Monday, April 12, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Got Milk?, Friday, March 26, 2010
Reading: Hebrews 5:11-14, 11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Have you heard of Pastor Timothy?... how about Pastor James… Pastor Peter, maybe? What allurement do we see in the title, “pastor”? Sometimes we forget that God used fishermen… plain ordinary fishermen to do incredible works for Himself. There is not a single apostle or disciple in the New Testament that we can find bore the name “pastor” yet we look at those same men as great men of God. Often, we don’t expect more out of ourselves as a Christian and become accustomed to just drinking the milk, because, “Well, I’m not a pastor.” The apostle Peter never went and got his theology degree or doctorate from one of the leading universities of that day. He all should be constantly growing and maturing in our relationship and knowledge of God. Notice, in verse 14, it doesn’t say, “solid food is for the [pastors], who…” and, also notice that it does not say, “who by [going to a theological seminary] have trained themselves.” Men, it was by the constant use of the Word of God that trained them to distinguish between good and evil. That’s you! You have that ability. If you “got milk”, do your best to grow and mature out of it.
How long have you been a Christian?
How much of the Word of God do you know?
Does your knowledge of the Word of God match the length of time that you’ve been a Christian?
What will you do today to grow in the Lord?
REVIEW
How were you able to grow in the Lord today?
How did this impact your view of your maturity in Christ?
Men, it is understood that maturing in Christ cannot happen in just a day. This is to serve as a direction, a mindset, a pursuit.
Have you heard of Pastor Timothy?... how about Pastor James… Pastor Peter, maybe? What allurement do we see in the title, “pastor”? Sometimes we forget that God used fishermen… plain ordinary fishermen to do incredible works for Himself. There is not a single apostle or disciple in the New Testament that we can find bore the name “pastor” yet we look at those same men as great men of God. Often, we don’t expect more out of ourselves as a Christian and become accustomed to just drinking the milk, because, “Well, I’m not a pastor.” The apostle Peter never went and got his theology degree or doctorate from one of the leading universities of that day. He all should be constantly growing and maturing in our relationship and knowledge of God. Notice, in verse 14, it doesn’t say, “solid food is for the [pastors], who…” and, also notice that it does not say, “who by [going to a theological seminary] have trained themselves.” Men, it was by the constant use of the Word of God that trained them to distinguish between good and evil. That’s you! You have that ability. If you “got milk”, do your best to grow and mature out of it.
How long have you been a Christian?
How much of the Word of God do you know?
Does your knowledge of the Word of God match the length of time that you’ve been a Christian?
What will you do today to grow in the Lord?
REVIEW
How were you able to grow in the Lord today?
How did this impact your view of your maturity in Christ?
Men, it is understood that maturing in Christ cannot happen in just a day. This is to serve as a direction, a mindset, a pursuit.
Where's the Little Boy, Thursday, March 25, 2010
Reading: Matthew 18:2-5, 2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.
In just a minute, I’m going to ask you to set down the book and reminisce about your childhood. Remember back when you were a little boy? Do you remember the innocence? Do you remember the simple faith and trust? For me, I remember when I was a little boy and one day I had a softball game. I was so excited! It was my first year playing on a team, instead of in my back yard. I woke up in the morning and jumped out of bed with hopes that the day would fly by so it could be time to go to the game. I looked out the window, though, and was very sad to see that it was raining. The morning dragged on as it continued to rain. As it turned into the afternoon, I still remember kneeling by my bed and asking God to make the rain stop so I could play in the game. I kid you not, as soon as I got up and look out the window, the clouds parted and the sun came out. We were able to play the game in the sunshine that evening. My faith in God just skyrocketed as a kid. I smile when I think about that… but, then, my smile turns to sadness. I’m sure God has asked that same question just as I now wonder, “Where’s that little boy?” At what point did someone hurt our feelings, or disappoint us, or do something else that over time we lost that simple trust, that simple faith, that simple joy, that simple desire to please? I look at some of our kids and see their sweet innocence and wonder, will it change or when will it change?
Take some time and think through what you were like as a little boy and write down some characteristics:
Challenge: Review the list that you wrote down and evaluate how you can demonstrate those same qualities with God today and, then, do it.
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate the innocent trust and desire to please with God today?
How did this impact your relationship with God today?
In just a minute, I’m going to ask you to set down the book and reminisce about your childhood. Remember back when you were a little boy? Do you remember the innocence? Do you remember the simple faith and trust? For me, I remember when I was a little boy and one day I had a softball game. I was so excited! It was my first year playing on a team, instead of in my back yard. I woke up in the morning and jumped out of bed with hopes that the day would fly by so it could be time to go to the game. I looked out the window, though, and was very sad to see that it was raining. The morning dragged on as it continued to rain. As it turned into the afternoon, I still remember kneeling by my bed and asking God to make the rain stop so I could play in the game. I kid you not, as soon as I got up and look out the window, the clouds parted and the sun came out. We were able to play the game in the sunshine that evening. My faith in God just skyrocketed as a kid. I smile when I think about that… but, then, my smile turns to sadness. I’m sure God has asked that same question just as I now wonder, “Where’s that little boy?” At what point did someone hurt our feelings, or disappoint us, or do something else that over time we lost that simple trust, that simple faith, that simple joy, that simple desire to please? I look at some of our kids and see their sweet innocence and wonder, will it change or when will it change?
Take some time and think through what you were like as a little boy and write down some characteristics:
Challenge: Review the list that you wrote down and evaluate how you can demonstrate those same qualities with God today and, then, do it.
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate the innocent trust and desire to please with God today?
How did this impact your relationship with God today?
Choice Is Yours, Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Reading: Luke 23:39-43, 39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Both of the criminals had a choice but only one chose life. God allows us to make our own choices. He loves us that much. God gives us eternal choices and these choices have eternal consequences.
This reminds me of a story about Edwin Thomas and his brother John. Edwin was an actor in the 1800’s in New York. He performed Hamlet for 150 consecutive nights. His brother John was also an actor. There last name was Booth, Edwin Thomas Booth and John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. Ten years later at a New Jersey train station, Edwin miraculously saved a young man’s life who had lost his footing and fell between the platform and the train. The young man’s name was Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s son. They had the same father and mother; the same upbringing. Even the same profession, yet one chose life and the other chose death.
As the thief on the cross was about to die, he turned to Christ for forgiveness and Christ accepted him. It is never too late to turn to God. Never!
Take some time and consider your choices in life. Are you choosing life or are you choosing death?
If you are choosing life, how will you demonstrate that today and turn to Christ?
Challenge: Make sure that your actions today, match choosing life!
REVIEW
How did you choose life today and how did you demonstrate turning to Christ?
How did this impact your choices today?
Both of the criminals had a choice but only one chose life. God allows us to make our own choices. He loves us that much. God gives us eternal choices and these choices have eternal consequences.
This reminds me of a story about Edwin Thomas and his brother John. Edwin was an actor in the 1800’s in New York. He performed Hamlet for 150 consecutive nights. His brother John was also an actor. There last name was Booth, Edwin Thomas Booth and John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. Ten years later at a New Jersey train station, Edwin miraculously saved a young man’s life who had lost his footing and fell between the platform and the train. The young man’s name was Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s son. They had the same father and mother; the same upbringing. Even the same profession, yet one chose life and the other chose death.
As the thief on the cross was about to die, he turned to Christ for forgiveness and Christ accepted him. It is never too late to turn to God. Never!
Take some time and consider your choices in life. Are you choosing life or are you choosing death?
If you are choosing life, how will you demonstrate that today and turn to Christ?
Challenge: Make sure that your actions today, match choosing life!
REVIEW
How did you choose life today and how did you demonstrate turning to Christ?
How did this impact your choices today?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
She's the Enemy!, Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 6:24-28, 24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. 25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, 26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. 27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? 28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?
Why do we tend to read these verses and get a perception in our minds of a prostitute standing on the street corner? Men, we need to realize that it isn’t the woman that is trying to get you to fall; it is the devil knowing exactly how he can get to you. He will not dress the temptation up in something that is ugly and unappealing. He will make it as desirable as he possibly can. Get rid of the mental picture that the women talked about in these verses are dressed up prostitutes, rather, they are women that you see every day. They are the women in the online ads, they are the women in the annual swimsuit issue, they are the women in the Victoria Secrets commercials, she is your “friend” who is going through marital problems who you “want to be there for”. We could have the list go on and on, but, men, we know exactly who they are. We just do not want to view them as they really are. They are the enemy! They are the enemy of your purity, they are the enemy of your marriage, even as the verse says, they are the enemy of your very life. Many a man has fallen by the wayside with everything that they hold dear in life being destroyed because of some smooth talk, captivating beauty or lust that they thought was just in their mind and heart and didn’t think it would affect anything else, or even under the guise of “trying to be there” for a woman, which is not your place. Just as Solomon said, as I paraphrase, “Do you really think that you can do this, you can entertain the idea of this woman, and not have it cause destruction in your heart, your life and your home?” Did you really think that could happen? Men, let’s pull off the blinders and see the enemy for who they are. She is not your hot, dream girl. She is the enemy of your soul! Guard it!
In what ways are you struggling seeing the enemy for who she really is and what will you do today to put a stop to it?
REVIEW
How were you able to see the enemy for who she really is today and how did you put a stop to it?
How did this impact your view of who the real enemy is and how it can destroy your life?
Why do we tend to read these verses and get a perception in our minds of a prostitute standing on the street corner? Men, we need to realize that it isn’t the woman that is trying to get you to fall; it is the devil knowing exactly how he can get to you. He will not dress the temptation up in something that is ugly and unappealing. He will make it as desirable as he possibly can. Get rid of the mental picture that the women talked about in these verses are dressed up prostitutes, rather, they are women that you see every day. They are the women in the online ads, they are the women in the annual swimsuit issue, they are the women in the Victoria Secrets commercials, she is your “friend” who is going through marital problems who you “want to be there for”. We could have the list go on and on, but, men, we know exactly who they are. We just do not want to view them as they really are. They are the enemy! They are the enemy of your purity, they are the enemy of your marriage, even as the verse says, they are the enemy of your very life. Many a man has fallen by the wayside with everything that they hold dear in life being destroyed because of some smooth talk, captivating beauty or lust that they thought was just in their mind and heart and didn’t think it would affect anything else, or even under the guise of “trying to be there” for a woman, which is not your place. Just as Solomon said, as I paraphrase, “Do you really think that you can do this, you can entertain the idea of this woman, and not have it cause destruction in your heart, your life and your home?” Did you really think that could happen? Men, let’s pull off the blinders and see the enemy for who they are. She is not your hot, dream girl. She is the enemy of your soul! Guard it!
In what ways are you struggling seeing the enemy for who she really is and what will you do today to put a stop to it?
REVIEW
How were you able to see the enemy for who she really is today and how did you put a stop to it?
How did this impact your view of who the real enemy is and how it can destroy your life?
Monday, March 22, 2010
Boost Your Energy, Monday, March 22, 2010
Reading: Colossians 1:29, “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me”
Everywhere we look, someone is coming out with a new energy drink. There’s Red Bull, Rock Star, Xtreme Shock, and the list goes on. I could not believe it when I actually counted the number of different energy drinks out there right now, 356. Can you believe that? Everyone wants a boost of energy.
Paul knew where to find his energy. He got his from God. But, instead of just saying, “Hey, guys, get your energy from God”, there are some practical things that we can consider, which coincides perfectly with receiving our energy from God. Have you ever had some of those people that just seem to zap your energy? Did you know that it’s not them, necessarily? What is an activity or something that you do that you thoroughly enjoy doing and, even though it may take a bit of energy to do, you could just keep doing that all day long? Why is that? Why can you do that and just keep doing it but, if that “someone” comes along that tends to zap your energy, you are done for the day? Unfortunately, although we’d love to blame that person, it’s not them. It is actually our feelings, thoughts and attitude with that particular person or project. It takes more energy to think a negative thought than it does a positive thought. It takes more energy to frown that it does to smile. The New Age movement has attempted to teach this as well but, the difference is, they teach and believe that you can find that energy, peace and “positive energy” inside of you and, the truth is, only God can truly produce those attributes and characteristics within you. Just remember as you are confronted by that person or that project, God has a perfect purpose. He sent you that person and that project today. He knew that through His strength and power you can not only handle it but continue to keep your energy up to accomplish even more of what he has for you to do today. It is all in your attitude and perception.
Where will you find your energy today?
How will you be sure to not let anything zap your energy today?
REVIEW
Did anything zap your energy today?
Explain how it did or did not and what you’ve learned from that experience?
Everywhere we look, someone is coming out with a new energy drink. There’s Red Bull, Rock Star, Xtreme Shock, and the list goes on. I could not believe it when I actually counted the number of different energy drinks out there right now, 356. Can you believe that? Everyone wants a boost of energy.
Paul knew where to find his energy. He got his from God. But, instead of just saying, “Hey, guys, get your energy from God”, there are some practical things that we can consider, which coincides perfectly with receiving our energy from God. Have you ever had some of those people that just seem to zap your energy? Did you know that it’s not them, necessarily? What is an activity or something that you do that you thoroughly enjoy doing and, even though it may take a bit of energy to do, you could just keep doing that all day long? Why is that? Why can you do that and just keep doing it but, if that “someone” comes along that tends to zap your energy, you are done for the day? Unfortunately, although we’d love to blame that person, it’s not them. It is actually our feelings, thoughts and attitude with that particular person or project. It takes more energy to think a negative thought than it does a positive thought. It takes more energy to frown that it does to smile. The New Age movement has attempted to teach this as well but, the difference is, they teach and believe that you can find that energy, peace and “positive energy” inside of you and, the truth is, only God can truly produce those attributes and characteristics within you. Just remember as you are confronted by that person or that project, God has a perfect purpose. He sent you that person and that project today. He knew that through His strength and power you can not only handle it but continue to keep your energy up to accomplish even more of what he has for you to do today. It is all in your attitude and perception.
Where will you find your energy today?
How will you be sure to not let anything zap your energy today?
REVIEW
Did anything zap your energy today?
Explain how it did or did not and what you’ve learned from that experience?
Friday, March 19, 2010
Give Thanks, Saturday, March 20, 2010
Reading: Psalm 30:11-12, 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Ephesians 1:15-16, 15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Men, today is our day of thanksgiving. We can rejoice in all the many wonderful things that we have to be thankful for. Whether you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or have a lot to do today, or things just don’t seem to be going your way, let’s take time today to be thankful for what we do have.
First, what are you thankful for that God has done for you?
What attribute of God are you thankful for today and why?
How will you demonstrate that gratitude for God today?
What are you thankful for that others have done for you?
What attribute in another person are you thankful for today and why?
How will you demonstrate that gratitude for others today?
REVIEW
How did you demonstrate your thankfulness today?
