Reading: James 1:19-21, 19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Questions for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
REVIEW
How did you do in applying God’s Word today?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
CELEBRATION! Sunday, October 31, 2010
Reading: Psalm 145:1-8, 1I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. 2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. 5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. 8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
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, October 29, 2010
Teach Them, Saturday, October 30, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 6:20-23, 20 My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,
You’re an adult and don’t need to be concerned about keeping your father’s commands or your mother’s teachings, right? Well, this passage is for you, as the author. The book of Proverbs is written from a father to his son for instructions and consideration. Notice it does not say, “My son, keep the commands that you learn at church, that you learn in school or that you learn on television.” Many times we become so concerned about not discouraging our children or we rely on others to train them that it comes back to the old adage, “He who aims at nothing, will hit it every time.” Are you giving them commands to be a lamp or teachings to be a light to them or corrections to be a way to life?
If your son or daughter’s instruction were based solely on the commands or teachings that you have given them, where would they be? What would they be following?
Challenge: Today, take time out of your schedule for each one of your children to spend time with them and give them instruction, teach them about God and give them thoughts to be a lamp to their feet.
NOTE: if you do not have children, you are not exempt. You can apply this to the next generation that you pass everyday. What impact can you make today?
REVIEW
Did you take time today to give your child(ren) instruction and teaching to guide them?
What was their reaction?
Are you able and willing to follow up with them on this, if yes, when (and write a reminder in this book)?
You’re an adult and don’t need to be concerned about keeping your father’s commands or your mother’s teachings, right? Well, this passage is for you, as the author. The book of Proverbs is written from a father to his son for instructions and consideration. Notice it does not say, “My son, keep the commands that you learn at church, that you learn in school or that you learn on television.” Many times we become so concerned about not discouraging our children or we rely on others to train them that it comes back to the old adage, “He who aims at nothing, will hit it every time.” Are you giving them commands to be a lamp or teachings to be a light to them or corrections to be a way to life?
If your son or daughter’s instruction were based solely on the commands or teachings that you have given them, where would they be? What would they be following?
Challenge: Today, take time out of your schedule for each one of your children to spend time with them and give them instruction, teach them about God and give them thoughts to be a lamp to their feet.
NOTE: if you do not have children, you are not exempt. You can apply this to the next generation that you pass everyday. What impact can you make today?
REVIEW
Did you take time today to give your child(ren) instruction and teaching to guide them?
What was their reaction?
Are you able and willing to follow up with them on this, if yes, when (and write a reminder in this book)?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Your Neighbor, Friday, October 29, 2010
Reading: Matthew 22:38-39, 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Men, we love and take care of ourselves. In fact, we work very hard to take care of ourselves and our family, especially when it comes to our family, we should! But, do we work just as hard to take care of our neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone that you come across today who is in need, based upon Jesus’ response in Luke 10:29-35.
Do you know someone that you may come across today that is in need and who might that be?
What are you prepared to do to meet their need today?
What are you doing to take care of yourself today?
What will you do to love your neighbor, today, the same way that you love yourself?
REVIEW
How did you practice loving your neighbor the same as you love yourself?
What happened and how did this impact your neighbor and your day?
Men, we love and take care of ourselves. In fact, we work very hard to take care of ourselves and our family, especially when it comes to our family, we should! But, do we work just as hard to take care of our neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone that you come across today who is in need, based upon Jesus’ response in Luke 10:29-35.
Do you know someone that you may come across today that is in need and who might that be?
What are you prepared to do to meet their need today?
What are you doing to take care of yourself today?
What will you do to love your neighbor, today, the same way that you love yourself?
REVIEW
How did you practice loving your neighbor the same as you love yourself?
What happened and how did this impact your neighbor and your day?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Love One Another, Thursday, October 28, 2010
Reading: John 13:35, By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Stop for a minute. Imagine a world where the television evangelist goes away. Christian radio stations vanish. The church listings in the phone book and in newspapers disappear. All religious and faith oriented internet searches are no longer accessible. Religious, gospel tracts and literature aren’t available. The ONLY way that the world would know about Jesus is by the love that you demonstrate to your Christian brothers and sisters, what would that look like? We have become comfortable with all of the easy access to religion and faith; but, the saying still stands, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. The world often sees us attack each other and, too often says, “There’s enough conflict in the world. I don’t want to be a part of that.” How much do you love “one another”?
How much do you demonstrate that you love “one another”?
What would your witness to the world be like if it were solely based on your visible, unquestionable love for one another?
What can you do today to reach out and love on a fellow brother in Christ today and show your “love for one another”?
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate your “love for one another” today?
What impact did it make on you or your “brother” today?
Stop for a minute. Imagine a world where the television evangelist goes away. Christian radio stations vanish. The church listings in the phone book and in newspapers disappear. All religious and faith oriented internet searches are no longer accessible. Religious, gospel tracts and literature aren’t available. The ONLY way that the world would know about Jesus is by the love that you demonstrate to your Christian brothers and sisters, what would that look like? We have become comfortable with all of the easy access to religion and faith; but, the saying still stands, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. The world often sees us attack each other and, too often says, “There’s enough conflict in the world. I don’t want to be a part of that.” How much do you love “one another”?
How much do you demonstrate that you love “one another”?
What would your witness to the world be like if it were solely based on your visible, unquestionable love for one another?
What can you do today to reach out and love on a fellow brother in Christ today and show your “love for one another”?
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate your “love for one another” today?
What impact did it make on you or your “brother” today?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Get Up Again, Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 24:16, 16For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.
• 1816: Lincoln’s family lost their home and he had to quit school to support them.
• 1818: His mother passed away.
• 1831: He failed in business.
