Hank's Porch

Hank's Porch A podcast where we will talk bible and shoot the breeze.

I am a Christian, I’m a husband of 45 years, I’m a father of three sons, I’m a papaw to six grandsons, and great grandpaw , I’ve pastored for 15 years, I served in the military for 28 years, .

06/08/2026

Carrying the Right Stuff?

Strength is meant to be used for service, as emphasized in Romans 15:1-2. Carrying burdens is an inherent part of being a husband, father, friend, or man. It’s hardwired into our design and built into our very being. We carry both literal and figurative burdens throughout our lives. Finding purpose and meaning in carrying burdens is a natural part of our existence.

However, there’s a problem that arises when we carry the wrong burdens. It’s easy to do so, often for selfish and self-serving reasons. Sometimes, we carry burdens for others to gain credit from those who originally gave them to us, such as bosses, co-workers, or acquaintances of strategic value. Sometimes, we carry burdens simply because we can’t say “no” or because we don’t trust that others will do the same. But make no mistake, none of these reasons are valid for picking up and carrying a burden.

God designed us to lend strength to those in need. It’s one way we fulfill the second of the two great commandments: to love others at least as much as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Therefore, we must carry burdens for others, but we must also bear the right burdens and for the right reasons. We shouldn’t let burdens that we’re not meant to carry weigh us down, exhaust our strength, and leave the burdens we’re meant to carry unborne.

So, what can we do?

Take a moment today to look around you and identify real, practical needs. Consider which of these needs align with your talents, gifts, and passions. Which ones resonate with your heart and make it rise? Which ones cause your heart to fall? Let these intersections guide you. Then, take action and lighten someone else’s load.

06/08/2026

Good. How?

And he will fulfill your deepest desires—Psalm 37:4

When the Apostle Paul wrote the word “good” in the passage below, what did he mean?

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God had already prepared beforehand, so that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

He certainly meant that the works—the things we are to do, the ways we are to serve—are inherently good. And, of course, he meant that these works are beneficial to others, to those people we are meant to serve. However, could it be that he also meant that the things we are to do, the ways we are to serve, are good for us as well?

Of course, they are. That’s precisely what Jesus was getting at when he said, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Or, as Eugene Peterson translates it, “You’re far happier giving than getting” ! It’s been nearly two thousand years, and that notion is still considered counterculture. But the truth is, giving, serving, noticing, caring, loving, offering our strength to others, and living for others actually brings purpose, fulfillment, and joy to our lives. It’s how we men truly come alive and achieve what we’ve always dreamed of. It’s one important reason why King David sang,

“Delight yourself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

So, what do we do?

It’s simple. The only way to determine whether Jesus was right on this or not is to test it—personally. Someone needs you today. Someone needs you, right now. Look around. Who is it? Reach out and help them. Go ahead and help them, and then, examine the state of your heart after you do.

06/01/2026

Too Good to Miss

When fear strikes, I find solace in your unwavering trust—Psalm 56:3

Most men grapple not with the inherent call to adventure, but rather with defining what constitutes it. We tend to impose our own definitions, distinguishing between what we consider adventure and what we don’t.

The word “adventure” often conjures images of conquering mountains, skydiving, or embarking on backpacking expeditions. These are undoubtedly adventures, but what about when God calls us to confess our vulnerabilities to our Christian brothers (James 5:16)? What about when God urges us to risk our friendships by engaging in difficult conversations (Ephesians 4:15)? What about when God challenges us to take risks with our careers or finances (Matthew 19:21)? What about when God simply calls us to serve others in ways that make us uncomfortable (Matthew 25:40)? Are these not equally worthy of the title “adventure”? Of course not. In fact, aren’t these the very adventures for which God designed us? They align far more closely with Scripture than activities like skydiving.

The issue lies in our tendency to misinterpret God’s adventures as unwelcome interruptions, unpleasant obstacles, or unnecessary risks to the safe lives we’ve meticulously crafted for ourselves and our families. Instead of viewing them as the mythical experiences they truly are, we miss out on the profound moments, the incredible stories, and the divine revelations that God so desires to share with us—the very dreams he had long ago (Ephesians 1:3-6, 2:10).

