Reading: Luke 23:40-43, 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."
More than any other miracle, teaching or parable that Jesus performed or spoke, His time spent hanging on the cross is, to me, the most amazing example of the depth of His love and perfection. First, He was 100% innocent. Then, he was beaten to the point of being unrecognizable as a man. Then the crown of thorns was jammed on His head. He was nailed to the cross. The entire process, by the time that he was upright hanging on the cross, all of His bones were out of joint. On top of that, He was bearing the weight of the world’s sin on His shoulders. Just take a moment to really consider this.
Men, there is nothing… NOTHING that will happen in your day today that could even compare to this. Yet, after all of this, someone asks more of Him. I hate to admit this but, if I were in Jesus place, I would probably look at the thief that asked me a favor to “remember” him and say, “Are you serious? Don’t you see what I’ve been through? After all of this and bearing all of the world’s sin, you want to ask me for something? Are you serious?” But, Jesus through all of his excruciating pain welcomed it.
What pains or struggles are you going through today?
How might this impact your ability and/or desire to welcome serving others? And, what can you do to stem that?
Challenge: Today, welcome any opportunity to do more for others. Continue to keep Jesus and His example in mind throughout the day. No matter what happens today, always welcome the opportunity to serve.
REVIEW
Were you able to let go of your own struggles and focus on the needs of others?
How did this impact your day and the way you perceive your surroundings?
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Valuables, Friday, May 28, 2010
Reading: Isaiah 40:6-8, 6 A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."
I am constantly intrigued by the ancient empires. I love history and would love to climb into a time machine and travel back to see the pyramids, sphinxes, and the rest of ancient Egypt in its prime, or the Greek or Roman empire and it’s buildings and structures with its powerful military. Now all that remains is a shadow of what once was a thriving super power. The glorious is now ruins that are often excavated from sand and dirt. Amazing that the leaders of these empires were often even worshiped as gods, yet they and their kingdoms are rubble. It’s amazing how graphically, yet truthfully these verses describe our value. We are simply like grass and flowers, which, both are beautiful for a short season but then fade away. All of the glory of men become ruins, but the Bible stands forever. Do we really live like that? The car you have is going to rust or breakdown, the house you have is going to leak and fall apart and the list goes on of what we have and work for that is constantly deteriorating. But, the Bible stands forever. The big question is, have we not learned from history or the Bible? Why do we spend so much time working to build everything else in our lives with so little time spent building into the Word of God?
How much time do you spend in a day building on other things in your life?
How much time do you spend in a day building on the Word of God?
What can and will you do today to build on the Word of God and make it THE priority in your day?
Remember, the Word of God is a sure thing in your day today that WILL NOT and will NEVER return void. It is an investment that will always have a return.
REVIEW
How much time did you spend building into the Word of God today?
How did this impact your day?
What “return” to you have from building into the Word?
I am constantly intrigued by the ancient empires. I love history and would love to climb into a time machine and travel back to see the pyramids, sphinxes, and the rest of ancient Egypt in its prime, or the Greek or Roman empire and it’s buildings and structures with its powerful military. Now all that remains is a shadow of what once was a thriving super power. The glorious is now ruins that are often excavated from sand and dirt. Amazing that the leaders of these empires were often even worshiped as gods, yet they and their kingdoms are rubble. It’s amazing how graphically, yet truthfully these verses describe our value. We are simply like grass and flowers, which, both are beautiful for a short season but then fade away. All of the glory of men become ruins, but the Bible stands forever. Do we really live like that? The car you have is going to rust or breakdown, the house you have is going to leak and fall apart and the list goes on of what we have and work for that is constantly deteriorating. But, the Bible stands forever. The big question is, have we not learned from history or the Bible? Why do we spend so much time working to build everything else in our lives with so little time spent building into the Word of God?
How much time do you spend in a day building on other things in your life?
How much time do you spend in a day building on the Word of God?
What can and will you do today to build on the Word of God and make it THE priority in your day?
Remember, the Word of God is a sure thing in your day today that WILL NOT and will NEVER return void. It is an investment that will always have a return.
REVIEW
How much time did you spend building into the Word of God today?
How did this impact your day?
What “return” to you have from building into the Word?
Destroy the Box, Thursday, May 27, 2010
Reading: Isaiah 40:18-22, 18 To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to? 19 As for an idol, a craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. 20 A man too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot. He looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple. 21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? 22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
Read verse 18 again and take just a moment to really think through the questions and then answer them, “To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to?” In layman’s terms, what does God look like to you? Who is He to you?
Although we may not craft and “idol” out of wood or gold in an image of God. We do tend to have our own perception of Him. And, typically, it is in a safe, little box that is manageable for us. We don’t allow God to sit “enthroned above the circle of the earth” in our lives.
Seriously think through and answer this question… what is God limited in doing through you? In other words, this great God who “stretches out the heavens like a canopy”, does He have limitations and, if not, is there really any limitations of what He could do in and through you?
Today, destroy the box in which you have placed God! Let God be God!
How can you destroy that box and any limitations that you have placed on God in your life?
REVIEW
Were you able to destroy the safe, little box in which you had placed God?
How were you able to see God in a different way?
How were you able to see God at work through you today in a different way?
Read verse 18 again and take just a moment to really think through the questions and then answer them, “To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to?” In layman’s terms, what does God look like to you? Who is He to you?
Although we may not craft and “idol” out of wood or gold in an image of God. We do tend to have our own perception of Him. And, typically, it is in a safe, little box that is manageable for us. We don’t allow God to sit “enthroned above the circle of the earth” in our lives.
Seriously think through and answer this question… what is God limited in doing through you? In other words, this great God who “stretches out the heavens like a canopy”, does He have limitations and, if not, is there really any limitations of what He could do in and through you?
Today, destroy the box in which you have placed God! Let God be God!
How can you destroy that box and any limitations that you have placed on God in your life?
REVIEW
Were you able to destroy the safe, little box in which you had placed God?
How were you able to see God in a different way?
How were you able to see God at work through you today in a different way?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Great Salvation, Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Reading: Hebrews 2:2-4, 2For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Men, I don’t expect for you to be a psychic, but take some time and write down where you might be or what you might be like or who you may have become, if you did not have such a “great salvation” in and through Christ. Don’t just shrug and leave it at “I don’t know”. Think through and write down, what would life be like if you were not free and unshackled from the sin with which you struggle, what would life be like if you were not able to have the “peace that passes all understanding”, etc. Just take some time to write your thoughts down.
How can you live in and through the “great salvation” that you have been given?
REVIEW
How were you able to live in and through the “great salvation” that you have been given?
How did your “great salvation” impact your day today?
