FriDudes - Getting Real. Pursuing Truth.

• 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.  

• Yes!  You are in!  Does this world need more Hope or Hopelessness?  Yes, I do love that rhetorical question.  As for the FriDudes and others that meet everyday of the week, we are in the Hope and Encouragement business.  Part of Hope is getting the wisdom to draw from the ultimate source.  For you have all been betrayed by someone.  For People do Peopleish things...here you go...
• If you dig that opening hook, that is Marcus Rogers, Best Life, please buy/subscribe to his music...
• Thank you Pastor Ricky Jenkins for that play of the day.   For there is a church (Southwest Church) out in the oasis of the desert, the valley of Coachella, Indian Wells, California, where you can find more of his brilliant teaching.  For those interested, here is the YouTube link to hear more...
• https://youtu.be/Qnl4LHMFy8A?si=UV9F0tPoYElTHl70
•   Avid listener, you know I love to share Rom 3:23.  For many, such an odd verse for you.  I've had some flat out ask me, why, why do you keep saying Rom 3:23.  For it is Truth and it explains a lot.  It absolutely explains the play of the day you just heard.  It explains why someone cheated, betrayed, hurt, ________ you.  We are all flawed.  It doesn't excuse those hurts.  It simply explains why People do Peopleish things.  
• So if you put all your Hope in people (that even includes your pastor, parents, spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, politician, etc.).  You will get stung.  Not a matter of IF, it is a matter of When.  
• Give me enough time and I'll tick you off.  I may have already.  For I am flawed.  I've dug major holes with my ego, my pride.  Yet, I strive to shine a little beacon on my flaws and say my Hope goes beyond the flawed people on this earth (including myself).  My greatest moments have come when I love my Abba, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit guide first.  
• You may not be there yet.  Or you may believe yet how much do you really trust?  Are you a follower too?  If you are, you will learn to be content in all circumstances.  Not happy, content. Big difference.  Phil 4: 11-13.  Black belt vs. yellow belt Christianity.  We have believers.  Not enough disciples.  Definitely not enough Disciple Makers.  Check Mat 28: 19-20.  You love Jesus?  He tells you exactly what your mission should be while on this broken planet.  Are you doing that? 
• Quit expecting perfection for people.  For Expectations - Reality = Disillusionment.  That's why many of you are depressed and/or anxious.  
• You want Hope?  Invest in the Ultimate Power Source.  More Hope, more Love.  Matt 22:  36-40

• Jogging Jesus is back!  Versed listener, you know the blessing that is coming.  New listener, you are in for a treat.  Special thanks to Creative Love Church in Bloomington, MN for this one.  You are a blessing to Casey and he is a blessing to you.  I love God's design and plan.  What a gift to share!  If you find yourself in Bloomington, MN, check out and support this beacon.  
• Before we roll to Casey, here are some questions for you as you listen...
• Not sure on your purpose?  This message is some clarity for you.  A strong history reflection.  A reminder of life on this broken planet is not fair.
• Are you a black belt Christian or a yellow belt?  You are going to hear what I call a Black Belt Christian to help encourage you step your game up.
• Your mission field is out there...wherever you are...do you see it that way?  Case in point, make sure to hang out for gripping testimony at the end of this message.
• Are you beyond a Sunday box checker?
• Do people know your love for Jesus Christ?  Do you shine Matt 5:16 Light and Hope?
• "Your Busy" defines your Priority.
• This world is desperate.  So are you sharing Hope or Hopelessness?
• Stick around for that testimony at the end Wow!
• To follow Creative Love Church, check out the YouTube link in this episode's description page...  
• https://www.youtube.com/live/b1-eSC5kgtw?si=y24Iw5tr_tUnZYZL
• Oh and if you dig that opening hook, that's Marcus Rogers, Best Life, please support/buy/subscribe his music.

Yes!  You are in!  I got a funny for you.  I went legit LOL on this one.  Yes, Mother's Day is done, yet for some of you, you shouldn't be done...loving, here you go...

