Reading: I Peter 1:3-4, 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,
Can you imagine being at home after a hard days work, looking at your bank book and wondering how you’re going to pay the bills? All of a sudden there is a knock on the door. You walk over and there stands a middle aged man in a suit and a tie, carrying a briefcase. He introduces himself as an attorney and states that he has a legal matter to discuss with you. You invite him in and you sit down at the table. He pulls out his paperwork and begins tell you that what he has is the will of a certain individual. The gentleman that passed away left a giant estate with holdings in several large corporations and multi-millions of dollars. And, you brace yourself from falling off your chair as he informs you that you are the sole person named on the will as the heir of this fortune. How would you respond?
Just for fun… write out what you would do with the fortune:
Now, the verses above describe “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you”. That inheritance is greater than any inheritance that you could receive here. But, review the things that you wrote out about what you would do with the earthly fortune… the question is… are you doing those same things with your eternal inheritance, sharing, investing, storing, buying, taking care of your true needs or other things from your list?
How can you do the same with your eternal inheritance that you would do with an enormous earthly one, today?
REVIEW
How were you able to use your eternal inheritance in your life and/or the life of others today?
How did this impact your day, your perception of your inheritance and those around you?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Your Prayer Power, Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Reading: James 5:15-18, 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
Can you imagine being in a public place and someone realizes that you are a Christian and begins to become very boisterous in mocking you and your faith. A crowd begins to gather, as the man starts to challenge you in front of everyone that your God is not real. Now there are scores of onlookers as the man tells you that he will prove it through a challenge. He tells you to get a huge boulder as he gets one as well, and you will have to call upon your God for Him to send fire from heaven to consume the giant rock and he would try to do the same with his god. Can you imagine what and how you would be feeling? I’m sure our comment would be, “Well, God doesn’t work that way.” Really?… because Elijah was put in a very similar situation of competition. Sometimes, we rationalize our lack of faith with the thought, “God doesn’t work that way”. The pressure is very strong in thinking, “Oh, man, if I accept the challenge and fire doesn’t really come down from heaven, then, not only will I look really stupid but it will make God look bad too. Would He really send the fire?” Men, James says, “Elijah was a man just like us”… another words, he was human too. Please let this sink in, prayer is the most “powerful and effective” tool you will ever use or experience in your life. You have no less ability for the power of God in your prayer than Elijah had. You have the same potential. Find your power today.
How will you make quality time to be in prayer, to find your power?
Don’t forget… that power can only come from God, to bring glory to Himself.
REVIEW
Were you able to spend quality time in prayer?
Were you able to see the power of God through prayer, and, if so, how?
How did this impact your prayer life?
Can you imagine being in a public place and someone realizes that you are a Christian and begins to become very boisterous in mocking you and your faith. A crowd begins to gather, as the man starts to challenge you in front of everyone that your God is not real. Now there are scores of onlookers as the man tells you that he will prove it through a challenge. He tells you to get a huge boulder as he gets one as well, and you will have to call upon your God for Him to send fire from heaven to consume the giant rock and he would try to do the same with his god. Can you imagine what and how you would be feeling? I’m sure our comment would be, “Well, God doesn’t work that way.” Really?… because Elijah was put in a very similar situation of competition. Sometimes, we rationalize our lack of faith with the thought, “God doesn’t work that way”. The pressure is very strong in thinking, “Oh, man, if I accept the challenge and fire doesn’t really come down from heaven, then, not only will I look really stupid but it will make God look bad too. Would He really send the fire?” Men, James says, “Elijah was a man just like us”… another words, he was human too. Please let this sink in, prayer is the most “powerful and effective” tool you will ever use or experience in your life. You have no less ability for the power of God in your prayer than Elijah had. You have the same potential. Find your power today.
How will you make quality time to be in prayer, to find your power?
Don’t forget… that power can only come from God, to bring glory to Himself.
REVIEW
Were you able to spend quality time in prayer?
Were you able to see the power of God through prayer, and, if so, how?
How did this impact your prayer life?
Title Not Necessary, Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Reading: Amos 1:1, The words of Amos, one of the shepherds of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel.
You may be thinking, “Uh, okay… is this verse a mistake? Did you really mean to use this verse for a devotional?” Well, in fact, yes. It’s not an exciting verse, necessarily, but imagine this with me.
You are not a pastor. You are not a teacher. You are not an evangelist, or missionary, or prophet. Yet, you are approached by Billy Graham and he tells you that he would like for you to write a book that will be placed in a compilation of books for all churches all over the world to use as a guideline and recommended reading. I don’t know about you but, after I regained consciousness and stood back up, I would be asking, “Why me? I’m just a regular guy. I have a regular job and a regular life. Are you sure you have the right guy?” Here in this verse we have Amos, a writer of one of the 66 books of God’s Word. GOD’S WORD! God was the One that approached him to write the book, not Billy Graham. Amos was simply “one of the shepherds”. We so often get it in our heads that God uses kings, prophets, priests, pastors, etc. We get so stuck on titles but God doesn’t see a title, He sees the heart of willingness.
Men, God wants to use you in incredible ways, even if you are just “one of the tree trimmers” or “one of the office staff”. God wants to use YOU! Simply, let Him.
Take some time and ask God what He has for you to do and how He wants to use you. (remember… it’s not a matter of “selling yourself short”… this is God we’re talking about… no limitations)
What do you believe God is leading you to do with His power, today?
REVIEW
Did you do what God was leading you to do with His power?
How did this happen and how did God use you?
You may be thinking, “Uh, okay… is this verse a mistake? Did you really mean to use this verse for a devotional?” Well, in fact, yes. It’s not an exciting verse, necessarily, but imagine this with me.
You are not a pastor. You are not a teacher. You are not an evangelist, or missionary, or prophet. Yet, you are approached by Billy Graham and he tells you that he would like for you to write a book that will be placed in a compilation of books for all churches all over the world to use as a guideline and recommended reading. I don’t know about you but, after I regained consciousness and stood back up, I would be asking, “Why me? I’m just a regular guy. I have a regular job and a regular life. Are you sure you have the right guy?” Here in this verse we have Amos, a writer of one of the 66 books of God’s Word. GOD’S WORD! God was the One that approached him to write the book, not Billy Graham. Amos was simply “one of the shepherds”. We so often get it in our heads that God uses kings, prophets, priests, pastors, etc. We get so stuck on titles but God doesn’t see a title, He sees the heart of willingness.
Men, God wants to use you in incredible ways, even if you are just “one of the tree trimmers” or “one of the office staff”. God wants to use YOU! Simply, let Him.
Take some time and ask God what He has for you to do and how He wants to use you. (remember… it’s not a matter of “selling yourself short”… this is God we’re talking about… no limitations)
What do you believe God is leading you to do with His power, today?
REVIEW
Did you do what God was leading you to do with His power?
How did this happen and how did God use you?
Monday, September 27, 2010
One in Ten, Monday, September 27, 2010
Reading: Luke 17:12-19, 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?"
