Reading: Luke 17:11-19, 11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" 14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. 15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
The most amazing part of this story is the fact that the leper returned to thank Jesus. You may be thinking, “Of course it’s the most amazing part, because it is THE point of the story.” But, no… sometimes we have the impression that they took a few steps to leave and were healed; therefore, causing the leper to turn around and thank Him. With this taking place along the border of Samaria and Galilee, the place that they would need to go to “show” themselves was quite a trek. The Bible doesn’t say how far they got on their way but it definitely doesn’t say that he just turned around; it says that he went back and did it so that everyone could hear him. I wonder how much we go out of our way to offer thanks for what others do for us. I wonder how many of us would have made that trip back, just to tell him, “Thank you.”
What are you thankful for today that Jesus is doing for you? Notice, it’s IS doing for you… not what He did for you. He is alive in your life, today, so what is He doing today that you’re thankful for?
What will you do today with your gratitude for what Jesus is doing?
How are you thankful for others today?
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate your thankfulness today to God?
How were you able to demonstrate your thankfulness today to others?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Weather of Life, Friday, July 30, 2010
Reading: II Corinthians 13:11, Finally, brethren, farewell (rejoice)! Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same [agreeable] mind one with another; live in peace, and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you.
I was watching the news the other night when the weather report came on. I was reflecting how the report lets you know the current weather conditions as well as what to expect for the next few days.
If you were to evaluate the current conditions of your marriage in meteorological terms, what would your weather report say?
Just like the weather, some conditions change daily or weekly, some men might describe their marriage as “plenty of sunshine and warmth with a gentle breeze”. Others might say, “Light rain which will give way to a calm atmosphere.” Still others would describe their marriage as one major storm front after another with blizzards, hurricanes, or even tornado-like conditions.
As you reflect upon the current status of your marriage, what is the forecast for the future?
Is the outlook bright and encouraging or consistent storm patterns swirling around?
Paul’s words of counsel in today’s verse can stabilize a marriage. Through talking and listening, differences with your wife can be resolved and peace can be achieved. How can this verse be reflected in your life and in your marriage today?
REVIEW
How was the weather conditions of your life today?
What was the difference in the weather today?
I was watching the news the other night when the weather report came on. I was reflecting how the report lets you know the current weather conditions as well as what to expect for the next few days.
If you were to evaluate the current conditions of your marriage in meteorological terms, what would your weather report say?
Just like the weather, some conditions change daily or weekly, some men might describe their marriage as “plenty of sunshine and warmth with a gentle breeze”. Others might say, “Light rain which will give way to a calm atmosphere.” Still others would describe their marriage as one major storm front after another with blizzards, hurricanes, or even tornado-like conditions.
As you reflect upon the current status of your marriage, what is the forecast for the future?
Is the outlook bright and encouraging or consistent storm patterns swirling around?
Paul’s words of counsel in today’s verse can stabilize a marriage. Through talking and listening, differences with your wife can be resolved and peace can be achieved. How can this verse be reflected in your life and in your marriage today?
REVIEW
How was the weather conditions of your life today?
What was the difference in the weather today?
Was It Worth It?, Thursday, July 29, 2010
Reading: I Corinthians 2:9, 9However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"
I’m sure we have all been asked or have asked someone at some point, “Was it worth the wait?” But, with heaven, it’s typically not the waiting, it’s the living beforehand. Can you imagine someday when we are ushered into heaven and into the presence of our Lord? The Bible says that, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” I truly believe that a large part of the tears that will be shed on that day that He will wipe away our tears will be from regret. Paul told the Corinthians that you can’t even begin to imagine what God is preparing for us. I love the song, “I Can Only Imagine”, but I believe that there is one thing that I know. I know I will begin to ask myself, “Was it worth it?” Now that I’m here and can see all the incredible things that God had prepared for me, was it worth it? Was it worth constantly going back to and holding on to the sin that Jesus had already defeated for me? Was it worth the selfish decisions that I made day after day? Was it worth all the work that I did for temporary gain and monetary values that mean nothing here? Was it worth not sharing His message due to embarrassment or working harder to bring more people with me to this splendor and truly experience His glory? Was it worth it? Really… was it worth it?
Men, today, we have the ability to minimize our regret in the future.
Challenge: Today, constantly, all throughout your day, ask yourself, “Is this worth it?” with the reality of heaven in our focus.
What are some things that you may need to do differently, to make it worth it?
REVIEW
Did you constantly ask yourself throughout the day, “Is this worth it?”
If yes, how did this influence your day and what adjustments did you need to make from your typical day?
I’m sure we have all been asked or have asked someone at some point, “Was it worth the wait?” But, with heaven, it’s typically not the waiting, it’s the living beforehand. Can you imagine someday when we are ushered into heaven and into the presence of our Lord? The Bible says that, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” I truly believe that a large part of the tears that will be shed on that day that He will wipe away our tears will be from regret. Paul told the Corinthians that you can’t even begin to imagine what God is preparing for us. I love the song, “I Can Only Imagine”, but I believe that there is one thing that I know. I know I will begin to ask myself, “Was it worth it?” Now that I’m here and can see all the incredible things that God had prepared for me, was it worth it? Was it worth constantly going back to and holding on to the sin that Jesus had already defeated for me? Was it worth the selfish decisions that I made day after day? Was it worth all the work that I did for temporary gain and monetary values that mean nothing here? Was it worth not sharing His message due to embarrassment or working harder to bring more people with me to this splendor and truly experience His glory? Was it worth it? Really… was it worth it?
Men, today, we have the ability to minimize our regret in the future.
Challenge: Today, constantly, all throughout your day, ask yourself, “Is this worth it?” with the reality of heaven in our focus.
What are some things that you may need to do differently, to make it worth it?
REVIEW
Did you constantly ask yourself throughout the day, “Is this worth it?”
If yes, how did this influence your day and what adjustments did you need to make from your typical day?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sing Praise!, Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Reading: Psalm 100 , 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Have you ever watched a football game that went down to the wire and exclaimed, “What a great game!” Have you gone to dinner at a restaurant and told your friends about the greatest steak you’ve ever had? Men, how often do we spend time to truly sing about the Lord? We may not have the best voices, but let others know that the Lord is awesome.
Why do we tend to exclaim praise and adoration for things that are so temporary?
Genuinely, ask yourself, why is it easier for you to tell someone about how great something is that really only carries temporary value?
In what ways do you believe God is great?
Do you really believe those things?
Challenge: Take time today to tell someone how great God is. God is Great!
REVIEW
How were you able to share how great God is?
How did others respond to your praise of God? How did you feel after sharing God’s praises?
Have you ever watched a football game that went down to the wire and exclaimed, “What a great game!” Have you gone to dinner at a restaurant and told your friends about the greatest steak you’ve ever had? Men, how often do we spend time to truly sing about the Lord? We may not have the best voices, but let others know that the Lord is awesome.
Why do we tend to exclaim praise and adoration for things that are so temporary?
Genuinely, ask yourself, why is it easier for you to tell someone about how great something is that really only carries temporary value?
In what ways do you believe God is great?
Do you really believe those things?
Challenge: Take time today to tell someone how great God is. God is Great!
REVIEW
How were you able to share how great God is?
How did others respond to your praise of God? How did you feel after sharing God’s praises?
Monday, July 26, 2010
Respect/Love, Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Reading: Ephesians 5:33, Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.