Men, I don’t expect for you to be a psychic, but take some time and write down where you might be or what you might be like or who you may have become, if you did not have such a “great salvation” in and through Christ. Don’t just shrug and leave it at “I don’t know”. Think through and write down, what would life be like if you were not free and unshackled from the sin with which you struggle, what would life be like if you were not able to have the “peace that passes all understanding”, etc. Just take some time to write your thoughts down.
How can you live in and through the “great salvation” that you have been given?
REVIEW
How were you able to live in and through the “great salvation” that you have been given?
How did your “great salvation” impact your day today?
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Cross, Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Reading: I Corinthians 1:18, For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
The cross… what does it mean to you? (before you quickly rush through this, just remember what the cross symbolizes and what it signifies.)
What is the message of the cross and the magnitude of that message to you?
“It is the POWER of God”, men; that same power that has given us the ability to be called the sons of God and to have the Spirit of God living within us. Take time to review your answers above. Is it really that significant to you? Does it really mean that much to you? If so, you have “the message” to share. If “the message” really means that much to you… shouldn’t that be shared?
With whom can you share “the message of the cross” today?
How can you share “the message of the cross” to someone today?
REVIEW
Were you able to share the message of the cross today, if so, with whom?
How did it go? What was the response and how did this impact you?
The cross… what does it mean to you? (before you quickly rush through this, just remember what the cross symbolizes and what it signifies.)
What is the message of the cross and the magnitude of that message to you?
“It is the POWER of God”, men; that same power that has given us the ability to be called the sons of God and to have the Spirit of God living within us. Take time to review your answers above. Is it really that significant to you? Does it really mean that much to you? If so, you have “the message” to share. If “the message” really means that much to you… shouldn’t that be shared?
With whom can you share “the message of the cross” today?
How can you share “the message of the cross” to someone today?
REVIEW
Were you able to share the message of the cross today, if so, with whom?
How did it go? What was the response and how did this impact you?
Be Ready, Monday, May 24, 2010
Reading: I Peter 3:15, But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
I Peter 5:8, 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
One of my favorite parts in the older “Superman” movies is when Clark Kent and Lois Lane are walking down an ally and a thief tries to steal her purse. At the end of the scuffle, the thief’s gun goes off and hits Clark Kent. He falls backward and Lois thinks that he was shot. After she realizes that he is not hurt, she begins to walk away and Clark holds out his hand to look at the crumpled bullet that he caught in his hand. The significance of that scene is that he was always Superman, not just when he was wearing his cape.
As a man, it sure does feel good to have someone think that you’re superman; that you can do it all… leap tall buildings in a single bound, faster than a speeding bullet… you know… all the Superman stuff. Yet, are we really prepared at all times to fight “crime” in the spiritual world? Do you have the “S” on your chest at all time and your cape hidden beneath your clothes? Or, do you simply don the cape and costume on Sundays or when you get together with fellow Christians? Men, like these verses instruct us and like the clip in the movie, we are always Superman. We are always to be ready to answer anyone about who God is and the hope that He has given to you. We are always to be alert for the dangers and attacks. I’m sure there are days that we don’t want to be Superman. But, that’s the thing… it’s in our makeup… it is who we were made to be. The beauty of being a spiritual Superman is simply surrendering to God… it’s not an attempt to “try to be” Superman. Simply pursue God and His Word, surrender to Him, and He will make you to be Superman that not even the devil’s kryptonite can touch.
Will you choose to be a spiritual Superman today and how will you do that?
REVIEW
How were you able to be a spiritual Superman today?
What impact did you make within your surroundings today?
I Peter 5:8, 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
One of my favorite parts in the older “Superman” movies is when Clark Kent and Lois Lane are walking down an ally and a thief tries to steal her purse. At the end of the scuffle, the thief’s gun goes off and hits Clark Kent. He falls backward and Lois thinks that he was shot. After she realizes that he is not hurt, she begins to walk away and Clark holds out his hand to look at the crumpled bullet that he caught in his hand. The significance of that scene is that he was always Superman, not just when he was wearing his cape.
As a man, it sure does feel good to have someone think that you’re superman; that you can do it all… leap tall buildings in a single bound, faster than a speeding bullet… you know… all the Superman stuff. Yet, are we really prepared at all times to fight “crime” in the spiritual world? Do you have the “S” on your chest at all time and your cape hidden beneath your clothes? Or, do you simply don the cape and costume on Sundays or when you get together with fellow Christians? Men, like these verses instruct us and like the clip in the movie, we are always Superman. We are always to be ready to answer anyone about who God is and the hope that He has given to you. We are always to be alert for the dangers and attacks. I’m sure there are days that we don’t want to be Superman. But, that’s the thing… it’s in our makeup… it is who we were made to be. The beauty of being a spiritual Superman is simply surrendering to God… it’s not an attempt to “try to be” Superman. Simply pursue God and His Word, surrender to Him, and He will make you to be Superman that not even the devil’s kryptonite can touch.
Will you choose to be a spiritual Superman today and how will you do that?
REVIEW
How were you able to be a spiritual Superman today?
What impact did you make within your surroundings today?
Celebration, Sunday, May 23, 2010
Reading: Psalm 78:4, 4 We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.
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?
we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.
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?
Friday, May 21, 2010
True Love, Saturday, May 22, 2010
Reading: I Corinthians 13:1-7, 1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
As the minister for the wedding in the movie “Princess Bride” said, “Love… true love… is what has brought us here together today.” Of course, we would have to delve into the topic of love the day before Valentine’s Day. This may serve a dual purpose; get our hearts prepared to demonstrate true love and to remind some of the less organized of us that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day.
About a year and a half ago, I walked into Bel-Air and amongst other things, I bought a bouquet of flowers for my wife. When I was checking out, the female cashier scanned in the flowers and said, “Uh-oh, are you in trouble?” I said, “No”. She responded, “Really? Is it an anniversary or something?” I again replied, “No”. She gave a look of surprise and said, “Wow… you’re doing it just because? I didn’t think you guys exist anymore.” I thought, “Why do we automatically think that there must be something wrong or something special to perform an act of love and appreciation. And, if it is not one of those two things, then it is unique. But, men, if you notice the Scripture above, please note, all of the actions, the duties listed are minimized and segregated away from love. In fact, there is not a single attribute of love listed in verses 4-6 that is something that you do for someone. It is an attitude with general overall traits. Often, just stopping by and picking something up, is actually easier and faster than actually living and demonstrating true love as God describes it.
Challenge: Go through each attribute of love listed in verses 4-6 and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses amongst the list. After determining your weaknesses, establish a specific plan of how you will be working on them today, and, it would be a good idea to do so tomorrow too.
REVIEW
What were your areas of weakness in verses 4-6?
How did you work on those weaknesses and how was it demonstrated?
As the minister for the wedding in the movie “Princess Bride” said, “Love… true love… is what has brought us here together today.” Of course, we would have to delve into the topic of love the day before Valentine’s Day. This may serve a dual purpose; get our hearts prepared to demonstrate true love and to remind some of the less organized of us that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day.