How did this impact others and your attitude and perception of your day?
Ephesians 1:15-16, 15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Men, today is our day of thanksgiving. We can rejoice in all the many wonderful things that we have to be thankful for. Whether you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or have a lot to do today, or things just don’t seem to be going your way, let’s take time today to be thankful for what we do have.
First, what are you thankful for that God has done for you?
What attribute of God are you thankful for today and why?
How will you demonstrate that gratitude for God today?
What are you thankful for that others have done for you?
What attribute in another person are you thankful for today and why?
How will you demonstrate that gratitude for others today?
REVIEW
How did you demonstrate your thankfulness today?
How did this impact others and your attitude and perception of your day?
The Right Place, Friday, March 19, 2010
Reading: Genesis 18:14, Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
Do you know why Jesus called fisherman? I think it was because they understood the life of adventure. Some days, when I’m confronted by the pressures of the future, I am tempted to “play it safe”.
God tells me I can move mountains but instead, I fret over gopher holes. When I focus on the unfairness of today, I stop dreaming about the hopes for tomorrow. When we as men are unwilling to trust God completely, we take timid half steps when God created us for giant leaps.
Today, ask God for the courage to step outside of the boundary of doubt. Ask the Lord to guide you to a place where you can realize who you could become. A place where you are free form the fears of failure. Don’t ask Him to lead you to a “safe place”. Instead, ask Him to lead you to the “right” place. Remember those two places are seldom the same. Nothing is impossible for our God. What mountain is He calling you to move?
“The really committed leave the safety of the harbor, accept the risk of the open seas of faith and set their compasses for the place of total devotion to God and whatever life adventures He plans for them.”
- Bill Hybels
What mountain is God calling you to move? In other words, what do you sense God wants you to do, but you don’t think you can do it?
Come on, men, how will you choose today to move that mountain?
REVIEW
How were you able to move mountains today that you didn’t know you could?
How did this impact your trust in God and His ability to help you accomplish it?
Do you know why Jesus called fisherman? I think it was because they understood the life of adventure. Some days, when I’m confronted by the pressures of the future, I am tempted to “play it safe”.
God tells me I can move mountains but instead, I fret over gopher holes. When I focus on the unfairness of today, I stop dreaming about the hopes for tomorrow. When we as men are unwilling to trust God completely, we take timid half steps when God created us for giant leaps.
Today, ask God for the courage to step outside of the boundary of doubt. Ask the Lord to guide you to a place where you can realize who you could become. A place where you are free form the fears of failure. Don’t ask Him to lead you to a “safe place”. Instead, ask Him to lead you to the “right” place. Remember those two places are seldom the same. Nothing is impossible for our God. What mountain is He calling you to move?
“The really committed leave the safety of the harbor, accept the risk of the open seas of faith and set their compasses for the place of total devotion to God and whatever life adventures He plans for them.”
- Bill Hybels
What mountain is God calling you to move? In other words, what do you sense God wants you to do, but you don’t think you can do it?
Come on, men, how will you choose today to move that mountain?
REVIEW
How were you able to move mountains today that you didn’t know you could?
How did this impact your trust in God and His ability to help you accomplish it?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Not My Will, But Yours Be Done, Thursday, March 18, 2010
Reading: Romans 12:12, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
The walls of a building are truly amazing. The smallest flaw in the metal, or a weak point in the bricks could send the whole wall tumbling down, but if those same supports are strong and immovable that same building can withstand the many pressures exerted upon it. God gave me an image of a large brick wall while in prayer once. It was a pivotal point in my life in which I was torn between two paths, and all I could pray was that God would have His will be done and not mine. In that image, I slowly began to pull bricks out of the wall one by one until finally I came to the brick in the dead center of that wall, and down it came. God was telling me that He had more for me yet to do in the place where I was at, and almost 10 years later my wife and four children I’m sure would agree. When we lean on the desires of the flesh we may miss entirely what God has planned for us, but if we lean on the One who desires our heart and wants what’s best for us we experience our full potential on this earth.
When times get tough, we often tend to blame God rather than run to Him for guidance. But, if we are patient in our afflictions and faithful in our prayers, we will find joy in hope.
Do you rely on God or yourself to make decisions in your life?
Do you pray for God’s will to be done, or just for Him to “fix” your problems?
How will you rely on God, today, to make decisions in your life?
REVIEW
How did you run to God today for direction and guidance instead of simply fixing your problem?
How did this impact your decisions in the day and how you handled them?
The walls of a building are truly amazing. The smallest flaw in the metal, or a weak point in the bricks could send the whole wall tumbling down, but if those same supports are strong and immovable that same building can withstand the many pressures exerted upon it. God gave me an image of a large brick wall while in prayer once. It was a pivotal point in my life in which I was torn between two paths, and all I could pray was that God would have His will be done and not mine. In that image, I slowly began to pull bricks out of the wall one by one until finally I came to the brick in the dead center of that wall, and down it came. God was telling me that He had more for me yet to do in the place where I was at, and almost 10 years later my wife and four children I’m sure would agree. When we lean on the desires of the flesh we may miss entirely what God has planned for us, but if we lean on the One who desires our heart and wants what’s best for us we experience our full potential on this earth.
When times get tough, we often tend to blame God rather than run to Him for guidance. But, if we are patient in our afflictions and faithful in our prayers, we will find joy in hope.
Do you rely on God or yourself to make decisions in your life?
Do you pray for God’s will to be done, or just for Him to “fix” your problems?
How will you rely on God, today, to make decisions in your life?
REVIEW
How did you run to God today for direction and guidance instead of simply fixing your problem?
How did this impact your decisions in the day and how you handled them?
Conquer It!, Thursday, March 17, 2010
Reading: Joshua 14:10-14, 10 "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said." 13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.
I can just imagine a white haired Caleb, marching up to Joshua, declaring that he’s been waiting for 45 years to possess the land that God said that He would. And, you talk about valiant. Here’s an 85 year old man who tells Joshua that he’s as young and spry as he was at 40 years old. Notice, he doesn’t tell Joshua that he’d been fighting this long… and he’s going to have someone else go up there and fight those people… because he deserves it… he’s put in his time. Greater still… he could have just settled for a valley or some flat ground to take over. No, sir… he wanted the hill country. If you know a little something about war and battles, hills and mountains are a little harder to take. The key, though, to Caleb acting so valiantly is stated in verse 7, when he told Joshua why he told Moses in the first place that they could defeat the enemy, “I brought him back a report according to my convictions”. He didn’t say, “according to my strength… or wisdom… or experience. At the core of his valor were his convictions. And, because of that conviction in God, he knew he could and would conquer that hill country at 85 years old.
Men, what “hill” does God want you to conquer? Is it reclaiming your home for God… is it finally offering forgiveness to someone who doesn’t deserve it.. what is it, men?
Challenge: Whatever that “hill” is today, conquer it with conviction!
REVIEW
How did you conquer your “hill” today?
How did you experience victory and how did it affect you?
I can just imagine a white haired Caleb, marching up to Joshua, declaring that he’s been waiting for 45 years to possess the land that God said that He would. And, you talk about valiant. Here’s an 85 year old man who tells Joshua that he’s as young and spry as he was at 40 years old. Notice, he doesn’t tell Joshua that he’d been fighting this long… and he’s going to have someone else go up there and fight those people… because he deserves it… he’s put in his time. Greater still… he could have just settled for a valley or some flat ground to take over. No, sir… he wanted the hill country. If you know a little something about war and battles, hills and mountains are a little harder to take. The key, though, to Caleb acting so valiantly is stated in verse 7, when he told Joshua why he told Moses in the first place that they could defeat the enemy, “I brought him back a report according to my convictions”. He didn’t say, “according to my strength… or wisdom… or experience. At the core of his valor were his convictions. And, because of that conviction in God, he knew he could and would conquer that hill country at 85 years old.
Men, what “hill” does God want you to conquer? Is it reclaiming your home for God… is it finally offering forgiveness to someone who doesn’t deserve it.. what is it, men?
Challenge: Whatever that “hill” is today, conquer it with conviction!
REVIEW
How did you conquer your “hill” today?
How did you experience victory and how did it affect you?
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Mission Field, Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Reading: I Peter 2:9, But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Whether you realize it or not, you are on a personal mission for God. As a man following after Christ, that mission is straightforward: honor God, accept Christ as your personal Savior and serve God and His children.
You must never lose sight of the overwhelming purposes that God has established for you personally. You will encounter these overriding purposes again and again as you worship your Creator and study His Word. You are called to be the hero of your own arena. No one can take your place. You are the only one who has your exact sphere of influence.
Today, there are countless opportunities to serve God and worship Him in your arena. Your mission field is the places where God has chosen for you to be an overseer; your home, your job, your friends, your family, etc.
The great missionary, David Livingstone, once said, “God had an only Son and He made Him a missionary.
Where are your mission fields?
Who are in those mission fields that God has chosen you to reach?
What are you prepared to do today to be a missionary to your sphere of influence?
REVIEW
How were you able to minister or witness to those in your mission field?
How did this impact your sphere of influence?
Whether you realize it or not, you are on a personal mission for God. As a man following after Christ, that mission is straightforward: honor God, accept Christ as your personal Savior and serve God and His children.
You must never lose sight of the overwhelming purposes that God has established for you personally. You will encounter these overriding purposes again and again as you worship your Creator and study His Word. You are called to be the hero of your own arena. No one can take your place. You are the only one who has your exact sphere of influence.
Today, there are countless opportunities to serve God and worship Him in your arena. Your mission field is the places where God has chosen for you to be an overseer; your home, your job, your friends, your family, etc.
The great missionary, David Livingstone, once said, “God had an only Son and He made Him a missionary.
Where are your mission fields?
Who are in those mission fields that God has chosen you to reach?
What are you prepared to do today to be a missionary to your sphere of influence?
REVIEW
How were you able to minister or witness to those in your mission field?
How did this impact your sphere of influence?
Do We Get It?, Monday, March 15, 2010
Reading: Philippians 2:9-11, 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Men, do we really get it? Do we… really? Every knee will bow and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord! Do we really understand the gravity of this? That means Pontius Pilate, who attempted to wash His death off his hands; the Pharisees and other religious rulers that pushed for Him to be crucified; all of the powerful Pharaohs that ever ruled Egypt; all of the Caesars of the Roman Empire; Alexander the Great; Adolph Hitler; Joseph Stalin; Charles Darwin; and any ruler, celebrity, or famous person that ever walked the earth… and you… will bow and proclaim! Do you really get that? Just take a minute and think about it and let it really sink in.
It is this same Jesus who wants to have a conversation with you today. It is this same Jesus who wants to walk with you throughout your day today. It is this same Jesus that wants to use you today. Can you believe it? Why would we not want to take Him with us throughout our day? Why would we not want to take advantage of every second that we have to talk to Him?
Men, how will you walk with this same Jesus throughout your day?
How do you intend to serve this same Jesus today?
How do you intend to have a conversation with this same Jesus today? (a conversation is listening and talking, what is your plan for both?)
REVIEW
How were you able to walk, talk and serve this same Jesus today?
What did this mean to you?
Men, do we really get it? Do we… really? Every knee will bow and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord! Do we really understand the gravity of this? That means Pontius Pilate, who attempted to wash His death off his hands; the Pharisees and other religious rulers that pushed for Him to be crucified; all of the powerful Pharaohs that ever ruled Egypt; all of the Caesars of the Roman Empire; Alexander the Great; Adolph Hitler; Joseph Stalin; Charles Darwin; and any ruler, celebrity, or famous person that ever walked the earth… and you… will bow and proclaim! Do you really get that? Just take a minute and think about it and let it really sink in.
It is this same Jesus who wants to have a conversation with you today. It is this same Jesus who wants to walk with you throughout your day today. It is this same Jesus that wants to use you today. Can you believe it? Why would we not want to take Him with us throughout our day? Why would we not want to take advantage of every second that we have to talk to Him?
Men, how will you walk with this same Jesus throughout your day?
How do you intend to serve this same Jesus today?
How do you intend to have a conversation with this same Jesus today? (a conversation is listening and talking, what is your plan for both?)
REVIEW
How were you able to walk, talk and serve this same Jesus today?
What did this mean to you?
Friday, March 12, 2010
Search Me!, Saturday, March 13, 2010
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, we have reached that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find place in your house and let your everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground, a hoola-hoop, a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for you sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
Okay, men, we have reached that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find place in your house and let your everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground, a hoola-hoop, a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for you sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
Watch Your Words, Friday, March 12, 2010
Reading: Psalm 15:1-2, 1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.”
This was Benjamin Franklin’s favorite Psalm. He called it the “Gentlemen’s Psalm”. David called it a “guideline for a blameless journey.”
The word “dwell” in verse number one, means intimate fellowship. Wow! Lord, how can I enjoy intimate fellowship with you? The Lord says to walk blameless, which means to walk with integrity. A definition of integrity is someone who keeps his oath even when it hurts.
How? How do we walk in integrity? The Lord give us the answer in the very next passage: Psalm 15:3, “He who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue.”
A man of integrity watches his mouth. He is careful with secrets and takes every word captive before they are used.
Is it possible? It is today… in you!
How will you captivate your words and be very careful how you let them out of your mouth today?
How will you be sure to speak the truth today? (Remember, speaking the truth is not ceasing from telling a lie, it is, what is truthful you are proclaiming.)
REVIEW
Did you succeed in captivating your mouth and words today?
How did you and how did you not?
How did this impact your day?
This was Benjamin Franklin’s favorite Psalm. He called it the “Gentlemen’s Psalm”. David called it a “guideline for a blameless journey.”
The word “dwell” in verse number one, means intimate fellowship. Wow! Lord, how can I enjoy intimate fellowship with you? The Lord says to walk blameless, which means to walk with integrity. A definition of integrity is someone who keeps his oath even when it hurts.
How? How do we walk in integrity? The Lord give us the answer in the very next passage: Psalm 15:3, “He who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue.”
A man of integrity watches his mouth. He is careful with secrets and takes every word captive before they are used.
Is it possible? It is today… in you!
How will you captivate your words and be very careful how you let them out of your mouth today?
How will you be sure to speak the truth today? (Remember, speaking the truth is not ceasing from telling a lie, it is, what is truthful you are proclaiming.)
REVIEW
Did you succeed in captivating your mouth and words today?
How did you and how did you not?
How did this impact your day?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Run Away!, Thursday, March 11, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 5:3, 8; 3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; 8 Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house,
I Corinthians 6:18, 18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
The other day, I was with our youngest daughter in Wal-Mart. It was a nice casual day, I was in my short, t-shirt and sandals. I was pushing the shopping cart with her inside and I have absolutely no idea how it happened. But, the next thing I know, my little toe hit the wheel of the shopping cart when I was in stride and it caught the nail just right and rip it completely back. Blood started gushing out and I tried to push the toenail back down into place. Of course, I didn’t want anyone else around me to know what I had done, so, I’m just gritting my teeth and smiling; trying not to let anyone see me limp through the store.