Typically we hear this story used and shared in messages and even within our devotional as an illustration that we should be thankful. Not this time. Men, how many times do we get discouraged from doing good things because we get very little gratitude for it. Yet, the thing is… Jesus himself in this situation had a 10% response of gratitude for performing a miracle. A miracle! These men’s entire lives were changed from that moment. Going from, even as the passage states, “[standing] at a distance” from everyone. Not being able to go home to their families ever again, knowing that their flesh was rotting off and a grotesque and awful death was inevitable… then, suddenly, all of that changes… and ONE came back to say, “Thank you”. A very valuable lesson and encouragement can be gained from this story, in that, just because you don’t see or hear the gratitude, should not stop us from doing those things that we’ve been lead to do for others. Although, you may never see or hear from the other 90% does not mean that you have not changed their lives forever. If you notice, Jesus didn’t say after that day, “Ya know what, I’m just not making a difference or it’s just not appreciated; so, I’m going to quit. I’m dying for them anyways, isn’t that enough?” No, he still maintained His ministry to others... even to that 90% who aren’t grateful.
In what ways have you become discouraged because a seeming lack of response or gratitude?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to either continue or begin making a difference in the lives of others?
What helped you to maintain your focus without it being impacted by appreciation of others or results?
Typically we hear this story used and shared in messages and even within our devotional as an illustration that we should be thankful. Not this time. Men, how many times do we get discouraged from doing good things because we get very little gratitude for it. Yet, the thing is… Jesus himself in this situation had a 10% response of gratitude for performing a miracle. A miracle! These men’s entire lives were changed from that moment. Going from, even as the passage states, “[standing] at a distance” from everyone. Not being able to go home to their families ever again, knowing that their flesh was rotting off and a grotesque and awful death was inevitable… then, suddenly, all of that changes… and ONE came back to say, “Thank you”. A very valuable lesson and encouragement can be gained from this story, in that, just because you don’t see or hear the gratitude, should not stop us from doing those things that we’ve been lead to do for others. Although, you may never see or hear from the other 90% does not mean that you have not changed their lives forever. If you notice, Jesus didn’t say after that day, “Ya know what, I’m just not making a difference or it’s just not appreciated; so, I’m going to quit. I’m dying for them anyways, isn’t that enough?” No, he still maintained His ministry to others... even to that 90% who aren’t grateful.
In what ways have you become discouraged because a seeming lack of response or gratitude?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to either continue or begin making a difference in the lives of others?
What helped you to maintain your focus without it being impacted by appreciation of others or results?
Celebration, Sunday, September 26, 2010
Reading: Psalm 18:46-49, 46 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! 47 He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, 48 who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. 49 Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to your name.
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, September 24, 2010
Imitator, Saturday, September 25, 2010
Reading: Matthew 4:1-10 , 1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." 5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" 7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.
As we strive to be imitators of Christ, Ephesians 6 called the Word of God our “sword” for a reason. It is our weapon against Satan’s attacks with temptation. Jesus demonstrated this himself during the temptations by Satan. He didn’t come up with something witty. He didn’t run away. He simply quote the Word of God to him. Which is amazing, because He IS God… so, His word alone can defeat Satan; but, He used and demonstrated the power of the Word of God. What’s really neat?... is, He showed us how to use the “sword” and handed it to us and said, “Okay, I just showed you how to use it. Now, go fight your battle and temptations in the same way.” Please note, Jesus never said, “Oh, wait, hang on a second, I have a response… but, I need a minute to look it up.” He had it ready and prepared… memorized.
What temptations are you struggling with?
REVIEW
Were you able to memorize a verse today to help with your temptations and attacks, if so, what verse?
How did this help you to fight, as an imitator of Christ?
As we strive to be imitators of Christ, Ephesians 6 called the Word of God our “sword” for a reason. It is our weapon against Satan’s attacks with temptation. Jesus demonstrated this himself during the temptations by Satan. He didn’t come up with something witty. He didn’t run away. He simply quote the Word of God to him. Which is amazing, because He IS God… so, His word alone can defeat Satan; but, He used and demonstrated the power of the Word of God. What’s really neat?... is, He showed us how to use the “sword” and handed it to us and said, “Okay, I just showed you how to use it. Now, go fight your battle and temptations in the same way.” Please note, Jesus never said, “Oh, wait, hang on a second, I have a response… but, I need a minute to look it up.” He had it ready and prepared… memorized.
What temptations are you struggling with?
REVIEW
Were you able to memorize a verse today to help with your temptations and attacks, if so, what verse?
How did this help you to fight, as an imitator of Christ?
The Prize, Friday, September 24, 2010
Reading: Revelations 3:17-18, 21, 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
I have seen school fundraisers with candy sales and others where the kids compete for a brand new bike and other prizes. I have even seen churches who have promotions and give away really nice prizes for bringing new visitors to church. I have always been intrigued by how much people change out of their normal routine in an effort to win a prize that is cool and exciting. The funny thing is, all of those prizes at some point will end up in a yard sale or the local dump.
Men, take a minute, read and reread… let it really sink in… verse 21, “To him who overcomes, I, [Jesus], will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Can you think of another prize or reward that could ever compare to having that privilege? Can you imagine having your favorite President of the United States calling on you and asking you to sit next to him for a national ceremony? Can you imagine the excitement, the privilege, the honor? We are talking about the throne of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Don’t you wonder why we don’t have these verses and this prize in front of our eyes every day of our lives?
Today, let’s follow verse 18 with all determination. Go to God for His “gold”/treasure; “white clothes”/repentance and forgiveness; “salve” for His eyesight and perception. Can you do that today?
Today, let’s overcome! Let’s keep our focus on God and not let go of Him for one step today. Let’s be overcomers! How can you do that today?
REVIEW
How were you able to “overcome” today?
Were you able to keep your eyes on the prize and how did that impact your day?
I have seen school fundraisers with candy sales and others where the kids compete for a brand new bike and other prizes. I have even seen churches who have promotions and give away really nice prizes for bringing new visitors to church. I have always been intrigued by how much people change out of their normal routine in an effort to win a prize that is cool and exciting. The funny thing is, all of those prizes at some point will end up in a yard sale or the local dump.
Men, take a minute, read and reread… let it really sink in… verse 21, “To him who overcomes, I, [Jesus], will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Can you think of another prize or reward that could ever compare to having that privilege? Can you imagine having your favorite President of the United States calling on you and asking you to sit next to him for a national ceremony? Can you imagine the excitement, the privilege, the honor? We are talking about the throne of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Don’t you wonder why we don’t have these verses and this prize in front of our eyes every day of our lives?
Today, let’s follow verse 18 with all determination. Go to God for His “gold”/treasure; “white clothes”/repentance and forgiveness; “salve” for His eyesight and perception. Can you do that today?
Today, let’s overcome! Let’s keep our focus on God and not let go of Him for one step today. Let’s be overcomers! How can you do that today?
REVIEW
How were you able to “overcome” today?
Were you able to keep your eyes on the prize and how did that impact your day?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Never!, Thursday, September 23, 2010
Reading: Hebrews 13:5, Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Wow! What a promise! These are the words I can count on. Being able to count on God is one thing… learning to count on the words of another person is altogether different. When your mind is filled with doubts and uncertainty in any relationship, you feel at the mercy of that person. We want to have someone in our life who we can count on. We want to be able to take him or her at his or her word. When we were kids we heard promises our friends made to us. We believed them. But, when they broke their promises we soon learned not to trust others. We learned to be cautious, to protect ourselves.