• 1832: He ran for state legislature and lost, also lost his job, and while he wanted to go to law school he couldn’t get in.
• 1833: He borrowed money to start a new business and was bankrupt by the end of the year. He spent the next 17 years paying off the debt.
• 1834: He ran for state legislature again and this time he won.
• 1835: He was engaged to be married and his fiancé died.
• 1836: Mr. Lincoln suffered a total nervous breakdown and spent six months in bed recovering.
• 1838: He sought to become speaker of the state legislature and was again defeated.
• 1840: He sought to become elector and was defeated.
• 1843: Lincoln ran for Congress and lost.
• 1846: He ran for Congress again and this time he won.
• 1848: Lincoln lost his re-election race for Congress.
• 1849: He sought the position of land officer in his home state and was turned down.
• 1854: Lincoln ran for the U.S. Senate and lost.
• 1856: He sought the vice-presidential nomination and lost, receiving less than 100 votes.
• 1858: He ran yet again for the U.S. Senate and lost.
• 1860: Abraham Lincoln was elected as the sixteenth President of the United States.
Thomas Edison failed more than 1,000 times before he successfully invented the light bulb and he was later quoted as saying: “Many of life’s failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
Winston Churchill said, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never, Never, Never, Never give up.”
Challenge: Do not get discouraged by the battles you may have lost thus far. Don’t quit! Rise up again! Arm yourself! Victory can be yours!
REVIEW
Were you able to rise up today and get back on the path God has for you?
What challenges did you face and how did you handle it?
• 1816: Lincoln’s family lost their home and he had to quit school to support them.
• 1818: His mother passed away.
• 1831: He failed in business.
• 1832: He ran for state legislature and lost, also lost his job, and while he wanted to go to law school he couldn’t get in.
• 1833: He borrowed money to start a new business and was bankrupt by the end of the year. He spent the next 17 years paying off the debt.
• 1834: He ran for state legislature again and this time he won.
• 1835: He was engaged to be married and his fiancé died.
• 1836: Mr. Lincoln suffered a total nervous breakdown and spent six months in bed recovering.
• 1838: He sought to become speaker of the state legislature and was again defeated.
• 1840: He sought to become elector and was defeated.
• 1843: Lincoln ran for Congress and lost.
• 1846: He ran for Congress again and this time he won.
• 1848: Lincoln lost his re-election race for Congress.
• 1849: He sought the position of land officer in his home state and was turned down.
• 1854: Lincoln ran for the U.S. Senate and lost.
• 1856: He sought the vice-presidential nomination and lost, receiving less than 100 votes.
• 1858: He ran yet again for the U.S. Senate and lost.
• 1860: Abraham Lincoln was elected as the sixteenth President of the United States.
Thomas Edison failed more than 1,000 times before he successfully invented the light bulb and he was later quoted as saying: “Many of life’s failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
Winston Churchill said, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never, Never, Never, Never give up.”
Challenge: Do not get discouraged by the battles you may have lost thus far. Don’t quit! Rise up again! Arm yourself! Victory can be yours!
REVIEW
Were you able to rise up today and get back on the path God has for you?
What challenges did you face and how did you handle it?
Monday, October 25, 2010
No Pain, No Gain, Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Reading: John 9:1-7, 1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
We have heard and may have repeated it when it comes to exercise, “No pain, no gain!” When you’re on the receiving end of this pain, you’re thinking, “There had BETTER be some gain out of this pain I’m going through. I’d BETER get some playing time or the physique I’ve always wanted. There had BETTER be a really big benefit or I’m done with this.” We often transfer this mentality over to our spiritual lives as well. When we go through difficulties and trials, we often think, “There had better be a benefit from this!” And, we often times keep looking at God for the “why?” because we think so highly of ourselves that, there had BETTER be a good reason and I had better get some benefit out of it. But, here is a blind man, who wasn’t just going through a difficult time in his life, he was blind all of his life to that point. The reason? “So that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” That’s it… humbling.
What struggles or pains are you going through?
How do you think that the work of God might be displayed in your life through these trials?
How can you demonstrate this today?
REVIEW
Were you able to give the trials that you are experiencing over to God that His work might be displayed?
How did this impact your day?
We have heard and may have repeated it when it comes to exercise, “No pain, no gain!” When you’re on the receiving end of this pain, you’re thinking, “There had BETTER be some gain out of this pain I’m going through. I’d BETER get some playing time or the physique I’ve always wanted. There had BETTER be a really big benefit or I’m done with this.” We often transfer this mentality over to our spiritual lives as well. When we go through difficulties and trials, we often think, “There had better be a benefit from this!” And, we often times keep looking at God for the “why?” because we think so highly of ourselves that, there had BETTER be a good reason and I had better get some benefit out of it. But, here is a blind man, who wasn’t just going through a difficult time in his life, he was blind all of his life to that point. The reason? “So that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” That’s it… humbling.
What struggles or pains are you going through?
How do you think that the work of God might be displayed in your life through these trials?
How can you demonstrate this today?
REVIEW
Were you able to give the trials that you are experiencing over to God that His work might be displayed?
How did this impact your day?
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Freed from Sin, Monday, October 25, 2010
Reading: Romans 6:6-7, 12-14, 6For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. 12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Before you start your week, analyze your life and where you are right now. You do not have to become overwhelmed and overtaken by the sin that you are struggling with right now.
Be completely honest with yourself, what sin are you struggling with right now? (be specific)
Have any of these become a stronghold or a sin that you have become a slave to. If so, which one(s)?
What do you intend to do today to regain the freedom from these areas of sin that Christ, with His ultimate sacrifice, conquered for you?
NOTE: don’t be afraid to share what your struggling with for accountability and support.