About a year and a half ago, I walked into Bel-Air and amongst other things, I bought a bouquet of flowers for my wife. When I was checking out, the female cashier scanned in the flowers and said, “Uh-oh, are you in trouble?” I said, “No”. She responded, “Really? Is it an anniversary or something?” I again replied, “No”. She gave a look of surprise and said, “Wow… you’re doing it just because? I didn’t think you guys exist anymore.” I thought, “Why do we automatically think that there must be something wrong or something special to perform an act of love and appreciation. And, if it is not one of those two things, then it is unique. But, men, if you notice the Scripture above, please note, all of the actions, the duties listed are minimized and segregated away from love. In fact, there is not a single attribute of love listed in verses 4-6 that is something that you do for someone. It is an attitude with general overall traits. Often, just stopping by and picking something up, is actually easier and faster than actually living and demonstrating true love as God describes it.
Challenge: Go through each attribute of love listed in verses 4-6 and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses amongst the list. After determining your weaknesses, establish a specific plan of how you will be working on them today, and, it would be a good idea to do so tomorrow too.
REVIEW
What were your areas of weakness in verses 4-6?
How did you work on those weaknesses and how was it demonstrated?
Determined, Friday, May 21, 2010
Reading: I Samuel 17:28-32, 28 When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." 29 "Now what have I done?" said David. "Can't I even speak?" 30 He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before. 31 What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him. 32 David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him."
One of my favorite characteristics about David leading up to fighting Goliath is his determination. Pretty much, when David was asking around about Goliath and what was going on, his brother said, “You cocky little punk!!!... How dare you!!!” Nowadays, there are some of us who, at that point, would say, “Oh, seriously? Did I just come across cocky? I didn’t mean it that way.” “That person over there thinks I’m doing it just for the attention? So, I guess I better not do it then”. David, on the other hand, was determined to stop this giant in his tracks. Almost as if to say to his brother, “You can think that all you want… but, I have to go put the smack down”. Even when he went in front of the king, he didn’t say, “Oh, uh… King Saul… I see that you don’t have your armor on so you must not think that fighting him is a good idea… so, never mind. I’ll just go back to the fields and the sheep.” NO!!! He knew what the right thing was that he needed to do… and he was going to do it! NOTHING was going to stop him! Because of that faithfulness and determination to do what’s right, God wasn’t about to let anything stop him either.
Do you see something in your life or in something that is happening around you that you haven’t addressed because of the response you might get from others? What giants do you need to face with determination to do the right thing?
Challenge: find what God wants you to do and be determined, no matter what anyone else says or does, that you are going to get it done!!!
REVIEW
What giants did you battle today with determination to do the right thing no matter what?
What did you sense that God wants you to do and how did you do it?
One of my favorite characteristics about David leading up to fighting Goliath is his determination. Pretty much, when David was asking around about Goliath and what was going on, his brother said, “You cocky little punk!!!... How dare you!!!” Nowadays, there are some of us who, at that point, would say, “Oh, seriously? Did I just come across cocky? I didn’t mean it that way.” “That person over there thinks I’m doing it just for the attention? So, I guess I better not do it then”. David, on the other hand, was determined to stop this giant in his tracks. Almost as if to say to his brother, “You can think that all you want… but, I have to go put the smack down”. Even when he went in front of the king, he didn’t say, “Oh, uh… King Saul… I see that you don’t have your armor on so you must not think that fighting him is a good idea… so, never mind. I’ll just go back to the fields and the sheep.” NO!!! He knew what the right thing was that he needed to do… and he was going to do it! NOTHING was going to stop him! Because of that faithfulness and determination to do what’s right, God wasn’t about to let anything stop him either.
Do you see something in your life or in something that is happening around you that you haven’t addressed because of the response you might get from others? What giants do you need to face with determination to do the right thing?
Challenge: find what God wants you to do and be determined, no matter what anyone else says or does, that you are going to get it done!!!
REVIEW
What giants did you battle today with determination to do the right thing no matter what?
What did you sense that God wants you to do and how did you do it?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Down to Nothing, Thursday, May 20, 2010
Reading: II Corinthians 12:9, But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Just imagine coming home, walking in the door finding no one else at home. You walk around to double check the rooms to see if anyone is there. You notice that clothes are missing from closets and other things are missing. You walk out into the kitchen and see a note that is left on the counter which reads, “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately and I just don’t think we should be married anymore”. You crumble into a chair and the phone rings. You debate whether to answer it or not but you see that it’s your employer. After you answer, you hear your boss at the other end of the line say, “I’m really sorry to have to tell you like this but we are having to cut back. Your position is being eliminated. You won’t need to come in tomorrow.” You hang up the phone and numbly stagger over to sit in the living room. The phone rings again but instead of answering the phone, you let the answering machine pick it up. You’re not even paying attention as you just sit and stare at nothing. You snap out of it as you hear your child’s name on the answering machine. You jump up as the voice announces that your child was brought to the emergency room from being hit by a car in a cross walk but they didn’t survive. Okay, take a minute and think through what condition you would be in at that point. Why does God choose to use us when we are weak? Why? Because it is at that point that we have let go of the things that we have such a tight grip on because of how dearly we care about them and throw both arms around the feet of God.
Why wait until the point in our lives where everything is crumbling around us to realize our weakness in controlling our surroundings? Why not simply surrender all that you are holding onto today and wrap your arms completely around the feet of God?
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate your gratitude for your refuge today?
How were you able to run to your place of refuge and how were you able to renew your strength and rest?
Just imagine coming home, walking in the door finding no one else at home. You walk around to double check the rooms to see if anyone is there. You notice that clothes are missing from closets and other things are missing. You walk out into the kitchen and see a note that is left on the counter which reads, “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately and I just don’t think we should be married anymore”. You crumble into a chair and the phone rings. You debate whether to answer it or not but you see that it’s your employer. After you answer, you hear your boss at the other end of the line say, “I’m really sorry to have to tell you like this but we are having to cut back. Your position is being eliminated. You won’t need to come in tomorrow.” You hang up the phone and numbly stagger over to sit in the living room. The phone rings again but instead of answering the phone, you let the answering machine pick it up. You’re not even paying attention as you just sit and stare at nothing. You snap out of it as you hear your child’s name on the answering machine. You jump up as the voice announces that your child was brought to the emergency room from being hit by a car in a cross walk but they didn’t survive. Okay, take a minute and think through what condition you would be in at that point. Why does God choose to use us when we are weak? Why? Because it is at that point that we have let go of the things that we have such a tight grip on because of how dearly we care about them and throw both arms around the feet of God.