Wait a minute! Before pointing a finger, today’s passage instructs both husbands and wives to respond to one another in a prescribed way. As men we long to receive respect but do we just as earnestly long to demonstrate love to our wife?
The mixture of love and respect means ministering to your partner through listening, a loving embrace, a flexible mind and attitude and a gracious spirit. It means looking past faults and differences and seeing strengths and similarities. It means sharing concerns together instead of trying to carry the load yourself.
Just a couple questions that meddle a bit:
1) In a tense situation, do I cut off my wife when she holds a view different than mine?
2) When I think someone is wrong, do I become offensive and harsh trying to put them in their place?
3) In trying to get a point across, am I gently persuasive or opinionated and demanding?
4) Am I driven so much by the need to be right that I try to pressure others?
5) Do I intimidate my wife or children?
As my mentor once said, “Respect happens when we learn to practice careful listening rather than threatened opposition, encouragement rather than intimidation.”
Challenge: Make a point to listen to others today.
REVIEW
Were you able to be a good listener today?
How did this impact others and your relationship with them?
Wait a minute! Before pointing a finger, today’s passage instructs both husbands and wives to respond to one another in a prescribed way. As men we long to receive respect but do we just as earnestly long to demonstrate love to our wife?
The mixture of love and respect means ministering to your partner through listening, a loving embrace, a flexible mind and attitude and a gracious spirit. It means looking past faults and differences and seeing strengths and similarities. It means sharing concerns together instead of trying to carry the load yourself.
Just a couple questions that meddle a bit:
1) In a tense situation, do I cut off my wife when she holds a view different than mine?
2) When I think someone is wrong, do I become offensive and harsh trying to put them in their place?
3) In trying to get a point across, am I gently persuasive or opinionated and demanding?
4) Am I driven so much by the need to be right that I try to pressure others?
5) Do I intimidate my wife or children?
As my mentor once said, “Respect happens when we learn to practice careful listening rather than threatened opposition, encouragement rather than intimidation.”
Challenge: Make a point to listen to others today.
REVIEW
Were you able to be a good listener today?
How did this impact others and your relationship with them?
Imitator, Monday, July 26, 2010
Reading: Matthew 5:13-16, 13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
We could study the entire Bible cover to cover to learn how to live, which is very good; but, I am always fascinated simply by Jesus: His life, His teachings and His testimony. Jesus lived only 33 years. To many of us that is really young. Of those 33 years, only 3 of them were spent in ministry. Can you imagine having 3 years… only 3 years to say what you needed to say, do what you needed to do and live how you needed to live. With the Son of God having such a concentrated time to accomplish what He needed to accomplish… everything that He did and said carried that weight of brevity with it. There will be devotionals to follow that are simply labeled “Imitator”, which will be a focus on something that Jesus taught, whether through His words or His life. We are to be imitators of Christ… so… let’s be one today.
In this passage, we are compared to salt and light. Both of which, we are, if you know Jesus as your Savior. Amongst today’s Christians, I see a lot of people who pull their “light” out every time that they walk through the door of the church. All of a sudden, they are all about letting people know that they are a Christian… “I’ll shine when there are other lights around… just don’t expect me to shine on my own out there.” But, isn’t that the purpose?
How can you be an imitator of Christ and His teachings in the passage? How can you be salt and a light around you?… be specific.
Step one, throw away the “bowl” that you timidly hide your light underneath…
Step two, be sure to make a point to set your “light” for all to see.
REVIEW
How did you imitate Christ and be salt and/or light today?
How did it transpire? How did God use your willingness to shine?
We could study the entire Bible cover to cover to learn how to live, which is very good; but, I am always fascinated simply by Jesus: His life, His teachings and His testimony. Jesus lived only 33 years. To many of us that is really young. Of those 33 years, only 3 of them were spent in ministry. Can you imagine having 3 years… only 3 years to say what you needed to say, do what you needed to do and live how you needed to live. With the Son of God having such a concentrated time to accomplish what He needed to accomplish… everything that He did and said carried that weight of brevity with it. There will be devotionals to follow that are simply labeled “Imitator”, which will be a focus on something that Jesus taught, whether through His words or His life. We are to be imitators of Christ… so… let’s be one today.
In this passage, we are compared to salt and light. Both of which, we are, if you know Jesus as your Savior. Amongst today’s Christians, I see a lot of people who pull their “light” out every time that they walk through the door of the church. All of a sudden, they are all about letting people know that they are a Christian… “I’ll shine when there are other lights around… just don’t expect me to shine on my own out there.” But, isn’t that the purpose?
How can you be an imitator of Christ and His teachings in the passage? How can you be salt and a light around you?… be specific.
Step one, throw away the “bowl” that you timidly hide your light underneath…
Step two, be sure to make a point to set your “light” for all to see.
REVIEW
How did you imitate Christ and be salt and/or light today?
How did it transpire? How did God use your willingness to shine?
Celebration, Sunday, July 25, 2010
Reading: Psalm 48:1-3, 1 Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. 2 It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth. Like the utmost heights of Zaphon [a] is Mount Zion, the [b] city of the Great King. 3 God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress.
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, July 23, 2010
Power of Prayer, Saturday, July 24, 2010
Reading: Acts 4:24, 30-31, 24When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 30Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 12:5, 7 & 12 , 5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 7Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. 12When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.
Men, do we really believe in the power of prayer? Do we… really?
Let’s bring this home in a practical sense:
If you had some time at all, in the car, during lunch hour, after the kids go to bed, or any other time which would you choose? (be honest… circle the selection that matches what you currently would choose)
Prayer or Television
Prayer or Computer Time
Prayer or Eating
Prayer or Golfing
Prayer or
I’m sure the list could go on about the different things that we would most likely choose over spending time in prayer. I’m talking real time in prayer… not just praying the blessing on the food either.
Men, today take the time… some real quality time to pray. God is ready to hear from you today. He stands ready to answer your prayer in a very powerful way, if you only speak to him with sincere faith in your heart.
REVIEW
Were you able to spend some quality time talking to God today?
Explain how you felt and how comfortable you felt speaking with God.
As with any relationship, you become more comfortable speaking with someone the more you talk to them and you build that relationship stronger.
Acts 12:5, 7 & 12 , 5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 7Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. 12When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.
Men, do we really believe in the power of prayer? Do we… really?
Let’s bring this home in a practical sense:
If you had some time at all, in the car, during lunch hour, after the kids go to bed, or any other time which would you choose? (be honest… circle the selection that matches what you currently would choose)
Prayer or Television
Prayer or Computer Time
Prayer or Eating
Prayer or Golfing
Prayer or
I’m sure the list could go on about the different things that we would most likely choose over spending time in prayer. I’m talking real time in prayer… not just praying the blessing on the food either.
Men, today take the time… some real quality time to pray. God is ready to hear from you today. He stands ready to answer your prayer in a very powerful way, if you only speak to him with sincere faith in your heart.
REVIEW
Were you able to spend some quality time talking to God today?
Explain how you felt and how comfortable you felt speaking with God.
As with any relationship, you become more comfortable speaking with someone the more you talk to them and you build that relationship stronger.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
By Faith, Friday, July 23, 2010
Reading: Habakkuk 2:4, Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.
Habakkuk is a small book tucked near the end of the Old Testament. There are three main factors about faith that are important to every Christian.
1. Faith gives us a special way of seeing the present and the future. We are able to believe in the potential and possibilities of others rather than see them remain the way they are for the rest of their lives.