REVIEW
Were you able to have victory over the sin(s) with which you have been struggling?
How did you defeat them or why were you not able to defeat them today?
*** Review this devotional at the end of the week to review your progress ***
Before you start your week, analyze your life and where you are right now. You do not have to become overwhelmed and overtaken by the sin that you are struggling with right now.
Be completely honest with yourself, what sin are you struggling with right now? (be specific)
Have any of these become a stronghold or a sin that you have become a slave to. If so, which one(s)?
What do you intend to do today to regain the freedom from these areas of sin that Christ, with His ultimate sacrifice, conquered for you?
NOTE: don’t be afraid to share what your struggling with for accountability and support.
REVIEW
Were you able to have victory over the sin(s) with which you have been struggling?
How did you defeat them or why were you not able to defeat them today?
*** Review this devotional at the end of the week to review your progress ***
Saturday, October 23, 2010
CELEBRATION!, Sunday, October, 24, 2010
Reading: Psalm 146:1-2, 1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. 2 I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
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?
Trust Him & Let Go, Saturday, October 23, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6, 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
When it comes time to teach a young child not to run into the street, it can be very scary. From your perspective as an adult, you see the overwhelming danger. From the innocent eyes of the ambitious toddler, they see it as an open span offering plenty of room to run and exercise this new and exciting activity that they have recently learned to perform. As a dad, my heart just races at the thought of that happening and the potential dangers that await them.
As an adult, we see this so clearly and wish we could instantly get our toddler to listen and understand the dangers. Why then, do we not look to our Father more often and trust Him? Our Father, who created billions of stars and immense galaxies, controls the movement of the planets and the changes of the seasons, who wields the power of the oceans, who clothes the flowers in the field, who orders the blood in your veins to come together to heal your wounds, who breathed breathe and life into your lungs... rather, we tend to “lean… on [our] own understanding”.
What are some areas that you are struggling giving over to God and trusting Him to handle?
Challenge: Give your struggles over to God today. Let go of YOUR understanding of the situation and acknowledge Him in everything that you do today, especially those areas that are a struggle.
REVIEW
Were you able to give those burdens and struggles over to God?
Did you completely let go and seek Him for His guidance in dealing with those things?
What was the result?
When it comes time to teach a young child not to run into the street, it can be very scary. From your perspective as an adult, you see the overwhelming danger. From the innocent eyes of the ambitious toddler, they see it as an open span offering plenty of room to run and exercise this new and exciting activity that they have recently learned to perform. As a dad, my heart just races at the thought of that happening and the potential dangers that await them.
As an adult, we see this so clearly and wish we could instantly get our toddler to listen and understand the dangers. Why then, do we not look to our Father more often and trust Him? Our Father, who created billions of stars and immense galaxies, controls the movement of the planets and the changes of the seasons, who wields the power of the oceans, who clothes the flowers in the field, who orders the blood in your veins to come together to heal your wounds, who breathed breathe and life into your lungs... rather, we tend to “lean… on [our] own understanding”.
What are some areas that you are struggling giving over to God and trusting Him to handle?
Challenge: Give your struggles over to God today. Let go of YOUR understanding of the situation and acknowledge Him in everything that you do today, especially those areas that are a struggle.
REVIEW
Were you able to give those burdens and struggles over to God?
Did you completely let go and seek Him for His guidance in dealing with those things?
What was the result?
Thursday, October 21, 2010
See the REAL Battle, Friday, October 22, 2010
Reading:Job 1 & 2
Key Passage:Job 1:9-12; 2:3-6, 9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
So many times we get caught up in the physical struggles around us. If we were Job in that same scenario in Job chapter one, I think the warrior would mount up in us and we would gather as many as we could and go to destroy the Sabeans and Chaldeans that took our livestock. There was a lot more that happened to Job than just his livestock being taken but at least it would be someone paying for what happened to us. But, Job was wiser than we tend to be. He saw the real battle. That it wasn’t about his livestock, it wasn’t about his children, it wasn’t about his possessions, it was about his relationship with God. Notice Satan didn’t confront God and simply say that he wanted to take away his livestock, children or possessions. He wanted Job to “curse [God] to [His] face”. That was his goal. Today, it’s not about your boss at work, it’s not about the person that cut you off on the road, it’s not about the person that took or damaged something that belonged to you, it is about who you are in Christ. THAT is the ultimate importance today. God said of Job, “In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
Challenge:Today, look beyond the physical and don’t let anything, ANYTHING… effect your joy, your peace, your love, your compassion, your faith, your humility that you have in Christ.
What are some potential hindrances for you to accomplish this task?
REVIEW
What were some struggles you faced in fulfilling your challenges for today?
Did you gain victory or did you suffer a defeat?
What can you learn from this?
Key Passage:Job 1:9-12; 2:3-6, 9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
So many times we get caught up in the physical struggles around us. If we were Job in that same scenario in Job chapter one, I think the warrior would mount up in us and we would gather as many as we could and go to destroy the Sabeans and Chaldeans that took our livestock. There was a lot more that happened to Job than just his livestock being taken but at least it would be someone paying for what happened to us. But, Job was wiser than we tend to be. He saw the real battle. That it wasn’t about his livestock, it wasn’t about his children, it wasn’t about his possessions, it was about his relationship with God. Notice Satan didn’t confront God and simply say that he wanted to take away his livestock, children or possessions. He wanted Job to “curse [God] to [His] face”. That was his goal. Today, it’s not about your boss at work, it’s not about the person that cut you off on the road, it’s not about the person that took or damaged something that belonged to you, it is about who you are in Christ. THAT is the ultimate importance today. God said of Job, “In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
Challenge:Today, look beyond the physical and don’t let anything, ANYTHING… effect your joy, your peace, your love, your compassion, your faith, your humility that you have in Christ.
