FriDudes - Getting Real. Pursuing Truth.

• 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.

• 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