2. Faith enables us to endure under difficult circumstances. When you live by faith you become transcendent. You’re able to go beyond the limits, to step over the obstacles and to handle situations which seem to be totally overwhelming. Habakkuk 3:17-19 says, “17Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, 18Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. 19The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places. For the choir director, on my stringed instruments. What an example of faith. The prophet’s situation seems overwhelming. But, look at his attitude! What would happen in your marriage if you responded to your problems this way? Maybe we could read Habakkuk 3:18 out loud every day.
3. Faith pleases our God. It’s His plan that we would learn to live in total trust of Him no matter what the circumstances. Risky? Yes… but, living with purpose is worth the risk.
Are there areas in your life that you are struggling letting go and putting your complete faith and trust in God and what He can accomplish in your life, if so, what are they?
How can you let go of those things today?
REVIEW
Were you able to let go of those things that you were holding onto, not wanting to surrender to God, due to a lack of faith?
What impact did that make in your life and decisions today?
Habakkuk is a small book tucked near the end of the Old Testament. There are three main factors about faith that are important to every Christian.
1. Faith gives us a special way of seeing the present and the future. We are able to believe in the potential and possibilities of others rather than see them remain the way they are for the rest of their lives.
2. Faith enables us to endure under difficult circumstances. When you live by faith you become transcendent. You’re able to go beyond the limits, to step over the obstacles and to handle situations which seem to be totally overwhelming. Habakkuk 3:17-19 says, “17Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, 18Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. 19The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places. For the choir director, on my stringed instruments. What an example of faith. The prophet’s situation seems overwhelming. But, look at his attitude! What would happen in your marriage if you responded to your problems this way? Maybe we could read Habakkuk 3:18 out loud every day.
3. Faith pleases our God. It’s His plan that we would learn to live in total trust of Him no matter what the circumstances. Risky? Yes… but, living with purpose is worth the risk.
Are there areas in your life that you are struggling letting go and putting your complete faith and trust in God and what He can accomplish in your life, if so, what are they?
How can you let go of those things today?
REVIEW
Were you able to let go of those things that you were holding onto, not wanting to surrender to God, due to a lack of faith?
What impact did that make in your life and decisions today?
Ashes or Golden?, Thursday, July 22, 2010
Reading: I Corinthians 3:12-15, 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
I am always intrigued when driving down a back road and all of a sudden seeing an old, rock fireplace and chimney standing alone in the middle of a field. My mind often drifts with curiosity to what the old house looked like before it burned down, how old it was and what the family may have lost in the flames. The stone structure stood alone symbolizing what once stood there, yet, all the things that were burned up were what we would consider valuable and full of memories. What remained was a simple fireplace and chimney. It can’t house anyone, it doesn’t contain photos of memories past, it doesn’t contain any “keepsake” to cherish forever… it is simple… yet, it remains. Someday “the Day” will come when our time on earth is evaluated by God and all things that we did in our lives are tested by fire. When that match is struck and starts to set your works a blaze, how much will remain as “gold, silver or costly stones”? How much will stay standing as work of eternal value – golden; and how much will be consumed as temporary fulfillment with no eternal value – ashes?
What are some things that you typically do in your day that would be considered ashes… because it would be consumed with no eternal value?
What are some things that you can do today that would be considered golden… because it has eternal value?
Today, ask yourself all throughout the day as you start to do something, is this ashes… or is it golden?
REVIEW
What were you able to change about your day in consideration of the temporary and the eternal values (ashes or golden)?
How did this impact your day?
I am always intrigued when driving down a back road and all of a sudden seeing an old, rock fireplace and chimney standing alone in the middle of a field. My mind often drifts with curiosity to what the old house looked like before it burned down, how old it was and what the family may have lost in the flames. The stone structure stood alone symbolizing what once stood there, yet, all the things that were burned up were what we would consider valuable and full of memories. What remained was a simple fireplace and chimney. It can’t house anyone, it doesn’t contain photos of memories past, it doesn’t contain any “keepsake” to cherish forever… it is simple… yet, it remains. Someday “the Day” will come when our time on earth is evaluated by God and all things that we did in our lives are tested by fire. When that match is struck and starts to set your works a blaze, how much will remain as “gold, silver or costly stones”? How much will stay standing as work of eternal value – golden; and how much will be consumed as temporary fulfillment with no eternal value – ashes?
What are some things that you typically do in your day that would be considered ashes… because it would be consumed with no eternal value?
What are some things that you can do today that would be considered golden… because it has eternal value?
Today, ask yourself all throughout the day as you start to do something, is this ashes… or is it golden?
REVIEW
What were you able to change about your day in consideration of the temporary and the eternal values (ashes or golden)?
How did this impact your day?
A Donkey Ride, Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Reading: Luke 10:33-34, 33 Then a Samaritan traveling down the road came to where the hurt man was. When he saw the man, he felt very sorry for him.34 The Samaritan went to him, poured olive oil and wine on his wounds, and bandaged them. Then he put the hurt man on his own donkey and took him to an inn where he cared for him.
I’m the type of guy who wants to help to make the world a better place. But, some days I’m really not sure how I am doing at it. Jesus told the story of the “Good Samaritan”, (a man who helped a fellow traveler when no one else would. Maybe that’s the simplest answer. To help those that no one else will.
When bad things happen in our world, there’s always something we can do. So, what can you do to make God’s world a better place? You can start by being available. Telling the Lord, “Here I am, Lord… whatever you need from me today, I’m your man.” Maybe it’s by loving the unlovable, forgiving the undeserving, or offering grace instead of justice.
There’s really only room for one on a donkey… maybe I can walk for a while.
Be sure to keep your eyes open. There are a lot of lonely travelers.
How can you make yourself available today?
What can you do today to go where the needy might be, along the way?
What can you do to meet their needs?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to meet the needs of others along the way?
How did this impact the other person and how did it impact you within your day?
I’m the type of guy who wants to help to make the world a better place. But, some days I’m really not sure how I am doing at it. Jesus told the story of the “Good Samaritan”, (a man who helped a fellow traveler when no one else would. Maybe that’s the simplest answer. To help those that no one else will.
When bad things happen in our world, there’s always something we can do. So, what can you do to make God’s world a better place? You can start by being available. Telling the Lord, “Here I am, Lord… whatever you need from me today, I’m your man.” Maybe it’s by loving the unlovable, forgiving the undeserving, or offering grace instead of justice.
There’s really only room for one on a donkey… maybe I can walk for a while.
Be sure to keep your eyes open. There are a lot of lonely travelers.
How can you make yourself available today?
What can you do today to go where the needy might be, along the way?
What can you do to meet their needs?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to meet the needs of others along the way?
How did this impact the other person and how did it impact you within your day?
Monday, July 19, 2010
Listen & Apply, Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 22:17-19 , 17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, 18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. 19 So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.
