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?
Thursday, February 25, 2010
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?
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