​Looking for an opportunity means to be Watchful, Devoted, and Covetous.
 
For instance, let’s first consider one of the 12 Disciples whom Jesus handpicked…Judas.
Matthew 26:14-16 (NIV) 14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched [LOOKED] for an opportunity to hand him over.
Watchful --- meaning he was looking for the right moment to hand the Lord over. He wasn’t that customer who is “just looking.” He is prepared to pounce on the opportunity when the opportunity presents itself.
Devoted --- he was serious in his efforts to hand the Lord over to the chief priests. He was all in and there was nothing that was going to stop him.
Covetous --- he was excessively eager to obtain his money and selfish ambitions (a self-above-others approach). Was it worth it? Did he experience regret / “buyer’s remorse”?
 
Where did Judas learn this from?
1 John 2:16 (NIV) For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
John 8:44 (NIV) You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Sermon that I Preached at Grace Community Church in Grinnell on 7-31-22
Looking for an opportunity to _______________.
When I went to Southeastern Community College right out of High School I worked at a Tradehome Shoe Store in Burlington, IA. Some customers would come in and give the typical “I’m just looking,” but others were much more serious about purchasing a pair of shoes right at that moment. They’d show me on the wall or rack what they were interested in, and I was trained to bring them that pair and another pair I thought they’d be interested in…just in case they weren’t sold on the pair their heart was set on after they tried it on.
In today’s world…I’m sure you know what it’s like to intently watch for the best deals that come up for whatever it is you’re hoping to purchase. Some of you are just looking and adding items in your cart, but others of you are much more serious and ready to and or have already hit the button that’ll send all your favorite items directly to your house.
As someone who is serious and looking for an opportunity to make that next purchase do you find that it has consumed your time and mind? If you think you’ve forgotten about that item you’ve been looking up, then your computer will be sure to remind you. It’s amazing how your computer recalls what you’ve looked up recently…and now ads for that item continue popping up on your screen without you asking for them. These ads are there to remind you that you really really really “need” this item. Can you not wait for the next opportunity to look to see if someone outbid you? Or if the item is all sold out now? Or if the item is in route to your doorstep? Or maybe, just maybe you go ahead and make the purchase just so you’ll stop thinking about it…only to regret the purchase later on?
Another thing to keep in mind is that we all have differing emotional experiences and attachments to certain items, and some of us are more decisive than others when it comes to knowing what to purchase and when to do so.
These are all reasons as to why I left a blank in today’s title of the message…“Looking for the opportunity to _________________.”
 
What does that phrase mean?
Looking for an opportunity means to be Watchful, Devoted, and Covetous. 
​
In the next blog I'll explain what this looked like in Judas' life. 

Real Dudes,
A while ago my son-in-law (Nate Stupka) drew my attention to the following messages. Pastor Mike Augsburger at Soteria Des Moines preached a sermon series in January 2022 entitled The Simplicity of God’s Will. Below are the links to those two messages. If you or someone you know is struggling with knowing the meaning of life, or your purpose in life, or what God’s will is for your life, then these messages will greatly benefit your growth in the Lord. I’ll not send out any devos next week in order to give y’all time to digest Pastor Augsurger’s teaching to us.
Enjoy!
Nate
The Simplicity of God's Will: Part 1
The Simplicity of God's Will: Part 2
​

Real Dudes,
Each of us has the freedom / ability to form and own our own opinions, but the fact / absolute truth is that each of us will pay for each decision we make.

Revelation 20:11 (NLT) And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT) For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

John 14:6 (NLT) Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

Philippians 2:10 (NASB) so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Will you choose to follow The Truth today?

Song: I Have Decided by Elevation Worship
​Nate

​Real Dudes, 
We had a very nice time together this past Saturday along with a fantastic turnout. We had 30 in attendance…including five new visitors. During out time together, Skip let us know that he’ll be reopening the Ox Strong store. Those who have never purchased anything from Ox Strong will be able to receive their first $50 of merchandise for free. If you’ve received free apparel in the past, then you’re welcome to order from the store as well…it’ll just need to come out of your own pocket. Please know that we’re not in this for the branding of our ministry, but we have received several questions and or compliments about our apparel and ministry due to others seeing some of you wearing this apparel in public and wondering what Ox Strong is. Makes for a great conversation piece and witnessing opportunity. More to come about the store and when it’ll actually be open. One more thing concerning Skip…he will be our guest speaker next month. He’ll be speaking on Leadership…you won’t want to miss it, so try to get it on your calendars asap.


On Saturday it was wonderful to get to hear brother Doug Cupples’ testimony. Though I hadn’t known Doug prior to this past Saturday, I came to find out that he and I have some connections in life that we share in common…including some of my family members.
Below is a brief summary of Doug Cupples’ testimony that he shared with us on Saturday. Here’s the link to the video if you have time to watch it…it’ll be worth your time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjxPPwQ9Ebc&t=83s. I’ll not be sending anymore devos out this week or next, so hopefully that’ll provide enough time for each of you to dive into the following notes and Doug’s video. Enjoy!
 
Doug Cupples’ Testimony:
He shared with us how he wears many hats…he’s a Politician, Car Salesman, and a Pastor. He explained how many people have invested in him throughout his life. They mentored him and gave him an example to follow after. God’s word continued to work on his heart at a young age, and at the age of 15 he accepted Christ as His Lord and Savior. During his time in high school he continued to have mentors and in addition to that, he was able to participate in some missions trips. At the age of 17 he gave his first sermon…he preached on perseverance. These experiences shaped him into the follower of Christ that he is today.  
After high school he attended Crown College in Minnesota. He saw God work in his life through providing the ability to play the sport of football, and through providing the finances to be able to remain in college. During his time there he was informed that he didn’t have the funds to remain at Crown. Shortly after receiving that disappointing news, he was approached by someone in the financial office who relayed to him that someone anonymously paid his college bill. At one of his chapel gatherings at Crown someone asked him what his favorite bible verse was. He didn’t have one, so he quickly opened his bible and randomly picked a verse. He read out loud to everyone Isaiah 6:8 (NLT), which reads, “Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’” What a verse to pick out. It perfectly describes his willing heart to go and do whatever the Lord is calling him to.
Once he graduated from Crown he then entered into ministry. He worked with Jr. Highers. During his time doing so he had a lady in his Church approach him and tell him that she’s been praying for him ever since he was a very young child…the power of the prayer warriors that God provides for us in our lives, even when we have no idea that anyone is praying for us. He did some youth pastoring in Montezuma for a while, and then started a Skateboarding Ministry in Newton. He averaged 18-25 skaters and was able to baptize 15 of them during that time. He loves nothing more than to share God’s words and truths with others.
Doug reminded us of what is penned in Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God prepares all good things in advance. Therefore, lean into Him. Remember, no one is here by accident. Establish a relationship with the Lord and long to tell your unique story. Never allow anyone to determine your relationship with the Lord. Never assume someone doesn’t want to hear about the Lord. Let that individual determine that for him/herself.
Second Corinthians 5:15 states that, “He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” Are you allowing others to see Christ in you? Live in such a way that reflects how you’re a new creation…the old is gone. We read in Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) that, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
Doug’s prayer for us is that we’ll be comfortable and bold enough to share our faith story with others, and to be willing to accept what comes with it. Whether that be persecution from others and or God continuing to use you in places / situations that you never imagined.
Here am I, Send ME!!!
Listen, if you ever need someone to talk with or do a Bible Study with, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Skip, and or your pastor. We are each interruptible individuals who would love to assist you in your walk with the Lord in any way that we can.
Praying for all y’all!
Nate