I could go or do around since cost originally find in beginning because your entire upward incense futile… Did you get that? I hope you didn’t and I hope you didn’t go back and spend the time to reread the sentence over and over again to try to make sense of it. The only sense that you can make of it is simply, it didn’t make sense. But, men, which makes more sense, the first sentence of this paragraph or taking the time to read a devotional and/or a portion of God’s Word during the day without applying it to your life? What’s the sense then or what’s the point? How often, when you are mostly through the day, are you able to recall exactly what God taught you in the morning before you started your day? Yet this passage tells us that “it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.” Another words, you would have to be mulling it over, thinking about it and/or applying it throughout your day to be able to “keep” them “ready”. Let me ask you… how does it feel when you teach someone something, you go back to them later in the same day, ask them about what you taught them earlier and they say, “Oh… uuummm… (getting an embarrassed look on their face) I… don’t… remember? Sorry.” Now, let’s replay the scenario and, as soon as you ask, they quickly reply, “Oh, my goodness, it’s great! You taught me… [this]… and it works really well. I am SO glad that you taught me that. I am definitely going to use that.” Now, how would you feel as a result of both responses? Exactly! Men, God is attempting to teach you something today and everyday for that matter. He is excited for you to learn what He wants to teach you. Are you ready to listen, apply and have it ready?
How can you be ready to listen to Him today?
How can you apply what God is teaching you and have it ready throughout the day?
REVIEW
How were you able to listen, apply and recall what God was teaching you today?
Do you think that you can develop this as a pattern throughout your day and, if so, how?
I could go or do around since cost originally find in beginning because your entire upward incense futile… Did you get that? I hope you didn’t and I hope you didn’t go back and spend the time to reread the sentence over and over again to try to make sense of it. The only sense that you can make of it is simply, it didn’t make sense. But, men, which makes more sense, the first sentence of this paragraph or taking the time to read a devotional and/or a portion of God’s Word during the day without applying it to your life? What’s the sense then or what’s the point? How often, when you are mostly through the day, are you able to recall exactly what God taught you in the morning before you started your day? Yet this passage tells us that “it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.” Another words, you would have to be mulling it over, thinking about it and/or applying it throughout your day to be able to “keep” them “ready”. Let me ask you… how does it feel when you teach someone something, you go back to them later in the same day, ask them about what you taught them earlier and they say, “Oh… uuummm… (getting an embarrassed look on their face) I… don’t… remember? Sorry.” Now, let’s replay the scenario and, as soon as you ask, they quickly reply, “Oh, my goodness, it’s great! You taught me… [this]… and it works really well. I am SO glad that you taught me that. I am definitely going to use that.” Now, how would you feel as a result of both responses? Exactly! Men, God is attempting to teach you something today and everyday for that matter. He is excited for you to learn what He wants to teach you. Are you ready to listen, apply and have it ready?
How can you be ready to listen to Him today?
How can you apply what God is teaching you and have it ready throughout the day?
REVIEW
How were you able to listen, apply and recall what God was teaching you today?
Do you think that you can develop this as a pattern throughout your day and, if so, how?
I Will Rejoice, Monday, July 19, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 15:15, A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.
I have heard the saying, “Life is what you make it!” Well, that means we have a choice. We can choose to have a life full of frustration and fear, but we can just as easily choose joy and contentment. It’s all how you look at it today.
For the Christian, life is a cause to celebrate. As God’s children, we are blessed beyond measure, whether things are going our way or not. This day, today, is a non-refundable day. Once it’s gone… it’s gone forever! Give thanks to God for this day. Show your thanks by using it for the Glory of God.
Don’t let the weight of the world bear down on your shoulders, not today.
God created you in His own image and he wants you to experience joy and purpose. God will not force His joy upon you though; you must claim it for yourself. So, today, choose to think optimistically about your life and your future. Give thanks to the One who has given you so much, and trust in your heart that He wants to give you so much more.
Write out a brief list of what you have to be thankful for?
How will you claim this day for yourself and God to live optimistically and thankfully today?
REVIEW
How did you claim this day for yourself and God to live optimistically and thankfully today?
How did it impact your view of your day and what you were able to accomplish?
I have heard the saying, “Life is what you make it!” Well, that means we have a choice. We can choose to have a life full of frustration and fear, but we can just as easily choose joy and contentment. It’s all how you look at it today.
For the Christian, life is a cause to celebrate. As God’s children, we are blessed beyond measure, whether things are going our way or not. This day, today, is a non-refundable day. Once it’s gone… it’s gone forever! Give thanks to God for this day. Show your thanks by using it for the Glory of God.
Don’t let the weight of the world bear down on your shoulders, not today.
God created you in His own image and he wants you to experience joy and purpose. God will not force His joy upon you though; you must claim it for yourself. So, today, choose to think optimistically about your life and your future. Give thanks to the One who has given you so much, and trust in your heart that He wants to give you so much more.
Write out a brief list of what you have to be thankful for?
How will you claim this day for yourself and God to live optimistically and thankfully today?
REVIEW
How did you claim this day for yourself and God to live optimistically and thankfully today?
How did it impact your view of your day and what you were able to accomplish?
Celebration, Sunday, July 18, 2010
Reading: Psalm 54:6-7, 6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;
I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good. 7 For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
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?
I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good. 7 For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
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, July 10, 2010
Search Me!, Saturday, July 17, 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?
It's How You Look at It, Friday, July 16, 2010
It’s How You Look at It
Reading: Philippians 1:20-21, 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
If anybody needed hope it was the Apostle Paul; his dream was to speak to Rome. He eventually got there but not as a speaker rather as a prisoner. He was forgotten in Rome for two years under house arrest. Yet, he remained hopeful. He never saw himself as a victim. When we see ourselves as a victim, we are nothing more than the sum of the things that have happened to us.
Paul was chained to a guard, who rotated every 4-6 hours for 24 hours a day for two years. But, it’s all how you look at it. Paul chose to view the guard as a captive audience.
Marlene Jones, a 92 year old, recently had to move into a nursing home following the death of her husband of 70 years. Her family had long moved away. She went alone. When she arrived at the home she found herself waiting in the lobby for over 6 hours. The staff was very apologetic about the description of her room. It was the one nobody else wanted, stains on the floor and no curtains. Mrs. Jones responded, “I love it!” “You haven’t even seen it yet,” they replied. “That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” she grinned. “Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t matter. My happiness is a reflection of my hope. I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that I do.”
How is your attitude, your hope and your perspective?
How can you choose to have hope and be positive about what God has in store for you today, no matter what?
REVIEW
How was your attitude, hope and perspective today?
Were you able to maintain a positive perspective throughout your day?
What happened to challenge that and how did you respond?
Reading: Philippians 1:20-21, 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
If anybody needed hope it was the Apostle Paul; his dream was to speak to Rome. He eventually got there but not as a speaker rather as a prisoner. He was forgotten in Rome for two years under house arrest. Yet, he remained hopeful. He never saw himself as a victim. When we see ourselves as a victim, we are nothing more than the sum of the things that have happened to us.
Paul was chained to a guard, who rotated every 4-6 hours for 24 hours a day for two years. But, it’s all how you look at it. Paul chose to view the guard as a captive audience.
Marlene Jones, a 92 year old, recently had to move into a nursing home following the death of her husband of 70 years. Her family had long moved away. She went alone. When she arrived at the home she found herself waiting in the lobby for over 6 hours. The staff was very apologetic about the description of her room. It was the one nobody else wanted, stains on the floor and no curtains. Mrs. Jones responded, “I love it!” “You haven’t even seen it yet,” they replied. “That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” she grinned. “Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t matter. My happiness is a reflection of my hope. I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that I do.”
How is your attitude, your hope and your perspective?
How can you choose to have hope and be positive about what God has in store for you today, no matter what?
REVIEW
How was your attitude, hope and perspective today?
Were you able to maintain a positive perspective throughout your day?