I’m sure, if you’ve ever hit your little toe on something, you know how bad it hurts. After it’s hurt, you either are extremely conscious of walking near something that can bump it; or you don’t pay attention and don’t think about it and accidentally bump it, which could almost make a grown man cry.
There are many areas in the Bible that we are encouraged and commanded to fight for and resist. But, when it comes to sins of the sexual nature, we are told to run away! Don’t even come near it! Just like injuring your little toe, it may seem like a small thing but what excruciating pain it can cause! Don’t go near it! Don’t take your chances!!!
What temptations are you not running from (be specific and be honest)?
What will you do today to run from them and not go near them at all?
REVIEW
Did you identify your areas of weakness today and how did you make the effort to run from them and not go near them?
How did this impact your thoughts and your temptations?
I Corinthians 6:18, 18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
The other day, I was with our youngest daughter in Wal-Mart. It was a nice casual day, I was in my short, t-shirt and sandals. I was pushing the shopping cart with her inside and I have absolutely no idea how it happened. But, the next thing I know, my little toe hit the wheel of the shopping cart when I was in stride and it caught the nail just right and rip it completely back. Blood started gushing out and I tried to push the toenail back down into place. Of course, I didn’t want anyone else around me to know what I had done, so, I’m just gritting my teeth and smiling; trying not to let anyone see me limp through the store.
I’m sure, if you’ve ever hit your little toe on something, you know how bad it hurts. After it’s hurt, you either are extremely conscious of walking near something that can bump it; or you don’t pay attention and don’t think about it and accidentally bump it, which could almost make a grown man cry.
There are many areas in the Bible that we are encouraged and commanded to fight for and resist. But, when it comes to sins of the sexual nature, we are told to run away! Don’t even come near it! Just like injuring your little toe, it may seem like a small thing but what excruciating pain it can cause! Don’t go near it! Don’t take your chances!!!
What temptations are you not running from (be specific and be honest)?
What will you do today to run from them and not go near them at all?
REVIEW
Did you identify your areas of weakness today and how did you make the effort to run from them and not go near them?
How did this impact your thoughts and your temptations?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Priorities, Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Reading: Matthew 6:33-34, 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The question is, do you really seek God, His kingdom and His righteousness first? What are your priorities?
On the following lines, right down what you think your priorities are or should be (leave your job out of the list):
On the previous five lines, write next to each item how much time you spend in an average day and then how much money you spend on that particular item. Then, on the following lines, right down the five things again in the order of quantity of time and money spent:
Men, what are you seeking first? What are your true priorities?
Challenge: Choose today what your priorities should be and make sure that your time and expenses match.
How will you do that today?
REVIEW
What were your priorities today?
Write down the list from above and fill in the time and money spent:
The question is, do you really seek God, His kingdom and His righteousness first? What are your priorities?
On the following lines, right down what you think your priorities are or should be (leave your job out of the list):
On the previous five lines, write next to each item how much time you spend in an average day and then how much money you spend on that particular item. Then, on the following lines, right down the five things again in the order of quantity of time and money spent:
Men, what are you seeking first? What are your true priorities?
Challenge: Choose today what your priorities should be and make sure that your time and expenses match.
How will you do that today?
REVIEW
What were your priorities today?
Write down the list from above and fill in the time and money spent:
Monday, March 8, 2010
Run to Him, Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Reading: Psalm 18:1-2, I will love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
As men, each of these characteristics that describe God in these verses are things that we aspire to be. We take great pride in our strength, either inwardly or outwardly. We love being a fortress for someone to run to for protection and defense. We swell with manly courage at the thought of riding in to save the day and delivering someone from the enemy. Even when I was three years old, I’ve been told that when some bigger boys were picking on my older sisters, I picked up some wood chips and told them that if they didn’t stop picking on my sisters that I would start throwing the wood chips at them. It is built into our DNA.
So, for us to feel needy, especially in these areas, it is very difficult for us. We don’t want to be delivered; we want to be the deliverer. We don’t want to have to count on someone else to be the stronghold; we want to be the stronghold. Because of this fact, we seem to constantly be in a tug of war with the fact that God is our strength, our rock, our fortress, our deliverer, our stronghold; we pull against it and then we give in. Then we find ourselves pulling against it again and then giving in. We don’t want to have to run to someone; we want to be the one that people run to. Men, it is impossible for us to be a truly effective rock, fortress, deliverer, strength and stronghold for anyone else, unless you are running to God to allow Him to be those things for you. Run to Him today!
What are some things with which you are struggling and need a rock, a fortress, a deliverer, a stronghold?
How will you trust in God today? (write next to each word something that you are giving to Him in that area today)
Strength:
Deliverer:
Shield:
Stronghold:
REVIEW
What did you turn over to God today and trust Him with it?
How did this impact your trust in Him and your ability to be those characteristics for others?
As men, each of these characteristics that describe God in these verses are things that we aspire to be. We take great pride in our strength, either inwardly or outwardly. We love being a fortress for someone to run to for protection and defense. We swell with manly courage at the thought of riding in to save the day and delivering someone from the enemy. Even when I was three years old, I’ve been told that when some bigger boys were picking on my older sisters, I picked up some wood chips and told them that if they didn’t stop picking on my sisters that I would start throwing the wood chips at them. It is built into our DNA.
So, for us to feel needy, especially in these areas, it is very difficult for us. We don’t want to be delivered; we want to be the deliverer. We don’t want to have to count on someone else to be the stronghold; we want to be the stronghold. Because of this fact, we seem to constantly be in a tug of war with the fact that God is our strength, our rock, our fortress, our deliverer, our stronghold; we pull against it and then we give in. Then we find ourselves pulling against it again and then giving in. We don’t want to have to run to someone; we want to be the one that people run to. Men, it is impossible for us to be a truly effective rock, fortress, deliverer, strength and stronghold for anyone else, unless you are running to God to allow Him to be those things for you. Run to Him today!
What are some things with which you are struggling and need a rock, a fortress, a deliverer, a stronghold?
How will you trust in God today? (write next to each word something that you are giving to Him in that area today)
Strength:
Deliverer:
Shield:
Stronghold:
REVIEW
What did you turn over to God today and trust Him with it?
How did this impact your trust in Him and your ability to be those characteristics for others?
I Thirst!, Monday, March 8, 2010
Reading: Psalm 42:1-2, As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Walkin’ through the desert of this thing that we call life
The sands of sin surround me with Satan’s awful plight
The heat pounding upon me, the pressures of this world
My soul drying within me, I cry out for the Lord…
Where is the water of Your Word?
I’m searchin’ for the spring of life that I once heard.
Show me now the well of life that never will run dry.
Quench this longing thirst for You before this weary soul dies.
Temptations swirl around me and whip against my face
How can I continue in this Godless place
There’s too many around me, who’ve fallen on their way
The vultures circle over and I hit my knees to pray
Where is the water of Your Word?
I’m searchin’ for the spring of life that I once heard.
Show me now the well of life that never will run dry.
Quench this longing thirst for You before this weary soul dies.
Sometimes we are so comfortable that we forget that we are living in a dry and barren land spiritually. It’s when we are able to realize how in need of the Water from His Word, that we truly become thirsty.
Why do you need the water from God’s Word today? Really… why?
How will you demonstrate your thirst for God’s Word today?
REVIEW
What happened in your day that was a desert for you to dry you out spiritually?
How were you able to demonstrate your thirst for God’s Word?
Walkin’ through the desert of this thing that we call life
The sands of sin surround me with Satan’s awful plight
The heat pounding upon me, the pressures of this world
My soul drying within me, I cry out for the Lord…
Where is the water of Your Word?
I’m searchin’ for the spring of life that I once heard.
Show me now the well of life that never will run dry.
Quench this longing thirst for You before this weary soul dies.
Temptations swirl around me and whip against my face
How can I continue in this Godless place
There’s too many around me, who’ve fallen on their way
The vultures circle over and I hit my knees to pray
Where is the water of Your Word?
I’m searchin’ for the spring of life that I once heard.
Show me now the well of life that never will run dry.
Quench this longing thirst for You before this weary soul dies.
Sometimes we are so comfortable that we forget that we are living in a dry and barren land spiritually. It’s when we are able to realize how in need of the Water from His Word, that we truly become thirsty.
Why do you need the water from God’s Word today? Really… why?
How will you demonstrate your thirst for God’s Word today?
REVIEW
What happened in your day that was a desert for you to dry you out spiritually?
How were you able to demonstrate your thirst for God’s Word?
Friday, March 5, 2010
Leave a Mark, Saturday, March 6, 2010
Reading: Ecclesiastes 6:12; 7:1-2, For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone? 1 A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. 2 It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.
As told by Pastor Bruce Porter from the Columbine Massacre:
I received a call from the Coroner confirming that Rachel [Scott] had been positively identified and was indeed deceased. It was very difficult delivering that news, and we spent several hours praying and weeping with the family members who had assembled in their home. Pictures of Rachel adorned the living room. She was such a beautiful 17-year-old! We spent time praying together, and seeking our Father's merciful comfort. We heard from eyewitness accounts of other surviving students that when Rachel was confronted by one of the gunmen, she gave a bold testimony of her faith. The killer asked her, "Do you believe in God?!!" She boldly answered, "Yes I do!" She was instantly gunned down. This evening we joined another church in holding a memorial service for Rachel and the other students killed or wounded. Over 1,500 people attended. Never before have we seen such an open hunger for God in the young people of this community!
At first read, this passage of Scripture seems somewhat morbid. But, how many people search for the meaning of life at a feast or a party? Almost everyone reflects, considers and searches for the meaning of life at a funeral. You may not know or recognize the name “Rachel Scott” but, with only 17 years behind her, her life truly was a “few… days”, yet, her “name”, her reputation, her testimony left an indelible mark. I’m sure, just like this passage states, she had no comprehension what “will happen under the sun after [she] is gone”. Hundreds came to the Lord from her testimony and through her death.
Challenge: Leave an indelible mark for the cause of Christ today. Let today be the day that would exemplify exactly how you would want to be remembered. Let everything you do today reflect those characteristics.
REVIEW
How did you leave an indelible mark for the cause of Christ today?
How did you live out the characteristics of how you want to be remembered?
As told by Pastor Bruce Porter from the Columbine Massacre:
I received a call from the Coroner confirming that Rachel [Scott] had been positively identified and was indeed deceased. It was very difficult delivering that news, and we spent several hours praying and weeping with the family members who had assembled in their home. Pictures of Rachel adorned the living room. She was such a beautiful 17-year-old! We spent time praying together, and seeking our Father's merciful comfort. We heard from eyewitness accounts of other surviving students that when Rachel was confronted by one of the gunmen, she gave a bold testimony of her faith. The killer asked her, "Do you believe in God?!!" She boldly answered, "Yes I do!" She was instantly gunned down. This evening we joined another church in holding a memorial service for Rachel and the other students killed or wounded. Over 1,500 people attended. Never before have we seen such an open hunger for God in the young people of this community!
At first read, this passage of Scripture seems somewhat morbid. But, how many people search for the meaning of life at a feast or a party? Almost everyone reflects, considers and searches for the meaning of life at a funeral. You may not know or recognize the name “Rachel Scott” but, with only 17 years behind her, her life truly was a “few… days”, yet, her “name”, her reputation, her testimony left an indelible mark. I’m sure, just like this passage states, she had no comprehension what “will happen under the sun after [she] is gone”. Hundreds came to the Lord from her testimony and through her death.
Challenge: Leave an indelible mark for the cause of Christ today. Let today be the day that would exemplify exactly how you would want to be remembered. Let everything you do today reflect those characteristics.
REVIEW
How did you leave an indelible mark for the cause of Christ today?
How did you live out the characteristics of how you want to be remembered?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Unite Together, Friday, March 5, 2010
Reading: Romans 15:5-7 - 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
It’s amazing that immediately following 9-11, America seemed to be one voice in saying “United We Stand”. Bumper stickers, Billboards, and signs were all over declaring this unity. Yet, here we are today. A country that seems to be constantly divided about legal, moral, philosophical and/or racial issues was once so unified in its determination and resolve to avenge 9-11 victims.
Why is that? We had a common enemy and a common purpose.
Too often we tend to war with each other within our churches and denominations. We lose site of our “common enemy” and our “common purpose”. We tend to focus on our differences, instead of focusing on our similarities in Christ. Part of the struggle is a little deeper than that, though, because part of the reason that we lose site of our “common enemy” is simply we are not at war. Men, the spiritual war does not have deployments, tour of duties or even a military leave. The spiritual war is a constant. There is a camaraderie amongst those who are fighting together. This is why Paul makes a point to mention endurance and encouragement, right before unity to remind the Romans that God give endurance and encouragement to keep going, to keep fighting. He then reminds them of the “common purpose” to “glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Who do you not feel unified with today?
What “common purpose” do you share and how will you show that today?
Challenge: Just as God has given endurance and encouragement, actively pursue unity today. Let those who are fighting together against the Devil and the world, encourage each other and support each other today.
REVIEW
How did you encourage your fellow warriors today?
How did you have a greater sense of unity today in “common enemy” and “common purpose”?
It’s amazing that immediately following 9-11, America seemed to be one voice in saying “United We Stand”. Bumper stickers, Billboards, and signs were all over declaring this unity. Yet, here we are today. A country that seems to be constantly divided about legal, moral, philosophical and/or racial issues was once so unified in its determination and resolve to avenge 9-11 victims.
Why is that? We had a common enemy and a common purpose.
Too often we tend to war with each other within our churches and denominations. We lose site of our “common enemy” and our “common purpose”. We tend to focus on our differences, instead of focusing on our similarities in Christ. Part of the struggle is a little deeper than that, though, because part of the reason that we lose site of our “common enemy” is simply we are not at war. Men, the spiritual war does not have deployments, tour of duties or even a military leave. The spiritual war is a constant. There is a camaraderie amongst those who are fighting together. This is why Paul makes a point to mention endurance and encouragement, right before unity to remind the Romans that God give endurance and encouragement to keep going, to keep fighting. He then reminds them of the “common purpose” to “glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Who do you not feel unified with today?
What “common purpose” do you share and how will you show that today?
Challenge: Just as God has given endurance and encouragement, actively pursue unity today. Let those who are fighting together against the Devil and the world, encourage each other and support each other today.
REVIEW
How did you encourage your fellow warriors today?
How did you have a greater sense of unity today in “common enemy” and “common purpose”?
His Throne, Thursday, March 4, 2010
Reading: Revelation 4:2-11, 2At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. 6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Imagine being in the presence of God. Someday you and I will be able to witness everything that we just read. It is difficult to know exactly how we will feel but can give a little bit of insight as to how we perceive God.