Because we are human, there are times when we don’t follow through on what we say. We attempt to, but we fail. Fortunately, there is one person we can count on to do what He says. God comes through with the promise He makes.
Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:20)
Whoever comes to me I will never drive away (John 6:37)
If you want to count on someone… you know to whom you can go.
Men, God is right there by your side today, whether you feel His presence or not.
Challenge: Thank God for His promise to never leave you; find ways, today, that you can make sure to return the favor; and be that friend today, and pass on what God is to you by letting someone know that you will not leave their side.
REVIEW
Were you able to accomplish the challenge today?
Even if it was part of it, how were you able to accomplish it and how did it impact your day?
Wow! What a promise! These are the words I can count on. Being able to count on God is one thing… learning to count on the words of another person is altogether different. When your mind is filled with doubts and uncertainty in any relationship, you feel at the mercy of that person. We want to have someone in our life who we can count on. We want to be able to take him or her at his or her word. When we were kids we heard promises our friends made to us. We believed them. But, when they broke their promises we soon learned not to trust others. We learned to be cautious, to protect ourselves.
Because we are human, there are times when we don’t follow through on what we say. We attempt to, but we fail. Fortunately, there is one person we can count on to do what He says. God comes through with the promise He makes.
Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:20)
Whoever comes to me I will never drive away (John 6:37)
If you want to count on someone… you know to whom you can go.
Men, God is right there by your side today, whether you feel His presence or not.
Challenge: Thank God for His promise to never leave you; find ways, today, that you can make sure to return the favor; and be that friend today, and pass on what God is to you by letting someone know that you will not leave their side.
REVIEW
Were you able to accomplish the challenge today?
Even if it was part of it, how were you able to accomplish it and how did it impact your day?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Never!, Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Reading: Hebrews 13:5, Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Wow! What a promise! These are the words I can count on. Being able to count on God is one thing… learning to count on the words of another person is altogether different. When your mind is filled with doubts and uncertainty in any relationship, you feel at the mercy of that person. We want to have someone in our life who we can count on. We want to be able to take him or her at his or her word. When we were kids we heard promises our friends made to us. We believed them. But, when they broke their promises we soon learned not to trust others. We learned to be cautious, to protect ourselves.
Because we are human, there are times when we don’t follow through on what we say. We attempt to, but we fail. Fortunately, there is one person we can count on to do what He says. God comes through with the promise He makes.
Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:20)
Whoever comes to me I will never drive away (John 6:37)
If you want to count on someone… you know to whom you can go.
Men, God is right there by your side today, whether you feel His presence or not.
Challenge: Thank God for His promise to never leave you; find ways, today, that you can make sure to return the favor; and be that friend today, and pass on what God is to you by letting someone know that you will not leave their side.
REVIEW
Were you able to accomplish the challenge today?
Even if it was part of it, how were you able to accomplish it and how did it impact your day?
Wow! What a promise! These are the words I can count on. Being able to count on God is one thing… learning to count on the words of another person is altogether different. When your mind is filled with doubts and uncertainty in any relationship, you feel at the mercy of that person. We want to have someone in our life who we can count on. We want to be able to take him or her at his or her word. When we were kids we heard promises our friends made to us. We believed them. But, when they broke their promises we soon learned not to trust others. We learned to be cautious, to protect ourselves.
Because we are human, there are times when we don’t follow through on what we say. We attempt to, but we fail. Fortunately, there is one person we can count on to do what He says. God comes through with the promise He makes.
Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:20)
Whoever comes to me I will never drive away (John 6:37)
If you want to count on someone… you know to whom you can go.
Men, God is right there by your side today, whether you feel His presence or not.
Challenge: Thank God for His promise to never leave you; find ways, today, that you can make sure to return the favor; and be that friend today, and pass on what God is to you by letting someone know that you will not leave their side.
REVIEW
Were you able to accomplish the challenge today?
Even if it was part of it, how were you able to accomplish it and how did it impact your day?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Team Effort, Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Life is designed for companionship, not loneliness. Some may prefer isolation, thinking they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, however, but to serve God and others. Don’t isolate youself and try to go it alone.
Be a team member!
Leonard Bernstein, a famous conducter of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra was asked once “What is the most difficult instrument in the orchestra to play?” He responded, “Second fiddle”.
God’s family is filled with second fiddle players. Men and women who faithfully and diligently serve as back-ups to those first chair heroes. Moses had Aaron. David had Jonathon. Elijah had Elisha. Lone Ranger even had Tonto.
We are all called at times to be the server and the served.
Who has God sent into your life to uplift today?
To whom can you willingly be second fiddle to today?
Remember, you are in good company.
REVIEW
Who were you able to uplift or be second fiddle for today?
What was their reaction? How did this impact you today?
Life is designed for companionship, not loneliness. Some may prefer isolation, thinking they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, however, but to serve God and others. Don’t isolate youself and try to go it alone.
Be a team member!
Leonard Bernstein, a famous conducter of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra was asked once “What is the most difficult instrument in the orchestra to play?” He responded, “Second fiddle”.
God’s family is filled with second fiddle players. Men and women who faithfully and diligently serve as back-ups to those first chair heroes. Moses had Aaron. David had Jonathon. Elijah had Elisha. Lone Ranger even had Tonto.
We are all called at times to be the server and the served.
Who has God sent into your life to uplift today?
To whom can you willingly be second fiddle to today?
Remember, you are in good company.
REVIEW
Who were you able to uplift or be second fiddle for today?
What was their reaction? How did this impact you today?
Will You Fight For Her?, Monday, September 20, 2010
Reading: Matthew 1:19, Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
What makes Maximus or William Wallace or even Indiana Jones so heroic? They are willing to die to get others free.
A Biblical hero for me as a husband is Joseph. The story of Joseph with Mary is an incredible example of a man at his best. Most people don’t fully appreciate what he did for his family. Mary, an engaged young woman, turns up pregnant. The situation is scandalous. People are talking about them. What will Joseph do? He will pay for standing next to her. He will lose his job. Family will cut tem both off. His reputation of a man will always be in question. Loss of respect is not his issue. He offers Mary his strength. Let me say that again, he offers Mary his strength. Wow! He steps right between her and all the mess and takes it on the chin.
Under the shadow of a man’s strength is where a woman finds rest. She will know he will fight for her. Oswald Chambers once said, “God spilled the life of His Son so that the world might be saved; are we prepared to spill out our lives?” Are men will to say, “I’m not going anywhere. This is my place in the battle. This is the hill that I will die on. Until death do us part is our vow!
Men, what battles are you fighting and going through?
How will you fight for her today?
REVIEW
How did you fight for her today?
How did this impact your relationship and your determination in battle?
What makes Maximus or William Wallace or even Indiana Jones so heroic? They are willing to die to get others free.