So, how do we change this perspective?

Begin to reorient. When faced with interruptions, hindrances, or opportunities for risk, take a moment to reflect and ask yourself: “Are these intentional placements in my life by a loving Father God?”

05/25/2026

Ready to embark on this journey? Let’s go!

For I am prepared, even to face death in Jerusalem for the sake of the Lord Jesus—Acts 21:13

When we follow him, God will—eventually—ask us to do something we may not want to do, to go somewhere we may not want to go. This “ask” may come through a gentle nudge, a thought during prayer, a prompt while reading Scripture, or the encouraging or challenging words of a friend. Regardless of how it arrives, it will come.

After visiting Ephesus and Macedonia, the Apostle Paul received an “ask” from God the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21). However, the Spirit warned him that if he went there, he would be arrested. Paul’s friends pleaded with him not to go. Paul responded with unwavering confidence, saying, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13).

To become the men we were created to be and the men the world needs us to be, we must act with the same boldness and confidence. Paul’s boldness and confidence stemmed from his trust in two things: God’s control and God’s goodness. We must trust these too. For they allow us, like Paul, to trust one more thing: our affirmative responses to God’s “asks” are ultimately beneficial to us, to others, and to God’s Kingdom. These “asks” will likely become the most proud moments of our lives. Indeed, they lead us into the very adventures for which we were created.

So, what are we to do?

What do you feel God might be asking of you right now? Is there anything you just know he’s quietly prompting you to do? If so, resolve to trust him. And today, take a practical and measurable step—bold and confident—toward that thing.

05/21/2026

Got Risk . . . Discomfort?

For a day spent in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere—Psalm 84:10

Years of luxury and comfort can’t compare to a single day spent with God—in His presence, experiencing His love, living His truth, and doing His work. Astonishingly, God doesn’t offer us just single days, mere glimpses, or fleeting encounters. He offers Himself “more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20-21). He offers all of Himself, all the time—as much as we desire, as much as we choose.

One proven method of choosing Him is to strip away worldly comfort, predictability, and self-sufficiency. Intentionally move into situations we can’t handle on our own. Jesus sent His disciples into such situations: “I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves” (Luke 10:3). He instructed them to travel light and resist taking anything that could provide comfort, predictability, or self-sufficiency—money, extra clothing, or unnecessary items (Luke 10:4). They had to rely on Him. And they returned full of joy (Luke 10:17). Because they had been willing to move, in faith, into risk and discomfort, they were able to spend precious days with God. Jesus told them:

“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Luke 10:23-24).

Okay, so what do we do?

Ask yourself, what am I doing right now that requires faith? We get used to choosing risk and discomfort by practicing. So, look for ways to practice, my friend. Look today for what moves your heart. Reach out to someone who needs help. Spend time with someone who needs a friend. Commit to a service project. Sign up for a short-term mission trip. If you do, you’ll have great stories to tell.

05/18/2026

Don’t forget to invite the Helper.

As Jesus’ time on earth drew to a close, he spoke to his disciples, saying, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” (John 14:16-17). This Helper, whom Jesus referred to as “the Helper,” would teach them all things and bring to their remembrance all that Jesus had said to them. (John 14:26) He would guide them into all the truth. (John 16:13)

Jesus was comforting his disciples, assuring them that they would not be abandoned even though he was leaving. He told them that there would be someone coming who would be with them all the time and forever—a constant companion. This person would occupy a place deep within their inner machinery, dwelling with them and being in them. (John 14:17) This “someone” is, of course, God the Holy Spirit, and he was not just for the disciples. He is for us too. He is our constant companion, abiding with us and occupying a place deep within our inner machinery.

So, what should we do?

When we gather in Christian brotherhood, we mustn’t forget to invite the input and influence of our Helper, our Teacher, and our Guide. We don’t need to actively invite him; he will be there already. However, we must ask for his input and influence. We need to invite his goodness and light, especially into the dark places we would prefer to keep hidden. While we may not want help in those places, we must ask nonetheless. It is in those places that we most need it, and it is where the Spirit most wants to work. As reluctant as we may be, it is certainly easier to trust and ask for help together, with brothers standing by us, doing the same.