How would you feel if you witness this today?
What would be your thoughts?
What would be your actions?
What do you think this says about your relationship with Him?
Challenge: Today, live in this sense of holiness and awe of God.
REVIEW
How did you live in the sense of holiness and awe of God, as described in Revelations 4?
How did it impact your day and your relationship with Him?
Imagine being in the presence of God. Someday you and I will be able to witness everything that we just read. It is difficult to know exactly how we will feel but can give a little bit of insight as to how we perceive God.
How would you feel if you witness this today?
What would be your thoughts?
What would be your actions?
What do you think this says about your relationship with Him?
Challenge: Today, live in this sense of holiness and awe of God.
REVIEW
How did you live in the sense of holiness and awe of God, as described in Revelations 4?
How did it impact your day and your relationship with Him?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Are We There Yet?, Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Reading: Philippians 4:6, 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Think back when you were a child. Do you remember the long car rides on the way to a camping trip, or the everlasting drive to go see grandma and grandpa two hours away? Perhaps you even have children and have heard them echo the words you said so many years ago, “Are we there yet?” We learn at a very young age to be anxious, restless, and even impatient sometimes, and yet that is completely the opposite of what Paul writes about in the Bible. “Don’t be anxious about ANYTHING, he says. I know, I know, it’s so easy to say, but not so easy to do, right? Wrong. The very next words of the verse tells us exactly how to NOT be anxious; “…but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” God knew the paths our lives would take us before we were even born. Learn to accept that fact, and the ease of mind, heart, and soul falls right into place.
The next time you feel anxious or nervous, try this time, instead of turning inward for you answers, turn your eyes upward. Spend time with God today and cast all you cares upon Him.
What are some things that you are anxious about in your life right now?
Honestly ask yourself, have I presented those anxieties entirely up to God?
Do you trust God, and give him total control of you life and your decisions?
REVIEW
Did you present your anxieties to God today and leave them there?
How did this impact your day, especially with your stress and anxiety?
Think back when you were a child. Do you remember the long car rides on the way to a camping trip, or the everlasting drive to go see grandma and grandpa two hours away? Perhaps you even have children and have heard them echo the words you said so many years ago, “Are we there yet?” We learn at a very young age to be anxious, restless, and even impatient sometimes, and yet that is completely the opposite of what Paul writes about in the Bible. “Don’t be anxious about ANYTHING, he says. I know, I know, it’s so easy to say, but not so easy to do, right? Wrong. The very next words of the verse tells us exactly how to NOT be anxious; “…but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” God knew the paths our lives would take us before we were even born. Learn to accept that fact, and the ease of mind, heart, and soul falls right into place.
The next time you feel anxious or nervous, try this time, instead of turning inward for you answers, turn your eyes upward. Spend time with God today and cast all you cares upon Him.
What are some things that you are anxious about in your life right now?
Honestly ask yourself, have I presented those anxieties entirely up to God?
Do you trust God, and give him total control of you life and your decisions?
REVIEW
Did you present your anxieties to God today and leave them there?
How did this impact your day, especially with your stress and anxiety?
Life Is a Marathon, Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Reading: I Corinthians 15:57-58, 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
C.H. Spurgeon, a well respected Biblical theologian said, “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
Like the snail… all the animals had a traveling companion to help them persevere.
Have you traveled with children lately? It’s amazing how a couple hour drive can feel like a 10 hour trip. “Are we there yet?” “I’m hungry.” “I have to go potty”, continue to try your patience. You become very familiar with rest stops and you just want to get back on the road to keep traveling.
Wise travelers select a partner who never tires and never falters. As we continue to seek God’s plan for your life, you will experience detours, false starts, and failures. When you do, take courage God’s not finished with you yet, and He is your traveling partner.
So, depend upon God and work as if everything depended on you. Trust God to do the rest.
What is getting you discouraged on your journey?
Are you taking God on your journey?
Are you getting weary in your travel?
How can you work as if everything depended on you and trust God to do the rest today?
REVIEW
Did you find encouragement in your traveling partner, God?
How did you do as a traveling partner with God today? What was the result?
C.H. Spurgeon, a well respected Biblical theologian said, “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
Like the snail… all the animals had a traveling companion to help them persevere.
Have you traveled with children lately? It’s amazing how a couple hour drive can feel like a 10 hour trip. “Are we there yet?” “I’m hungry.” “I have to go potty”, continue to try your patience. You become very familiar with rest stops and you just want to get back on the road to keep traveling.
Wise travelers select a partner who never tires and never falters. As we continue to seek God’s plan for your life, you will experience detours, false starts, and failures. When you do, take courage God’s not finished with you yet, and He is your traveling partner.
So, depend upon God and work as if everything depended on you. Trust God to do the rest.
What is getting you discouraged on your journey?
Are you taking God on your journey?
Are you getting weary in your travel?
How can you work as if everything depended on you and trust God to do the rest today?
REVIEW
Did you find encouragement in your traveling partner, God?
How did you do as a traveling partner with God today? What was the result?
Monday, March 1, 2010
Personal Bible Study, Monday, March 1, 2010
Reading: James 4:1-3, 1What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Questions for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
REVIEW
How did you do in applying God’s Word today?
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Questions for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
REVIEW
How did you do in applying God’s Word today?
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Accept Them, Saturday, February 27, 2010
Reading: Romans 15:7, Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
I love walking into our living room and seeing our little girls sitting or laying on the floor coloring. Although our oldest is getting pretty good at drawing and coloring, the littlest, well, let’s just say that she tries really hard. But, when she holds up her picture and says, “Daddy, look”, with a huge smile on her face, I, of course, praise her as if it were a greater work of art than anything that Michelangelo did. The thing is, I’m not just acting that way. Through my eyes, this sweet, little girl just made something that, to me, looked splendid.
It’s funny because God is the same way. Compared to His creative power and genius anything we could create or accomplish pales in comparison, almost like the crayon scribbling of a two year old. Yet, through the eyes of a loving Father, He looks at the work that we do for Him and, genuinely, thinks it is wonderful. This is how much He loves us and accepts us, even with our inadequacies.
God, in turn, demands of us that we accept one another in the same way that He accepts us. Wow! Are you truly able to grasp that? He, the creator of the world, the Savior of the world, accepts you; and, you, a sinner saved by grace, should be accepting your brothers in Christ in the same way.
What failures do you have in your life from which Jesus still accepts you?
How will you accept others today in the same way that Jesus accepts you?
REVIEW
How did you demonstrate your acceptance of others today in the same way that Jesus accepts you?
How did this impact your day?
I love walking into our living room and seeing our little girls sitting or laying on the floor coloring. Although our oldest is getting pretty good at drawing and coloring, the littlest, well, let’s just say that she tries really hard. But, when she holds up her picture and says, “Daddy, look”, with a huge smile on her face, I, of course, praise her as if it were a greater work of art than anything that Michelangelo did. The thing is, I’m not just acting that way. Through my eyes, this sweet, little girl just made something that, to me, looked splendid.
It’s funny because God is the same way. Compared to His creative power and genius anything we could create or accomplish pales in comparison, almost like the crayon scribbling of a two year old. Yet, through the eyes of a loving Father, He looks at the work that we do for Him and, genuinely, thinks it is wonderful. This is how much He loves us and accepts us, even with our inadequacies.
God, in turn, demands of us that we accept one another in the same way that He accepts us. Wow! Are you truly able to grasp that? He, the creator of the world, the Savior of the world, accepts you; and, you, a sinner saved by grace, should be accepting your brothers in Christ in the same way.
What failures do you have in your life from which Jesus still accepts you?
How will you accept others today in the same way that Jesus accepts you?
REVIEW
How did you demonstrate your acceptance of others today in the same way that Jesus accepts you?
How did this impact your day?
Full Potential, Friday, February 26, 2010
Reading: Philippians 2:13, For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Paul says, “Working in you.” The word in greek is “energon”, which is where we get the word, “Energized”. “To work” means working a field or even a mine to it’s full potential. Together it means, God will give us the energy to sustain it. Remember it took Moses 40 years to get prepared for God to “work in him”, for him to become ready to lead. Be encouraged, sometimes it takes hard times for God to prepare us for that “Something great”.
This reminds me of a poem written by, Myra 'Brooks' Welch. “The Touch of the Masters Hand”, Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer thought it scarcely worth his while to waste much time on the old violin, but held it up with a smile; "What am I bidden, good folks," he cried, "Who'll start the bidding for me?" "A dollar, a dollar"; then two!" "Only two? Two dollars, and who'll make it three? Three dollars, once; three dollars twice; going for three.." But no, from the room, far back, a gray-haired man came forward and picked up the bow; Then, wiping the dust from the old violin, and tightening the loose strings, he played a melody pure and sweet as caroling angel sings. The music ceased, and the auctioneer, with a voice that was quiet and low, said; "What am I bid for the old violin?" And he held it up with the bow. A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two? Two thousand! And who'll make it three? Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice, and going and gone," said he. The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We do not quite understand what changed its worth." Swift came the reply: "The touch of a master's hand." And many a man with life out of tune, and battered and scarred with sin, Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, much like the old violin, A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine; a game - and he travels on. "He is going" once, and "going twice, He's going and almost gone." But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd never can quite understand the worth of a soul and the change that's wrought by the touch of the Master's hand.
What is the Master preparing to do through you?
Challenge: Let Him do it today!
REVIEW
What was the Master able to do through you today?
What impact did it make on you and those around you?
Paul says, “Working in you.” The word in greek is “energon”, which is where we get the word, “Energized”. “To work” means working a field or even a mine to it’s full potential. Together it means, God will give us the energy to sustain it. Remember it took Moses 40 years to get prepared for God to “work in him”, for him to become ready to lead. Be encouraged, sometimes it takes hard times for God to prepare us for that “Something great”.
This reminds me of a poem written by, Myra 'Brooks' Welch. “The Touch of the Masters Hand”, Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer thought it scarcely worth his while to waste much time on the old violin, but held it up with a smile; "What am I bidden, good folks," he cried, "Who'll start the bidding for me?" "A dollar, a dollar"; then two!" "Only two? Two dollars, and who'll make it three? Three dollars, once; three dollars twice; going for three.." But no, from the room, far back, a gray-haired man came forward and picked up the bow; Then, wiping the dust from the old violin, and tightening the loose strings, he played a melody pure and sweet as caroling angel sings. The music ceased, and the auctioneer, with a voice that was quiet and low, said; "What am I bid for the old violin?" And he held it up with the bow. A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two? Two thousand! And who'll make it three? Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice, and going and gone," said he. The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We do not quite understand what changed its worth." Swift came the reply: "The touch of a master's hand." And many a man with life out of tune, and battered and scarred with sin, Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, much like the old violin, A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine; a game - and he travels on. "He is going" once, and "going twice, He's going and almost gone." But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd never can quite understand the worth of a soul and the change that's wrought by the touch of the Master's hand.
What is the Master preparing to do through you?
Challenge: Let Him do it today!
REVIEW
What was the Master able to do through you today?
What impact did it make on you and those around you?
Have to Vent?, Thursday, February 25, 2010
Reading: James 4:11-12, 11Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
You know… there’s an awful lot of people who “bad mouth” others in the name of “needing to vent”. I have heard people go on for quite a while talking bad about someone because they “needed to vent”. What’s interesting, there is not a reference to “venting” in the Bible. Most people would say, “Well, I need to get this off my chest and I’m just sharing how I feel.” The problem is we don’t consider the fact that it is not merely the “venting” or speaking badly about someone that is the issue. It is how you are feeling. It’s not simply the fact that you verbalized this slander about someone, it is the feeling that you are experiencing, because as Jesus said in Matthew 12, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Instead of bundling up the way that you feel inside “until you’re about to explode”, as some might say, address your feelings. The way that James encourages us to address our feelings is, “who are you to judge your neighbor?” I can just imagine us responding to James, and I am guilty too, “But, James, you don’t know what he did. He did me wrong and I’m ticked off about it.” Again, “who are you to judge your neighbor?” Address the way that you feel about them, instead of looking at the only options being, storing it up inside until you feel like you’re about to explode or venting it all out and slandering your brother.
Who had wronged you that you are frustrated with and would just love to vent about?
What will you do today to address those feelings and stop judging your neighbor and brother and truly love them as a brother?
REVIEW
What did you do today to address your frustrations with another person?
How did this impact your frustration and your feeling of needing to talk badly about them or vent?
You know… there’s an awful lot of people who “bad mouth” others in the name of “needing to vent”. I have heard people go on for quite a while talking bad about someone because they “needed to vent”. What’s interesting, there is not a reference to “venting” in the Bible. Most people would say, “Well, I need to get this off my chest and I’m just sharing how I feel.” The problem is we don’t consider the fact that it is not merely the “venting” or speaking badly about someone that is the issue. It is how you are feeling. It’s not simply the fact that you verbalized this slander about someone, it is the feeling that you are experiencing, because as Jesus said in Matthew 12, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Instead of bundling up the way that you feel inside “until you’re about to explode”, as some might say, address your feelings. The way that James encourages us to address our feelings is, “who are you to judge your neighbor?” I can just imagine us responding to James, and I am guilty too, “But, James, you don’t know what he did. He did me wrong and I’m ticked off about it.” Again, “who are you to judge your neighbor?” Address the way that you feel about them, instead of looking at the only options being, storing it up inside until you feel like you’re about to explode or venting it all out and slandering your brother.
Who had wronged you that you are frustrated with and would just love to vent about?
What will you do today to address those feelings and stop judging your neighbor and brother and truly love them as a brother?
REVIEW
What did you do today to address your frustrations with another person?
How did this impact your frustration and your feeling of needing to talk badly about them or vent?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Eye Pleaser, Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Eye Pleaser
Reading: Genesis 3:6, 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Matthew 6:22-23, 22"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Imagine you wake up in the morning and find yourself all alone in your house. The sun is beating in your windows. You don’t normally do this but for some reason you feel like you want to wear a pair of sunglasses to darken the light. You put them on and sit down to watch some TV. Some time passes and you want to go check your email and check out what’s new online. After a while, you look at the time and realize you have to leave for a pool party. You stop by the store on the way to pick up some food for the event. You drive over to the party, park and walk through the gate at your friend’s house. You greet everyone and start enjoying the party. After quite a bit of time has past, you start to notice that people are steadily going inside the house and the amount of people around the pool is dwindling. So, you decide to go inside to check out what’s going on. As soon as you walk in, you notice that all of them are gathered in the living room watching something. Some of them on the outskirts look up and see you. Their faces are immediately covered in looks of astonishment and disbelief. You make your way into the group to see what they are looking at. Then you see it… they are all watching the TV. But, to you it looks like a poorly done home movie. Then it hits you, what’s playing on the TV is everything you’re looking at. You feel the sensation of overwhelming guilt as you realize that everything that you looked at that day was on this TV. When you thought no one was around and your eyes were hidden behind sunglasses, it was actually broadcast for everyone to see.