A Biblical hero for me as a husband is Joseph. The story of Joseph with Mary is an incredible example of a man at his best. Most people don’t fully appreciate what he did for his family. Mary, an engaged young woman, turns up pregnant. The situation is scandalous. People are talking about them. What will Joseph do? He will pay for standing next to her. He will lose his job. Family will cut tem both off. His reputation of a man will always be in question. Loss of respect is not his issue. He offers Mary his strength. Let me say that again, he offers Mary his strength. Wow! He steps right between her and all the mess and takes it on the chin.
Under the shadow of a man’s strength is where a woman finds rest. She will know he will fight for her. Oswald Chambers once said, “God spilled the life of His Son so that the world might be saved; are we prepared to spill out our lives?” Are men will to say, “I’m not going anywhere. This is my place in the battle. This is the hill that I will die on. Until death do us part is our vow!
Men, what battles are you fighting and going through?
How will you fight for her today?
REVIEW
How did you fight for her today?
How did this impact your relationship and your determination in battle?
Celebration, Sunday, September 19, 2010
Reading: Psalm 21:13 , 13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength;
we will sing and praise your might.
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 sing and praise your might.
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, September 17, 2010
Thank You?, Saturday, September 18, 2010
Reading: II Thessalonians 2:13, 13But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
Philippians 1:3-4, 3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
Do you know what I noticed about this passage? But, the curiosity rose and I began to look at other passages. Paul doesn’t say, “Thank you” to the people of Thessalonica. He said, “We ought always to thank God for you.” I think you’ll find over and over again that Paul does not thank the people but, rather, thanks God for them and who they’ve become. Seemingly petty? Unimportant significance? Not at all! Paul understood the concept, as James says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” He understood that God deserves all of the praise and adoration for everything. It sheds a different light not simply on our way of saying thank you but also our perception of our own good deeds. Are we okay with never receiving a “thank you” but rather allowing God to get the thanks and praise. This would allow you and I the ability to have a proper perception of ourselves. That the “good and perfect gift” is not from us, rather, we were merely instruments being used by God to meet a need.
Who should we be thanking God for today?
REVIEW
What were you able to do for someone today while making sure that God alone received all the thanks, gratitude and praise?
How did this impact your perception of the good things that you do?
Philippians 1:3-4, 3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
Do you know what I noticed about this passage? But, the curiosity rose and I began to look at other passages. Paul doesn’t say, “Thank you” to the people of Thessalonica. He said, “We ought always to thank God for you.” I think you’ll find over and over again that Paul does not thank the people but, rather, thanks God for them and who they’ve become. Seemingly petty? Unimportant significance? Not at all! Paul understood the concept, as James says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” He understood that God deserves all of the praise and adoration for everything. It sheds a different light not simply on our way of saying thank you but also our perception of our own good deeds. Are we okay with never receiving a “thank you” but rather allowing God to get the thanks and praise. This would allow you and I the ability to have a proper perception of ourselves. That the “good and perfect gift” is not from us, rather, we were merely instruments being used by God to meet a need.
Who should we be thanking God for today?
REVIEW
What were you able to do for someone today while making sure that God alone received all the thanks, gratitude and praise?
How did this impact your perception of the good things that you do?
Body Movement, Friday, September 17, 2010
Reading: I Corinthians 12:14-21, 14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"
To be honest and quite blunt, men, I wish all of our churches would spent an entire year on studying and preaching I Corinthians 12 and not stop until we get it. What a powerful chapter on what should be taking place within the Body of Christ, the Church. Notice, in these verses it consistently refers to the different parts as having a role; seeing, smelling, hearing, etc. All of the roles as prescribed are actions and/or contributions. As verse 21 states, we are all needed as a part of the body. On your physical body, you may think that your toes really don’t serve a purpose until they are gone; then you quickly realize what an amazing contribution to your sense of balance they made. Needed because they play a role, it may not be very noticeable, but a role nonetheless. The question here is… what role are you playing in the church? Have you heard the saying, 20% of the people, do 80% of the work? That is not the body, when that is the case. That is a body with a big nose and a few toes. God has given each of us a role to play. Simply sitting in a chair and getting fed by the preaching is not a role, it is not a contribution. We need to experience some body movement. Men, this may be very direct but we have to get moving.
Ask God to show you the role that He has for you to play within the church.
How can you begin that playing that role today?
REVIEW
How were you able to begin your role within the church today?
Is there anything else that God may be leading you to do, if so, what is that?
To be honest and quite blunt, men, I wish all of our churches would spent an entire year on studying and preaching I Corinthians 12 and not stop until we get it. What a powerful chapter on what should be taking place within the Body of Christ, the Church. Notice, in these verses it consistently refers to the different parts as having a role; seeing, smelling, hearing, etc. All of the roles as prescribed are actions and/or contributions. As verse 21 states, we are all needed as a part of the body. On your physical body, you may think that your toes really don’t serve a purpose until they are gone; then you quickly realize what an amazing contribution to your sense of balance they made. Needed because they play a role, it may not be very noticeable, but a role nonetheless. The question here is… what role are you playing in the church? Have you heard the saying, 20% of the people, do 80% of the work? That is not the body, when that is the case. That is a body with a big nose and a few toes. God has given each of us a role to play. Simply sitting in a chair and getting fed by the preaching is not a role, it is not a contribution. We need to experience some body movement. Men, this may be very direct but we have to get moving.
Ask God to show you the role that He has for you to play within the church.
How can you begin that playing that role today?
REVIEW
How were you able to begin your role within the church today?
Is there anything else that God may be leading you to do, if so, what is that?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Loyal Groomsmen, Thursday, September 16, 2010
Reading: John 3:26-30, 26They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him." 27To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' 29The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30He must become greater; I must become less.
Have you ever been a groomsman in a wedding? Your job was to be near the groom, to help him with whatever he needed until the wedding was completed. You were also a witness as the groom claimed his bride.
Picture this scene. The bride is walking down the aisle with her eyes on your friend, the groom. Suddenly she trips over her dress and crashes into a chair, ripping her dress. Humiliated, she starts to cry. The groom steps toward her. Meanwhile, you rush down the aisle, pick her up, and try to fix her dress. You are so focused on the poor bride, you don't realize you are actually blocking the way for the groom to reach his bride to help her. You are in the way.
The Bible describes Jesus as a bridegroom and his church (or his followers) as the bride. When we try to influence our family or friends to follow the Lord, we also become a groomsman, a friend of the groom. Unfortunately, like in the story, our efforts to help people in need can distract them from their best source of help--Jesus. We don't mean to, but we can keep the focus on ourselves and be in the way of God.
What kind of a groomsman are you?
Do you rush in to rescue hurting people, or do you first listen for the bridegroom and wait for his directions?
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate your role as a groomsman today, if so, how?
How did it impact your view of the bride and the bridegroom?
Have you ever been a groomsman in a wedding? Your job was to be near the groom, to help him with whatever he needed until the wedding was completed. You were also a witness as the groom claimed his bride.
Picture this scene. The bride is walking down the aisle with her eyes on your friend, the groom. Suddenly she trips over her dress and crashes into a chair, ripping her dress. Humiliated, she starts to cry. The groom steps toward her. Meanwhile, you rush down the aisle, pick her up, and try to fix her dress. You are so focused on the poor bride, you don't realize you are actually blocking the way for the groom to reach his bride to help her. You are in the way.
