Wed, 07 Oct 2026 18:22:03 -0500WeeblyWed, 07 Oct 2026 18:00:56 GMThttps://www.oxstrongmen.org/blog/jesus-never-said-im-sorry-by-skip-loweSo what’s been on my mind?
Men,
I came across a thought recently that stopped me in my tracks:
Jesus never said, "I'm sorry."
Not because He lacked humility, compassion, or self-awareness. In fact, no man has ever been more humble than Jesus. He served others, washed feet, forgave sinners, and ultimately gave His life for us. The reason Jesus never had to apologize is simple: He lived in perfect obedience to the Father and never sinned.
While none of us will ever achieve that level of perfection, there is an important lesson for us as men.
Many of the regrets, guilt, and apologies in our lives are the result of decisions made long before the moment we need to say, "I'm sorry."
We apologize for losing our temper, speaking harshly to our wives, neglecting our children, compromising our values, or making selfish decisions. Often, those moments are the fruit of small compromises that happened days, weeks, or months earlier.
A faith-driven life helps us avoid many of those situations.
When we:

• Seek God before making decisions
• Stay rooted in Scripture
• Listen to the Holy Spirit
• Choose integrity when no one is watching
• Humble ourselves before pride takes over
• Show up to church
• Show up to OxStrong 

We often avoid the very mistakes that create regret in the first place.
One practical truth I've learned is this:
Five minutes of prayer can save years of regret.
Following Jesus doesn't make us perfect, but it does make us more intentional. The closer we walk with Him, the less guilt we carry, the fewer relationships we damage, and the more peace we experience.
Of course, when we do fail, we should be quick to admit it, repent, and ask forgiveness. Strong men aren't those who never say they're sorry. Strong men are those who say it quickly when needed and work hard to avoid having to say it unnecessarily.
This week, consider this question:
What decision, habit, or area of your life would look different if you approached it with the goal of honoring Christ before having to ask for forgiveness later?
"Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did."
1 John 2:6
Closing Prayer
Father, help us become men of integrity who seek You before making decisions. Give us wisdom to avoid unnecessary regret, courage to obey You, and humility to repent quickly when we fail. May our lives increasingly reflect the character of Christ in our homes, workplaces, and relationships. Amen.
Be Strong!
BE OXSTRONG
Be blessed and see you Saturday!
Skip
]]>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:10:52 GMThttps://www.oxstrongmen.org/blog/friends-are-friends-foreverReal Dudes,
In 1992 Michael W. Smith came out with the song “Friends.” How many of you remember it? 
Due to God’s leading in my life, I have left behind some solid friendships in the previous communities I’ve lived in these past four years. Both times it was such a struggle to leave what and who I knew, to then start again from ground zero in developing new and additional friendships. Having invested in their lives and them in mine is something I miss and will cherish forever.
I was recently sharing this struggle with a wise and good friend of mine from the community I just left. What he shared with me was so impactful, that I wanted to share it with each of you as well. My good friend stated to me that “Your love for people in your new community is coming – give your everything to the people in your area and they will see your love for them and reciprocate that love to you. As that develops, and you become more familiar and more comfortable there, those new friends and relationships will ECLIPSE, NOT REPLACE, but ECLIPSE your previous ones. You’ve been given such a brilliant light that it’s impossible for it not to be seen far and wide. Keep on keeping on, let your light shine and things will change sooner than you think…be encouraged.” 
Men…is that something you needed to be reminded of today as well? Have you left good friends behind in other communities, or have you had good friends leave your community? I just wanted to be an encouragement to you this morning as my friend was to me…those friendships will eclipse – they can overlap, but that doesn’t mean your previous friendships have to feel replaced or forgotten. Embrace the new and stay connected with the previously established ones. 
If you’ve moved recently or had a friend that moved recently, then let me encourage you to reach out to them and let them know that you haven’t forgotten them. Reminisce about the good times you shared with each other and let them know you’re cheering them on. 
As Michael W. Smith’s lyrics reminds us “But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone.” Remind them that they're as close as always. Trust me…reaching out and reassuring them of a continued friendship will make a difference in their lives and in yours – as much as my friends' words made in my life.  
Practicing His Presence,
Nate

Friends who are still alive: 

• Philippians 1:3 (NLT) Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
• Philippians 1:8 (NLT) God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
• 2 John 1:12 (NLT) I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.
• 3 John 1:14 (NLT) For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face.

Friends who are in heaven with Jesus: 

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NLT) 13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.

Song: Friends by Michael W. Smith 

Video w/ Lyrics: https://www.google.com/search?q=song+friends+are+friends+forever&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&udm=50&aep=48&cud=0&qsubts=1791211616762&source=chrome.crn.obic&mstk=AUtExfCCSYrG1427v5BpQ_l_UPvAgQcYIKXmgBZ-WYD1kJpZ1SVy0mO8haVZElvHzYoEkdlZ5-nVMpTA63TlXzv8ZK422ZxkmqraQDmMw-rUIabGhmoK8SBwPnGhpQqVK9WCCPRQ5XxZtv_4LLiLCzXyUvG5tM-LusCzc1gA00vET5pWuGco7k0kMd997TMAGTxv4r6AumB8GFRBHTgCBmbQys3NDtYIxDt-b0rZUohQ4R0pEiFYiG5FL3a-d8fBdeJeof3GJ4wDJiFBxQf9PkWk7ht885f1j19uTf7HYN4yjYvthwy1DxlVIMJ40eOOwgPUYIjwd2P-164_Hw&csuir=1#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:867e07cc-59a4-45c5-9451-edd59d7e2b65_0c6b4ae4,vid:SAeD2UEYaAk,st:79 