What happened to challenge that and how did you respond?
Lifeguard, Thursday, July 15, 2010
Reading: Isaiah 41:10, So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Courage faces fear and thereby masters it. Cowardice represses fear and is thereby mastered by it.”
A huge storm came quickly on the sea of Galilee, and the disciples were afraid. Although they had witnessed many miracles, the disciples feared for their lives. So, they turned to Jesus and He calmed the waters and the wind. Now that’s a lifeguard. The next time you find yourself facing a huge storm, remember that the One that calmed the wind and the waves is your personal lifeguard, your rescuer, your Savior and He knows you by name. Then ask yourself which is stronger, your faith or your fear.
The answer should be obvious. So, when the storm clouds form overhead and you find yourself being tossed by the sea, remember this: where ever you are God is there too. He’s watching and He’s always on duty. And, because He cares for you, you are protected.
What “storms” are you experiencing in your life?
How can you face those storms head on?
What may God be trying to teach you through those storms?
REVIEW
How were you able to give the storms that you are experiencing over to God and hit them head on?
How could you see God in the storm?
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Courage faces fear and thereby masters it. Cowardice represses fear and is thereby mastered by it.”
A huge storm came quickly on the sea of Galilee, and the disciples were afraid. Although they had witnessed many miracles, the disciples feared for their lives. So, they turned to Jesus and He calmed the waters and the wind. Now that’s a lifeguard. The next time you find yourself facing a huge storm, remember that the One that calmed the wind and the waves is your personal lifeguard, your rescuer, your Savior and He knows you by name. Then ask yourself which is stronger, your faith or your fear.
The answer should be obvious. So, when the storm clouds form overhead and you find yourself being tossed by the sea, remember this: where ever you are God is there too. He’s watching and He’s always on duty. And, because He cares for you, you are protected.
What “storms” are you experiencing in your life?
How can you face those storms head on?
What may God be trying to teach you through those storms?
REVIEW
How were you able to give the storms that you are experiencing over to God and hit them head on?
How could you see God in the storm?
Boast in the Cross, Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Reading: Galatians 6:14-16, 14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. 16Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.
Can you imagine producing something; you designed it, you developed and supplied the tools to create it, you trained everyone that worked on it, and you managed the construction. Yet, after it was completed, you overhear someone taking credit for the project. You realize that this person is one of the workers that did very little for the project, in fact, you had difficulty getting them motivated and maintaining a dedication to getting the project done. Yet, that individual continues to take more and more credit for this project. Word begins to spread that this person produced it and more and more recognition is being paid to him as this amazing project completion is his doing. Your name and any semblance of association with the project remains silent. How would you feel and what would you do?
This is too often how we treat the things that we accomplish. God watches as we boast in what we do, we take offense when we don’t get the credit that is due to us, we want to make sure that we are noticed and we especially are significantly impacted when someone else gets credit for our work. I wonder how God feels. This life is something that God is producing. He has developed and supplied all the tools. He is the One that has trained us with His Spirit and His Word. He is the One managing the project. Let’s give the attention, praise and boasting where it belongs… not just to Him… but, ONLY to Him.
What are areas that you can begin boasting in the cross?
What are some areas that you have taken credit where the credit is not due?
How can you change your perspective on what “you” do and begin giving God all the credit and glory?
REVIEW
Were you able to “boast in the cross” today?
If so, how did you do that?
How did this impact your day?
Can you imagine producing something; you designed it, you developed and supplied the tools to create it, you trained everyone that worked on it, and you managed the construction. Yet, after it was completed, you overhear someone taking credit for the project. You realize that this person is one of the workers that did very little for the project, in fact, you had difficulty getting them motivated and maintaining a dedication to getting the project done. Yet, that individual continues to take more and more credit for this project. Word begins to spread that this person produced it and more and more recognition is being paid to him as this amazing project completion is his doing. Your name and any semblance of association with the project remains silent. How would you feel and what would you do?
This is too often how we treat the things that we accomplish. God watches as we boast in what we do, we take offense when we don’t get the credit that is due to us, we want to make sure that we are noticed and we especially are significantly impacted when someone else gets credit for our work. I wonder how God feels. This life is something that God is producing. He has developed and supplied all the tools. He is the One that has trained us with His Spirit and His Word. He is the One managing the project. Let’s give the attention, praise and boasting where it belongs… not just to Him… but, ONLY to Him.
What are areas that you can begin boasting in the cross?
What are some areas that you have taken credit where the credit is not due?
How can you change your perspective on what “you” do and begin giving God all the credit and glory?
REVIEW
Were you able to “boast in the cross” today?
If so, how did you do that?
How did this impact your day?
Let It Go!, Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Reading: Colossians 3:13, Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
When you show forgiveness to someone, including your spouse, you find relief from the conflict within you. The pain you have felt for days, weeks or years is healed. When you forgive someone for hurting you, you perform spiritual surgery inside your own soul. When you cut away the wrong that was done to you, you are able to see your “enemy” through the eyes of Christ.
Here is a great example from the life of a great artist.
Leonardo DaVinci was one of the outstanding minds of all time. I was told that just before he started work on his “Last Supper” he had a violent quarrel with a fellow painter. So angry and bitter was Leonardo that he was determined to paint the face of his “enemy” (the other artist) into the face of Judas. In doing this, He could take his revenge by handing the man down in infamy and shame for generations. The face of Judas was the first face he finished. But, when Leonardo came to paint the face of Christ, he couldn’t make any progress. Something was holding him back, frustrating his best effort. He came to the conclusion it was because he had painted his enemy into the face of Judas. He therefore painted out the face of Judas by painting a new face in its place. He was then able to paint the face of Jesus and this time with the success for the ages. The lesson? You cannot one in the same time be painting the features of Christ into your life and paint another face with the colors of hatred. Let it go!
What are some things that you are holding onto that others have done?
How are you painting those into your life?
How can you not simply forgive but demonstrate your forgiveness today?
REVIEW
Were you able to let go of the things that you have been holding onto today?
How did this impact you, the way you feel and your day?
When you show forgiveness to someone, including your spouse, you find relief from the conflict within you. The pain you have felt for days, weeks or years is healed. When you forgive someone for hurting you, you perform spiritual surgery inside your own soul. When you cut away the wrong that was done to you, you are able to see your “enemy” through the eyes of Christ.
Here is a great example from the life of a great artist.
Leonardo DaVinci was one of the outstanding minds of all time. I was told that just before he started work on his “Last Supper” he had a violent quarrel with a fellow painter. So angry and bitter was Leonardo that he was determined to paint the face of his “enemy” (the other artist) into the face of Judas. In doing this, He could take his revenge by handing the man down in infamy and shame for generations. The face of Judas was the first face he finished. But, when Leonardo came to paint the face of Christ, he couldn’t make any progress. Something was holding him back, frustrating his best effort. He came to the conclusion it was because he had painted his enemy into the face of Judas. He therefore painted out the face of Judas by painting a new face in its place. He was then able to paint the face of Jesus and this time with the success for the ages. The lesson? You cannot one in the same time be painting the features of Christ into your life and paint another face with the colors of hatred. Let it go!
What are some things that you are holding onto that others have done?
How are you painting those into your life?
How can you not simply forgive but demonstrate your forgiveness today?
REVIEW
Were you able to let go of the things that you have been holding onto today?
How did this impact you, the way you feel and your day?
