CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 103:1-6, 1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Sunday, March 11, 2012
March 17 2012
Search Me!
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, it is 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 a place in your house and let everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground; a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you have a visual 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 your 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:
End of the Day 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?
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, it is 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 a place in your house and let everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground; a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you have a visual 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 your 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:
End of the Day 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?
March 16 2012
What Did You Say?
Reading: James 3:3-6, 3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
A little girl, who was struggling with gossiping about her friends, went to her grandpa after hurting a friend’s feelings through gossip. Her grandpa wisely took her up into tower on a blustery day and gave her a pillow. He then told her to take a pair of scissors, cut it open and shake all of the feathers out of the pillow. The feathers quickly scattered in the wind and they stood quietly watching the journey of the feathers across the countryside. The little girl’s grandpa then told her to go collect all of the feathers and put them back in the pillowcase. “That’s impossible!”, she adamantly declared. “So, it is impossible to retrieve or repair gossip that is scattered on the lips of others after you release it.”
Please really consider, do you say things about other people, true or untrue?
How do you feel when others do that to you?
Challenge: Today, do not say a single negative thing against another person. Every time you open your mouth to speak today, consider, will this “corrupt” or “bless”?
What could be a hindrance from you committing to this challenge?
REVIEW
Did your mouth bless or corrupt today?
How did this affect your day?
Reading: James 3:3-6, 3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
A little girl, who was struggling with gossiping about her friends, went to her grandpa after hurting a friend’s feelings through gossip. Her grandpa wisely took her up into tower on a blustery day and gave her a pillow. He then told her to take a pair of scissors, cut it open and shake all of the feathers out of the pillow. The feathers quickly scattered in the wind and they stood quietly watching the journey of the feathers across the countryside. The little girl’s grandpa then told her to go collect all of the feathers and put them back in the pillowcase. “That’s impossible!”, she adamantly declared. “So, it is impossible to retrieve or repair gossip that is scattered on the lips of others after you release it.”
Please really consider, do you say things about other people, true or untrue?
How do you feel when others do that to you?
Challenge: Today, do not say a single negative thing against another person. Every time you open your mouth to speak today, consider, will this “corrupt” or “bless”?
What could be a hindrance from you committing to this challenge?
REVIEW
Did your mouth bless or corrupt today?
How did this affect your day?
March 15 2012
Teach Them
Reading: Proverbs 6:20-23, 20 My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,
You’re an adult and don’t need to be concerned about keeping your father’s commands or your mother’s teachings, right? Well, this passage is for you, as the author. The book of Proverbs is written from a father to his son for instructions and consideration. Notice it does not say, “My son, keep the commands that you learn at church, that you learn in school or that you learn on television.” Many times we become so concerned about not discouraging our children or we rely on others to train them that it comes back to the old adage, “He who aims at nothing, will hit it every time.” Are you giving them commands to be a lamp, teachings to be a light or corrections to be a way to life?
If your son or daughter’s instruction were based solely on the commands or teachings that you have given them, where would they be? What would they be following?
Challenge: Today, take time out of your schedule for each one of your children to spend time with them and give them instruction, teach them about God and give them thoughts to be a lamp to their feet.
NOTE: if you do not have children, you are not exempt. You can apply this to the next generation that you pass everyday. What impact can you make today?
REVIEW
Did you take time today to give your child(ren) instruction and teaching to guide them?
What was their reaction?
Are you able and willing to follow up with them on this, if yes, when (and write a reminder in this book)?
Reading: Proverbs 6:20-23, 20 My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,
You’re an adult and don’t need to be concerned about keeping your father’s commands or your mother’s teachings, right? Well, this passage is for you, as the author. The book of Proverbs is written from a father to his son for instructions and consideration. Notice it does not say, “My son, keep the commands that you learn at church, that you learn in school or that you learn on television.” Many times we become so concerned about not discouraging our children or we rely on others to train them that it comes back to the old adage, “He who aims at nothing, will hit it every time.” Are you giving them commands to be a lamp, teachings to be a light or corrections to be a way to life?
If your son or daughter’s instruction were based solely on the commands or teachings that you have given them, where would they be? What would they be following?
Challenge: Today, take time out of your schedule for each one of your children to spend time with them and give them instruction, teach them about God and give them thoughts to be a lamp to their feet.