Once again a secular source to help me point to Biblical Truth.  The Half-Assed Morning Show making their debut.  What a life long accomplishment for them.  Yes, that is tongue in cheek.  And you can find more on that on at the show link in the description.  That episode is called 'Thunder Nugget' published on May 9th, 2025

Comedy aside, several angles on that one.

https://www.93x.com/shows/half-assed-morning-show/hams-podcast/

One, some of you do not have the best mom's.  I've learned that first hand dealing with all the dudes.  So for many of you, it is truly a challenge to love someone that wasn't/isn't so loving.  Picking out a card can be next to impossible for some of you.

Deeper take, if you call yourself a Christian, here's a verse for you, washing other's feet.  

John 13:14 NIV
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

And that means the not so lovable.  Easy to serve someone you love.  Jesus is crystal clear on loving the ones that need a doctor (mentally, spirtitually or physically).

Forgiveness?  You know I have to go there...for some of you are holding on to grudges for far too long, in particular what your parents did or didn't do...

Matthew 6:14 NLT
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.

Ephesians 6:3 (NLT)
If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

Matthew 15:6 (NLT)
In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents. And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition.

Ten Commandments

Simply shows you how important the family structure is for our Heavenly Father

Bigger picture, if you are married, you should love your wife everyday, not just on anniversary or Valentine's Day.  C'mon player, you can do better.  Have kids?  Go beyond the birthday.  Father's you go it.

Most important, good or bad parent, you have the ultimate parent.  Don't forget that.  Give you Abba praise first, every day, throughout the day.  Ask the ultimate for guidance first before any other.

Matt 22: 36-40

Thank you Dr. Bryan Loritts, another play of the day.  Thank you Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX, for hosting and sharing.  We both agree.  Bryan is an annointed speaker for a season such as this.  I strongly encourage you to listen to the rest of that message.  Simply click the YouTube link in the show description or search "Your God is Too Small" and Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. 

https://www.youtube.com/live/qg02n4VfoSM?si=Z7KAiIg7iMKBwyQK

That is such a mic drop that I'm a bit speechless.  Do you know a story like that?  If so, please let us know at FriDudes.com. 

On the flip side, I know people that filed for divorce for a lot, lot, less.  Heck, I've been upset with my wife of 30+ years for a lot, lot less.  As I've said countless times on this podcast, any relationship you care about, you don't have to be married to get this, any relationship you care about...will not last without grace.  Choosing to give grace, forgiveness.  Choosing to love.  

For those 'IN LOVE', falling in and out of love is for rookies.  Sooner or later, you are going to have to choose to love on certain days.  Most certainly, you are going to need to choose forgiveness and grace to keep going.

Back to you, that is your relationship with God.  You've cheated on God somewhere.  How do I know that?  Rom 3:23.  Yet we have this amazing gift in Rom 8:1.  Wouldn't we be the ultimate hypocrites is we didn't extend the same.  As stated before, doesn't mean you need to hug it out with that person that hurt you.  It does mean you hand over that hurt to God.  Quit carrying that hurt around like a tattoo on your face.  

As for that unbelievable dude in that Play of the Day.  Think about it.  His selflessness kept a family together.  It kept a marriage together.  Most important, it added a new member to the forever kingdom.  A truly amazing story that I am already relaying.  Maybe you too.  Spread what works.