Why wait until the point in our lives where everything is crumbling around us to realize our weakness in controlling our surroundings? Why not simply surrender all that you are holding onto today and wrap your arms completely around the feet of God?
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate your gratitude for your refuge today?
How were you able to run to your place of refuge and how were you able to renew your strength and rest?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Black Mold, Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Reading: Joshua 7:19-21, 19 Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give him the praise. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me." 20 Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: 21 When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath."
I have a friend who noticed a long time ago that there was a spot on the ceiling of one of his bedrooms. Over time that spot grew a little bit more… then, grew a little bit more… and continued to grow, until one day, while it was raining really hard, the drywall started sagging. Within a few weeks, after several rain storms, there was a huge, gaping hole in the ceiling. Unfortunately, the water had done some significant damage. The entire ceiling had to be ripped out because of the danger of the black mold that had developed over time.
Sin is the exact same way. It starts small, maybe even a spot. (Jude 1:23b, “hating even the garment spotted by the flesh”) But, if it is not dealt with at that point, it grows. The entire time it grows, the danger and damage of the Black Mold of sin grows with it. The story of Achan is a perfect example. It was buried… the sin was unseen… but the result, it cost the lives of 36 men and Achan’s entire family. Story after story from the Bible and from personal knowledge from friends or acquaintances could be told of sin that started small but ended up causing more damage than could have ever been imagined… especially the sin that no one sees, except for maybe a little spot… meanwhile the Black Mold of sin is growing inside. An unknown author once said, “Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you long than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.”
Men, what sin are you struggling with today, whether a little spot or the ceiling is caving in?
Repent to God today, confess to a brother and destroy that sin in your life.
REVIEW
Were you able to repent to God and confess to a brother today?
How did that occur and what was the result?
How were you able to destroy that sin in your life?
I have a friend who noticed a long time ago that there was a spot on the ceiling of one of his bedrooms. Over time that spot grew a little bit more… then, grew a little bit more… and continued to grow, until one day, while it was raining really hard, the drywall started sagging. Within a few weeks, after several rain storms, there was a huge, gaping hole in the ceiling. Unfortunately, the water had done some significant damage. The entire ceiling had to be ripped out because of the danger of the black mold that had developed over time.
Sin is the exact same way. It starts small, maybe even a spot. (Jude 1:23b, “hating even the garment spotted by the flesh”) But, if it is not dealt with at that point, it grows. The entire time it grows, the danger and damage of the Black Mold of sin grows with it. The story of Achan is a perfect example. It was buried… the sin was unseen… but the result, it cost the lives of 36 men and Achan’s entire family. Story after story from the Bible and from personal knowledge from friends or acquaintances could be told of sin that started small but ended up causing more damage than could have ever been imagined… especially the sin that no one sees, except for maybe a little spot… meanwhile the Black Mold of sin is growing inside. An unknown author once said, “Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you long than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.”
Men, what sin are you struggling with today, whether a little spot or the ceiling is caving in?
Repent to God today, confess to a brother and destroy that sin in your life.
REVIEW
Were you able to repent to God and confess to a brother today?
How did that occur and what was the result?
How were you able to destroy that sin in your life?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Asking for Directions, Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Reading: Matthew 7:7-8, 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Are you a man who asks God for guidance and strength? Or, do you think you can do things on your own? Do you ask for directions?
The disciples always had issues about their own needs being met. Jesus made it clear to them that God alone can meet all their needs.
“God’s help is always available, but it is only given to those who seek it”
- Max Lucado
When we lift our hearts to God, we open ourselves to a divine source of wisdom and love. Do you have questions about your future? Do you have needs you can’t meet by yourself? Do you seek to know God’s purpose for you? If so, ask Him. Ask Him for directions, for protection and for strength. It doesn’t matter the size of the need, pray about it and never lose hope. God is not just close by, He is here and He’s capable of answering your prayers. It’s up to you to ask.
What things are you holding to so tightly that you have not allowed God to have control?
In what areas do you need help but have not asked God for that help?
How will you give God control of everything today and seek Him for help?
REVIEW
How were you able to ask God for help today?
How were you able to give God control of everything in your life today?
How did this impact your perception of these areas of need?
Are you a man who asks God for guidance and strength? Or, do you think you can do things on your own? Do you ask for directions?
The disciples always had issues about their own needs being met. Jesus made it clear to them that God alone can meet all their needs.
“God’s help is always available, but it is only given to those who seek it”
- Max Lucado
When we lift our hearts to God, we open ourselves to a divine source of wisdom and love. Do you have questions about your future? Do you have needs you can’t meet by yourself? Do you seek to know God’s purpose for you? If so, ask Him. Ask Him for directions, for protection and for strength. It doesn’t matter the size of the need, pray about it and never lose hope. God is not just close by, He is here and He’s capable of answering your prayers. It’s up to you to ask.
What things are you holding to so tightly that you have not allowed God to have control?
In what areas do you need help but have not asked God for that help?
How will you give God control of everything today and seek Him for help?
REVIEW
How were you able to ask God for help today?
How were you able to give God control of everything in your life today?
How did this impact your perception of these areas of need?
His Glory, Monday, May 17, 2010
Reading: I Corinthians 2:1-5 , 1When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
Wow… what a far cry from where we are today. In an era where a bigger, better and flashier church is becoming the trend. Paul talks about his weakness and fear. He pretty much tells the church of Corinth, “I know that I wasn’t very eloquent or exciting;” but, notice, he said, it demonstrated the power of the Spirit of God. Why do we feel like we need to “sell” God to people. This is exactly why God seems to use the unsuspecting… because at the end of the day… it is God’s glory shining through someone that is going to make the difference. God wants ALL the glory. He wants absolutely NO room for having to share the glory with someone else. This is extremely difficult for some of us, especially if we are not trying to take the glory from God; but are simply built to desire the approval from others to know that you did a good job. That is when we need to depend on God and look to Him for everything… even approval, acceptance and confirmation. Paul’s letter also brings encouragement, though. To anyone who is reading this and feels like they are not eloquent or do not know the exact words to say to others to speak the Word of God, good news… that’s GREAT! You are exactly where you need to be, simply let God speak through you so He can get all the glory. If the Apostle Paul struggled in these areas and it didn’t stop him from spreading the Word of God, you can do it too.
What are your weakness and fear in communicating the Word of God to others?
How can you overcome those fears or set your own abilities aside, based on the Scripture passage, and let God speak through you and claim the glory?
REVIEW
How were you able to communicate the Word of God to others today?
How were you able to overcome your fears or set your own abilities aside and what was the result?
