matt 22: 36-40.  Maximizing your strengths to love your Creator and God with all your heart, soul and mind is your duty...and just like it is to love/serve others/your neighbors.  Not to maximize your strengths for yourself.  Nor to minimize your strengths.  Noodle on that...
• Ending on a Prayer Note...

• Yes you are in!  And I'm back.  About 3 weeks investing time with family and friends in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.  Ironically, some of those very loved ones can hold me back.  Even myself.  How about you?  Your play of the day, here you go...
• Thank you Rick Warren!  Back on the board.  A great series on Naysayers.  You can hear more of that at this link...
• https://www.pastorrick.com/current-teaching/series/a-toolbox-for-life-2025?view=ignoring-the-naysayers-part-2-2025
• Who are your naysayers?  As you reflect on that, let's pick on me.  I can absolutely be my own naysayer.  No doubt about it.  Who do I think I am?  Is this podcast really making a difference?  Is it helping anybody?  What if I'm wrong?  Well, at least I cover that with Rom 3:23.
• Next, absolutely loved ones and some of those closest to me.  Think about it this way.  I best some of the dumbest and/or meanest things you have said has been to a loved one.  Why?  Because we are closest.  The closer you get the more friction that can occur...Rom 3:23.  
• Too old?  Too young?  Too dumb?  Too many mistakes?  Anything is possible with God.  You have the Ultimate Power Source if you so choose.  Matt 19:26.  Oh and God loves to leverage the least likely to do the greatest works.  It's all over the Bible.  So if you think you are the least likely and others tell you are the least likely you may be Prospect A1.
• Versed ones, you know it is absolutely all over the Bible.  Rick talks about David and Moses.  Think about Joseph and his brothers.  Think Jonah and himself wrestling with God abut going to Nineveh.  Think Jacob wrestling with God.  Think Jesus and his disciples.  Think Jesus and the public that crucified Him.  Think Paul and his resistance.  Need I go on?
• So now you know you are not alone.  What does your Heavenly Father want you to do that you've let others or even yourself get in the way?
• On the flip side, who encourages you to do the right thing that honors your Heavenly Father and loves others?  Matt 22: 36-40.
• Luke 4:24 NLT
  But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.
• https://www.bible.com/bible/116/luk.4.24
• A special shout out to listener Aftyn.  A 20 something year old listener and encourager.  As I was wrestling with what I'm doing here, as if his timing was perfect, he chimes in on how much he loves the listens.  So much that he digs back on the older ones.  Thank you Lord for Aftyn and his timely encouragement.  
• Bonus, I ended up learning that Aftyn has a gift in music.  Stay tuned as I will encouraging him back.  Sharing his music and maybe even getting to interview him and sharing Aftyn with you.  You are going to want to meet this Young Man.  He is gifted.  
• Ending on a prayer note...

• 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.