What are some potential hindrances for you to accomplish this task?
REVIEW
What were some struggles you faced in fulfilling your challenges for today?
Did you gain victory or did you suffer a defeat?
What can you learn from this?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Give Thanks, Thursday, October 21, 2010
Reading: Psalm 35:18, 18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.
Ephesians 1:15-16, 15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Even if you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or have an extremely busy day ahead of you, or are going through a difficult time or are just plainly not in a good mood this morning, today is a day to thank the Lord and thank others. It is amazing what finding things to be thankful for can do for your perspective on your day.
What are you thankful for that God has done for you?
What attribute of God are you most thankful for today and why?
What will you do today to demonstrate your thankfulness to God?
What are you thankful for that someone else has done for you?
What attribute in someone else’s life are you most thankful for today and why?
What will you do today to demonstrate your thankfulness to others?
REVIEW
What did you do today to demonstrate your thankfulness to God?
What did you do today to demonstrate your thankfulness to others?
Ephesians 1:15-16, 15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Even if you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or have an extremely busy day ahead of you, or are going through a difficult time or are just plainly not in a good mood this morning, today is a day to thank the Lord and thank others. It is amazing what finding things to be thankful for can do for your perspective on your day.
What are you thankful for that God has done for you?
What attribute of God are you most thankful for today and why?
What will you do today to demonstrate your thankfulness to God?
What are you thankful for that someone else has done for you?
What attribute in someone else’s life are you most thankful for today and why?
What will you do today to demonstrate your thankfulness to others?
REVIEW
What did you do today to demonstrate your thankfulness to God?
What did you do today to demonstrate your thankfulness to others?
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Work Ethic, Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Reading: Ephesians 6:5-8 5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Have you ever had your boss come over and look over your shoulder as you work? Even if you are a hard worker or have good work ethic, it’s amazing how much you tend to work harder and faster. Today, imagine not just your boss, but God, is looking over your shoulder at your work. Perform your job and duty as if you were serving the Lord and performing for Him today.
What can you do today to remind yourself that God is looking over your shoulder and that you’re working for Him today?
How do you feel about your job and your boss? What are going to be some trip falls to distract you from performing for God today in your job or tasks?
REVIEW
Did you succeed at working for God and serving Him in your job today?
What were some struggles in accomplishing this challenge today?
Have you ever had your boss come over and look over your shoulder as you work? Even if you are a hard worker or have good work ethic, it’s amazing how much you tend to work harder and faster. Today, imagine not just your boss, but God, is looking over your shoulder at your work. Perform your job and duty as if you were serving the Lord and performing for Him today.
What can you do today to remind yourself that God is looking over your shoulder and that you’re working for Him today?
How do you feel about your job and your boss? What are going to be some trip falls to distract you from performing for God today in your job or tasks?
REVIEW
Did you succeed at working for God and serving Him in your job today?
What were some struggles in accomplishing this challenge today?
Monday, October 18, 2010
Stop What You’re Doing, Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Reading: Luke 10:38-42, 38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Have you ever found yourself saying or have heard it said, “Stop what you’re doing, and listen to what I’m saying”. It’s times that we want to make sure that the person to whom you’re trying to communicate is really understanding and getting what you’re trying to tell them. I wonder how many times God wants to say that to us, “Hey, stop what you’re doing and listen!” In such a busy society, we see the value in what we are doing, but do not see the value in being still and listening.
Today, STOP what you’re doing throughout the day and listen to God and what He may have to say to you. One of the easiest and best ways of listening to God is reading His Word and allow Him to speak to you.
Today, be creative in your effort to “listen” to Him.
Don’t be like the child who you’re trying to give instruction to but are distracted by all the other things around them. Remove the distractions today and make a conscious effort to LISTEN to Him with your undivided attention.
What distractions may you have to eliminate to really listen today?
REVIEW
Were you able to take the time to stop and listen?
How did God speak to you? What did you learn from His instruction?
Have you ever found yourself saying or have heard it said, “Stop what you’re doing, and listen to what I’m saying”. It’s times that we want to make sure that the person to whom you’re trying to communicate is really understanding and getting what you’re trying to tell them. I wonder how many times God wants to say that to us, “Hey, stop what you’re doing and listen!” In such a busy society, we see the value in what we are doing, but do not see the value in being still and listening.
Today, STOP what you’re doing throughout the day and listen to God and what He may have to say to you. One of the easiest and best ways of listening to God is reading His Word and allow Him to speak to you.
Today, be creative in your effort to “listen” to Him.
Don’t be like the child who you’re trying to give instruction to but are distracted by all the other things around them. Remove the distractions today and make a conscious effort to LISTEN to Him with your undivided attention.
What distractions may you have to eliminate to really listen today?
REVIEW
Were you able to take the time to stop and listen?
How did God speak to you? What did you learn from His instruction?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Work to Be Last, Monday, October 18, 2010
Reading:Matthew 19:28-30, 28Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
Most of us men are very competitive. We LOVE coming in first. We aspire to win… to conquer. Even as boys we might have played “King of the Mountain”. The feeling of being on top, as a boy, was the ultimate feeling of conquest. Yet, Jesus talks about those who are first will be last and those who are last will be first. Why? This seems to be the opposite of the way that we are built. We push to succeed. We work to prosper. What Jesus is saying is, those that work to prosper themselves will be last; but, those that work to prosper the kingdom will be first. The more that you work to succeed in earthly values the further back in line you become in eternal recognition; the more that you work to succeed in eternal values the closer to the front of the line you become in eternal recognition.
Reflect on the way that you currently live your life in your day. Do you work to prosper yourself or the kingdom?