Matt 22:  36-40

• Yes!  You are in.  A lot of hate out there.  How about you?  Do you love or hate more?  Christians, this play of the day will be a big challenge for some of you?  Here you go...
• Thank you Marcus Rogers for that opening hook, Best Life.  Please support, buy, subscribe his music.  I do via Apple.  
• Thank you Pastor Rick Warren for another/countless play of the day.  You can hear more of that listen at Daily Hope, pastorrick.com.  That one was published on the 1st of May 2025, entitled. "You've Got to get Connected, Part 2"
• Alright you.  Are you a lover or a hater?  If you are not a Christian, you are off the hook.  If you claim Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are obligated to love.  In fact, I loved the simplicity of that Play of the Day.  We are not allowed to hate people.  We may hate their actions/flaws.  Does everyone approve of everything you do or say?  Are you married?  You don't even need to be married to answer that question.  Of course not, you are flawed, Rom 3:23.  So are your most annoying people.  So do you pray for or curse them?  
• You don't have to take my words for it.  Nor even Pastor Rick's.  What about your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ's?
• “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt. 5:44)
• Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you; but if you refuse to forgive them, he will not forgive you.  Matt 6:14
• Doesn't mean you need to be besties with those that hurt you.  Not at all.  Trust must be earned...and some never will.  It does mean you let God do what he does best, justice.  On this broken planet or after.  You give that hurt to your Heavenly Father.  Say Abba, this is between you and that person that hurt me now.  I'm tired of carrying that hurt around like a ball and chain.  
• My brother-in-law Chad, whom I love very much, is an atheist.  He gets quite wrapped up in politics and likes to point out hypocrisy on just one side.  He does have valid points at times.  He shares something about how a book hasn't killed anybody but we will ban books and not guns.  After thought and prayer, I replied, if we all followed Jesus Christ's words in a book called the Bible, there would be no wars, no racism, no hate and no definitely no mass shootings.  Yet there are many that want to ban that very book (far left and far right depending on what sect).  So what does Love got to do with it?  EVERYTHING
• Matthew 22:36-40
  New International Version
  36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
  
  37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
  
  
  

Yes!  You are in!  HotRod is in the house!  You don't know HotRod?  Well you are in for a treat.  One of the most unique Christians I have ever met in my life.  And he has a new calling, here you go.

To support Rod and the FCA, check out...

Minnesota FCA hockey home team support page 

https://my.fca.org/?form=rodschwarze

Minnesota FCA hockey

https://www.minnesotafca.org/hockey 

• Normally I say Yes you are in.  This one is a tough lift.  This one is dedicated to you going through a really tough time and asking Why...here you go...
• Thank you Chris Brown, guest speaking at SW Church, Indian Wells CA.  You can find that one on YouTube.  A Heart of Surrender, published on April 6, 2025.  You can find the link in the show description if so desired.
• 1 Sam 4
• https://youtu.be/gHmHLCidCCA?si=XjdVK2pSh_2xGkYI
• Chris Brown, guest speaking at SW Church, Indian Wells CA
• You can find more of Chris Brown at North Coast Church in Carlsbad and multiple areas mainly in San Diego area, CA
• https://www.northcoastchurch.com/locations/
• Minute 9:20?, 1 Sam 4 reading, why?
• 12:49, why?
• 13:20 mic drop
• 23:30 reading and summary
• 25:20, have you ever wanted your money back?
• 26:00, it gets worse
• Minute, 27:00 yep, go!  Sunday School never taught this one
• As some of you are going into Easter weekend or if listening later.  This quote happened during that Holy Week... Father, why have you forsaken me?  Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34
• So if you asked Why.  The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ even asked why.  Chris Brown is correct.  They don't teach that enough in Sunday School or any day for that matter for kids or adults.  Sometimes life is simply really, really hard...and it doesn't get better fast.  Yet what I respect about the Word is it doesn't sugar coat.  We humans can sugar coat it.  That is a mistake.  God doesn't sugar coat.  Jesus Christ does not sugar coat it.  We are told there will be times to mourn Ecc 3:4.  We are told we will be mocked and hated, Matt 5:11.  That we will ALL get sick and die, Rom 6:23.  So why are we suprised?  I'm not saying you should like it.  Versed ones, why are we suprised?  Why are you expecting perfection?
• Here is where you can expect perfection, Rev 21:4.  When we get away from this broken, brutal planet, for those that 'choose' John 3:16 and Rom 8:1 and Rom 10: 9-10, we get...
• Revelation 21:4 NLT, Bible.com
  He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”