Student of Christ, Monday, July 12, 2010
Reading: Matthew 17:14-20, 14When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15"Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him."
17"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." 18Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. 19Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 20He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Who was Jesus talking to when he said, “O, unbelieving and perverse generation”?
Do you think Jesus was speaking figuratively or literally when He said that you could move a mountain?
Jesus gave a parable about a mustard seed just a few chapters before that, in Matthew 13:31-32.
What was Jesus teaching in these verses?
How can you take what He is teaching you and live it out in your life today?
REVIEW
How good of a student were you? Were you able to live out what Jesus was teaching you?
How did this influence your day and your perspective?
17"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." 18Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. 19Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 20He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Who was Jesus talking to when he said, “O, unbelieving and perverse generation”?
Do you think Jesus was speaking figuratively or literally when He said that you could move a mountain?
Jesus gave a parable about a mustard seed just a few chapters before that, in Matthew 13:31-32.
What was Jesus teaching in these verses?
How can you take what He is teaching you and live it out in your life today?
REVIEW
How good of a student were you? Were you able to live out what Jesus was teaching you?
How did this influence your day and your perspective?
Celebration, Sunday, July 11, 2010
Reading: Psalm 56:10-13, 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise- 11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12 I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered me [c] from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. [d]
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, July 9, 2010
Ready, Set, Jump!, Saturday, July 10, 2010
Reading: Matthew 14:28-29, 28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
I love this story! Peter didn’t ask anybody permission, remember there were eleven other disciples in the boat. Frightened, scared and timid… not Peter, he was willing to hurl himself into the unknown, and because of it, he walked on water!
Life is not a problem to be solved. It is an adventure to be lived. God has rigged the world in such a way that it only works when we embrace it. Risk is the theme. A man just won’t be happy until he’s got adventure in his work, in his love and in his spiritual life. God is constant but he is unpredictable. There are no formulas for the man who follow this. God is a person not a doctrine. In my favorite Indiana Jones movie, Jones said, “Get back to Cairo. Get us some transport to England… boat, plane, anything. Meet me at Omars. Be ready for me. I’m going after that truck!” “How?”, Sallah asked. To which Jones responded, “I don’t know… I’m making this up as I go.”
When it comes to living and loving for God, what’s required is a willingness to jump in with both feet and be creative as you go. Jesus is our companion. No one is better to have on the adventure than Christ.
Are you willing to be adventurous for God?
Do you trust Jesus to get out of the boat and walk on the water, really?
What will you do today to live and love for Christ even if it is risky, today?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today that was taking a risk and living the adventure with Christ?
How did this impact your view of your day and what God had for you to accomplish today?
I love this story! Peter didn’t ask anybody permission, remember there were eleven other disciples in the boat. Frightened, scared and timid… not Peter, he was willing to hurl himself into the unknown, and because of it, he walked on water!
Life is not a problem to be solved. It is an adventure to be lived. God has rigged the world in such a way that it only works when we embrace it. Risk is the theme. A man just won’t be happy until he’s got adventure in his work, in his love and in his spiritual life. God is constant but he is unpredictable. There are no formulas for the man who follow this. God is a person not a doctrine. In my favorite Indiana Jones movie, Jones said, “Get back to Cairo. Get us some transport to England… boat, plane, anything. Meet me at Omars. Be ready for me. I’m going after that truck!” “How?”, Sallah asked. To which Jones responded, “I don’t know… I’m making this up as I go.”
When it comes to living and loving for God, what’s required is a willingness to jump in with both feet and be creative as you go. Jesus is our companion. No one is better to have on the adventure than Christ.
Are you willing to be adventurous for God?
Do you trust Jesus to get out of the boat and walk on the water, really?
What will you do today to live and love for Christ even if it is risky, today?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today that was taking a risk and living the adventure with Christ?
How did this impact your view of your day and what God had for you to accomplish today?
Bring a Brother Back, Friday, July 9, 2010
Reading: James 5:19-20, 19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
The story is told, “Sgt. John Chapman had been driven once from the battlefield, but he went right back. Shortly before dawn on Monday, March 4, the Chinook helicopter carrying Chapman and a small reconnaissance team came under heavy fire as it tried to land high in the Afghan mountains. Riddled with bullets, the chopper limped to a safe landing zone. Chapman and his team jumped into a second chopper and returned to base, but only to regroup. Soon they were flying back into danger to recover the body of a Navy Seal, Petty Officer Neil Roberts, who had fallen from the chopper in the first landing attempt. The team, a half dozen of America’s toughest Special Operators, jumped out of the plane into a hail of bullets. Chapman laid down covering fire as his buddies tried to set up a defensive position behind some rocks. As he blasted away at the enemy, he was shot several times in the chest. He died fighting so hi comrades would live. Before the day was done, five more of his comrades would perish. American soldiers do not abandon their dead and wounded on the battlefield. For Special Operators, the elite soldiers chosen to play the riskiest roles in combat, the warrior’s code is a question of honor. For Eugene Chapman, John’s father, the mantra is a source of pride and solace. “It’s a given. You do not leave your comrades behind,” Chapman told Newsweek.” We, as soldiers of the cross, have an even greater cause to never leave a man behind. We must take time for each other to make sure that our fellow Band of Brothers are not being left behind. The difference is… on the physical battlefield… you can see when they’re being left behind; on the spiritual battlefield… you can only “see” what you make an effort to find out.
Do you know of a brother that seems to be left behind, if so, who?
How can you go out of your way, today, to help bring him back?
REVIEW
How were you able to reach out and help a fellow brother from being left behind?
What was the reaction and how did this impact you and your brother?
The story is told, “Sgt. John Chapman had been driven once from the battlefield, but he went right back. Shortly before dawn on Monday, March 4, the Chinook helicopter carrying Chapman and a small reconnaissance team came under heavy fire as it tried to land high in the Afghan mountains. Riddled with bullets, the chopper limped to a safe landing zone. Chapman and his team jumped into a second chopper and returned to base, but only to regroup. Soon they were flying back into danger to recover the body of a Navy Seal, Petty Officer Neil Roberts, who had fallen from the chopper in the first landing attempt. The team, a half dozen of America’s toughest Special Operators, jumped out of the plane into a hail of bullets. Chapman laid down covering fire as his buddies tried to set up a defensive position behind some rocks. As he blasted away at the enemy, he was shot several times in the chest. He died fighting so hi comrades would live. Before the day was done, five more of his comrades would perish. American soldiers do not abandon their dead and wounded on the battlefield. For Special Operators, the elite soldiers chosen to play the riskiest roles in combat, the warrior’s code is a question of honor. For Eugene Chapman, John’s father, the mantra is a source of pride and solace. “It’s a given. You do not leave your comrades behind,” Chapman told Newsweek.” We, as soldiers of the cross, have an even greater cause to never leave a man behind. We must take time for each other to make sure that our fellow Band of Brothers are not being left behind. The difference is… on the physical battlefield… you can see when they’re being left behind; on the spiritual battlefield… you can only “see” what you make an effort to find out.
Do you know of a brother that seems to be left behind, if so, who?
How can you go out of your way, today, to help bring him back?
REVIEW
How were you able to reach out and help a fellow brother from being left behind?
What was the reaction and how did this impact you and your brother?
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Humility, Thursday, July 8, 2010
Reading: I Peter 5:5, Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Humility is counter cultural. It is neither understood nor admired. Leaders usually view themselves as being there to be served. It is looked upon as degrading.