How can you TODAY work to prosper the kingdom and minimize yourself? ( Be specific)
WORK TO BE LAST TODAY. Do as much as you can today to be unnoticed, but, do as much as you can do to cause Christ and others to be noticed.
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to minimize yourself and maximize Christ and others?
How did it go and what are your thoughts?
Most of us men are very competitive. We LOVE coming in first. We aspire to win… to conquer. Even as boys we might have played “King of the Mountain”. The feeling of being on top, as a boy, was the ultimate feeling of conquest. Yet, Jesus talks about those who are first will be last and those who are last will be first. Why? This seems to be the opposite of the way that we are built. We push to succeed. We work to prosper. What Jesus is saying is, those that work to prosper themselves will be last; but, those that work to prosper the kingdom will be first. The more that you work to succeed in earthly values the further back in line you become in eternal recognition; the more that you work to succeed in eternal values the closer to the front of the line you become in eternal recognition.
Reflect on the way that you currently live your life in your day. Do you work to prosper yourself or the kingdom?
How can you TODAY work to prosper the kingdom and minimize yourself? ( Be specific)
WORK TO BE LAST TODAY. Do as much as you can today to be unnoticed, but, do as much as you can do to cause Christ and others to be noticed.
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to minimize yourself and maximize Christ and others?
How did it go and what are your thoughts?
Saturday, October 16, 2010
CELEBRATION!, Sunday, October 17, 2010
Reading: Psalm 9:1-3 1I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. 3 My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Friday, October 15, 2010
For Him, Saturday, October 16, 2010
Reading: Matthew 25:36-40, 34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
You know… we are constantly talking about what we should or would do for Christ. And, you know what? I don’t think the message could be more clearly stated, than Jesus did when He said these words. So, today, is a big challenge but it should be glorious because, straight from His own mouth, Jesus said as you’re doing these things to “the least of these brothers of mine, [you’re doing it] for Me.” Let’s do this for Him today.
Men, choose at least two of the challenges today. And, remember, do these challenges as if it was Jesus, which I’m sure that would mean that you would go all out.
Challenge #1: Feed someone who’s hungry and thirsty.
Challenge #2: Invite a stranger in
Challenge #3: Clothes someone who needs clothes
Challenge #4: Look after someone who is sick
Challenge #5: Visit someone who is in prison or jail
REVIEW
What challenges did you complete today?
How did it go? What happened? How did God use it?
You know… we are constantly talking about what we should or would do for Christ. And, you know what? I don’t think the message could be more clearly stated, than Jesus did when He said these words. So, today, is a big challenge but it should be glorious because, straight from His own mouth, Jesus said as you’re doing these things to “the least of these brothers of mine, [you’re doing it] for Me.” Let’s do this for Him today.
Men, choose at least two of the challenges today. And, remember, do these challenges as if it was Jesus, which I’m sure that would mean that you would go all out.
Challenge #1: Feed someone who’s hungry and thirsty.
Challenge #2: Invite a stranger in
Challenge #3: Clothes someone who needs clothes
Challenge #4: Look after someone who is sick
Challenge #5: Visit someone who is in prison or jail
REVIEW
What challenges did you complete today?
How did it go? What happened? How did God use it?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Complain, Complain, Friday, October 15, 2010
Reading: Philippians 2:14-15, 14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
I was amazed when a special speaker came to our work and gave a demonstration of encouragement versus complaining. He had one of our coworkers stand in front and hold their arms straight out at their side. He then placed his hands on top of their arms but did not push them down. He began by stating a barrage of complaints and negative comments. The more he complained the further the coworker’s arms sank. After a few minutes, he began the practice all over again but this time, was very positive and encouraging. The coworker kept their arms up the whole time, in fact, their arms had raised a bit. It was amazing to see the physical response of hearing positive comments versus negative. We do not realize the impact our complaining and negative comments and spirit make on ourselves and those around us. Don’t forget the saying, “I complained about the fact that I didn’t have any shoes, until I met a man who had no feet”.
Challenge: Go throughout the entire day without saying a single negative thing and without a single complaint.
What are some typical things that you complain about throughout a day?
How can you safeguard yourself to catch yourself ?
REVIEW
How difficult was it to not complain or say something negative?
How did it influence your day?
I was amazed when a special speaker came to our work and gave a demonstration of encouragement versus complaining. He had one of our coworkers stand in front and hold their arms straight out at their side. He then placed his hands on top of their arms but did not push them down. He began by stating a barrage of complaints and negative comments. The more he complained the further the coworker’s arms sank. After a few minutes, he began the practice all over again but this time, was very positive and encouraging. The coworker kept their arms up the whole time, in fact, their arms had raised a bit. It was amazing to see the physical response of hearing positive comments versus negative. We do not realize the impact our complaining and negative comments and spirit make on ourselves and those around us. Don’t forget the saying, “I complained about the fact that I didn’t have any shoes, until I met a man who had no feet”.
Challenge: Go throughout the entire day without saying a single negative thing and without a single complaint.
What are some typical things that you complain about throughout a day?
How can you safeguard yourself to catch yourself ?
REVIEW
How difficult was it to not complain or say something negative?
How did it influence your day?
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Smell the Roses, Thursday, October 14, 2010
Reading: Matthew 6:28-30, 28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
As men, we don’t usually put a whole lot of thought into what we are going to wear. We even endure some minor harassment in statements like, “Did your mom or wife pick that out for you to wear”. But, we most definitely can worry about what tomorrow may bring. How often, though, do we take Jesus’ advice? Jesus was overflowing with wisdom. There is so much more to the illustration that Jesus used. He’s talking about worry and stress, yet, He says, “See how the lilies…” How many of us men, ever really take note of the flowers in the field? Even if we do, we take note from a distance and appreciate the landscape. But, how many of us take time to look close enough and take note of the detail of how God “clothed” that particular flower. The genius of His illustration is, what happens to your stress when you take time to notice the finer details of God’s creation? So often we are too busy to notice the details of the miracles of creation that are constantly around us.