If this were you, would you be embarrassed by what they would have seen?
What will you do today to protect your eyes as if the whole world was watching, because God is?
REVIEW
What did you do today to protect your eyes?
How did this impact your normal routine throughout the day and what you would normally look at?
Reading: Genesis 3:6, 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Matthew 6:22-23, 22"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Imagine you wake up in the morning and find yourself all alone in your house. The sun is beating in your windows. You don’t normally do this but for some reason you feel like you want to wear a pair of sunglasses to darken the light. You put them on and sit down to watch some TV. Some time passes and you want to go check your email and check out what’s new online. After a while, you look at the time and realize you have to leave for a pool party. You stop by the store on the way to pick up some food for the event. You drive over to the party, park and walk through the gate at your friend’s house. You greet everyone and start enjoying the party. After quite a bit of time has past, you start to notice that people are steadily going inside the house and the amount of people around the pool is dwindling. So, you decide to go inside to check out what’s going on. As soon as you walk in, you notice that all of them are gathered in the living room watching something. Some of them on the outskirts look up and see you. Their faces are immediately covered in looks of astonishment and disbelief. You make your way into the group to see what they are looking at. Then you see it… they are all watching the TV. But, to you it looks like a poorly done home movie. Then it hits you, what’s playing on the TV is everything you’re looking at. You feel the sensation of overwhelming guilt as you realize that everything that you looked at that day was on this TV. When you thought no one was around and your eyes were hidden behind sunglasses, it was actually broadcast for everyone to see.
If this were you, would you be embarrassed by what they would have seen?
What will you do today to protect your eyes as if the whole world was watching, because God is?
REVIEW
What did you do today to protect your eyes?
How did this impact your normal routine throughout the day and what you would normally look at?
Mind Your Own Business, Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Reading: I Thessalonians 4:11-12, 11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
In college, I had an extremely high metabolism and I was a soccer player, not a great combination to build massive muscles and lift large amounts of weight. When I would walk into the weight room, I would immediately feel self conscious of my weight lifting abilities, especially when football linemen were working out in the gym or some of the wrestlers. Even more embarrassing was one of the wrestlers, who was over a foot shorter than I was, that could lift 3 times my weight. One of the most difficult things for me to learn in that setting was not to pay attention to what others were doing but to focus on what I was able to do. Just work hard and do the best that I could do and be satisfied with results.
That is what Paul is attempting to communicate to the Thessalonians. He is not talking about the attention that we must to pay to the needs of other because Paul also encouraged these same people to bear one another’s burdens. He is specifically encouraging them to do is exactly what I had to learn in the weight room. Don’t compare! Don’t get discouraged by what other people can do, rather, make it your ambition to focus on what you are doing and what you need to do for Christ. God works uniquely different in each one of us. He knows where we are at and what we need to do to take the next step. If you don’t get discouraged by where you are, but continue working, your daily life will win the respect of others and it will not “drain” people who have to stop their “workout” to help and encourage you. That is exactly why Paul said to “not be dependent on anybody”. God wants all of us to be able to continue “working out”. Notice, Paul said to “make it your ambition” that leaves room that if you truly need help and encouragement, you can still receive it.
Without comparing yourself to others, what is the next step that you need and will take for Christ and work for Him today?
REVIEW
Did you refrain from comparing yourself to others today?
What did you do today to work and take the next step for Christ today?
In college, I had an extremely high metabolism and I was a soccer player, not a great combination to build massive muscles and lift large amounts of weight. When I would walk into the weight room, I would immediately feel self conscious of my weight lifting abilities, especially when football linemen were working out in the gym or some of the wrestlers. Even more embarrassing was one of the wrestlers, who was over a foot shorter than I was, that could lift 3 times my weight. One of the most difficult things for me to learn in that setting was not to pay attention to what others were doing but to focus on what I was able to do. Just work hard and do the best that I could do and be satisfied with results.
That is what Paul is attempting to communicate to the Thessalonians. He is not talking about the attention that we must to pay to the needs of other because Paul also encouraged these same people to bear one another’s burdens. He is specifically encouraging them to do is exactly what I had to learn in the weight room. Don’t compare! Don’t get discouraged by what other people can do, rather, make it your ambition to focus on what you are doing and what you need to do for Christ. God works uniquely different in each one of us. He knows where we are at and what we need to do to take the next step. If you don’t get discouraged by where you are, but continue working, your daily life will win the respect of others and it will not “drain” people who have to stop their “workout” to help and encourage you. That is exactly why Paul said to “not be dependent on anybody”. God wants all of us to be able to continue “working out”. Notice, Paul said to “make it your ambition” that leaves room that if you truly need help and encouragement, you can still receive it.
Without comparing yourself to others, what is the next step that you need and will take for Christ and work for Him today?
REVIEW
Did you refrain from comparing yourself to others today?
What did you do today to work and take the next step for Christ today?
Be Still, Monday, February 22, 2010
Reading: Mark 2:27, Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."
The Sabbath was a day that was meant to connect with God, a day of rest. Even for the disciples, this was a tough concept. The Pharisees or legalist of that day took the Sabbath to the extreme. If you walked 750 feet from your front door you broke the Sabbath. If you tied a knot or carried wood, you broke the Sabbath.
Then, here comes Jesus onto the scene. He said, “Listen… I made the Sabbath. Work until it’s quitting time and when its time to quit… quit!” (paraphrased)
A few years ago I remember watching my son in first grade playing soccer. I brought some papers home with me and he asked me, “Dad what are you doing?” “Well, son, I didn’t get all my work done last night, so I had to bring it home and work on it today. He looked up at me and said, “I don’t want to hurt your feelings but maybe you could go back and ask them to put you in a slower group.”
I learned a valuable lesson from my son that day… try to unplug! Men, work hard at work, but, when it’s time to go home, give your family the best of you!
Do you struggle with being still and leaving all other burdens and business outside the home?
Challenge #1: Before you walk into the house today, stop and ask God to help you to leave work outside of your home today and to calm your spirit to be still to give your family your undivided attention.
Challenge #2: Select at least 2 things that you can do to make your time at home special and “still” with your family today/tonight. They are a priority.
REVIEW
Were you able to “be still” today?
What did you do to complete both challenges and how did it impact your day?
The Sabbath was a day that was meant to connect with God, a day of rest. Even for the disciples, this was a tough concept. The Pharisees or legalist of that day took the Sabbath to the extreme. If you walked 750 feet from your front door you broke the Sabbath. If you tied a knot or carried wood, you broke the Sabbath.
Then, here comes Jesus onto the scene. He said, “Listen… I made the Sabbath. Work until it’s quitting time and when its time to quit… quit!” (paraphrased)
A few years ago I remember watching my son in first grade playing soccer. I brought some papers home with me and he asked me, “Dad what are you doing?” “Well, son, I didn’t get all my work done last night, so I had to bring it home and work on it today. He looked up at me and said, “I don’t want to hurt your feelings but maybe you could go back and ask them to put you in a slower group.”
I learned a valuable lesson from my son that day… try to unplug! Men, work hard at work, but, when it’s time to go home, give your family the best of you!
Do you struggle with being still and leaving all other burdens and business outside the home?
Challenge #1: Before you walk into the house today, stop and ask God to help you to leave work outside of your home today and to calm your spirit to be still to give your family your undivided attention.
Challenge #2: Select at least 2 things that you can do to make your time at home special and “still” with your family today/tonight. They are a priority.
REVIEW
Were you able to “be still” today?
What did you do to complete both challenges and how did it impact your day?
Friday, February 19, 2010
God's Best Friend, Saturday, February 20, 210
Reading: Luke 9:57-62, 57As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." 58Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." 59He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." 60Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." 61 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family." 62Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Most dog owners can easily tell you why they bear the title, “Man’s Best Friend.” They are loyal, constantly trying to please, protective, comforting, faithful and never questions you. It’s amazing how happy dogs can be and how they get so thoroughly excited about spending time with you. And, oh, my… they sure do work hard for your attention.
When it comes to following God, can you imagine if we were able to bear the title, “God’s Best Friend”? If you were to tell a dog, “Come here… follow me”, he wouldn’t say, “Well, I’d love to and all, but I have to go say good-bye to my ma and pa, first.” No, they’d spring into action, almost as if to say, “Oh, me? Really? You want to spend time with me? Yes, of course! Okay, you’re going to lead me on a leash? Oh, that’s great… that just means that you want to stay close to you, which is exactly where I want to be… oh, sorry… I didn’t mean to step on your foot while we were walking… I was too busy looking up at you to see if I was doing everything right and if I was getting your attention. When we get back, can I just sit in your lap, because I love being as close to you as I can be?” Can you imagine living like you are “God’s Best Friend”?
What will you do today to act as if you are “God’s Best Friend” and follow Him and constantly be looking to Him for His approval throughout the day?
REVIEW
What did you do today to act as if you are “God’s Best Friend”?
How did this change your perception of your relationship with God?
Most dog owners can easily tell you why they bear the title, “Man’s Best Friend.” They are loyal, constantly trying to please, protective, comforting, faithful and never questions you. It’s amazing how happy dogs can be and how they get so thoroughly excited about spending time with you. And, oh, my… they sure do work hard for your attention.
When it comes to following God, can you imagine if we were able to bear the title, “God’s Best Friend”? If you were to tell a dog, “Come here… follow me”, he wouldn’t say, “Well, I’d love to and all, but I have to go say good-bye to my ma and pa, first.” No, they’d spring into action, almost as if to say, “Oh, me? Really? You want to spend time with me? Yes, of course! Okay, you’re going to lead me on a leash? Oh, that’s great… that just means that you want to stay close to you, which is exactly where I want to be… oh, sorry… I didn’t mean to step on your foot while we were walking… I was too busy looking up at you to see if I was doing everything right and if I was getting your attention. When we get back, can I just sit in your lap, because I love being as close to you as I can be?” Can you imagine living like you are “God’s Best Friend”?
What will you do today to act as if you are “God’s Best Friend” and follow Him and constantly be looking to Him for His approval throughout the day?
REVIEW
What did you do today to act as if you are “God’s Best Friend”?
How did this change your perception of your relationship with God?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Get on Offense!, Friday, February 19, 2010
Reading: James 2:14-18, 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
When I was playing sports in high school and college, we always cringed when the coach sat us down to talk to us about his desire to make sure that we were in better shape than the other team. Often, it would be before a game when all of us, including the coach, knew that the other team that we would be playing had more speed and more talent than we did. There were many times that if we weren’t in extremely good shape, we would find ourselves back on defense the majority, if not, all of the game. It’s pretty hard to win a game, if you aren’t even down on the offensive end to score. For some reason, we are that way in our Christian lives. We sit and let the game come to us. When something arises, we play a little defense, until the problem or challenge goes away. Then, we just continue to do our thing until the next challenge comes again. The Christian life is supposed to be filled with offense and defense. This is why James is so dogmatic about stating, “I will show you my faith by my works.” The defense is “the shield of faith” (Ephesians 6:16) and the offense is living it through the Word of God, your works.
How is your offensive game? What works are you performing that are reflections of your faith?
What will you do today to get on offense and start showing the works that substantiate your faith?
REVIEW
What did you do today to get in the game and play some offense?
Tell about the efforts you made or victories you won through your offensive effort today?
When I was playing sports in high school and college, we always cringed when the coach sat us down to talk to us about his desire to make sure that we were in better shape than the other team. Often, it would be before a game when all of us, including the coach, knew that the other team that we would be playing had more speed and more talent than we did. There were many times that if we weren’t in extremely good shape, we would find ourselves back on defense the majority, if not, all of the game. It’s pretty hard to win a game, if you aren’t even down on the offensive end to score. For some reason, we are that way in our Christian lives. We sit and let the game come to us. When something arises, we play a little defense, until the problem or challenge goes away. Then, we just continue to do our thing until the next challenge comes again. The Christian life is supposed to be filled with offense and defense. This is why James is so dogmatic about stating, “I will show you my faith by my works.” The defense is “the shield of faith” (Ephesians 6:16) and the offense is living it through the Word of God, your works.
How is your offensive game? What works are you performing that are reflections of your faith?
What will you do today to get on offense and start showing the works that substantiate your faith?
REVIEW
What did you do today to get in the game and play some offense?
Tell about the efforts you made or victories you won through your offensive effort today?
First Base, Thursday, February 18, 2010
Reading: II Peter 1:5-9, 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; to virtue, knowledge; 6 to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; 7 to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
It was September 8, 1998 at 8:18 p.m., the fourth inning at Busch Stadium, the anticipation in the crowd of 50,000 people was at an all time high, wondering if this was the time that Mark McGwire would break the record of 61 homeruns in a single season. The Cub’s starting pitcher, Steve Trachsel, wound up and threw a fastball low and in… then… *crack*… a line drive shot to left field. No one thought it was going out, not even McGwire, but it cleared the wall. The place irrupted. It was a mass celebration. McGwire, who had started his homerun trot celebration, rounded first base, but missed touching first base. Realizing what he had done, he turned around, went back and stomped on it just to be sure that he got it. He finished rounding the bases and crossed home as the new single season homerun leader. After the game, the Cub’s coach was asked if he would have challenged the homerun if McGwire didn’t go back and touch the base, to which he stated, “Of course.” Can you imagine the elation and celebration turning into mass confusion and anger, if the homerun didn’t count because he didn’t go back and touch first base?
Men, so many times we do the same thing in our lives. If you notice, it states add to your faith, virtue; and, then, knowledge. Virtue is “moral excellence”. Often we miss the base on our way to knowledge. Faith in Christ must come first, though. Without that, moral excellence is an impossibility.
Do you have moral excellence?
How will you achieve moral excellence today?(have a plan)
REVIEW
Did you achieve moral excellence today?
How were you able to ultimately achieve it?
It was September 8, 1998 at 8:18 p.m., the fourth inning at Busch Stadium, the anticipation in the crowd of 50,000 people was at an all time high, wondering if this was the time that Mark McGwire would break the record of 61 homeruns in a single season. The Cub’s starting pitcher, Steve Trachsel, wound up and threw a fastball low and in… then… *crack*… a line drive shot to left field. No one thought it was going out, not even McGwire, but it cleared the wall. The place irrupted. It was a mass celebration. McGwire, who had started his homerun trot celebration, rounded first base, but missed touching first base. Realizing what he had done, he turned around, went back and stomped on it just to be sure that he got it. He finished rounding the bases and crossed home as the new single season homerun leader. After the game, the Cub’s coach was asked if he would have challenged the homerun if McGwire didn’t go back and touch the base, to which he stated, “Of course.” Can you imagine the elation and celebration turning into mass confusion and anger, if the homerun didn’t count because he didn’t go back and touch first base?