The elder President Bush praised Ronald Reagan’s humility in his eulogy at his funeral. In 1981, Reagan was recovering from a gunshot wound he received during the assassination attempt. Just days after the surgery that repaired his life threatening injuries, his aides discovered him on his hands and knees in his hospital room wiping water from the floor. Bush said of Reagan, “He worried that his nurse would get in trouble.”
That is a gracious act of humility, strength and character. How rarely we would imagine our president on his hands and knees cleaning up his own mess?
We appreciate humility in others but rarely want it for ourselves. Humility is not a result of having a poor self image. True humility comes from strength and inner security. Remember, the arrogant find themselves at odds with God, while the humble enjoy his blessings. Before ever considering to act in humility, you must first sacrifice your pride.
Men, in what areas do you struggle with humility?
How will you demonstrate humility today and sacrifice your pride?
REVIEW
How were you able to sacrifice your pride and demonstrate humility today?
How did this impact your day and how you respond in the areas in which you struggle with humility?
Humility is counter cultural. It is neither understood nor admired. Leaders usually view themselves as being there to be served. It is looked upon as degrading.
The elder President Bush praised Ronald Reagan’s humility in his eulogy at his funeral. In 1981, Reagan was recovering from a gunshot wound he received during the assassination attempt. Just days after the surgery that repaired his life threatening injuries, his aides discovered him on his hands and knees in his hospital room wiping water from the floor. Bush said of Reagan, “He worried that his nurse would get in trouble.”
That is a gracious act of humility, strength and character. How rarely we would imagine our president on his hands and knees cleaning up his own mess?
We appreciate humility in others but rarely want it for ourselves. Humility is not a result of having a poor self image. True humility comes from strength and inner security. Remember, the arrogant find themselves at odds with God, while the humble enjoy his blessings. Before ever considering to act in humility, you must first sacrifice your pride.
Men, in what areas do you struggle with humility?
How will you demonstrate humility today and sacrifice your pride?
REVIEW
How were you able to sacrifice your pride and demonstrate humility today?
How did this impact your day and how you respond in the areas in which you struggle with humility?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Come Close, Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Reading: James 4:8a, Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Write down the name of the person that lived in the last 200 years that you would love to see and get close enough to talk to?
If you were able to go somewhere where that person was going to be, today, and you had a “pass” that allowed you to be ushered to the front of the line and speak to that person directly and spend some individual time with them but, when you got there the crowd was enormous and dense, what would you do? Would you walk away? Would you give up? Seriously, write down what you would do:
There are many times that we struggle with feeling distant from God. We act as though God has walked away and left us. God has promised though: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,” Deuteronomy 31:8. If God has not left you or forsaken you and He promises that if you come near to God, He will come near to you, is there ever a time that we should feel distant from Him. With that being said, what are you willing to do to overcome any crowd, road block, detour or barrier to come closer to God. Men, there are times that you may not feel like God is talking to you but He is! Sometimes, it is a whisper… because a whisper causes you to stop what you’re doing, come closer to Him and give Him your undivided attention.
How will you pursue God today to come close to Him and give Him your undivided attention?
REVIEW
How did you pursue drawing close to God today?
How did this impact your relationship with Him today?
Write down the name of the person that lived in the last 200 years that you would love to see and get close enough to talk to?
If you were able to go somewhere where that person was going to be, today, and you had a “pass” that allowed you to be ushered to the front of the line and speak to that person directly and spend some individual time with them but, when you got there the crowd was enormous and dense, what would you do? Would you walk away? Would you give up? Seriously, write down what you would do:
There are many times that we struggle with feeling distant from God. We act as though God has walked away and left us. God has promised though: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,” Deuteronomy 31:8. If God has not left you or forsaken you and He promises that if you come near to God, He will come near to you, is there ever a time that we should feel distant from Him. With that being said, what are you willing to do to overcome any crowd, road block, detour or barrier to come closer to God. Men, there are times that you may not feel like God is talking to you but He is! Sometimes, it is a whisper… because a whisper causes you to stop what you’re doing, come closer to Him and give Him your undivided attention.
How will you pursue God today to come close to Him and give Him your undivided attention?
REVIEW
How did you pursue drawing close to God today?
How did this impact your relationship with Him today?
Monday, July 5, 2010
Man of Integrity, Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Reading: Ephesians 4:25, So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.
When I was in college, God blessed me with a godly mentor, a man that asked me the hard questions. On one occasion, he asked me, “When you die what do you want listed on your grave stone?” Wow! He gave me two weeks to decide.
It was a long two weeks. I thought long and hard. We live in a world that presents us with countless temptations to wander from Gods’ path. These temptations have the potential to destroy us, because they cause us to be dishonest with ourselves and with others.
Dishonesty is a habit. Once we start bending the truth, we are likely to keep bending it. Honesty is also a habit, a habit that pays powerful dividends for those who place character above convenience. The next time you’re tempted to bend the truth or to break it, ask yourself this simple question: what does Christ want me to do? Then listen carefully to your conscience. When you do, your actions will be honorable and your character will take care of itself.
I took the whole two weeks to make a decision about my tombstone. I chose simply, “Here lays a man of integrity”.
Do you bend the truth?
In what situations do you tend to bend the truth?
How will you live today to be a man of integrity?
REVIEW
How did you live today to be a man of integrity, remember, be honest?
How did this impact you today?
When I was in college, God blessed me with a godly mentor, a man that asked me the hard questions. On one occasion, he asked me, “When you die what do you want listed on your grave stone?” Wow! He gave me two weeks to decide.
It was a long two weeks. I thought long and hard. We live in a world that presents us with countless temptations to wander from Gods’ path. These temptations have the potential to destroy us, because they cause us to be dishonest with ourselves and with others.
Dishonesty is a habit. Once we start bending the truth, we are likely to keep bending it. Honesty is also a habit, a habit that pays powerful dividends for those who place character above convenience. The next time you’re tempted to bend the truth or to break it, ask yourself this simple question: what does Christ want me to do? Then listen carefully to your conscience. When you do, your actions will be honorable and your character will take care of itself.
I took the whole two weeks to make a decision about my tombstone. I chose simply, “Here lays a man of integrity”.
Do you bend the truth?
In what situations do you tend to bend the truth?
How will you live today to be a man of integrity?
REVIEW
How did you live today to be a man of integrity, remember, be honest?
How did this impact you today?
Stars Speak, Monday, July 5, 2010
Reading: Isaiah 40:25-27, 25 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. 26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
What a rebuke, although this was written around 2,700 years ago, it might as well have my name in the place of “O, Jacob” and “O, Israel”. Too often we can lose sight of God’s immense power, yet, also, God’s immense love.
On a clear, moonless night about 3,000 stars are visible with the unaided eye. A small telescope will increase the number to around 100,000 stars. But this is just the beginning! The stars we can easily see are all in our corner of the Milky Way Galaxy. The entire galaxy numbers about 100 billion stars. And beyond the Milky Way are other galaxies with many shapes and sizes. Around 100 billion such galaxies are known to exist. Taking the Milky Way as an average galaxy, the estimated stars number 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000; when we write this number out. This figure would be pronounced as “ten billion trillion” stars. Yet, our great God calls each one of them by name. Goodness, I have a hard time remembering the names of people that I’ve met several times before. Men, please take time to let this truly sink in today. This great God who created these stars and galaxies and calls them by name… your way is not hidden from Him today. Your cause is looked at attentively by Him. With a universe to oversee, He still will be taking time for you today.