Wow… what a far cry from where we are today. In an era where a bigger, better and flashier church is becoming the trend. Paul talks about his weakness and fear. He pretty much tells the church of Corinth, “I know that I wasn’t very eloquent or exciting;” but, notice, he said, it demonstrated the power of the Spirit of God. Why do we feel like we need to “sell” God to people. This is exactly why God seems to use the unsuspecting… because at the end of the day… it is God’s glory shining through someone that is going to make the difference. God wants ALL the glory. He wants absolutely NO room for having to share the glory with someone else. This is extremely difficult for some of us, especially if we are not trying to take the glory from God; but are simply built to desire the approval from others to know that you did a good job. That is when we need to depend on God and look to Him for everything… even approval, acceptance and confirmation. Paul’s letter also brings encouragement, though. To anyone who is reading this and feels like they are not eloquent or do not know the exact words to say to others to speak the Word of God, good news… that’s GREAT! You are exactly where you need to be, simply let God speak through you so He can get all the glory. If the Apostle Paul struggled in these areas and it didn’t stop him from spreading the Word of God, you can do it too.
What are your weakness and fear in communicating the Word of God to others?
How can you overcome those fears or set your own abilities aside, based on the Scripture passage, and let God speak through you and claim the glory?
REVIEW
How were you able to communicate the Word of God to others today?
How were you able to overcome your fears or set your own abilities aside and what was the result?
Celebration, Sunday, May 16, 2010
Reading: Psalm 86:12-15, 12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. [a] 15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
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?
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?
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Search Me!, Saturday, May 15, 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?
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Where's Your I.D.?, Friday, May 14, 2010
Reading: Colossians 3:3, For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
If you were recently hired for a job, you have been reminded of the wonderful I-9 form. As someone who is responsible for the personnel files at our company, I have always wondered, “What’s the point?” I’ve made sure that we have the forms for all of our employees but I’ve thought, “Come on, the only reason that we would even need these forms is if someone else came in and checked… and, like that’s ever going to happen.” Until a gentleman from the Department of Labor sent us a letter informing us that he would be coming to review our documents and information for employment. It’s amazing how quickly an apparent useless piece of paper can become an invaluable commodity. The I-9 Form is simply a “Proof of Citizenship”, to prove that you can work in the United States. With that you need to show at least two pre-approved documents to prove that you are legal to work.
Now, let me ask you a question… what is your “Proof of Citizenship” as a Christian? If someone else had to identify you for “Proof” as a Christian, what would they be able to identify as proof in your life? Notice, even with the I-9 form, the U.S. government doesn’t even simply take your word for it. There must be proof. What proof do you have that is evident to the world around you that you truly are a “Citizen” of heaven? Note in this verse, it states, “Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” If your life is hidden because “you died”, who would they see… by what would they be able to identify you, according to this verse? Simply, they would see Jesus Christ, because you are hidden; you are dead.
Okay, men, honestly evaluate yourself… would people be able to see your “Proof of Citizenship” by the proof that you are demonstrating in your life?
How can you demonstrate your “Proof” of being a Christian today?
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate your “Proof” of being a Christian today?
How were you able to die to self and be hidden in Christ and what was the result?
If you were recently hired for a job, you have been reminded of the wonderful I-9 form. As someone who is responsible for the personnel files at our company, I have always wondered, “What’s the point?” I’ve made sure that we have the forms for all of our employees but I’ve thought, “Come on, the only reason that we would even need these forms is if someone else came in and checked… and, like that’s ever going to happen.” Until a gentleman from the Department of Labor sent us a letter informing us that he would be coming to review our documents and information for employment. It’s amazing how quickly an apparent useless piece of paper can become an invaluable commodity. The I-9 Form is simply a “Proof of Citizenship”, to prove that you can work in the United States. With that you need to show at least two pre-approved documents to prove that you are legal to work.
Now, let me ask you a question… what is your “Proof of Citizenship” as a Christian? If someone else had to identify you for “Proof” as a Christian, what would they be able to identify as proof in your life? Notice, even with the I-9 form, the U.S. government doesn’t even simply take your word for it. There must be proof. What proof do you have that is evident to the world around you that you truly are a “Citizen” of heaven? Note in this verse, it states, “Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” If your life is hidden because “you died”, who would they see… by what would they be able to identify you, according to this verse? Simply, they would see Jesus Christ, because you are hidden; you are dead.
Okay, men, honestly evaluate yourself… would people be able to see your “Proof of Citizenship” by the proof that you are demonstrating in your life?
How can you demonstrate your “Proof” of being a Christian today?
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate your “Proof” of being a Christian today?
How were you able to die to self and be hidden in Christ and what was the result?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Greed, Thursday, May 13, 2010
Reading: Luke 12:15, Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
The three key words of greed are more, more and more. The Greek word in today’s verse means, “Wanting more of what you already have enough of.”
Greed is like a slithering snake. It creeps around us. It is never satisfied. When you feed it… its hunger increases. You’ve seen it in others and felt it in yourself… “just one more piece of pizza, one more hour of work, on more new suit.”
In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus teaches a simple story about greed. A rich man harvested a great crop, so he decided to rip down his barns and build even bigger ones to hold everything he owned. He decided to party and take life easy. He had it made and his desire was, “More, I want more.” What he got instead was not what he expected. God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”
Greed makes us cut corners. It makes us neglect our values. We sell out our integrity to get something we want. Greed causes us to lose more than we ever gain, because in the drive to acquire we have to neglect others in our lives. At the end of our lives, what can we really take with us? Only the best thing… our faith in Jesus Christ… and that’s a free gift.
What do you desire to have more of… be honest?
How can you look around today and appreciate what you have and enjoy the satisfaction of the amazing gift(s) that God has given you without needing more?
REVIEW
Were you able to take time today to appreciate what you have and thank God?
How did this impact your perception of needing more and what God has already done for you?
The three key words of greed are more, more and more. The Greek word in today’s verse means, “Wanting more of what you already have enough of.”
Greed is like a slithering snake. It creeps around us. It is never satisfied. When you feed it… its hunger increases. You’ve seen it in others and felt it in yourself… “just one more piece of pizza, one more hour of work, on more new suit.”
In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus teaches a simple story about greed. A rich man harvested a great crop, so he decided to rip down his barns and build even bigger ones to hold everything he owned. He decided to party and take life easy. He had it made and his desire was, “More, I want more.” What he got instead was not what he expected. God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”
Greed makes us cut corners. It makes us neglect our values. We sell out our integrity to get something we want. Greed causes us to lose more than we ever gain, because in the drive to acquire we have to neglect others in our lives. At the end of our lives, what can we really take with us? Only the best thing… our faith in Jesus Christ… and that’s a free gift.
What do you desire to have more of… be honest?
How can you look around today and appreciate what you have and enjoy the satisfaction of the amazing gift(s) that God has given you without needing more?
REVIEW
Were you able to take time today to appreciate what you have and thank God?
How did this impact your perception of needing more and what God has already done for you?