Lyrics Only: 
[Verse 1]
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
I can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter of your life is through

[Pre-Chorus]
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

[Chorus]
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

[Verse 2]
And with the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you live in
Is the strength that now you show

[Pre-Chorus]
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone (It won't seem you've gone)
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Yeah, yeah

[Chorus]
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them (The lord-)
And a friend will not say never (It will never say-)
'Cause the welcome will not end (Ooh)
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
To live as friends
[Outro]
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
No a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
https://genius.com/Michael-w-smith-friends-lyrics

​]]>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:35:19 GMThttps://www.oxstrongmen.org/blog/share-with-god-and-others-what-youre-thankful-forReal Dudes,
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God…”
My challenge to each of us is to spend some time with the Lord, sharing with Him some of the things you’re thankful for. He longs to hear that from each of those He created. Maybe before going to Him in prayer, take some time to listen to the song I provided for you below…hopefully that’ll help trigger something in your hearts and minds to express thanks to God for. This devotional is a little shorter because I do want you to take the time to listen to the song So Much to be Thankful For. Enjoy!!!
Practicing His Presence,  
Pastor Nate

Verse: 

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Songs: 

• So Much to be Thankful For by Life.Church Worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GWCaR4p-HI

]]>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:22:31 GMThttps://www.oxstrongmen.org/blog/inviting-and-allowing-god-to-answer-prayerReal Dudes, 
When I pray I’m aware of some important truths…
First, that there’s nothing God can’t do.
Secondly, that He’s more than able to do a work in someone’s life even when I least expect it.
Lastly, that God can bring things about in each person's life even if they didn’t request it from Him. He is a gracious and sovereign God/Judge.
Below are a few examples of how to maybe better word our requests to the Lord. Why is this important? Because, our prayers reveal who we believe God to be and what we believe He’s capable of. Therefore,
When I pray for myself…I’m praying for the Lord to help me with whatever I am in need of. Here’s how those prayers typically begin, “God, please help me ______.” By wording it in such a way I am allowing and inviting Him in to assist me. Revealing to Him that I need Him and am dependent upon Him for all things. He longs to hear that from His children.
When I am praying for others…Sometimes I find myself saying “Lord, please do a work in someone’s life.” The thing is, He wants to, but the issue is this – does that person I’m praying for want Him to. So, my prayers switch from those words to, “God, I pray that the one I care about will allow You to do a work in his or her life. Please find a way to turn their hearts towards Yourself. Please bring someone across their path who they’ll allow to speak into them. And if that person is me, then please give me the perfect way to say things, and the perfect timing as to when to say them.” So what I’m praying for is that the one, or one’s, I’m praying for will ALLOW Him to do His work in and through them.
For instance, if I think someone I care about is unsaved, then I pray something like this, “God, I know you’re not willing that any should perish and that You’re capable of saving them in an instant, my prayer is that they will allow and invite You into their lives, Lord. Find a way to soften their hearts and for them to come to the realization that they need You in their lives.” I could pray that God do His work in them – what is true is that God is willing to do His work in anyone, but the one I’m praying for needs to allow Him to do it…He allows us to have a free will. Listen…
He wants to save people from their sins, they need to allow Him in.
He wants to do great things through His people, but they need to get out of the way and allow Him to do it through them.
People can’t change their bad habits on their own, they will return to them time and time again, but by allowing God to help them kick the habits -  then it does become possible.
By coming to God in prayer and sharing your requests with Him is the invitation of allowing Him to do His work in and through you or anyone else.
What is it that you’d like to ask of the Lord today?
What part of your life do you need to give Him permission to come in and heal, restore, provide for, repair, etc.?
What are you praying that others will allow God to do in and through their heart as well? And then ask Him how you might help be a part of the solution.
Cheering each of you on!
Nate

Song: Prayer for a Friend by Casting Crowns

https://www.google.com/search?q=song+casting+crowns+lord+i+lift+my+friend+to+you&oq=song+casting+crowns+lord+i+lift+my+friend+to+you&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRirAjIHCAYQIRifBTIHCAcQIRiPAtIBCTEwMzM0ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:89b48787,vid:MnLPs8450L0,st:0 

Mark 9:23-25 (NLT) 23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” 24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. “Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak,” he said. “I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!”


A Few Examples of Prayers in the Psalms:
Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)
4 Show me the right path, O Lord;
    point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God who saves me.
    All day long I put my hope in you.

Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

]]>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:09:30 GMThttps://www.oxstrongmen.org/blog/have-you-been-carrying-a-burden-for-too-long-on-your-ownReal Dudes,
Cody Carnes sings the song titled Run to the Father. I got to thinking about the first line in the first verse of that song. Cody writes, “I've carried a burden for too long on my own.” Gentlemen, can you relate with those lyrics? Have you been carrying a burden that the Lord never intended for you to carry? What is it that you can do with that burden once and for all? The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 55:22a (NLT) to “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you.” 
Some action steps might be for you to spend some time with the Lord in prayer and have this conversation with Him.
It might mean getting into community with one or more close friends and sharing with them your struggles (God can speak through godly wisdom/men).
And lastly, always know that you can reach out to me anytime. Here for you. 
Practicing His Presence,
Nate


Song: Run to the Father by Cody Carnes 
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyCLC67GC9U
Lyrics
Verse 1
I've carried a burden for too long on my own
I wasn't created to bear it alone
I hear Your invitation to let it all go
I see it now I'm laying it down
And I know that I need You


Chorus
I run to the Father
I fall into grace
I'm done with the hiding
No reason to wait
My heart needs (found) a surgeon
My soul needs (found) a friend
So I'll run to the Father
Again and again
And again and again https://wordtoworship.com/song/115974

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