The Bible describes Jesus as a bridegroom and his church (or his followers) as the bride. When we try to influence our family or friends to follow the Lord, we also become a groomsman, a friend of the groom. Unfortunately, like in the story, our efforts to help people in need can distract them from their best source of help--Jesus. We don't mean to, but we can keep the focus on ourselves and be in the way of God.
What kind of a groomsman are you?
Do you rush in to rescue hurting people, or do you first listen for the bridegroom and wait for his directions?
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate your role as a groomsman today, if so, how?
How did it impact your view of the bride and the bridegroom?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Your Desire, Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Reading: Psalm 37:4, Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Have you ever been speaking to someone and you realize after you’re done and they respond that they only heard what they wanted to hear? Dessert tends to be a wonderful time in our home. The glee and enthusiasm that the kids have when it is time for dessert is pretty entertaining. But, we have a rule in our house that you need to finish your dinner before you get dessert. It’s amazing how, no matter how many times you say it, kids seem to only hear that “there’s dessert!” Then, the meltdown begins when they realize that they’re not going to get dessert because they didn’t finish their food. Oh, how easy it would be to be a parent, if every dinner was simply dessert. I’m sure your thoughts are the same as mine. What a crazy world we would live in if kids only ate dessert. Funny thing is, we tend to do the same thing with God. We may not have Psalm 37:4 memorized but what we remember is, “I know the Bible says, the Lord will give you the desires of your heart.” We remember and tend to expect the dessert but forget about the main course. This is why and when it becomes a promise to come: God knows us. He knows that if we find our delight in God, our desires will change. For example, you may have the desire to own a brand new Corvette and you may wonder why God isn’t giving this to you because it’s a desire of your heart. When you find your delight in God, this desire fades. When you delight in the Lord, you will find that your desires become what the Lord has for you, not what the Lord can give you.
How can you find your happiness (“delight”) in the Lord today?
What are some things that you foresee that may take your happiness away today, and how can you give that over to God to find your happiness in Him?
REVIEW
Were you able to find your happiness in the Lord today, if so, how?
Were you able to find victory in maintaining your joy in the Lord through the foreseen struggles, if so, how?
Have you ever been speaking to someone and you realize after you’re done and they respond that they only heard what they wanted to hear? Dessert tends to be a wonderful time in our home. The glee and enthusiasm that the kids have when it is time for dessert is pretty entertaining. But, we have a rule in our house that you need to finish your dinner before you get dessert. It’s amazing how, no matter how many times you say it, kids seem to only hear that “there’s dessert!” Then, the meltdown begins when they realize that they’re not going to get dessert because they didn’t finish their food. Oh, how easy it would be to be a parent, if every dinner was simply dessert. I’m sure your thoughts are the same as mine. What a crazy world we would live in if kids only ate dessert. Funny thing is, we tend to do the same thing with God. We may not have Psalm 37:4 memorized but what we remember is, “I know the Bible says, the Lord will give you the desires of your heart.” We remember and tend to expect the dessert but forget about the main course. This is why and when it becomes a promise to come: God knows us. He knows that if we find our delight in God, our desires will change. For example, you may have the desire to own a brand new Corvette and you may wonder why God isn’t giving this to you because it’s a desire of your heart. When you find your delight in God, this desire fades. When you delight in the Lord, you will find that your desires become what the Lord has for you, not what the Lord can give you.
How can you find your happiness (“delight”) in the Lord today?
What are some things that you foresee that may take your happiness away today, and how can you give that over to God to find your happiness in Him?
REVIEW
Were you able to find your happiness in the Lord today, if so, how?
Were you able to find victory in maintaining your joy in the Lord through the foreseen struggles, if so, how?
Monday, September 13, 2010
Transformed by the Word, Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Reading: Psalm 119:105, [God’s] word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don’t trip over roots or fall into holes. We live in a dark world with a lot of holes. God’s desire is for us to have our feet planted. The bible is a light to show our way. It is resilient. No one can stop it.
In 1778, the French skeptic Voltaire, a respected man of his time, predicted that within 100 years of his time “Christians would be non-existent”. 50 years later to the day the “Geneva Bible Society” used his house and printing press to produce thousands of Bibles.
God’s Word is alive. In John 6:63, Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
When God speaks, things change.
God’s Word generates life, creates faith, produces change, frightens the devil, causes miracles, heals hurts, builds character, transforms circumstances, imparts joy, overcomes adversity, defeats temptation, influences hope, releases power, cleanses our minds, bring things into being, guarantees our future.
Be a man of the Word!
How will you be a man of the Word today?
Okay, that’s nice… now, let’s be really specific. This is the Word of God we’re talking about. How will you be a man of the Word today?
REVIEW
How were you a man of the Word today?
How did it light your path today and how did that influence your day?
To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don’t trip over roots or fall into holes. We live in a dark world with a lot of holes. God’s desire is for us to have our feet planted. The bible is a light to show our way. It is resilient. No one can stop it.
In 1778, the French skeptic Voltaire, a respected man of his time, predicted that within 100 years of his time “Christians would be non-existent”. 50 years later to the day the “Geneva Bible Society” used his house and printing press to produce thousands of Bibles.
God’s Word is alive. In John 6:63, Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
When God speaks, things change.
God’s Word generates life, creates faith, produces change, frightens the devil, causes miracles, heals hurts, builds character, transforms circumstances, imparts joy, overcomes adversity, defeats temptation, influences hope, releases power, cleanses our minds, bring things into being, guarantees our future.
Be a man of the Word!
How will you be a man of the Word today?
Okay, that’s nice… now, let’s be really specific. This is the Word of God we’re talking about. How will you be a man of the Word today?
REVIEW
How were you a man of the Word today?
How did it light your path today and how did that influence your day?
Your Prayer Power, Monday, September 13, 2010
Reading: James 5:15-18, 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
Can you imagine being in a public place and someone realizes that you are a Christian and begins to become very boisterous in mocking you and your faith. A crowd begins to gather, as the man starts to challenge you in front of everyone that your God is not real. Now there are scores of onlookers as the man tells you that he will prove it through a challenge. He tells you to get a huge boulder as he gets one as well, and you will have to call upon your God for Him to send fire from heaven to consume the giant rock and he would try to do the same with his god. Can you imagine what and how you would be feeling? I’m sure our comment would be, “Well, God doesn’t work that way.” Really?… because Elijah was put in a very similar situation of competition. Sometimes, we rationalize our lack of faith with the thought, “God doesn’t work that way”. The pressure is very strong in thinking, “Oh, man, if I accept the challenge and fire doesn’t really come down from heaven, then, not only will I look really stupid but it will make God look bad too. Would He really send the fire?” Men, James says, “Elijah was a man just like us”… another words, he was human too. Please let this sink in, prayer is the most “powerful and effective” tool you will ever use or experience in your life. You have no less ability for the power of God in your prayer than Elijah had. You have the same potential. Find your power today.
How will you make quality time to be in prayer, to find your power?
Don’t forget… that power can only come from God, to bring glory to Himself.
REVIEW
Were you able to spend quality time in prayer?