Today take time to notice the miracles of creation around you.
Practically, take more than 15 minutes just to notice a flower or another piece of the nature of God’s creation.
What have you chosen to look at in detail to consider how God has taken care of it, it’s growth and it’s beauty?
When and how will you accomplish this today?
REVIEW
What principles have you experienced today as you studied a piece of God’s creation?
How can you apply this to your daily worries and stress?
As men, we don’t usually put a whole lot of thought into what we are going to wear. We even endure some minor harassment in statements like, “Did your mom or wife pick that out for you to wear”. But, we most definitely can worry about what tomorrow may bring. How often, though, do we take Jesus’ advice? Jesus was overflowing with wisdom. There is so much more to the illustration that Jesus used. He’s talking about worry and stress, yet, He says, “See how the lilies…” How many of us men, ever really take note of the flowers in the field? Even if we do, we take note from a distance and appreciate the landscape. But, how many of us take time to look close enough and take note of the detail of how God “clothed” that particular flower. The genius of His illustration is, what happens to your stress when you take time to notice the finer details of God’s creation? So often we are too busy to notice the details of the miracles of creation that are constantly around us.
Today take time to notice the miracles of creation around you.
Practically, take more than 15 minutes just to notice a flower or another piece of the nature of God’s creation.
What have you chosen to look at in detail to consider how God has taken care of it, it’s growth and it’s beauty?
When and how will you accomplish this today?
REVIEW
What principles have you experienced today as you studied a piece of God’s creation?
How can you apply this to your daily worries and stress?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Servanthood, Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Reading: John 13:5, 12-17, 5After that, [Jesus] poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Can you imagine, the same one that spoke the universe in all it’s majesty into existence, knelt down and washed the smelly, dirty feet of these men, his disciples? These men were not some delicately cared for princes or nobleman. They were fishermen, tax collector and travelers. As if it were not humbling enough to leave heaven’s splendor and come to earth, but he was constantly performing acts of humility, spending time, reaching out, associating with the lowly.
As Jesus said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet,” do something for someone today that is lowly and humbling. Before you quickly, just do something just to do it, remember the great span that Jesus crossed… Heaven’s glory to washing feet.
What can you do today to “reach down” and perform an act of humility for someone?
Now let’s do it!
REVIEW
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
What are your thoughts?
Can you imagine, the same one that spoke the universe in all it’s majesty into existence, knelt down and washed the smelly, dirty feet of these men, his disciples? These men were not some delicately cared for princes or nobleman. They were fishermen, tax collector and travelers. As if it were not humbling enough to leave heaven’s splendor and come to earth, but he was constantly performing acts of humility, spending time, reaching out, associating with the lowly.
As Jesus said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet,” do something for someone today that is lowly and humbling. Before you quickly, just do something just to do it, remember the great span that Jesus crossed… Heaven’s glory to washing feet.
What can you do today to “reach down” and perform an act of humility for someone?
Now let’s do it!
REVIEW
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
What are your thoughts?
Monday, October 11, 2010
Bearing Fruit, Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Reading: Luke 6:43-45, 43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
There is a tree on our property that, currently, does not have any fruit on it and has not bore fruit since we have lived there. It definitely looks like a citrus tree but we are still not sure exactly what type of fruit tree we have. After pruning and caring for it, we are hoping that it will bear fruit next year. We are very curious as to what fruit it will bear. Oftentimes we are the same way, we look like a Christian but… bearing fruit? The interesting thing about fruit is it clearly defines, for others to see, exactly what type of tree it is, it’s food for others to receive nourishment and it also is part of the reproductive process. We were not made to simply exist… to be a tree that is growing, green and just keeping to itself. We were made to bear fruit.
With these three attributes in mind, what fruit will you bear today for Christ?
How can you live this out practically throughout your day?
REVIEW
What fruit were you able to bear today?
How difficult was it to demonstrate this fruit in your life?
There is a tree on our property that, currently, does not have any fruit on it and has not bore fruit since we have lived there. It definitely looks like a citrus tree but we are still not sure exactly what type of fruit tree we have. After pruning and caring for it, we are hoping that it will bear fruit next year. We are very curious as to what fruit it will bear. Oftentimes we are the same way, we look like a Christian but… bearing fruit? The interesting thing about fruit is it clearly defines, for others to see, exactly what type of tree it is, it’s food for others to receive nourishment and it also is part of the reproductive process. We were not made to simply exist… to be a tree that is growing, green and just keeping to itself. We were made to bear fruit.
With these three attributes in mind, what fruit will you bear today for Christ?
How can you live this out practically throughout your day?
REVIEW
What fruit were you able to bear today?
How difficult was it to demonstrate this fruit in your life?
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Personal Bible Study, Monday, October 11, 2010
Reading: Philippians 4:4-9 , 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Questions for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
REVIEW
How did you do in applying God’s Word today?
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Questions for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
REVIEW
How did you do in applying God’s Word today?
Saturday, October 9, 2010
CELEBRATION! Sunday, October 10, 2010
Reading: Psalm 150:1-6, 1 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 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?
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, October 8, 2010
Be a Good Samaritan, Saturday, October 9, 2010
Reading: Luke 10:30-35, 30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
Most, if not all of us, know about the story of the Good Samaritan.
The challenge today? Simply, be a Good Samaritan to someone today.
