Real Dudes,
A few weeks ago I preached from Acts 11-12. The title of the message is The Evidence of His Present Hand. I hope and pray that GOD’S words are always an encouragement to each of you.
Practicing His Presence,
Nate

Messages on-line: 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLE5eUmQ8AA&t=3417s 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai1-wN1IeI0&t=3441s

Additional Thoughts Included after the Message: 

• The evidence and effect of the wind. 
  • John 3:8 (NIV) The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
  • We can’t see the wind, but we can see the evidences of it. We can’t see the Lord’s hand, but we can see the evidences of His hand at work in our lives. Don’t miss it…recognize its presence and Praise Him for it. 

Hymn: 
He Leadeth Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpYM6Et_hVY

Real Dudes,
​Have you ever had this happen?  A friend casually mentions, “Hey, I ran into someone you know the other day. They had really good things to say about you.”
It’s a small moment. Easy to brush past. But if we slow down, moments like that can be gentle signposts of God’s grace at work—often unseen, often unannounced.
Scripture
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”
— Proverbs 27:2 (KJV)
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
— Colossians 3:23 (ESV) (paraphrased)
Reflection
As men, we’re wired to measure results. Effort in, outcome out. Recognition often feels tied to performance—what we did, how well we did it, whether it “worked.”
But when someone speaks well of us without us being there, that’s different.

• We didn’t defend ourselves.
• We didn’t explain.
• We didn’t market our intentions.

And yet, good fruit showed up.
That is often a quiet confirmation of God’s grace shaping our lives over time—through countless unseen decisions:

• Choosing integrity when no one was watching
• Speaking with humility instead of ego
• Showing patience when impatience would’ve been easier
• Serving faithfully without needing credit

None of those moments felt monumental at the time. But God was forming something durable beneath the surface.
A Deeper Truth
When praise comes indirectly, it reminds us of a powerful reality:
Our reputation is not something we control—it’s something God grows.
Scripture never tells us to chase approval. Instead, it calls us to faithfulness. God, in His time, allows fruit to be seen when it will point back to Him—not inflate us.
If we’re honest, pride can sneak in quickly here:
“Maybe I’m doing better than I thought.”
But gratitude reframes the moment:
“Lord, thank You for carrying me when I didn’t even realize it.”
Every good word spoken about us is less about our greatness and more about His work in us.
Questions for Group Discussion

1. Have you ever learned that someone spoke well of you when you weren’t present? How did it make you feel?
2. Why do you think God sometimes lets encouragement come through others instead of directly to us?
3. How can gratitude guard our hearts from pride when affirmation comes?
4. What unseen habits do you want God to continue shaping in your life—even if no one ever notices?

Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the quiet ways You work in our lives.
Help us to recognize encouragement as a gift of grace, not a trophy of success.
Keep our hearts humble, our motives pure, and our eyes fixed on pleasing You alone.
May our lives speak well of You—even when we’re not in the room.
Amen.

Be Strong…

Real Dudes,
The Psalmist resolves the following in Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV) 

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.


Below are a couple songs – reminders of where to turn your eyes throughout each day. As you listen to them try to turn them into a prayer as you get your day started. Hope these help. 
Be Thou My Vision by Shane & Shane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgLHar8VWJI 
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Sovereign Grace Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2tKVqZZiI4 
Also, my wife introduced me to a daily devotional of scripture put to song by Shane & Shane. If you’re looking for a short devotional to help you get each day started, then this might be something you’d be interested in as you make your way to work. This is something they’ll send you a text each weekday as a reminder to tune in for the newest devotional. https://sing.theworshipinitiative.com/series/daily
Practicing His Presence,
Nate

​

Real Dudes,
Below is a link to a video one of my daughters shared with me recently. Can’t help but think that someone needs to hear this message and truth today. 
Enjoy, 
Nate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsOhXn5vNMo ​