Were you able to see the power of God through prayer, and, if so, how?
How did this impact your prayer life?
Can you imagine being in a public place and someone realizes that you are a Christian and begins to become very boisterous in mocking you and your faith. A crowd begins to gather, as the man starts to challenge you in front of everyone that your God is not real. Now there are scores of onlookers as the man tells you that he will prove it through a challenge. He tells you to get a huge boulder as he gets one as well, and you will have to call upon your God for Him to send fire from heaven to consume the giant rock and he would try to do the same with his god. Can you imagine what and how you would be feeling? I’m sure our comment would be, “Well, God doesn’t work that way.” Really?… because Elijah was put in a very similar situation of competition. Sometimes, we rationalize our lack of faith with the thought, “God doesn’t work that way”. The pressure is very strong in thinking, “Oh, man, if I accept the challenge and fire doesn’t really come down from heaven, then, not only will I look really stupid but it will make God look bad too. Would He really send the fire?” Men, James says, “Elijah was a man just like us”… another words, he was human too. Please let this sink in, prayer is the most “powerful and effective” tool you will ever use or experience in your life. You have no less ability for the power of God in your prayer than Elijah had. You have the same potential. Find your power today.
How will you make quality time to be in prayer, to find your power?
Don’t forget… that power can only come from God, to bring glory to Himself.
REVIEW
Were you able to spend quality time in prayer?
Were you able to see the power of God through prayer, and, if so, how?
How did this impact your prayer life?
Celebration, Sunday, September 12, 2010
Reading: Psalm 26:12 , 12 My feet stand on level ground;
in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.
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?
in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.
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, September 10, 2010
Search Me!, Saturday, September 11, 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?
Into the Depths, Friday, September 10, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.
Athletes do not always appreciate their coaches. Oh, a coach may give excellent instructions but he also must push his players to work hard and succeed. Michael Phelps once said, “My coach pushed me to the limits that I felt were beyond me. At times, I felt I was going to drown.” But, this athlete didn’t drown. Instead, he became an Olympic gold medalist… many times over again.
Many athletes in training soon discover that their commitment requires much more discipline that they bargained for. Can I talk to husbands for a minutes? To put it simply, marriage is a relationship for more difficult than we want it to be. It always turns out to be more than we bargained for. Marriage was meant to be a lifelong encounter that would be much more rigorous and demanding than anything we as men ever could have chosen, dreamed of, desired or invented on our own. Only marriage urges us into these deep and unknown waters.
For that is God’s very purpose for marriage; to get us out beyond our depth, out of the shadows of our insecurities and into deep personal encounters.
Let God join you in those depths. In Him the depths of your marriage relationship can be handled. You can grow more than you ever dreamed of. Ask God for His will to be done in your life and in your marriage.
Are you allowing God to push you to your limits or are you fighting God in areas that He is trying to stretch you?
How committed are you to the training of being a Christian and becoming Christ like? What can you do today to be committed to that training?
REVIEW
How was God training you today and how committed were you train through it?
Did you sense or see a difference in your day as you were determined to train to go deeper?
Athletes do not always appreciate their coaches. Oh, a coach may give excellent instructions but he also must push his players to work hard and succeed. Michael Phelps once said, “My coach pushed me to the limits that I felt were beyond me. At times, I felt I was going to drown.” But, this athlete didn’t drown. Instead, he became an Olympic gold medalist… many times over again.
Many athletes in training soon discover that their commitment requires much more discipline that they bargained for. Can I talk to husbands for a minutes? To put it simply, marriage is a relationship for more difficult than we want it to be. It always turns out to be more than we bargained for. Marriage was meant to be a lifelong encounter that would be much more rigorous and demanding than anything we as men ever could have chosen, dreamed of, desired or invented on our own. Only marriage urges us into these deep and unknown waters.
For that is God’s very purpose for marriage; to get us out beyond our depth, out of the shadows of our insecurities and into deep personal encounters.
Let God join you in those depths. In Him the depths of your marriage relationship can be handled. You can grow more than you ever dreamed of. Ask God for His will to be done in your life and in your marriage.
Are you allowing God to push you to your limits or are you fighting God in areas that He is trying to stretch you?
How committed are you to the training of being a Christian and becoming Christ like? What can you do today to be committed to that training?
REVIEW
How was God training you today and how committed were you train through it?
Did you sense or see a difference in your day as you were determined to train to go deeper?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sleep Well, Thursday, September 9, 2010
Reading: Psalm 127, A song of ascents. Of Solomon. 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. 3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
How did you sleep last night? A good night's sleep is refreshing and can set the tone for a great day. In the same way a poor night's sleep makes everything harder. We start the day feeling sluggish, perhaps turning to caffeine to get us through the day.
We've all had sleepless nights due to something: fear, worry, illness, stress, sickness or small children. The Bible says good sleep is a gift from God. That's because God is the one who can take care of the things that make us toss and turn at night. Trying to mentally solve our problems without God's help is a sure path to sleepless nights.
When the Bible talks about the sleep God gives, it describes a sense of peace and protection. Deuteronomy 33:12 says "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long." The God who takes care of your problems all day will handle them for you at night too.
To improve your sleep, end your day with a prayer, giving your stress and worry to the Lord. Picture yourself tossing each worry in a box, then handing the box to God. Let him carry your problems for you so you can sleep well.
Think about it: What do you turn to when you have a tough time falling asleep?
REVIEW
Were you able to end your day with God?
How has this affected the way that you feel and your ability to rest in Him?
How did you sleep last night? A good night's sleep is refreshing and can set the tone for a great day. In the same way a poor night's sleep makes everything harder. We start the day feeling sluggish, perhaps turning to caffeine to get us through the day.
We've all had sleepless nights due to something: fear, worry, illness, stress, sickness or small children. The Bible says good sleep is a gift from God. That's because God is the one who can take care of the things that make us toss and turn at night. Trying to mentally solve our problems without God's help is a sure path to sleepless nights.
When the Bible talks about the sleep God gives, it describes a sense of peace and protection. Deuteronomy 33:12 says "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long." The God who takes care of your problems all day will handle them for you at night too.
To improve your sleep, end your day with a prayer, giving your stress and worry to the Lord. Picture yourself tossing each worry in a box, then handing the box to God. Let him carry your problems for you so you can sleep well.
Think about it: What do you turn to when you have a tough time falling asleep?
REVIEW
Were you able to end your day with God?
How has this affected the way that you feel and your ability to rest in Him?
Get Up!, Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 24:15-16, 15 Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house, do not raid his dwelling place; 16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
Lasse Virén made a sensational Olympic debut in the 10,000m at Munich in 1972. The 23-year-old policeman was in fifth place midway through the race when he stumbled and fell. It seemed his chance had gone, but Virén got up and chased down the leading group. With 600m left, Virén made his move and ran away from his rivals to win in a world record 27:38.4, a second inside the seven-year-old mark of Australian Ron Clarke. Another Olympian, John Akhwari represented Tanzania by running the Marathon in the 1968 Olympic Games. During the race he fell, badly cutting his knee and dislocating the joint. Rather than quitting, he continued running. By 7 p.m. an Ethiopian runner won the race. With only a few thousand fans left in the stadium, John Akhwari limped through the gate. He wore a bloody bandage. He finished last among the 57 competitors who finished (74 begun the race). When asked why he continued running, he said simply, "My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me to finish." The competition won him the title of "a King without crown."