Men, so many times we do the same thing in our lives. If you notice, it states add to your faith, virtue; and, then, knowledge. Virtue is “moral excellence”. Often we miss the base on our way to knowledge. Faith in Christ must come first, though. Without that, moral excellence is an impossibility.
Do you have moral excellence?
How will you achieve moral excellence today?(have a plan)
REVIEW
Did you achieve moral excellence today?
How were you able to ultimately achieve it?
Friendship, Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:9, Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
How would you define a friend?
The dictionary defines the word friend as “a person who is attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.”
This definition is okay, I guess, but when I think of a friend, a few more descriptions come to mind: loyal, helpful, trustworthy, honest, encourager, joyful…” just to mention a few.
What friends has God placed in your path with whom you are able to battle life?
Have you thanked God for them lately?
Have you been a blessing to them?
C.S. Lewis said, “True friends don’t spend time gazing at each other. They show great tenderness toward each other, but they face in the same direction toward common projects, interests, goals, and above all, toward a common Lord.
How will you choose to be a blessing to your friends today?
What characteristics about your friends are you thankful for?
Review the answers you just gave, do you demonstrate those characteristics?
Challenge: Thank God for the friends that He has given you and, also, thank your friends for their friendship.
REVIEW
How were you able to be a blessing to your friends today?
What characteristic of a friend did you work on today?
How would you define a friend?
The dictionary defines the word friend as “a person who is attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.”
This definition is okay, I guess, but when I think of a friend, a few more descriptions come to mind: loyal, helpful, trustworthy, honest, encourager, joyful…” just to mention a few.
What friends has God placed in your path with whom you are able to battle life?
Have you thanked God for them lately?
Have you been a blessing to them?
C.S. Lewis said, “True friends don’t spend time gazing at each other. They show great tenderness toward each other, but they face in the same direction toward common projects, interests, goals, and above all, toward a common Lord.
How will you choose to be a blessing to your friends today?
What characteristics about your friends are you thankful for?
Review the answers you just gave, do you demonstrate those characteristics?
Challenge: Thank God for the friends that He has given you and, also, thank your friends for their friendship.
REVIEW
How were you able to be a blessing to your friends today?
What characteristic of a friend did you work on today?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Becoming a WCC, Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Reading: Romans 10:15, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
There are two types of Christians, worldly Christians and World Class Christians (WCC). Worldly Christians look to God for fulfillment. They are saved for self centeredness… what’s in it for us? The World Class Christians know that they are saved to serve; they’re made for a mission.
There are over six billion people on earth and God wants them all. The opportunities to go on missions trips, these days, are endless. You can go anywhere you want.
Jesus said, “Go and tell”! Romans 10:14-15 says, 14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent”… and they go?
As men in the church we have 3 choices, with no excuses:
We can pray
We can go
We can send
Men, there are ways that you can fulfill all three today.
Today, how will you pray?
Today, how will you go?
Today, how will you send?
REVIEW
How did you pray today?
How did you go today?
How did you send today?
There are two types of Christians, worldly Christians and World Class Christians (WCC). Worldly Christians look to God for fulfillment. They are saved for self centeredness… what’s in it for us? The World Class Christians know that they are saved to serve; they’re made for a mission.
There are over six billion people on earth and God wants them all. The opportunities to go on missions trips, these days, are endless. You can go anywhere you want.
Jesus said, “Go and tell”! Romans 10:14-15 says, 14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent”… and they go?
As men in the church we have 3 choices, with no excuses:
We can pray
We can go
We can send
Men, there are ways that you can fulfill all three today.
Today, how will you pray?
Today, how will you go?
Today, how will you send?
REVIEW
How did you pray today?
How did you go today?
How did you send today?
Be Careful!, Monday, February 15, 2010
Reading: I Peter 5:8-9, 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
I’ll never forget the time I was out working in the backyard. I heard my wife yell my name and asked me to come quickly. When I got to the sliding glass door to our bedroom, she was standing in our room looking into our bathroom. I quickly rushed in and, to my horror, saw the bottle of our iron supplements dumped all over the floor. I immediately knew, without a word, that our 2 year old had gotten into the bottle. My mind began to race trying to find a way to figure out how many pills she may have consumed. I called poison control, observed my little girl and picked up the pills. To bring a horribly frightening experience to a brief end, she was okay and thankfully didn’t really eat any of them. After the urgency was behind us, I looked down at the bottle of iron pills. Here is a lid specifically made for child protection, but it was not screwed on completely. You start becoming very aware of your surrounding and the things that you leave out and accessible. Something that was never an issue before and you never considered before all of a sudden becomes a matter of constant awareness; no sharp knives, no scissors, no chemicals, no pills, no pens and nothing that you care about potentially being destroyed can be left out.
Our Christian lives are the same way. We can become very careless in our daily tasks that we have become comfortable with. We don’t need to be careful. We don’t need to be watching. We just do our thing. But, it is then that the pills of sin and temptation are breached. Unfortunately, at that point, it may too late and lives or reputations are destroyed. Be sober… be watching… always be aware. Men, whether you feel like it or not, you are under attack.
Part of being cautious and aware, is seeing the danger as danger. What are some things that you are tampering with that you know are potential dangers of sin?
What will you do today to be cautious and aware of potential dangers and what will you do to destroy any and all dangers that you may be tampering with?
REVIEW
How did you go about your day being cautious and aware of potential dangers of sin?
How did you destroy any potential dangers to avoid the attack?
I’ll never forget the time I was out working in the backyard. I heard my wife yell my name and asked me to come quickly. When I got to the sliding glass door to our bedroom, she was standing in our room looking into our bathroom. I quickly rushed in and, to my horror, saw the bottle of our iron supplements dumped all over the floor. I immediately knew, without a word, that our 2 year old had gotten into the bottle. My mind began to race trying to find a way to figure out how many pills she may have consumed. I called poison control, observed my little girl and picked up the pills. To bring a horribly frightening experience to a brief end, she was okay and thankfully didn’t really eat any of them. After the urgency was behind us, I looked down at the bottle of iron pills. Here is a lid specifically made for child protection, but it was not screwed on completely. You start becoming very aware of your surrounding and the things that you leave out and accessible. Something that was never an issue before and you never considered before all of a sudden becomes a matter of constant awareness; no sharp knives, no scissors, no chemicals, no pills, no pens and nothing that you care about potentially being destroyed can be left out.
Our Christian lives are the same way. We can become very careless in our daily tasks that we have become comfortable with. We don’t need to be careful. We don’t need to be watching. We just do our thing. But, it is then that the pills of sin and temptation are breached. Unfortunately, at that point, it may too late and lives or reputations are destroyed. Be sober… be watching… always be aware. Men, whether you feel like it or not, you are under attack.
Part of being cautious and aware, is seeing the danger as danger. What are some things that you are tampering with that you know are potential dangers of sin?
What will you do today to be cautious and aware of potential dangers and what will you do to destroy any and all dangers that you may be tampering with?
REVIEW
How did you go about your day being cautious and aware of potential dangers of sin?
How did you destroy any potential dangers to avoid the attack?
Friday, February 12, 2010
Search Me!, Saturday, February 13, 2010
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, we have reached that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find place in your house and let your everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground, a hoola-hoop, a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for you sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
Okay, men, we have reached that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find place in your house and let your everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground, a hoola-hoop, a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for you sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
Surrender All!, Friday, February 12, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6, 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Let me encourage you to release your grip on the top steps of your career or social ladder. Stop wrapping you r ego around your role. As a pastor myself, most pastor identify themselves so closely with their ministry that it begins to bear their name more than Christ’s. If the Lord moves them to something else a large part of them dies. The same is true of executives or business owners. I’ve seen it the most in mothers. We must refuel to allow any position or role to determine who you are. Find your security, you identity, your contentment, you name in Christ as a child of the King.
At the end of the civil war, when General Robert E Lee had surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, for five years Lee had led the army of the Northern Virginia, though some of the most terrible trials men have ever known. You would think that the men would be glad to have it over. Lee was quoted to have said in his journals, “My men hung upon the reigns of my horse until their hands bled and begged and wept for me not to go. They pleaded for just one more chance to whip those Yankees. I have become their father and have given these men what most of them have never had before, an identity, a fight worth fighting for, a place in a larger story. God has called men to live with purpose.”
Men, what are you fighting for today?
How can you let go of your grip on what lies ahead of you, lean on His understanding and pick up your sword and join in the battle today?
REVIEW
What did you fight for today?
What was the result of that battle?
Let me encourage you to release your grip on the top steps of your career or social ladder. Stop wrapping you r ego around your role. As a pastor myself, most pastor identify themselves so closely with their ministry that it begins to bear their name more than Christ’s. If the Lord moves them to something else a large part of them dies. The same is true of executives or business owners. I’ve seen it the most in mothers. We must refuel to allow any position or role to determine who you are. Find your security, you identity, your contentment, you name in Christ as a child of the King.
At the end of the civil war, when General Robert E Lee had surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, for five years Lee had led the army of the Northern Virginia, though some of the most terrible trials men have ever known. You would think that the men would be glad to have it over. Lee was quoted to have said in his journals, “My men hung upon the reigns of my horse until their hands bled and begged and wept for me not to go. They pleaded for just one more chance to whip those Yankees. I have become their father and have given these men what most of them have never had before, an identity, a fight worth fighting for, a place in a larger story. God has called men to live with purpose.”
Men, what are you fighting for today?
How can you let go of your grip on what lies ahead of you, lean on His understanding and pick up your sword and join in the battle today?
REVIEW
What did you fight for today?
What was the result of that battle?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
What Time Is It?, Thursday, February 11, 2010
Reading: Philippians 4:8, 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
“Think about” actually means spend your time. Paul was encouraging us to spend our time doing these such things. A family man reflects on what really matters. We are not called to just skim through life. For example, if you are talking to your kids while sorting the mail or talking to your wife while looking for the remote or even praying on the run, we will be held accountable for our time.
“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love, let’s show our love by our actions and how we use our time. This then is how the world will know that we belong to the truth”, I John 3:18, 19.
We can have drive through restaurants, but not drive through families.
Are you a man who is there when his family needs him?
What are some ways that you typically skim through life?
What are some needs to which your family will need your undivided attention?
How will you take the time today to resist skimming through life and meet the needs of your family and those around you?
REVIEW
How did you take time today to meet the needs of your family and those around you?
What impact did it make on you and your family?
“Think about” actually means spend your time. Paul was encouraging us to spend our time doing these such things. A family man reflects on what really matters. We are not called to just skim through life. For example, if you are talking to your kids while sorting the mail or talking to your wife while looking for the remote or even praying on the run, we will be held accountable for our time.
“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love, let’s show our love by our actions and how we use our time. This then is how the world will know that we belong to the truth”, I John 3:18, 19.
We can have drive through restaurants, but not drive through families.
Are you a man who is there when his family needs him?
What are some ways that you typically skim through life?
What are some needs to which your family will need your undivided attention?
How will you take the time today to resist skimming through life and meet the needs of your family and those around you?
REVIEW
How did you take time today to meet the needs of your family and those around you?
What impact did it make on you and your family?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
End Result, Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Reading: Galatians 5:22-23, 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
I can just hear some reading this that are saying, “Yeah, that’s nice and all. I read these qualities, but you just don’t understand what I go through… at my work… or with my wife… or with my kids… or my finances… or with my physical problems… and the list goes on.” You notice other people at church or elsewhere who seem to really demonstrate these characteristics and, for some reason, you think that they must not have the same problems that you have. Men, please take note that the verse does not say that the “fruit” of an easy, challenge free life is “love, joy, peace, etc.” It is the “fruit of the Spirit”, which, if you know Christ, you have the “key” to unlock those qualities in you. It becomes your decision. It is not the dictate of all the events, circumstance and people around you that produces that or extinguishes that… it is your choice. And, the choice is not to “perform” these qualities. According to these verses, it is a fruit… a result, of living a Spirit filled life. You can work on love… and work on being happy… and work on having peace… and work on being patient, to no avail. God just wants you to be filled with His Spirit and He will produce it in you. Being filled with the Spirit is not just a “pastor” or “minister” thing to do. All those that know Him have that amazing ability to experience.
To be filled with the Spirit, you must first empty the sin and yourself. To “fill” something, especially with a holy, righteous God, it must first be empty. This is not a process, so don’t get discouraged. It is merely a confession and repentance to God for your sins and for His forgiveness. You give it to Him and He’ll remove it.
Challenge #1: Come before God and confess and repent of your sin.
Challenge #2: Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit today and believe that He can and will do what He says He will do.
Challenge #3: Walk in stride with the Spirit, which means, as He leads you… simply follow, no matter what that may mean.
REVIEW
First, did you complete all three challenges?
What did you experience today that was different from a normal day?
Did you experience the fruits of the Spirit today and how did you?
I can just hear some reading this that are saying, “Yeah, that’s nice and all. I read these qualities, but you just don’t understand what I go through… at my work… or with my wife… or with my kids… or my finances… or with my physical problems… and the list goes on.” You notice other people at church or elsewhere who seem to really demonstrate these characteristics and, for some reason, you think that they must not have the same problems that you have. Men, please take note that the verse does not say that the “fruit” of an easy, challenge free life is “love, joy, peace, etc.” It is the “fruit of the Spirit”, which, if you know Christ, you have the “key” to unlock those qualities in you. It becomes your decision. It is not the dictate of all the events, circumstance and people around you that produces that or extinguishes that… it is your choice. And, the choice is not to “perform” these qualities. According to these verses, it is a fruit… a result, of living a Spirit filled life. You can work on love… and work on being happy… and work on having peace… and work on being patient, to no avail. God just wants you to be filled with His Spirit and He will produce it in you. Being filled with the Spirit is not just a “pastor” or “minister” thing to do. All those that know Him have that amazing ability to experience.
To be filled with the Spirit, you must first empty the sin and yourself. To “fill” something, especially with a holy, righteous God, it must first be empty. This is not a process, so don’t get discouraged. It is merely a confession and repentance to God for your sins and for His forgiveness. You give it to Him and He’ll remove it.
Challenge #1: Come before God and confess and repent of your sin.
Challenge #2: Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit today and believe that He can and will do what He says He will do.
Challenge #3: Walk in stride with the Spirit, which means, as He leads you… simply follow, no matter what that may mean.
REVIEW
First, did you complete all three challenges?
What did you experience today that was different from a normal day?
Did you experience the fruits of the Spirit today and how did you?