The Rock of Change, Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Reading: Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Have you noticed how fast things are changing; cell phones, IPODS, TVs, even commercials flash at warp speed. At times I feel I can’t keep up. But… and there is always a “but”, I have good news. Even if your world is constantly changing, our God doesn’t.
We can be comforted in knowing that our heavenly Father is the Rock that cannot be shaken. His Word promises, “I am the Lord, I do not change.” (Malachi 3:6, NKJV)
Every day for us, we are going to encounter changes; some good, some not so good and some downright scary. On those occasions when we must endure life changing losses that knock us off balance, there is a place we can run to for comfort and assurance. We can always run to God. Our God stands ready to protect us, to comfort us, to guide us, and, in time, to heal us. God’s purpose for you today is never to be overwhelmed with the world around us. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith.
What are some changes or challenges that you are experiencing today in your life?
What does the unchanging characteristic of God mean to you? Why is that significant to you?
What can you do today to give those changes or challenges over to God and leave them on the Rock?
REVIEW
How did you give the changes or challenges in your life to God?
Were you able to leave them there? How did this impact your perception of those changes or challenges?
Have you noticed how fast things are changing; cell phones, IPODS, TVs, even commercials flash at warp speed. At times I feel I can’t keep up. But… and there is always a “but”, I have good news. Even if your world is constantly changing, our God doesn’t.
We can be comforted in knowing that our heavenly Father is the Rock that cannot be shaken. His Word promises, “I am the Lord, I do not change.” (Malachi 3:6, NKJV)
Every day for us, we are going to encounter changes; some good, some not so good and some downright scary. On those occasions when we must endure life changing losses that knock us off balance, there is a place we can run to for comfort and assurance. We can always run to God. Our God stands ready to protect us, to comfort us, to guide us, and, in time, to heal us. God’s purpose for you today is never to be overwhelmed with the world around us. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith.
What are some changes or challenges that you are experiencing today in your life?
What does the unchanging characteristic of God mean to you? Why is that significant to you?
What can you do today to give those changes or challenges over to God and leave them on the Rock?
REVIEW
How did you give the changes or challenges in your life to God?
Were you able to leave them there? How did this impact your perception of those changes or challenges?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Mental Action, Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Reading: I Peter 1:13, Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Yogi Berra, the great baseball icon, once said, “Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." If you notice, Peter didn’t say, “Hey, guys, prepare your body, your weapons, and your gear for action.” He said, “Prepare your minds”.
Have you ever had a lot on your mind: problems at work, bills to pay, family conflict; and someone comes up to you and gives you one more big thing to think about? It’s almost like an alarm begins blaring in your head with lights flashing, “System overload, system overload, alert… alert!” On the flip side, the new thing with Yoga and other forms of meditation is preparing your mind to relax; yet, Peter wants a preparation of the mind for action.
If you spend any time in a weight room, you will see someone, before they lift their max-out weight, prepare mentally by getting themselves psyched up before lifting the bar. Most people, before going into a big meeting where they are making a presentation, will run through everything in their minds to make sure that they are prepared. If I am preparing for an event, I run everything through my mind from all different perspectives to make sure that I’ve thought of everything. All of these are done before action. Men, we really need to be taking time to prepare our minds for action. We spend an awful lot of time with our minds worrying, or thinking about sports scores/stats, or thinking impure thoughts, or thinking about how we want to tell that person off… we need to be preparing our minds for action. If you never take time to think through how you’re going to serve, follow, and listen to God, don’t expect to do the right thing when the time comes for action.
Take some time now to think… and prepare your mind for action… what actions do you need to take for God today?
How can you carry that out and what may be some pitfalls?
REVIEW
How did you prepare your mind for action today?
How did that impact your ability to act and react in a way that is pleasing to God?
Yogi Berra, the great baseball icon, once said, “Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." If you notice, Peter didn’t say, “Hey, guys, prepare your body, your weapons, and your gear for action.” He said, “Prepare your minds”.
Have you ever had a lot on your mind: problems at work, bills to pay, family conflict; and someone comes up to you and gives you one more big thing to think about? It’s almost like an alarm begins blaring in your head with lights flashing, “System overload, system overload, alert… alert!” On the flip side, the new thing with Yoga and other forms of meditation is preparing your mind to relax; yet, Peter wants a preparation of the mind for action.
If you spend any time in a weight room, you will see someone, before they lift their max-out weight, prepare mentally by getting themselves psyched up before lifting the bar. Most people, before going into a big meeting where they are making a presentation, will run through everything in their minds to make sure that they are prepared. If I am preparing for an event, I run everything through my mind from all different perspectives to make sure that I’ve thought of everything. All of these are done before action. Men, we really need to be taking time to prepare our minds for action. We spend an awful lot of time with our minds worrying, or thinking about sports scores/stats, or thinking impure thoughts, or thinking about how we want to tell that person off… we need to be preparing our minds for action. If you never take time to think through how you’re going to serve, follow, and listen to God, don’t expect to do the right thing when the time comes for action.
Take some time now to think… and prepare your mind for action… what actions do you need to take for God today?
How can you carry that out and what may be some pitfalls?
REVIEW
How did you prepare your mind for action today?
How did that impact your ability to act and react in a way that is pleasing to God?
Monday, May 10, 2010
Audience of One, Monday, May 10, 2010
Reading: II Samuel 6:16, 20, 16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. 20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!"
These verses are packed full of matters that men tend to face. David returned home, where of any place in the world would hopefully be a safe haven, and he is hit with criticism from his wife, seemingly, as soon as he walked in the door. On top of that, it says that he “returned home to bless his household”, so he was all prepared to walk in the door with a great spirit and share what God had done. Have you ever walked in the door in an amazing mood and excited about life and what God is doing… and BLAM!!!!... hit with a load of complaints or problem to zap your spirit? Then to have the complaint be something that you were doing in excitement for God, would tend to take all the wind out of the sails. Many would tend to think, “My goodness, you want me to be the spiritual leader of the home; yet, here I am, truly excited about what God is doing. I walk in the house to share with you and you hit me with complaints and ridicule for how I am doing it? I just can’t win.” But, I don’t think David had those thoughts at all. Reading the Psalms and looking at his life up to that point, David wasn’t concerned about what people thought when it came to his relationship with God. What is so awesome about David dancing and leaping like that is… I’m sure, if he stopped to think about it, he’d probably think that it might look really ridiculous, doing that… but, he didn’t think about it. He simply acted and reacted within the mindset of performing for his audience of One. Thus, he also didn’t have to get upset or discouraged when his wife hit him with her complaints because he could honestly rest in the satisfaction of simply performing for his audience of One, and, He was pleased.
Challenge: Set aside other people’s perceptions, judgment of motives, mockery, etc. to simply focus on performing throughout your entire day for your audience of One. (take some time to think through how you can do that)
REVIEW
Were you able to set aside other people’s perceptions today and perform solely for your audience of One?