05/16/2026

Here is the doctrine of assurance made beautiful: Christ took our place so that we could stand in His. This is the glorious truth of substitution — the sinless One condemned for sinners, that guilty men might be declared righteous before a holy God.

Jesus stood before the Father as though He had lived our sinful lives, bearing our shame, judgment, and wrath upon the cross. And now, by faith in Him, we stand before God clothed in the righteousness of Christ, accepted, justified, and redeemed. Salvation is not built upon our worthiness, but upon His finished work.

So when the enemy drags your past before your eyes, answer him with the cross. Remind him that your sins were nailed to Calvary, your debt was fully paid, and your condemnation was swallowed up in Christ’s victory. The believer does not stand before God trembling in uncertainty, but resting confidently in the perfect substitution of Jesus Christ.

Your past may testify against you, but Christ’s blood speaks a better word.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

05/14/2026

Mistakes in Gathering

If anyone thinks they are something when they are nothing, they deceive themselves—Galatians 6:3

When we men finally accept that we’re designed for community with other men, we often start with the wrong criteria for choosing which men to connect with. We tend to plot and single out guys who are cool, rich, connected, well-educated, or who would be beneficial to know from a work perspective. If we don’t fall into these traps, we choose guys who are just a lot like us. Subconsciously, we think, “If I have to devote myself to a few other men, I’m going to make sure they have some strategic value to me—worldly value, to my career, or to my social standing—or, at the very least, they won’t challenge me or make me uncomfortable.”

Such plotting is a mistake. It’s driven by pride—that we somehow know better than God how these communities should come together. Instead, we must follow the blueprint given us by our King, Jesus Christ. He never once used this “strategic value” analysis. Throughout the Gospel, he spent time with people whom God the Father wanted him to—people with whom it made no sense to spend time, from a worldly perspective. Adopting this blueprint, the Apostle Paul wrote: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight” (Romans 12:16).

So, what do we do?

Pray that God brings the right men into our lives. Allow Him to connect us with men who are willing to commit, surrender, be transparent, and are desperate for Him. Be warned, though, the group that comes together will probably not look anything like what you expect—and that’s good. Groups we create ourselves, based on worldly criteria, aren’t worth our time. Groups that God creates for us are worth everything.

05/13/2026

No, if you accept Christ as your savior you won’t see bright lights or a shooting star but you will know inner peace that passes understanding and have blessed assurance. -

05/11/2026

We’re here, now what?

Living the full lives promised to us by our King, Jesus Christ, requires us to be in regular, authentic community with other men. The Church, as God intends it, can never be the Church without men connected in that kind of brotherhood. While there are many ways the Church is supposed to work, through men in community is a primary one.

So, what do we do?

The Apostle Paul provided us with a framework. He emphasized the importance of being devoted to one another (Romans 12:10). In our busy lives, we must prioritize a few other men, setting them above and ahead of other things, not God, of course, but perhaps not our families, but really, most everything else (Philippians 2:3-4).

Paul also highlighted the need for honesty and transparency (Ephesians 4:25; 2 Corinthians 12:9) and accountability (Galatians 6:1-2). Community thrives on these principles. We must not presume we know how to “fix” each other; instead, we should trust God the Holy Spirit to do all the work that needs to be done (Romans 12:3). Without realizing it, we can cause spiritual and relational damage when we offer fix-it advice to men who have been vulnerable in sharing their struggles. It’s much better to listen, ask open, non-judgmental questions, and pray—something else that Paul emphasizes we must do together (Romans 12:12).

Paul also encouraged us to encourage one another to live boldly and confidently in our faith, keeping each other “fueled and aflame”. We must support one another so that no man burns out. Additionally, we must stand with one another, helping each other through hardship, so that no man falls away from God in difficult times (Romans 12:12; Galatians 6:2).

*Note: The word “Church” here does not refer to any building or denomination but rather to all the people gathered together by God the Holy Spirit to follow Jesus Christ.

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Hanksteve55@gmail. Com
Okmulgee, OK
74447

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