Thoughts, Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Reading: II Corinthians 10:5-6, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
Men, we often think that our thoughts are not really that important. Almost with the mentality of, “Hey, it’s not hurting anyone; no one even knows what I’m thinking about”. But, we are completely fooling ourselves. Your thoughts do matter. Men, thoughts are the seeds from which actions grow! Do we really understand that? Let’s really think about that. Thoughts are the seeds from which actions grow. When the seed is planted, the root begins to grow first and grows four to five times the size of the visible plant, so are your thoughts. The roots are growing in your mind and, although, the corresponding actions, at first, may be small; they will grow and grow. It is at that point that the actions get you into trouble when they become more visible but it’s not the actions that are visible that are the real problem. It is the roots that now have grown strong and deep in your mind and affect the way that you think. That is why Paul told the Corinthians to bring every thought into captivity. When it comes into your mind, lock it up. Don’t let it grow, don’t let it spread, don’t entertain it… captivate it! Then, when they are locked up and you are able to rationally think through, and decide, what is Godly and what is not. Choose what you think about. After you bring thoughts into captivity, you have the key to unlock doors that you want to think about or think through. Because, if you just let your mind go, you being a normal, flesh and blood man, will have the potential of having thoughts of women, revenge, anger, jealousy, envy, negativity and the list goes on. Take control of your thoughts today!!!
How will you bring your thoughts into captivity today and be sure to think of things that are in accordance with the obedience of Christ?
REVIEW
How did you bring your thoughts into captivity today?
What impact did that make on what you thought about today?
Men, we often think that our thoughts are not really that important. Almost with the mentality of, “Hey, it’s not hurting anyone; no one even knows what I’m thinking about”. But, we are completely fooling ourselves. Your thoughts do matter. Men, thoughts are the seeds from which actions grow! Do we really understand that? Let’s really think about that. Thoughts are the seeds from which actions grow. When the seed is planted, the root begins to grow first and grows four to five times the size of the visible plant, so are your thoughts. The roots are growing in your mind and, although, the corresponding actions, at first, may be small; they will grow and grow. It is at that point that the actions get you into trouble when they become more visible but it’s not the actions that are visible that are the real problem. It is the roots that now have grown strong and deep in your mind and affect the way that you think. That is why Paul told the Corinthians to bring every thought into captivity. When it comes into your mind, lock it up. Don’t let it grow, don’t let it spread, don’t entertain it… captivate it! Then, when they are locked up and you are able to rationally think through, and decide, what is Godly and what is not. Choose what you think about. After you bring thoughts into captivity, you have the key to unlock doors that you want to think about or think through. Because, if you just let your mind go, you being a normal, flesh and blood man, will have the potential of having thoughts of women, revenge, anger, jealousy, envy, negativity and the list goes on. Take control of your thoughts today!!!
How will you bring your thoughts into captivity today and be sure to think of things that are in accordance with the obedience of Christ?
REVIEW
How did you bring your thoughts into captivity today?
What impact did that make on what you thought about today?
Monday, February 8, 2010
Continue On, Monday, February 8, 2010
Reading: Colossians 2:6-7, 6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
We are encouraged to constantly “continue to live in Him”. Although you may struggle continuing in anything because things can become mundane or typical, the key to continuing to live in Christ is to be rooted and built in Him. It is at that point, that your Christian walk is no longer based upon individual characteristics or personality traits. Your life takes on the characteristics of Jesus Christ.
When a seed of a tree germinates, the first thing to grow is the “tap” root. In the first year, it can grow 3 to 5 feet down or to the side, searching for water and minerals. Meanwhile, the part of the tree that we see grows less than a foot tall. As the tree grows and matures the roots never stop growing. In fact, the “lateral” roots outgrow the initial “tap” root. Interestingly, it is the “lateral” roots that provide the majority of the support for the tree.
Unfortunately, we tend to reverse this process and stump our growth in Christ. We spend so much time focusing on the growth in our lives above ground. We compare, especially when we see someone else that spiritually is taller, stronger base, larger branches, greener leaves; but, the key is what your roots are doing. Your roots are supposed to constantly continue to grow. Everything that is apparent “above ground” in your life is an indication of your roots in Christ. Let this truly sink in, you cannot “continue to live in [Christ]”, if your roots are not in Him or continuing to grow to provide support and strength as you “continue”.
What are you rooted in? Another word, where do you find your sustenance or nourishment?(be honest)
How will you focus on your “roots”, to find your sustenance and nourishment in Christ to continue to live in Him today?
REVIEW
How did you “root” yourself in Christ today?
How did this impact your ability to continue to live and grow in Him?
We are encouraged to constantly “continue to live in Him”. Although you may struggle continuing in anything because things can become mundane or typical, the key to continuing to live in Christ is to be rooted and built in Him. It is at that point, that your Christian walk is no longer based upon individual characteristics or personality traits. Your life takes on the characteristics of Jesus Christ.
When a seed of a tree germinates, the first thing to grow is the “tap” root. In the first year, it can grow 3 to 5 feet down or to the side, searching for water and minerals. Meanwhile, the part of the tree that we see grows less than a foot tall. As the tree grows and matures the roots never stop growing. In fact, the “lateral” roots outgrow the initial “tap” root. Interestingly, it is the “lateral” roots that provide the majority of the support for the tree.
Unfortunately, we tend to reverse this process and stump our growth in Christ. We spend so much time focusing on the growth in our lives above ground. We compare, especially when we see someone else that spiritually is taller, stronger base, larger branches, greener leaves; but, the key is what your roots are doing. Your roots are supposed to constantly continue to grow. Everything that is apparent “above ground” in your life is an indication of your roots in Christ. Let this truly sink in, you cannot “continue to live in [Christ]”, if your roots are not in Him or continuing to grow to provide support and strength as you “continue”.
What are you rooted in? Another word, where do you find your sustenance or nourishment?(be honest)
How will you focus on your “roots”, to find your sustenance and nourishment in Christ to continue to live in Him today?
REVIEW
How did you “root” yourself in Christ today?
How did this impact your ability to continue to live and grow in Him?
Friday, February 5, 2010
Give It, Today!, Saturday, February 6, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 3:27-28, 27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"— when you now have it with you.
I almost chuckle at these verses because, if we actually have what someone needs in our possession and we say, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”, what are we typically doing? We usually are hoping that they don’t come back tomorrow. We hope that we just won’t have to deal with it.
I am constantly intrigued by celebrities and politicians who have fundraisers, taxes or commercials about giving to the needy or less fortunate, but, then, they turn around, hop in their limousine, and drive home to one of their several mansions. It can build resentment toward those who have more than we do and live more “comfortably” than we do, yet try to squeeze more out of us. But, although they would tell you differently, celebrities and politicians are not the bar setters. It is not for them that we exist. It is not because of them that we give.
God, who is the owner of everything that exists, gave His all, even when we didn’t know our need for Him, He gave of Himself. He is our bar setter.
If you notice, verse 27 states, “do not withhold good”, it does not necessarily say “do not withhold money or possessions”. Those things may be the need but we shouldn’t limit ourselves in seeing other needs that someone may have; love, compassion, forgiveness, an ear to listen, etc.
What are some needs of others that you are already aware of?
If you have something in your possession to help, what will you do today to meet those needs today?
REVIEW
What did you do today to help those who are in need?
How did this impact them and how did it impact you?
I almost chuckle at these verses because, if we actually have what someone needs in our possession and we say, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”, what are we typically doing? We usually are hoping that they don’t come back tomorrow. We hope that we just won’t have to deal with it.
I am constantly intrigued by celebrities and politicians who have fundraisers, taxes or commercials about giving to the needy or less fortunate, but, then, they turn around, hop in their limousine, and drive home to one of their several mansions. It can build resentment toward those who have more than we do and live more “comfortably” than we do, yet try to squeeze more out of us. But, although they would tell you differently, celebrities and politicians are not the bar setters. It is not for them that we exist. It is not because of them that we give.
God, who is the owner of everything that exists, gave His all, even when we didn’t know our need for Him, He gave of Himself. He is our bar setter.
If you notice, verse 27 states, “do not withhold good”, it does not necessarily say “do not withhold money or possessions”. Those things may be the need but we shouldn’t limit ourselves in seeing other needs that someone may have; love, compassion, forgiveness, an ear to listen, etc.
What are some needs of others that you are already aware of?
If you have something in your possession to help, what will you do today to meet those needs today?
REVIEW
What did you do today to help those who are in need?
How did this impact them and how did it impact you?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Cut It Off!, Friday, February 5, 2010
Reading: Mark 9:43-47, 43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell”
Jesus was such a master teacher. He knew exactly how we are with our enduring fixation on the outward, the temporary, the body. I think we would be surprised at how much time and effort we spend caring for the physical body and its appearance. Can you imagine if we actually took this passage literally, what our churches would look like? We may walk into church and, “Oh, yeah, hey, there’s John. Wow, he must have really been struggling with what he was listening to this week. I wonder if he had his ears surgically removed or if he did it himself. Ouch!” “Oh, no, there’s Tim. I can hardly even understand him anymore, since his tongue was cut out.” “Hi, Bill, I see you brought your seeing-eye-dog to church again.” We may actually look like a clip from a freakish, horror movie. Jesus was, through an extreme illustration, attempting to communicate the temporary nature of our bodies. You may think, “Yeah, but, it would be there whole life without that part of their body.” Meanwhile, Jesus clears His throat and says, “But, we’re talking about eternity here.” We look at it as if it’s living without it your whole life but, in a true comparison to eternity, if your whole life was eternity, it would be as if you lived without it for .0000000000000001seconds. Jesus truly understood this. Do we?
If you had to cut off a part of your body because it was causing you to sin, what would it be, and why?(be honest)
What will you do to, not physically cut it off, but to render the parts of your body useless to sin?(be specific)
REVIEW
How did you render the parts of your body useless to sin today?
How were you successful and how did this impact your day today?
Jesus was such a master teacher. He knew exactly how we are with our enduring fixation on the outward, the temporary, the body. I think we would be surprised at how much time and effort we spend caring for the physical body and its appearance. Can you imagine if we actually took this passage literally, what our churches would look like? We may walk into church and, “Oh, yeah, hey, there’s John. Wow, he must have really been struggling with what he was listening to this week. I wonder if he had his ears surgically removed or if he did it himself. Ouch!” “Oh, no, there’s Tim. I can hardly even understand him anymore, since his tongue was cut out.” “Hi, Bill, I see you brought your seeing-eye-dog to church again.” We may actually look like a clip from a freakish, horror movie. Jesus was, through an extreme illustration, attempting to communicate the temporary nature of our bodies. You may think, “Yeah, but, it would be there whole life without that part of their body.” Meanwhile, Jesus clears His throat and says, “But, we’re talking about eternity here.” We look at it as if it’s living without it your whole life but, in a true comparison to eternity, if your whole life was eternity, it would be as if you lived without it for .0000000000000001seconds. Jesus truly understood this. Do we?
If you had to cut off a part of your body because it was causing you to sin, what would it be, and why?(be honest)
What will you do to, not physically cut it off, but to render the parts of your body useless to sin?(be specific)
REVIEW
How did you render the parts of your body useless to sin today?
How were you successful and how did this impact your day today?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Becoming a Mentor, Thursday, February 4, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 4:6, Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
I read one time, “A mentor without wisdom is just a know-it-all. And, noboldy wants to follow a know-it-all. God’s desire is for a man to be a strong role model. Let me encourage you in a few areas of mentoring.
A mentor is a student of the Book
II Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
No advice can trump the Word of God, be sure to check there first.
A mentor passes on the secrets. A lot of batons are dropped in relay races. Just make sure that your hand-off has been solid and timely. Running the next leg is up to the one holding the baton.
We don’t choose to be role models, we are chosen. Many years ago Charles Barkley looked into the camera and said, “I’m not a role model”. David Robinson responded by saying, “I disagree with Charles. You can deny being a role model all you want. But, I don’t think it’s your decision to make. We don’t choose to be a role model, we’re chosen. Our only choice is whether to be a good model or a bad one.”
How can you become or be a better student of the Book?
Who has God placed in your life to pass on the secrets to?
Be sure to seek out someone to pass on the secrets today.
REVIEW
What did you do today to be a student of the Book?
Who did you seek out to pass along secrets and how did it go?
I read one time, “A mentor without wisdom is just a know-it-all. And, noboldy wants to follow a know-it-all. God’s desire is for a man to be a strong role model. Let me encourage you in a few areas of mentoring.
A mentor is a student of the Book
II Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
No advice can trump the Word of God, be sure to check there first.
A mentor passes on the secrets. A lot of batons are dropped in relay races. Just make sure that your hand-off has been solid and timely. Running the next leg is up to the one holding the baton.
We don’t choose to be role models, we are chosen. Many years ago Charles Barkley looked into the camera and said, “I’m not a role model”. David Robinson responded by saying, “I disagree with Charles. You can deny being a role model all you want. But, I don’t think it’s your decision to make. We don’t choose to be a role model, we’re chosen. Our only choice is whether to be a good model or a bad one.”
How can you become or be a better student of the Book?
Who has God placed in your life to pass on the secrets to?
Be sure to seek out someone to pass on the secrets today.
REVIEW
What did you do today to be a student of the Book?
Who did you seek out to pass along secrets and how did it go?
Coming Apart, Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Reading: Mark 6:30-31, 30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
King James translates this verse “Come apart or you’ll come apart”. Being a workaholic is a constant treadmill, hoping someone will notice you… that you’ll get your strokes. Hoping somebody will say you are good enough. I believe the real reason for fatigue is our desire to be needed. God’s great Holy joke is this, that everyone who has walked this earth ahs the Messiah complex. “Here I come to save the day!) Only One person never suffered from the Messiah complex, and He was the Messiah. Rest was a regular practice of Jesus.
What was Jesus’ greatest passion? Was it healing, preaching, teaching? No. It was getting away to spend time with His Dad.
Luke 5:15-16, 15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
What typically keeps you from withdrawing to spend some time with your Heavenly Dad?
What can you do today to get some rest and spend some time with Him?
Take that time today. Find your rest in Him and spend quality time with Him.
REVIEW
How did you spend quality time with you Heavenly Dad?
Were you able to rest in Him and how did that affect your day?
King James translates this verse “Come apart or you’ll come apart”. Being a workaholic is a constant treadmill, hoping someone will notice you… that you’ll get your strokes. Hoping somebody will say you are good enough. I believe the real reason for fatigue is our desire to be needed. God’s great Holy joke is this, that everyone who has walked this earth ahs the Messiah complex. “Here I come to save the day!) Only One person never suffered from the Messiah complex, and He was the Messiah. Rest was a regular practice of Jesus.
What was Jesus’ greatest passion? Was it healing, preaching, teaching? No. It was getting away to spend time with His Dad.
Luke 5:15-16, 15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
What typically keeps you from withdrawing to spend some time with your Heavenly Dad?
What can you do today to get some rest and spend some time with Him?