NOTE: if you do not have children, you are not exempt. You can apply this to the next generation that you pass everyday. What impact can you make today?
REVIEW
Did you take time today to give your child(ren) instruction and teaching to guide them?
What was their reaction?
Are you able and willing to follow up with them on this, if yes, when (and write a reminder in this book)?
March 14 2012
See the REAL Battle
Reading: Job 1 & 2
Key Passage: Job 1:9-12; 2:3-6, 9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
So many times we get caught up in the physical struggles around us. If we were Job in that same scenario in Job chapter one, I think the warrior would mount up in us and we would gather as many as we could and go to destroy the Sabeans and Chaldeans that took our livestock. There was a lot more that happened to Job than just his livestock being taken but at least it would be someone paying for what happened to us. But, Job was wiser than we tend to be. He saw the real battle. That it wasn’t about his livestock, it wasn’t about his children, it wasn’t about his possessions, it was about his relationship with God. Notice Satan didn’t confront God and simply say that he wanted to take away his livestock, children or possessions. He wanted Job to “curse [God] to [His] face”. That was his goal. Today, it’s not about your boss at work, it’s not about the person that cut you off on the road, it’s not about the person that took or damaged something that belonged to you, it is about who you are in Christ. THAT is the ultimate importance today. God said of Job, “In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
Challenge: Today, look beyond the physical and don’t let anything, ANYTHING… effect your joy, your peace, your love, your compassion, your faith, your humility that you have in Christ.
What are some potential hindrances for you to accomplish this task?
REVIEW
What were some struggles you faced in fulfilling your challenges for today?
Did you gain victory or did you suffer a defeat?
What can you learn from this?
Reading: Job 1 & 2
Key Passage: Job 1:9-12; 2:3-6, 9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
So many times we get caught up in the physical struggles around us. If we were Job in that same scenario in Job chapter one, I think the warrior would mount up in us and we would gather as many as we could and go to destroy the Sabeans and Chaldeans that took our livestock. There was a lot more that happened to Job than just his livestock being taken but at least it would be someone paying for what happened to us. But, Job was wiser than we tend to be. He saw the real battle. That it wasn’t about his livestock, it wasn’t about his children, it wasn’t about his possessions, it was about his relationship with God. Notice Satan didn’t confront God and simply say that he wanted to take away his livestock, children or possessions. He wanted Job to “curse [God] to [His] face”. That was his goal. Today, it’s not about your boss at work, it’s not about the person that cut you off on the road, it’s not about the person that took or damaged something that belonged to you, it is about who you are in Christ. THAT is the ultimate importance today. God said of Job, “In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
Challenge: Today, look beyond the physical and don’t let anything, ANYTHING… effect your joy, your peace, your love, your compassion, your faith, your humility that you have in Christ.
What are some potential hindrances for you to accomplish this task?
REVIEW
What were some struggles you faced in fulfilling your challenges for today?
Did you gain victory or did you suffer a defeat?
What can you learn from this?
March 13 2012
Build It Strong
Reading: Luke 6:47-49, 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
We bought our kids some large building blocks and, periodically, I’ll sit down with them to build our massive structure. You know… one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for the local mouse family. It never fails, just the time that we are just about completed and are starting to be proud of our work, our two year old comes along. Did I mention… 2 year old. Yeah! The poor mice have nowhere to live now. Utter destruction! Even though the construction really doesn’t matter too much, it has still periodically produced a stream of tears from our seven year old. I’m sure we have all felt the frustration of putting time, effort and sweat into something just to have it wrecked. It is a very disheartening feeling and frustrating thinking about the time wasted. Now imagine the structure of your life is being built and all it takes is a storm to destroy it all. The thing is the destruction doesn’t come from doing something awful. It is simply hearing God’s Words but not actually putting it into practice. The unfortunate thing is, we have churches FILLED with people just like that. We act as though showing up and hearing the “blue prints” is good enough but we don’t have to REALLY follow them in construction. Or, we can leave some of the instructions out. Men, we need to storm proof our “house”.
What can you do today, to not simply “hear God’s Words” but to actually put them into practice?
What do you need to do to “[dig] down deep” to lay your foundation on the “Rock”?