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have an even greater cause to get back up and keep running. There is no greater cause or finish line that what we have to encourage us to continue to run the race. Often though, all the attention is placed on verse 16 to get up… but, together, these two verses are powerful. In a sense, it says, “Don’t bother lying in wait or raid a righteous man’s house because, no matter what you do to him, he’s just going to rise up again anyways.” I LOVE that!!! Men, no matter where you’re at, even if your dirty, injured and scraped up spiritually, let’s get up and continue our journey with Christ.
What has caused you to stumble and fall?
What can you do to get up and keep going today?
REVIEW
How were you able to get up and keep going today?
How did you accomplish this and what can you do to help in staying on your feet?
Lasse Virén made a sensational Olympic debut in the 10,000m at Munich in 1972. The 23-year-old policeman was in fifth place midway through the race when he stumbled and fell. It seemed his chance had gone, but Virén got up and chased down the leading group. With 600m left, Virén made his move and ran away from his rivals to win in a world record 27:38.4, a second inside the seven-year-old mark of Australian Ron Clarke. Another Olympian, John Akhwari represented Tanzania by running the Marathon in the 1968 Olympic Games. During the race he fell, badly cutting his knee and dislocating the joint. Rather than quitting, he continued running. By 7 p.m. an Ethiopian runner won the race. With only a few thousand fans left in the stadium, John Akhwari limped through the gate. He wore a bloody bandage. He finished last among the 57 competitors who finished (74 begun the race). When asked why he continued running, he said simply, "My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me to finish." The competition won him the title of "a King without crown."
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have an even greater cause to get back up and keep running. There is no greater cause or finish line that what we have to encourage us to continue to run the race. Often though, all the attention is placed on verse 16 to get up… but, together, these two verses are powerful. In a sense, it says, “Don’t bother lying in wait or raid a righteous man’s house because, no matter what you do to him, he’s just going to rise up again anyways.” I LOVE that!!! Men, no matter where you’re at, even if your dirty, injured and scraped up spiritually, let’s get up and continue our journey with Christ.
What has caused you to stumble and fall?
What can you do to get up and keep going today?
REVIEW
How were you able to get up and keep going today?
How did you accomplish this and what can you do to help in staying on your feet?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Knowing His Name, Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Reading: Psalm 91:1-2; 9:10, 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." 10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
A young friend once introduced herself to me as Aimelle. "But you can call me Emily," she said. "It's easier to remember, so that's what most people call me." Even though her parents had chosen a beautiful name for her, she allowed others to call her by a more generic, familiar name. I wanted to be Aimelle's friend, so I decided to call her by her true name. Saying "Amielle" showed value for her as a unique person. Using her true name helped me feel closer to her as well.
Our God is so vast that one name cannot capture all He is. He has many names, each describing a unique aspect of his character. El Elyon (Most High) emphasizes God is sovereign. El Shaddai (Almighty God) describes God's overpowering strength, like a mountain. Yahweh (LORD) means "I am the One who is" and shows his self-existence. Elohim(God) means strong one, supreme.
God beckons us to know him personally. Doesn't that start with calling him by his true names? Our God knows your name and invites you to know his.
Think about it: God wants you to know Him well enough to call Him by name.
How well do you know God today?
What can you do to know Him better and feel comfortable calling Him by name?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to know God better?
How did this impact your relationship with Him today?
A young friend once introduced herself to me as Aimelle. "But you can call me Emily," she said. "It's easier to remember, so that's what most people call me." Even though her parents had chosen a beautiful name for her, she allowed others to call her by a more generic, familiar name. I wanted to be Aimelle's friend, so I decided to call her by her true name. Saying "Amielle" showed value for her as a unique person. Using her true name helped me feel closer to her as well.
Our God is so vast that one name cannot capture all He is. He has many names, each describing a unique aspect of his character. El Elyon (Most High) emphasizes God is sovereign. El Shaddai (Almighty God) describes God's overpowering strength, like a mountain. Yahweh (LORD) means "I am the One who is" and shows his self-existence. Elohim(God) means strong one, supreme.
God beckons us to know him personally. Doesn't that start with calling him by his true names? Our God knows your name and invites you to know his.
Think about it: God wants you to know Him well enough to call Him by name.
How well do you know God today?
What can you do to know Him better and feel comfortable calling Him by name?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to know God better?
How did this impact your relationship with Him today?
Pollution, Monday, September 6, 2010
Reading: James 1:27, Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
When we think of the word pollution, images of smog, oil spills, toxic waste and gas leaks come to mind, but most of pollution can be prevented.
There’s an even worse kind of pollution. It’s personal pollution. James states that true faith is keeping yourself from the pollution of the world. We live in a sinful world and its influence is all around us… but, who is influencing whom? Is the world polluting you or are you influencing the world for God?
God’s Word is very clear about avoiding the poison of the world. “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed [changed] by the [entire] renewing of your mind by its new ideals and it’s new attitude”, Romans 12:2, AMP.
There’s one way to keep from becoming polluted. Holding on to God’s promises and holding on to the truth of His Word.
May God equip you for avoiding worldly pollution and use you today to help with the clean-up.
Rate yourself honestly… where are you in the scope of conformity?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Polluted Neither Cleanser
By the world Stay to myself Influence the world
What is the next step for you to take to strive for a 10 and how can you do that today?
When we think of the word pollution, images of smog, oil spills, toxic waste and gas leaks come to mind, but most of pollution can be prevented.
There’s an even worse kind of pollution. It’s personal pollution. James states that true faith is keeping yourself from the pollution of the world. We live in a sinful world and its influence is all around us… but, who is influencing whom? Is the world polluting you or are you influencing the world for God?
God’s Word is very clear about avoiding the poison of the world. “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed [changed] by the [entire] renewing of your mind by its new ideals and it’s new attitude”, Romans 12:2, AMP.
There’s one way to keep from becoming polluted. Holding on to God’s promises and holding on to the truth of His Word.
May God equip you for avoiding worldly pollution and use you today to help with the clean-up.
Rate yourself honestly… where are you in the scope of conformity?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Polluted Neither Cleanser
By the world Stay to myself Influence the world
What is the next step for you to take to strive for a 10 and how can you do that today?
Celebration, Sunday, September 5, 2010
Reading: Psalm 28:6-7, 6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. 8 The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
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?
for he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. 8 The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
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?
Move the Mountain!, Saturday, September 4, 2010
Reading: Matthew 17:20, He 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."