Men, I hope that today, without a universe to oversee and innumerable names of stars to remember, that God will not say at the end of today, “My way is hidden from [my son]; my cause is disregarded by my [son]”. Another words, let’s give our great God the same attention that He is giving us.
Challenge: give God your attention to His way and His cause today, but this evening, take some time to look at the stars in the sky tonight and read this passage. I would also recommend that you insert your name in the place of, “Jacob” and “Israel”.
REVIEW
How were you able to give God your attention to His way and His cause today?
Write down your experience from spending time looking at His stars and what this passage speaks to you.
What a rebuke, although this was written around 2,700 years ago, it might as well have my name in the place of “O, Jacob” and “O, Israel”. Too often we can lose sight of God’s immense power, yet, also, God’s immense love.
On a clear, moonless night about 3,000 stars are visible with the unaided eye. A small telescope will increase the number to around 100,000 stars. But this is just the beginning! The stars we can easily see are all in our corner of the Milky Way Galaxy. The entire galaxy numbers about 100 billion stars. And beyond the Milky Way are other galaxies with many shapes and sizes. Around 100 billion such galaxies are known to exist. Taking the Milky Way as an average galaxy, the estimated stars number 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000; when we write this number out. This figure would be pronounced as “ten billion trillion” stars. Yet, our great God calls each one of them by name. Goodness, I have a hard time remembering the names of people that I’ve met several times before. Men, please take time to let this truly sink in today. This great God who created these stars and galaxies and calls them by name… your way is not hidden from Him today. Your cause is looked at attentively by Him. With a universe to oversee, He still will be taking time for you today.
Men, I hope that today, without a universe to oversee and innumerable names of stars to remember, that God will not say at the end of today, “My way is hidden from [my son]; my cause is disregarded by my [son]”. Another words, let’s give our great God the same attention that He is giving us.
Challenge: give God your attention to His way and His cause today, but this evening, take some time to look at the stars in the sky tonight and read this passage. I would also recommend that you insert your name in the place of, “Jacob” and “Israel”.
REVIEW
How were you able to give God your attention to His way and His cause today?
Write down your experience from spending time looking at His stars and what this passage speaks to you.
Celebration, Sunday, July 4, 2010
Reading: Psalm 57:9-11, 9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
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, July 2, 2010
Making a Ripple, Saturday, July 3, 2010
Reading: Mark 4:30-32, 30Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."
I have been in ministry since 1990. I have preached over 3,000 messages, worked with thousands of youth, conducted over 50 weddings, 20 funerals and over 200 baptisms. And, yet, sometimes I stop and ask, “Am I doing any good? Am I making an impact?” If you are an honest man, then you would admit to sometimes feeling the same way. “Am I making a ripple?” We tend to measure our accomplishments in this life by the worlds standards. Things you can see. God measures a man’s life, his success in the fruit he helps produce. God works powerfully through small things. Our responsibility is to be available Trust God to do great things. He is not done with us yet. We are still here and when you make yourself available anything can happen.
There was once a young English boy named “Carrot-top” by everyone. He ranked third lowest in his class. His teachers report read, “The boy is certainly no scholar and he has had to repeat this grade twice. He also has a stubborn streak and is sometimes rebellious in nature. He seems to have little or no understanding of schoolwork, accept in a most mechanical way. At times he seems almost perverse in his ability to learn. He has not made the most of his opportunities. He is simply just another delinquent.” It’s a god thing Winston Churchill didn’t listen to his teacher. Remember you are not defined by what the world says you are. We are measured by what the Lord is willing to do through us!
How have you been discouraged by your perception of your accomplishments?
How will you make a ripple today and rest in God to make an impact?
REVIEW
How did you overcome your discouragements in your accomplishments?
What “ripple” did you make today?
I have been in ministry since 1990. I have preached over 3,000 messages, worked with thousands of youth, conducted over 50 weddings, 20 funerals and over 200 baptisms. And, yet, sometimes I stop and ask, “Am I doing any good? Am I making an impact?” If you are an honest man, then you would admit to sometimes feeling the same way. “Am I making a ripple?” We tend to measure our accomplishments in this life by the worlds standards. Things you can see. God measures a man’s life, his success in the fruit he helps produce. God works powerfully through small things. Our responsibility is to be available Trust God to do great things. He is not done with us yet. We are still here and when you make yourself available anything can happen.
There was once a young English boy named “Carrot-top” by everyone. He ranked third lowest in his class. His teachers report read, “The boy is certainly no scholar and he has had to repeat this grade twice. He also has a stubborn streak and is sometimes rebellious in nature. He seems to have little or no understanding of schoolwork, accept in a most mechanical way. At times he seems almost perverse in his ability to learn. He has not made the most of his opportunities. He is simply just another delinquent.” It’s a god thing Winston Churchill didn’t listen to his teacher. Remember you are not defined by what the world says you are. We are measured by what the Lord is willing to do through us!
How have you been discouraged by your perception of your accomplishments?
How will you make a ripple today and rest in God to make an impact?
REVIEW
How did you overcome your discouragements in your accomplishments?
What “ripple” did you make today?
Who Are You?, Friday, July 2, 2010
Reading: Genesis 1:26, Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
Who are you? It’s a basic question that we tend to take for granted. If you were asked to tell who you are a part from your work or occupation would you be able to do so?
Sometimes our identity is all wrapped up in what we produce but God has a different perspective. The Psalmist said, “When I consider your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and stars, which you set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned Him with glory and honor. You made Him ruler over the works of Your hands; you put everything under His fee”, Psalm 8:3-6.
That’s who you are. And, why is man so worthy? The answer is found in Genesis 1:26-27. Read these verses out loud. We have this glory and majesty because of the way God created us as men. He gave us life, meaning, purpose and His presence to carry us through this life as a man.
Understand yourself through God’s eyes. You bear His image; and, if you’re married, so does your wife. And, if you have children, they bear His image as well. Just realizing that should impact how we think about another person. It should change our behavior.
Take some good time without any distractions and really ask yourself, “Who are you?” (try even looking in the mirror and asking yourself)
How can you “bear His image” throughout your day today?
REVIEW
How were you able to “bear His image” today?
How did this impact the way that you went about your day, what you did and the decisions you made?
Who are you? It’s a basic question that we tend to take for granted. If you were asked to tell who you are a part from your work or occupation would you be able to do so?
Sometimes our identity is all wrapped up in what we produce but God has a different perspective. The Psalmist said, “When I consider your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and stars, which you set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned Him with glory and honor. You made Him ruler over the works of Your hands; you put everything under His fee”, Psalm 8:3-6.
That’s who you are. And, why is man so worthy? The answer is found in Genesis 1:26-27. Read these verses out loud. We have this glory and majesty because of the way God created us as men. He gave us life, meaning, purpose and His presence to carry us through this life as a man.
Understand yourself through God’s eyes. You bear His image; and, if you’re married, so does your wife. And, if you have children, they bear His image as well. Just realizing that should impact how we think about another person. It should change our behavior.
Take some good time without any distractions and really ask yourself, “Who are you?” (try even looking in the mirror and asking yourself)
How can you “bear His image” throughout your day today?
REVIEW
How were you able to “bear His image” today?
How did this impact the way that you went about your day, what you did and the decisions you made?
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