Take that time today. Find your rest in Him and spend quality time with Him.
REVIEW
How did you spend quality time with you Heavenly Dad?
Were you able to rest in Him and how did that affect your day?
Monday, February 1, 2010
What Is True Success?, Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 4:23, Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
What is success to you? As a man, what defines you as being successful? A good job?, lots of money in the bank?, power at work?, good health? A beautiful wife?, retirement? It could even be wrapped up in your kid’s success… (Johnny made the All-Star Team again this year).
As a Christian, true success is to be like Christ. This is our goal, plain and simple. What distractions are keeping you from the goal?
Are you guarding your heart? Are you keeping your heart clean? Are you pretending?
Successful people can be awfully good at pretending. Though we look successful, sound successful, talk about success, even dress for success, all the while some of our hearts are a drift. Jesus calls this hypocrisy. Jesus warned his disciples to beware of hypocrisy, pretending to be something that we are not, acting as though a mask is covering our face. Hypocrisy is a terrible sign of trouble in our hearts. It waits for the day f exposure. It requires change. It requires honesty. Tell God today you need Him. Ask Him to help guard your heart.
What are some areas in which you have been struggling to keep your heart clean and guard your heart?
What will you do today to guard your heart and be successful in protecting your wellspring of life, your heart?
REVIEW
How were you able to guard your heart today from those things that you listed earlier?
Based on your perception, how did the steps that you took improve the wellsprings of your life?
What is success to you? As a man, what defines you as being successful? A good job?, lots of money in the bank?, power at work?, good health? A beautiful wife?, retirement? It could even be wrapped up in your kid’s success… (Johnny made the All-Star Team again this year).
As a Christian, true success is to be like Christ. This is our goal, plain and simple. What distractions are keeping you from the goal?
Are you guarding your heart? Are you keeping your heart clean? Are you pretending?
Successful people can be awfully good at pretending. Though we look successful, sound successful, talk about success, even dress for success, all the while some of our hearts are a drift. Jesus calls this hypocrisy. Jesus warned his disciples to beware of hypocrisy, pretending to be something that we are not, acting as though a mask is covering our face. Hypocrisy is a terrible sign of trouble in our hearts. It waits for the day f exposure. It requires change. It requires honesty. Tell God today you need Him. Ask Him to help guard your heart.
What are some areas in which you have been struggling to keep your heart clean and guard your heart?
What will you do today to guard your heart and be successful in protecting your wellspring of life, your heart?
REVIEW
How were you able to guard your heart today from those things that you listed earlier?
Based on your perception, how did the steps that you took improve the wellsprings of your life?
Personal Bible Study, Monday, February 1, 2010
Reading: I Peter 1:13-16, 13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."[a]
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Questions for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
REVIEW
How did you do in applying God’s Word today?
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Questions for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
REVIEW
How did you do in applying God’s Word today?
Friday, January 29, 2010
Through the Roof, Saturday, January 30, 2010
Reading: Mark 2:3-4, 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.
That’s the kind of friends that I desire. Men that will, at any cost, bring me closer to Jesus. A pastor, by the name of Norman, tells a story of when he met Henry Ford in 1921. He approached Henry Ford and asked to shake his hand. Mr. Ford extended his hand and asked, “Who is your best friend?” Not waiting for a response, Ford tore off a piece of paper and wrote the following, “Your best friend is the person who brings out the best that is within you.” Ford then said to Norman, “Think about this and always associate with the best men you know.”
When was the last time that you spent more than a month or two in an effort to bring a friend into the family of God?
Who do you consider your best friends?
Do these men bring out the best in you, in your pursuit of God? Why or why not?
Are you the type of friend that brings out the best in those friends that you listed, in their pursuit of God? Why or why not?
If God is speaking to your heart about your friends or about you being a true friend, what can you do today to address this in your life?
Challenge: Bring a friend to the feet of Jesus today.
REVIEW
How were you able to bring a friend to the feet of Jesus today?
What was the result, today, of your evaluation of your friendships?
That’s the kind of friends that I desire. Men that will, at any cost, bring me closer to Jesus. A pastor, by the name of Norman, tells a story of when he met Henry Ford in 1921. He approached Henry Ford and asked to shake his hand. Mr. Ford extended his hand and asked, “Who is your best friend?” Not waiting for a response, Ford tore off a piece of paper and wrote the following, “Your best friend is the person who brings out the best that is within you.” Ford then said to Norman, “Think about this and always associate with the best men you know.”
When was the last time that you spent more than a month or two in an effort to bring a friend into the family of God?
Who do you consider your best friends?
Do these men bring out the best in you, in your pursuit of God? Why or why not?
Are you the type of friend that brings out the best in those friends that you listed, in their pursuit of God? Why or why not?
If God is speaking to your heart about your friends or about you being a true friend, what can you do today to address this in your life?
Challenge: Bring a friend to the feet of Jesus today.
REVIEW
How were you able to bring a friend to the feet of Jesus today?
What was the result, today, of your evaluation of your friendships?
Words Are Important, Friday, January 29, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 16:23, From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.
If you pride yourself on being a man after God’s heart, then you must measure your words carefully.
God’s Word tell us that “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing”, Proverbs 12:18
Today, let’s make a promise: vow to be honest, an encouraging communicator at work, at home and all the places in between. Speak wisely, not impulsively. Use words of kindness and praise, not words of anger.
Remember that you have the power to heal others or injure them, the lift them up or tear them down.
What are some areas that you struggle with your words and the things that you say?
How can you be careful not to be reckless with your words today?
How can you bring healing to someone today with your words?
Challenge: Bring healing to someone today with your words and any wounds that you have caused by your words, make it right today.
REVIEW
How did you make things right from wounds that were caused by your words?
How were you able to bring healing to someone today with your words?
If you pride yourself on being a man after God’s heart, then you must measure your words carefully.
God’s Word tell us that “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing”, Proverbs 12:18
Today, let’s make a promise: vow to be honest, an encouraging communicator at work, at home and all the places in between. Speak wisely, not impulsively. Use words of kindness and praise, not words of anger.
Remember that you have the power to heal others or injure them, the lift them up or tear them down.
What are some areas that you struggle with your words and the things that you say?
How can you be careful not to be reckless with your words today?
How can you bring healing to someone today with your words?
Challenge: Bring healing to someone today with your words and any wounds that you have caused by your words, make it right today.
REVIEW
How did you make things right from wounds that were caused by your words?
How were you able to bring healing to someone today with your words?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The "P" Word, Thursday, January 28, 2010
Reading: Isaiah 40:31, Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
The “P” word is scary. You don’t want to pray for it because you just might be given an opportunity to use it. I’m talking about patience. Last year my son and I were able to go to an archery range. I was amazed by how difficult it was. I missed the target much more than I hit it. My son, who is so much weaker than I am, was so much more patient, more precise, more accurate… Bull’s Eye!
Patience is more than endurance. For my faith is when I put my life in the hands of God. Like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something that I cannot see and he stretches and strains, and every now and then I say, “I cannot stand it anymore.” But, God does not stop. He goes on stretching until His purpose is in sight. Then, He let’s me fly… Bull’s Eye!
Trust your life in God’s hands today. He has done this many times before. Maintain your relationship with Christ by the patience of faith. Oswald Chambers said, “Though He slay me, yet will I wait for Him.”
What are some areas in your life that you are becoming impatient about and not wanting to wait on the Lord?
Are you able to trust His steady arm and focused gaze as he aims your life?
What steps can you take throughout the day to trust your life in God’s hands
REVIEW
Were you successful today in surrendering your goals and desires to God?
How were you able to simply focus on your relationship with Christ, instead of concerning yourself with things that is capable of controlling?
The “P” word is scary. You don’t want to pray for it because you just might be given an opportunity to use it. I’m talking about patience. Last year my son and I were able to go to an archery range. I was amazed by how difficult it was. I missed the target much more than I hit it. My son, who is so much weaker than I am, was so much more patient, more precise, more accurate… Bull’s Eye!
Patience is more than endurance. For my faith is when I put my life in the hands of God. Like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something that I cannot see and he stretches and strains, and every now and then I say, “I cannot stand it anymore.” But, God does not stop. He goes on stretching until His purpose is in sight. Then, He let’s me fly… Bull’s Eye!
Trust your life in God’s hands today. He has done this many times before. Maintain your relationship with Christ by the patience of faith. Oswald Chambers said, “Though He slay me, yet will I wait for Him.”
What are some areas in your life that you are becoming impatient about and not wanting to wait on the Lord?
Are you able to trust His steady arm and focused gaze as he aims your life?
What steps can you take throughout the day to trust your life in God’s hands
REVIEW
Were you successful today in surrendering your goals and desires to God?
How were you able to simply focus on your relationship with Christ, instead of concerning yourself with things that is capable of controlling?
Where Are You?, Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 31:10-11, 10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
What has happened to the men? Why does our evening end up in front of the TV?
The theme of a strong man coming to rescue a beautiful woman is universal to human nature. It is written in the hearts of all men. Let me tell you a true story…
… but, this lovely maiden is unattainable, the prisoner of an evil power who hold her captive in a dark tower., Only a champion may win her. Only the most valiant, daring and brave warrior has a chance of setting her free. Against all hope he comes. With cunning and raw courage he lays siege to the tower and the sinister one who holds her. Much blood is shed on both sides. Three times the knight is thrown back, but three times he rises again. Eventually, the server is defeated, the dragon falls, the giant is slain. The maiden is his. Through his valor he has won her heart. On horseback they ride off to his cottage by a stream in the woods for a life that gives adventure and romance a new meaning.
Men, this is supposed to be our true story. Did you think that the sorcerer wasn’t real? That you wouldn’t have to fight for her and keep fighting for her? What tower is she in?
Challenge: Let your wife, your fair maiden, know that she is worth fighting for, that she is a treasure.
What are some specific dangers that could endanger your maiden?
What will you do today to protect her and fight for her against these forces?
REVIEW
How did you protect your maiden today?
Did you let her know that she is worth fighting for? How did it go?
What has happened to the men? Why does our evening end up in front of the TV?
The theme of a strong man coming to rescue a beautiful woman is universal to human nature. It is written in the hearts of all men. Let me tell you a true story…
… but, this lovely maiden is unattainable, the prisoner of an evil power who hold her captive in a dark tower., Only a champion may win her. Only the most valiant, daring and brave warrior has a chance of setting her free. Against all hope he comes. With cunning and raw courage he lays siege to the tower and the sinister one who holds her. Much blood is shed on both sides. Three times the knight is thrown back, but three times he rises again. Eventually, the server is defeated, the dragon falls, the giant is slain. The maiden is his. Through his valor he has won her heart. On horseback they ride off to his cottage by a stream in the woods for a life that gives adventure and romance a new meaning.
Men, this is supposed to be our true story. Did you think that the sorcerer wasn’t real? That you wouldn’t have to fight for her and keep fighting for her? What tower is she in?
Challenge: Let your wife, your fair maiden, know that she is worth fighting for, that she is a treasure.
What are some specific dangers that could endanger your maiden?
What will you do today to protect her and fight for her against these forces?
REVIEW
How did you protect your maiden today?
Did you let her know that she is worth fighting for? How did it go?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Honor, Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 3:9-10, 9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
At times our lives are hectic, busy, demanding and complicated. When life leaves us rushing from place to place, we may fail to pause and give God thanks for all the blessings He has showered on us. We can’t become careless.
So, whom will you choose to honor today? If you honor God and keep Him at the center of your life, everyday will have victory.
“We should be so consumed with God’s glory that we hurt when He is dishonored”, John MacArthur.
Who have you been honoring and how?
How will you alter your areas in which you honor others that take away from the honor that God deserves?
How will you honor God with your wealth today with your best?
How will you involve others in your pursuit of honoring God today?
REVIEW
Whom did you honor today and how?
How did your choice of honor impact your day today?
At times our lives are hectic, busy, demanding and complicated. When life leaves us rushing from place to place, we may fail to pause and give God thanks for all the blessings He has showered on us. We can’t become careless.
So, whom will you choose to honor today? If you honor God and keep Him at the center of your life, everyday will have victory.
“We should be so consumed with God’s glory that we hurt when He is dishonored”, John MacArthur.
Who have you been honoring and how?
How will you alter your areas in which you honor others that take away from the honor that God deserves?
How will you honor God with your wealth today with your best?
How will you involve others in your pursuit of honoring God today?
REVIEW
Whom did you honor today and how?
How did your choice of honor impact your day today?
What We Need, Monday, January 25, 2010
Reading: I Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared.
He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole. Then it stopped, as if it couldn’t go further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon. The butterfly emerged easily but it had a swollen body and shriveled wings. The man continued to watch it, expecting that any minute the wings would enlarge and expand enough to support the body, Neither happened! In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around. It was never able to fly. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand: The restricting cocoon and the struggle required by the butterfly to get through the opening was a way of forcing the fluid from the body into the wings so that it would be ready for flight once that was achieved.
There are so many times that a struggle or a temptation that comes along and we expect God to quickly run over and cut apart the problem. In all actuality, God stands patiently watching us struggle, not because he is cruel or heartless. On the contrary, he knows that this struggle that you’re going through, if you struggle with it and don’t give up, you will emerge as a beautiful creation of His. When He says that He will not allow you to go through something that you cannot handle, He means it. So, instead of looking to God to take it away, learn to find victory in Him as you struggle through it. He wants to give you the strength to fight through it to make you better, rather than remove it.
What struggles and/or temptations are you going through today?
Instead of looking to have it be removed, how can you grow and learn through these things that you listed and how will you do that today?
REVIEW
How were you able to grow and learn through your struggles today?
How did that impact your outlook on your struggles today?
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared.
He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole. Then it stopped, as if it couldn’t go further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon. The butterfly emerged easily but it had a swollen body and shriveled wings. The man continued to watch it, expecting that any minute the wings would enlarge and expand enough to support the body, Neither happened! In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around. It was never able to fly. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand: The restricting cocoon and the struggle required by the butterfly to get through the opening was a way of forcing the fluid from the body into the wings so that it would be ready for flight once that was achieved.
There are so many times that a struggle or a temptation that comes along and we expect God to quickly run over and cut apart the problem. In all actuality, God stands patiently watching us struggle, not because he is cruel or heartless. On the contrary, he knows that this struggle that you’re going through, if you struggle with it and don’t give up, you will emerge as a beautiful creation of His. When He says that He will not allow you to go through something that you cannot handle, He means it. So, instead of looking to God to take it away, learn to find victory in Him as you struggle through it. He wants to give you the strength to fight through it to make you better, rather than remove it.
What struggles and/or temptations are you going through today?
Instead of looking to have it be removed, how can you grow and learn through these things that you listed and how will you do that today?
REVIEW
How were you able to grow and learn through your struggles today?
How did that impact your outlook on your struggles today?
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