Many people believe that, when Jesus said that you can move a mountain, he was speaking figuratively or metaphorically. Me?... I truly believe that He meant exactly what He said. God is the creator of the universe. He told that same mountain where to stand in the first place. This reminds me of the time my dad taught me a lesson about hunting. When I first started hunting, whether it was rabbit or deer, I would look about 20-40 feet out in front of me watching for movement. My dad realized what I was doing when he asked me, “Hey, did you see that deer over there?” And, in my typical response I would reply, “Deer? What deer? Really? Where?” My dad wisely told me that wherever my eyes were looking, I would see everything in between; so, he taught me to look as far as I can off in the horizon, and I would see the movement of the animal between where I’m looking and where I’m standing. That instruction has worked like a charm. Same is true with what Jesus is teaching. If Jesus said, “All you need is faith the size of a mustard seed to say, when there’s rain clouds overhead, ‘rain’ and it will rain.” The thing is, the chances are pretty high that it would be possible. Jesus chose something far off in the distance, not just something improbable but, rather, impossible. He knew full well that if He can get us to truly have faith that God could do that far off in the distance thing… then, everything in between is something that you and I can see through the eyes of faith as a possibility for God to do in and through us. Let’s not minimize God’s ability to accomplish His great power and glory through us. Believe that He really can move Mount Shasta.
How is your faith? Have you been limiting God to simply looking 20-40 feet out to the “possible”? In what areas in your life do you need to trust God to do the improbable or, better yet, the impossible and how can you do that today?
REVIEW
How were you able to specifically trust God and increase your faith in Him today?
What were you able to surrender to Him through faith and how did that impact your day?
Many people believe that, when Jesus said that you can move a mountain, he was speaking figuratively or metaphorically. Me?... I truly believe that He meant exactly what He said. God is the creator of the universe. He told that same mountain where to stand in the first place. This reminds me of the time my dad taught me a lesson about hunting. When I first started hunting, whether it was rabbit or deer, I would look about 20-40 feet out in front of me watching for movement. My dad realized what I was doing when he asked me, “Hey, did you see that deer over there?” And, in my typical response I would reply, “Deer? What deer? Really? Where?” My dad wisely told me that wherever my eyes were looking, I would see everything in between; so, he taught me to look as far as I can off in the horizon, and I would see the movement of the animal between where I’m looking and where I’m standing. That instruction has worked like a charm. Same is true with what Jesus is teaching. If Jesus said, “All you need is faith the size of a mustard seed to say, when there’s rain clouds overhead, ‘rain’ and it will rain.” The thing is, the chances are pretty high that it would be possible. Jesus chose something far off in the distance, not just something improbable but, rather, impossible. He knew full well that if He can get us to truly have faith that God could do that far off in the distance thing… then, everything in between is something that you and I can see through the eyes of faith as a possibility for God to do in and through us. Let’s not minimize God’s ability to accomplish His great power and glory through us. Believe that He really can move Mount Shasta.
How is your faith? Have you been limiting God to simply looking 20-40 feet out to the “possible”? In what areas in your life do you need to trust God to do the improbable or, better yet, the impossible and how can you do that today?
REVIEW
How were you able to specifically trust God and increase your faith in Him today?
What were you able to surrender to Him through faith and how did that impact your day?
Draw Your Sword, Friday, September 3, 2010
Reading: Matthew 4:1-11, 1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" 5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" 7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" 11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Can you imagine going into battle, running out onto the battlefield, you reach for your sword and nothing’s there. You look around on the ground behind you and still don’t see it. A soldier from the enemy runs up to you with sword drawn… what do you think would happen next? The soldier always goes into battle prepared to wage war. Spiritually, our sword is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17) Notice that every time Jesus was tempted. He had God’s Word (the Sword) ready and drawn. Also take note that He didn’t have to look it up. Men, every day is a spiritual battle… every day! Do you go into your day spiritually ready to wage war? The best way that you can today is…
Write down your most difficult spiritual battle that you are fighting right now:
What verse can you work on today to memorize so that you can have the Word of God readily accessible to fight this battle to win? (if you need help finding a verse, ask for help)
REVIEW
Did you memorize a verse today to assist in your spiritual battle? (if yes, take a minute and review the verse in your head, maybe even quote it to your wife or friend)
How did this verse assist you in your spiritual battle today?
Can you imagine going into battle, running out onto the battlefield, you reach for your sword and nothing’s there. You look around on the ground behind you and still don’t see it. A soldier from the enemy runs up to you with sword drawn… what do you think would happen next? The soldier always goes into battle prepared to wage war. Spiritually, our sword is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17) Notice that every time Jesus was tempted. He had God’s Word (the Sword) ready and drawn. Also take note that He didn’t have to look it up. Men, every day is a spiritual battle… every day! Do you go into your day spiritually ready to wage war? The best way that you can today is…
Write down your most difficult spiritual battle that you are fighting right now:
What verse can you work on today to memorize so that you can have the Word of God readily accessible to fight this battle to win? (if you need help finding a verse, ask for help)
REVIEW
Did you memorize a verse today to assist in your spiritual battle? (if yes, take a minute and review the verse in your head, maybe even quote it to your wife or friend)
How did this verse assist you in your spiritual battle today?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Friends, Thursday, September 2, 2010
Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 9Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
Richard Exley, in his book, “Life’s Bottom Line” wrote,
“Jesus,
I’ve been thinking a lot about friends lately. Everybody is talking about relationships and really knowing each other, but n one seems to do much about it. Or, everyone wants to have the same friend - that person who’s up in front of the crowd or the gal with the toothpaste smile.
Hardly anyone seems willing to build relationship with ordinary people. You know – the married housewife, the overweight, under confident teenager or the quiet guy on the edge of the crowd.
Who was your friend, Lord?
I mean the person you could be yourself with, where You didn’t have to watch every word or meet someone’s unending expectations? You know, where did you go when you had to get away but you couldn’t bear to be alone again? Was Lazarus that special friend for you, Lord?
I think maybe he was. I started to pray, ‘Give me a friend like that’ but I thought better of it. Instead I pray, ‘Let me be a friend like that.’ Amen.”
Who can you be a friend to today?
How can you demonstrate that to that person(s) today?
REVIEW
Were you able to be a friend to someone today, if so, who?
How were you able to demonstrate being a friend to someone today?
Richard Exley, in his book, “Life’s Bottom Line” wrote,
“Jesus,
I’ve been thinking a lot about friends lately. Everybody is talking about relationships and really knowing each other, but n one seems to do much about it. Or, everyone wants to have the same friend - that person who’s up in front of the crowd or the gal with the toothpaste smile.
Hardly anyone seems willing to build relationship with ordinary people. You know – the married housewife, the overweight, under confident teenager or the quiet guy on the edge of the crowd.
Who was your friend, Lord?
I mean the person you could be yourself with, where You didn’t have to watch every word or meet someone’s unending expectations? You know, where did you go when you had to get away but you couldn’t bear to be alone again? Was Lazarus that special friend for you, Lord?
I think maybe he was. I started to pray, ‘Give me a friend like that’ but I thought better of it. Instead I pray, ‘Let me be a friend like that.’ Amen.”
Who can you be a friend to today?
How can you demonstrate that to that person(s) today?
REVIEW
Were you able to be a friend to someone today, if so, who?
How were you able to demonstrate being a friend to someone today?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Personal Bible Study, Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Reading: (your selection)
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Questions or challenge for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
REVIEW
How did you do in applying God’s Word today?
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Questions or challenge for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
REVIEW
How did you do in applying God’s Word today?
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