What are some ways that you will be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What could be some pitfalls that could keep you from being a Good Samaritan to someone today?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What was the response? What are your thoughts?
Most, if not all of us, know about the story of the Good Samaritan.
The challenge today? Simply, be a Good Samaritan to someone today.
What are some ways that you will be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What could be some pitfalls that could keep you from being a Good Samaritan to someone today?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What was the response? What are your thoughts?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Witness, Friday, October 8, 2010
Reading: Jude 1:22-23, 22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
You get in your car, planning to head to work. You are going through your normal routine as you do almost every morning. As you head down the road, the same route that you always take, suddenly, you slam on your breaks! Your tires stop just barely short of going over the edge of a 50 foot drop. The bridge that is normally there has collapsed. There are no warning signs at all! In horror, you look in your review mirror and see a car rapidly come up on your rear. You jump out as quickly as you can… waving your arms… screaming at the top of your lungs. The approaching car doesn’t seem to be noticing you. You begin jumping up and down, waving your arms even more violently and trying to yell even louder. The car continues to barrel down and swerves to go around your parked car. The screech of tires as they slam on the breaks is very brief as the tires quickly become airborne. Too late… in disbelief, you watch as the car plummets down… but, the sickening feeling that has swept over your whole body turns into horrific urgency, again, as you hear another car approaching. At what point, would you be concerned about what the other driver would think of you? At what point, would you be concerned with how weird you may look with the way you inform them of the terror ahead of them? Why do we get so concerned about what people think in attempting to warn them of a more horrific destination… a Christ-less eternity? I am sure that you are sensing some fear, anxiety or some insecurity with just the THOUGHT of sharing your faith with someone. But, this is your battle today, share Christ with someone. Just imagine, there could be someone that you walk past today, you could be their last opportunity to hear about Christ and be warned of their destination. God has selected YOU to be the one to share with them.
Who are you going to seek out to witness to today? (be specific on who and how)
NOTE: Do not limit yourself or limit God to your list, keep your eyes open for ANYONE God may be leading you to witness to.
REVIEW
Were you able to witness to someone today?
What was the result?
Review I Corinthians 3:5-9—even if there were no results in your eyes, a seed was planted. If there were results, PRAISE GOD!!! Be sure to share what God did!
You get in your car, planning to head to work. You are going through your normal routine as you do almost every morning. As you head down the road, the same route that you always take, suddenly, you slam on your breaks! Your tires stop just barely short of going over the edge of a 50 foot drop. The bridge that is normally there has collapsed. There are no warning signs at all! In horror, you look in your review mirror and see a car rapidly come up on your rear. You jump out as quickly as you can… waving your arms… screaming at the top of your lungs. The approaching car doesn’t seem to be noticing you. You begin jumping up and down, waving your arms even more violently and trying to yell even louder. The car continues to barrel down and swerves to go around your parked car. The screech of tires as they slam on the breaks is very brief as the tires quickly become airborne. Too late… in disbelief, you watch as the car plummets down… but, the sickening feeling that has swept over your whole body turns into horrific urgency, again, as you hear another car approaching. At what point, would you be concerned about what the other driver would think of you? At what point, would you be concerned with how weird you may look with the way you inform them of the terror ahead of them? Why do we get so concerned about what people think in attempting to warn them of a more horrific destination… a Christ-less eternity? I am sure that you are sensing some fear, anxiety or some insecurity with just the THOUGHT of sharing your faith with someone. But, this is your battle today, share Christ with someone. Just imagine, there could be someone that you walk past today, you could be their last opportunity to hear about Christ and be warned of their destination. God has selected YOU to be the one to share with them.
Who are you going to seek out to witness to today? (be specific on who and how)
NOTE: Do not limit yourself or limit God to your list, keep your eyes open for ANYONE God may be leading you to witness to.
REVIEW
Were you able to witness to someone today?
What was the result?
Review I Corinthians 3:5-9—even if there were no results in your eyes, a seed was planted. If there were results, PRAISE GOD!!! Be sure to share what God did!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Uplift, Thursday, October 7, 2010
Reading: Exodus 17:8-16
Key Verse: I Samuel 23:16, 16 And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.
Look around. Literally… take some time today to look around. So many times we get caught up with fighting our battles that we do not take time to see who’s arms we can hold up for the overall cause or who we can individually help “find strength in God” like Jonathon did for David. Dedicate today as a day to help others find strength in God. Find someone who may be weak, who’s “arms” may be struggling to be held up for God to continue to win the battle in their life and help prop up their arms. Encourage them… uplift them… let them know that you’re praying for them.
Who are you going to seek out to uplift, to encourage to keep on fighting the battle, to find strength in God? (be specific on who and how)
Do so in humility, without judgment, without condemnation and with love and understanding. Simply be there for them for encouragement… let them know that you are here for them.
NOTE: Although you have written a list of those who you want to seek out, do not limit yourself or limit God, keep your eyes open for ANYONE that may need this same encouragement.
REVIEW
What response did you receive from those that you uplifted?
How did this affect you?
Key Verse: I Samuel 23:16, 16 And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.
Look around. Literally… take some time today to look around. So many times we get caught up with fighting our battles that we do not take time to see who’s arms we can hold up for the overall cause or who we can individually help “find strength in God” like Jonathon did for David. Dedicate today as a day to help others find strength in God. Find someone who may be weak, who’s “arms” may be struggling to be held up for God to continue to win the battle in their life and help prop up their arms. Encourage them… uplift them… let them know that you’re praying for them.
Who are you going to seek out to uplift, to encourage to keep on fighting the battle, to find strength in God? (be specific on who and how)
Do so in humility, without judgment, without condemnation and with love and understanding. Simply be there for them for encouragement… let them know that you are here for them.
