|
Real Dudes,
In John 21:17 (NLT) Jesus has a conversation with Peter. We read that Jesus “asked him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, ‘Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Then feed my sheep.” The Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 1:12 (NLT) says, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him.” In John 21:17, Peter left feeling wanted by Christ. In 1 Timothy 1:12, the Apostle Paul also expressed how he knew he was wanted by Christ. I’m sure there are others from the Bible that we could use as an example, but I think you’re getting the point. There’s just something about feeling wanted. We all want to experience that feeling. Let me ask you this, have you ever been somewhere you didn't feel wanted? I've been there...no good feelings about it. Some deep hurt. What about you...are you the type that makes others feel and know they're wanted by you? Or could you care less? In fact, maybe you’re beginning to enjoy going out of your way to make them feel as unwanted as possible. Let me encourage you with this…Jesus is a Wanter. You never have to question that. And personally knowing that He wants me feels amazing. Who in your life could you go out of your way to let them know that they’re wanted by you? More importantly, wanted by Christ. May we be wanters as He is a Wanter. Practicing His Presence, Nate
0 Comments
Real Dudes,
A couple of weeks ago I was able to preach a message that’s been on my heart for a while. I recently read through the Book of Jude and a phrase stood out to me. In verse 12 it describes the apostates as such, “These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots.” The phrase that stood out to me is “clouds without water.” It just made me think of our churches, communities, and homes. All around us we find people in desperate need of hope, but do they have anyone to bring it to them? On a personal level…do I have anything to bring to the table? People are seeking guidance and direction from me on a regular basis…what hope do I have to provide that they can leave with and hold on to? Men…people need the hope of God in their lives. Ask yourself, “What kind of cloud am I? A cloud without water…no hope? Or a cloud that’s not only full of water (hope) and ready to pour out, but is actually dumping hope on those you come in contact with? Are you cloudy with a chance of hope…or cloudy with 100% certainty of hope? Allow God to fill you with hope, so you can be ready to share it with all those who God allows you to cross paths with while here on this earth. Practicing His Presence, Nate Here’s the link to the message I preached…on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITjpfQt0wTs A good friend of mine, Rick Radcliffe, added the following thoughts... "I often think about the dark rain clouds that dump the rain that makes things grow. Then I think about when my life resembles the dark clouds. God allows trials and problems to enter our lives and just like the dark clouds, we too can use our experiences to benefit others. It is when the clouds are the darkest that they have the biggest impact. I will remember the cloud metaphor as I begin a new year of FCA in our schools with athletes and coaches." |
AuthorNate Smith is a husband, a father of 6 girls, grandpa to 3 granddaughters and one grandson, a police and fire chaplain, a pastor, and has a passion to see men grow in Christ. 
#girldad including granddaughter
Archives
February 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed
|
Let us know how we can pray for you.
|