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.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
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?
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