How did it go and how did it impact what you did and how you did it?
These verses are packed full of matters that men tend to face. David returned home, where of any place in the world would hopefully be a safe haven, and he is hit with criticism from his wife, seemingly, as soon as he walked in the door. On top of that, it says that he “returned home to bless his household”, so he was all prepared to walk in the door with a great spirit and share what God had done. Have you ever walked in the door in an amazing mood and excited about life and what God is doing… and BLAM!!!!... hit with a load of complaints or problem to zap your spirit? Then to have the complaint be something that you were doing in excitement for God, would tend to take all the wind out of the sails. Many would tend to think, “My goodness, you want me to be the spiritual leader of the home; yet, here I am, truly excited about what God is doing. I walk in the house to share with you and you hit me with complaints and ridicule for how I am doing it? I just can’t win.” But, I don’t think David had those thoughts at all. Reading the Psalms and looking at his life up to that point, David wasn’t concerned about what people thought when it came to his relationship with God. What is so awesome about David dancing and leaping like that is… I’m sure, if he stopped to think about it, he’d probably think that it might look really ridiculous, doing that… but, he didn’t think about it. He simply acted and reacted within the mindset of performing for his audience of One. Thus, he also didn’t have to get upset or discouraged when his wife hit him with her complaints because he could honestly rest in the satisfaction of simply performing for his audience of One, and, He was pleased.
Challenge: Set aside other people’s perceptions, judgment of motives, mockery, etc. to simply focus on performing throughout your entire day for your audience of One. (take some time to think through how you can do that)
REVIEW
Were you able to set aside other people’s perceptions today and perform solely for your audience of One?
How did it go and how did it impact what you did and how you did it?
Celebration, Sunday, May 11, 2010
Reading: Psalm 89:1-2, 8, 1 I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself. 8 O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
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?
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?
Friday, May 7, 2010
Good Samaritan, Saturday, May 8, 2010
Reading: Luke 10:30-35, 30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
Most, if not all of us, know about the story of the Good Samaritan.
The challenge today? Simply, be a Good Samaritan to someone today.
What are some ways that you will be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What could be some pitfalls that could keep you from being a Good Samaritan to someone today?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What was the response? What are your thoughts?
Most, if not all of us, know about the story of the Good Samaritan.
The challenge today? Simply, be a Good Samaritan to someone today.
What are some ways that you will be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What could be some pitfalls that could keep you from being a Good Samaritan to someone today?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What was the response? What are your thoughts?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Real World, Friday, May 7, 2010
Reading: I Corinthians 1:18-21, For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
I was talking to a dad the other day and he was informing me that his son and daughter, who are now teenagers, are not doing well spiritually. He continued on to share his opinion, since a lot of his son’s “Christian school” friends have some very serious problem; drugs, trouble with the law, etc. His opinion was that the kids were so sheltered from the “real world” that’s why they are now having such problems. Now, granted, I grew up in a Christian home, attended a Christian school, and went on to a Christian college and I had some of those same thoughts when I was younger. But, I’ve grown to realize that those thoughts were merely temptations to be in and part of the world. Why in the world would we ever define what the world has as the “real world”??? That is one of the devil’s greatest lies, that the pursuit of all things temporary is what is real and true. Men, we must show our family, our friends, our acquaintances and all the world… what the “real” world really looks like. That “real world” is described in detain and is contained in the Word of God. That’s why knowledge of the Bible is true wisdom and living what it teaches is truly living.
How can you demonstrate what the Real World should truly look like?
How can you share the message of the cross, today, without fear of what someone else thinks because the world that they perceive is not “real”?
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate the Real World to someone today?
How were you able to share the message of the cross with someone today?
I was talking to a dad the other day and he was informing me that his son and daughter, who are now teenagers, are not doing well spiritually. He continued on to share his opinion, since a lot of his son’s “Christian school” friends have some very serious problem; drugs, trouble with the law, etc. His opinion was that the kids were so sheltered from the “real world” that’s why they are now having such problems. Now, granted, I grew up in a Christian home, attended a Christian school, and went on to a Christian college and I had some of those same thoughts when I was younger. But, I’ve grown to realize that those thoughts were merely temptations to be in and part of the world. Why in the world would we ever define what the world has as the “real world”??? That is one of the devil’s greatest lies, that the pursuit of all things temporary is what is real and true. Men, we must show our family, our friends, our acquaintances and all the world… what the “real” world really looks like. That “real world” is described in detain and is contained in the Word of God. That’s why knowledge of the Bible is true wisdom and living what it teaches is truly living.
How can you demonstrate what the Real World should truly look like?
How can you share the message of the cross, today, without fear of what someone else thinks because the world that they perceive is not “real”?
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate the Real World to someone today?
How were you able to share the message of the cross with someone today?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
New Life, Thursday, May 6, 2010
Reading: Colossians 3:3, Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life.
Do you desire to improve some part of your life? If you do, don’t expect changing circumstances to transform you into the man you’re supposed to be. Transformation starts with god. God’s hand has the power to transform your day and your life. Our job is to receive. Christ’s love and grace. Then humbly give God thanks for your “New Life”.
Every good story has a beginning. It must start in the quiet corner of a willing heart. Find a still moment to tell God how you feel about Him. Be quiet long enough to hear Him and what He feels about you.
Bill Hybels once said, “God’s omniscience can instill you with a supernatural confidence than can transform your life…”
Remember, brother, the old is gone; the new life begins today.
What are some of the “old life” that you can see is still a part of your life or has crept back in?
Go to God, repent of those things and give them over to Him today.
How can you, not simply say, “I’m sorry” to God, but find ways to completely turn from those old ways and embrace God and the new life today?
REVIEW
Were you able to let go and turn from the “old life” today, if so, how?
How were you able to embrace the new life that God has for you today?
Do you desire to improve some part of your life? If you do, don’t expect changing circumstances to transform you into the man you’re supposed to be. Transformation starts with god. God’s hand has the power to transform your day and your life. Our job is to receive. Christ’s love and grace. Then humbly give God thanks for your “New Life”.
Every good story has a beginning. It must start in the quiet corner of a willing heart. Find a still moment to tell God how you feel about Him. Be quiet long enough to hear Him and what He feels about you.
Bill Hybels once said, “God’s omniscience can instill you with a supernatural confidence than can transform your life…”
Remember, brother, the old is gone; the new life begins today.
What are some of the “old life” that you can see is still a part of your life or has crept back in?
Go to God, repent of those things and give them over to Him today.
How can you, not simply say, “I’m sorry” to God, but find ways to completely turn from those old ways and embrace God and the new life today?
REVIEW
Were you able to let go and turn from the “old life” today, if so, how?
How were you able to embrace the new life that God has for you today?