REVIEW
What did you do today to dig down deep to lay your foundation on the “Rock”?
What did you do today to put God’s Word into practice?
Reading: Luke 6:47-49, 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
We bought our kids some large building blocks and, periodically, I’ll sit down with them to build our massive structure. You know… one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for the local mouse family. It never fails, just the time that we are just about completed and are starting to be proud of our work, our two year old comes along. Did I mention… 2 year old. Yeah! The poor mice have nowhere to live now. Utter destruction! Even though the construction really doesn’t matter too much, it has still periodically produced a stream of tears from our seven year old. I’m sure we have all felt the frustration of putting time, effort and sweat into something just to have it wrecked. It is a very disheartening feeling and frustrating thinking about the time wasted. Now imagine the structure of your life is being built and all it takes is a storm to destroy it all. The thing is the destruction doesn’t come from doing something awful. It is simply hearing God’s Words but not actually putting it into practice. The unfortunate thing is, we have churches FILLED with people just like that. We act as though showing up and hearing the “blue prints” is good enough but we don’t have to REALLY follow them in construction. Or, we can leave some of the instructions out. Men, we need to storm proof our “house”.
What can you do today, to not simply “hear God’s Words” but to actually put them into practice?
What do you need to do to “[dig] down deep” to lay your foundation on the “Rock”?
REVIEW
What did you do today to dig down deep to lay your foundation on the “Rock”?
What did you do today to put God’s Word into practice?
March 12 2012
Confession
Reading: James 5:16, 20 - 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Confession is one of the most uncomfortable actions that a man can make. It takes courage, humility and a strong desire to change. Let’s remember, conquering a stronghold in your life is impossible without confession. The beauty is God promises to forgive you (I John 1:9). It is another story dealing with confession to a friend, your wife, another family member or a fellow brother in Christ. How many of us really practice this verse, “confess your sins to each other”? Confession is an extremely vulnerable action. We are men! We are not suppose to admit to failure, yet, we are called to confess to one another. Just remember, who would be worse finding out about your sin, God, the ruler of the universe and ultimate judge when we stand before Him, or another brother? I can still hear ringing in my ears, “I’m going to tell Dad” and the sickening feeling I would get in the pit of my stomach thinking about my dad finding out about what I did wrong. The fear was not that my sibling knew what I did. It was the fear of my dad finding out. The intriguing thing about our sin is, our Father in heaven already knows about it. So, why do we fight so much with confessing our sin and weaknesses to each other? It is this confession that helps keep us accountable and it gives us support.
Men, let’s be honest. What sin are you struggling with the most?
Who are you going to confess this sin to?
Don’t dwell on the fear of confessing, just obey and do it. Let’s see what God will do with your obedience.
REVIEW
Did you confess to someone? Who did you confess to?
How are you feeling about your confession?
Do you have regrets or are you able to experience God’s healing?
Reading: James 5:16, 20 - 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Confession is one of the most uncomfortable actions that a man can make. It takes courage, humility and a strong desire to change. Let’s remember, conquering a stronghold in your life is impossible without confession. The beauty is God promises to forgive you (I John 1:9). It is another story dealing with confession to a friend, your wife, another family member or a fellow brother in Christ. How many of us really practice this verse, “confess your sins to each other”? Confession is an extremely vulnerable action. We are men! We are not suppose to admit to failure, yet, we are called to confess to one another. Just remember, who would be worse finding out about your sin, God, the ruler of the universe and ultimate judge when we stand before Him, or another brother? I can still hear ringing in my ears, “I’m going to tell Dad” and the sickening feeling I would get in the pit of my stomach thinking about my dad finding out about what I did wrong. The fear was not that my sibling knew what I did. It was the fear of my dad finding out. The intriguing thing about our sin is, our Father in heaven already knows about it. So, why do we fight so much with confessing our sin and weaknesses to each other? It is this confession that helps keep us accountable and it gives us support.
Men, let’s be honest. What sin are you struggling with the most?
Who are you going to confess this sin to?
Don’t dwell on the fear of confessing, just obey and do it. Let’s see what God will do with your obedience.
REVIEW
Did you confess to someone? Who did you confess to?
How are you feeling about your confession?
Do you have regrets or are you able to experience God’s healing?
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