NOTE: Although you have written a list of those who you want to seek out, do not limit yourself or limit God, keep your eyes open for ANYONE that may need this same encouragement.
REVIEW
What response did you receive from those that you uplifted?
How did this affect you?
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Your Final Day, Thursday, October 6, 2010
Reading: James 4:14, Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Take a moment, if today were your last day here on earth, what would you do today? (be specific)
What would you do with your family and how would you treat them?
What would you do at work and how would you view it?
What would be the most important thing that you would want to do today or what would you want to communicate from your mouth and by your life today?
What eternal value would those things have that you listed?
Okay, now… today is your day to do those things that you listed.
REVIEW
What did you do different today that you normally would not have?
How did it change who you are and how you look at the day?
Take a moment, if today were your last day here on earth, what would you do today? (be specific)
What would you do with your family and how would you treat them?
What would you do at work and how would you view it?
What would be the most important thing that you would want to do today or what would you want to communicate from your mouth and by your life today?
What eternal value would those things have that you listed?
Okay, now… today is your day to do those things that you listed.
REVIEW
What did you do different today that you normally would not have?
How did it change who you are and how you look at the day?
Monday, October 4, 2010
His Presence, Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Reading: Psalm 139:7-12, 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
I don’t know about you but when I am driving down the road and I glance to the side and see a police car, my heart begins to race. This then transitions into another physical response of running through a checklist: what’s my speed, do I have my seatbelt on, do I have my cell phone in my hand? But, when you see in your review mirror that he’s not pulling out after you and you’re at a “safe distance” you relax and stop thinking about making sure you’re doing everything right. Now, imagine, he DID pull out and began following you. How do you drive and how do you perform in that situation?
God says that He is with you wherever you are. Everywhere! Yes, with you as you sit down in front of your TV or your computer… with you in the dark, with you in your car, with you when you think no one else is with you or looking, or would ever know.
Today, take Jesus with you everywhere you go. Everywhere! Although God IS everywhere… today… welcome Him with you everywhere you go and involve Him in everything you do.
Go through your schedule of your day, how can you involve God all throughout your day? (be specific)
What would you normally do today that you would need to change, with Jesus looking over your shoulder? (be honest… He already knows)
REVIEW
What did you do different today with Jesus right by your side?
How did this affect you?
I don’t know about you but when I am driving down the road and I glance to the side and see a police car, my heart begins to race. This then transitions into another physical response of running through a checklist: what’s my speed, do I have my seatbelt on, do I have my cell phone in my hand? But, when you see in your review mirror that he’s not pulling out after you and you’re at a “safe distance” you relax and stop thinking about making sure you’re doing everything right. Now, imagine, he DID pull out and began following you. How do you drive and how do you perform in that situation?
God says that He is with you wherever you are. Everywhere! Yes, with you as you sit down in front of your TV or your computer… with you in the dark, with you in your car, with you when you think no one else is with you or looking, or would ever know.
Today, take Jesus with you everywhere you go. Everywhere! Although God IS everywhere… today… welcome Him with you everywhere you go and involve Him in everything you do.
Go through your schedule of your day, how can you involve God all throughout your day? (be specific)
What would you normally do today that you would need to change, with Jesus looking over your shoulder? (be honest… He already knows)
REVIEW
What did you do different today with Jesus right by your side?
How did this affect you?
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Watch Out!, Monday, October 4, 2010
Reading: James 1:12-15, 12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
A missionary was intrigued to learn how natives would capture monkeys. The natives would take a coconut and, after drilling a whole to a precise size, they would fill it with fruits and nuts. The coconut would then be tied to a tree. The curious monkey would find the coconut and stick his hands inside; but, with a handful of treats, he could not pull his hand back out through the hole. Even as the monkey could hear and see his capture approaching, he would NOT let go of his new found prize, until after he was captured. The “treats” and temptations that are holding you captive, are of your own making. You can have victory today! Christ has already defeated it! Are you ready to LET GO? Are you ready to let go to draw your sword to fight this battle today? It’s only ONE day! You can conquer your temptations and sins today with God’s help!
What temptation/sin are you holding onto that you need to let go of today?
What could hinder you from letting go of these temptations today?
How are you going to conquer this today? (be specific)
REVIEW
What temptation did you conquer today with God’s help that would normally have defeated you?
How did this affect you?
A missionary was intrigued to learn how natives would capture monkeys. The natives would take a coconut and, after drilling a whole to a precise size, they would fill it with fruits and nuts. The coconut would then be tied to a tree. The curious monkey would find the coconut and stick his hands inside; but, with a handful of treats, he could not pull his hand back out through the hole. Even as the monkey could hear and see his capture approaching, he would NOT let go of his new found prize, until after he was captured. The “treats” and temptations that are holding you captive, are of your own making. You can have victory today! Christ has already defeated it! Are you ready to LET GO? Are you ready to let go to draw your sword to fight this battle today? It’s only ONE day! You can conquer your temptations and sins today with God’s help!
What temptation/sin are you holding onto that you need to let go of today?
What could hinder you from letting go of these temptations today?
How are you going to conquer this today? (be specific)
REVIEW
What temptation did you conquer today with God’s help that would normally have defeated you?
How did this affect you?
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Celebration!, Sunday, October 3, 2010
Reading: Psalm 34:1-3, 1I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
Come on, men, let’s celebrate what God has done in us!!!
How did the Lord work in your heart and life the past few days?
What decisions did you make for the Lord?
What have you placed on the altar and offered to the Lord?
Come on, men, let’s celebrate what God has done in us!!!
How did the Lord work in your heart and life the past few days?
What decisions did you make for the Lord?
What have you placed on the altar and offered to the Lord?
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