Deterioration, Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Reading: II Peter 2:6-8, 6and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter; 7and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men 8(for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds),
The story of Lot is a very sad one. It starts with Lot and Abraham parting ways and Lot choosing the land that was near Sodom and Gomorrah. Here is the nephew of Abraham, who had just been living with he and his family, now chose to pitch his tent near Sodom and Gomorrah. If we fast forward ahead, we see Lot leaving the city of Sodom with his raped and defiled daughters while leaving behind his wife as a pillar of salt. Everything that was really important to him, he lost. The progression… was simply a slow deterioration. He chose to live near Sodom because the grass was greener, then he was living in the city, then he was friends with the grotesquely perverted men of the city… and as Peter states it was a day after day deterioration.
The following song from Casting Crowns give us a clear warning to watch out for the “Slow Fade” of the deterioration away from God:
“It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade”
What sin have you “pitched your tent” near, figuratively?
Has your relationship with God deteriorated from where it has been?
What can you do to destroy the sin and stop the deterioration?
What can you do to set protection for yourself to keep from “camping” near the sin?
REVIEW
Were you able to identify the areas that have been deteriorating your relationship with God and what were those?
How were you able to defeat those things?
The story of Lot is a very sad one. It starts with Lot and Abraham parting ways and Lot choosing the land that was near Sodom and Gomorrah. Here is the nephew of Abraham, who had just been living with he and his family, now chose to pitch his tent near Sodom and Gomorrah. If we fast forward ahead, we see Lot leaving the city of Sodom with his raped and defiled daughters while leaving behind his wife as a pillar of salt. Everything that was really important to him, he lost. The progression… was simply a slow deterioration. He chose to live near Sodom because the grass was greener, then he was living in the city, then he was friends with the grotesquely perverted men of the city… and as Peter states it was a day after day deterioration.
The following song from Casting Crowns give us a clear warning to watch out for the “Slow Fade” of the deterioration away from God:
“It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade”
What sin have you “pitched your tent” near, figuratively?
Has your relationship with God deteriorated from where it has been?
What can you do to destroy the sin and stop the deterioration?
What can you do to set protection for yourself to keep from “camping” near the sin?
REVIEW
Were you able to identify the areas that have been deteriorating your relationship with God and what were those?
How were you able to defeat those things?
Monday, May 3, 2010
It Only Takes a Spark, Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Reading: I John 4:12, No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
Are you feeling close to your wife? How do you see her? Is she your previous treasure today? Or, is the spark just not as bright?
I don’t mean to pry but do you want something more? It’s a simple solution, honest! When you are your wife worship God together, you’ll notice a change I your relationship. When the two of you embrace God’s love for you, you will feel differently about yourself, your marriage, your family and your world.
All marriages need times of transformation and who the two of you accept His grace and share His love, you will be blessed on earth, as well as for your lives in eternity. And, that promise brings true intimacy.
If you truly desire to build a strong, loving marriage that will stand against any storms, then make God the centerpiece. Pray together, hold her hand tonight and pray Christ’s love over you both.
When you do, your spark for each other will ignite into a flame.
What are some stumbling blocks that get in the way of creating this type of relationship with your wife?
How can you overcome those interferences today?
Will you determine to pray with your wife today while holding her hand and pray Christ’s love over you both?
REVIEW
Did you pray with your wife today/tonight?
What were some things that arose that attempted to stop your determination to pray with your wife and how did you overcome them?
Are you feeling close to your wife? How do you see her? Is she your previous treasure today? Or, is the spark just not as bright?
I don’t mean to pry but do you want something more? It’s a simple solution, honest! When you are your wife worship God together, you’ll notice a change I your relationship. When the two of you embrace God’s love for you, you will feel differently about yourself, your marriage, your family and your world.
All marriages need times of transformation and who the two of you accept His grace and share His love, you will be blessed on earth, as well as for your lives in eternity. And, that promise brings true intimacy.
If you truly desire to build a strong, loving marriage that will stand against any storms, then make God the centerpiece. Pray together, hold her hand tonight and pray Christ’s love over you both.
When you do, your spark for each other will ignite into a flame.
What are some stumbling blocks that get in the way of creating this type of relationship with your wife?
How can you overcome those interferences today?
Will you determine to pray with your wife today while holding her hand and pray Christ’s love over you both?
REVIEW
Did you pray with your wife today/tonight?
What were some things that arose that attempted to stop your determination to pray with your wife and how did you overcome them?
Unconditional Love, Monday, May 3, 2010
Reading: I John 4:10-12, 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
I thought I knew what unconditional love was. I had heard about it all my life and knew God’s demonstration of that love. But, I never truly grasped it. I never truly understood it. I never truly experienced the real meaning until the first time I was able to look down on our little baby girl. There she lay. She had no ability to do anything for me. She had no experience to offer me. She had no help or assistance to give me. All she could do was produce extra work, sleep deprived nights, gross diapers, ears filled with cries and screams, constant bottle consumption, time taken away from alone time with my wife, and a lot of money spent on the million things a baby needs, and I loved it. I still remember the first time that I was able to stand over her crib and watch her sleep. I choked up with tears and my mind immediately went to the realization of God’s unconditional love for me as His child. Men, there is nothing you can do that will cause God to love you less.
Men, there is nothing that your brother in Christ has done to you that would surpass the gravity of what you have done to God in forcing His hand to send His Son to have to suffer and die for you. Unbelievable, unconditional love. So, how can we withhold unconditional love amongst our Christian family?
Who have you been withholding unconditional love from and why?
How will you be sure to demonstrate unconditional love to “love one another”?
REVIEW
How did you demonstrate unconditional love to “one another” today?
How did this impact your relationship and your perception of your Christian family?
I thought I knew what unconditional love was. I had heard about it all my life and knew God’s demonstration of that love. But, I never truly grasped it. I never truly understood it. I never truly experienced the real meaning until the first time I was able to look down on our little baby girl. There she lay. She had no ability to do anything for me. She had no experience to offer me. She had no help or assistance to give me. All she could do was produce extra work, sleep deprived nights, gross diapers, ears filled with cries and screams, constant bottle consumption, time taken away from alone time with my wife, and a lot of money spent on the million things a baby needs, and I loved it. I still remember the first time that I was able to stand over her crib and watch her sleep. I choked up with tears and my mind immediately went to the realization of God’s unconditional love for me as His child. Men, there is nothing you can do that will cause God to love you less.
Men, there is nothing that your brother in Christ has done to you that would surpass the gravity of what you have done to God in forcing His hand to send His Son to have to suffer and die for you. Unbelievable, unconditional love. So, how can we withhold unconditional love amongst our Christian family?
Who have you been withholding unconditional love from and why?
How will you be sure to demonstrate unconditional love to “love one another”?
REVIEW
How did you demonstrate unconditional love to “one another” today?
How did this impact your relationship and your perception of your Christian family?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)