Reading: II Timothy 2:20-21, 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
Today, there is a little project for you to do. Grab a nice clean glass or cup. Fill it to the brim with cold, clean, clear water. After you have done that, take a drink and then grab a spoon and go outside. Find a little area that has some visible dirt. Begin digging with your spoon and add a little bit of dirt to your glass of water. Now, take another drink. Add a little bit more dirt and , then, take another drink. Continue performing this until either the glass is empty or you refuse to drink anymore. At which point did you stop? How many spoons of dirt did it take for you to refuse to drink the water? If you are anything like me, it would have been the first spoon full. It instantly would have been distasteful for me to want to drink. Why do we not take such good care of making sure that our “vessel” is free from dirt and pollution of sin?
At the same time, when I want a drink or if company comes over and I am retrieving a drink for them, I don’t grab a glass from those that may be dirty in the sink or in the dishwasher, rather, obviously, I grab from the glasses that I know are clean in the cupboard. Sometimes, we wonder why God is not using us and we almost “demand’ to be used by God in a certain ministry or setting, but, neglect to keep the vessel clean. God wants to be able to walk over to the cupboard of “vessels” and select from those who are keeping their “vessels” clean and ready to be used, “prepared for ever good work.”
Today, reflect on your life and where you are at. Are you a “vessel” that is clean from all contaminates and ready to be used?
What can you do today to be sure to your vessel is clean and ready for His use?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to clean your vessel and prepare it for our Master’s use?
What impact did that have on you today?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Personal Bible Study, Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Reading: Matthew 5:13-14, 13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
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?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
He Notices, Monday, November 29, 2010
Reading: Matthew 10:29-31, 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
What do you spend time noticing throughout the day, the sport’s section of the paper, the internet, the stock market, emails you received, the list of things you have to get done, your family? What turns your head and makes you take note? Most of us take great care and notice in our hair and the way that we look. Let’s face it, some of us are pretty vein in our appearance. But, even the most vein amongst us, I am sure, have never taken the time to count every single hair on your head. I may take that back considering some of our less densely populated heads of hair; but, imagine how tedious and seemingly pointless it would be. But, that is the exact point that is stressed by Jesus in these three verses. God cares about you, even with the tedious and seemingly pointless. How many of you have seen a penny on the ground in the past year? How valuable was that to you? Were you quick to scoop it up and tuck it away, excited about the financial turning point that this penny would make in your life? But, a bird that is worth less than a penny is valuable to the One who owns more wealth than the entire world could provide. He notices you and He’s noticing you today?
What tedious and seemingly pointless things are you going through today?
Challenge #1: Every menial task that you are doing today, live in the remembrance that God notices and cares.
Challenge #2: If God cares that much about the small things about you, he also does about others, take time to care about the menial things in those around you. If God, who oversees the entire universe, cares about those things, so can you today.
REVIEW
How did living in the remembrance that God is noticing you and the little things in your day affect your day?
How were you able to take time to care about the small things in other people’s day?
What do you spend time noticing throughout the day, the sport’s section of the paper, the internet, the stock market, emails you received, the list of things you have to get done, your family? What turns your head and makes you take note? Most of us take great care and notice in our hair and the way that we look. Let’s face it, some of us are pretty vein in our appearance. But, even the most vein amongst us, I am sure, have never taken the time to count every single hair on your head. I may take that back considering some of our less densely populated heads of hair; but, imagine how tedious and seemingly pointless it would be. But, that is the exact point that is stressed by Jesus in these three verses. God cares about you, even with the tedious and seemingly pointless. How many of you have seen a penny on the ground in the past year? How valuable was that to you? Were you quick to scoop it up and tuck it away, excited about the financial turning point that this penny would make in your life? But, a bird that is worth less than a penny is valuable to the One who owns more wealth than the entire world could provide. He notices you and He’s noticing you today?
What tedious and seemingly pointless things are you going through today?
Challenge #1: Every menial task that you are doing today, live in the remembrance that God notices and cares.
Challenge #2: If God cares that much about the small things about you, he also does about others, take time to care about the menial things in those around you. If God, who oversees the entire universe, cares about those things, so can you today.
REVIEW
How did living in the remembrance that God is noticing you and the little things in your day affect your day?
How were you able to take time to care about the small things in other people’s day?
Saturday, November 27, 2010
CELEBRATION! Sunday, November 28, 2010
Reading: Psalm 135:1-3, 1 Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants of the LORD, 2 you who minister in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God. 3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.
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, November 26, 2010
Do Good, Saturday, November 27, 2010
Reading: Galatians 6:9-10, 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
It is simply amazing at the large quantity of diet plans that exist today. Commercial after commercial gloat over the quantity of weight that this person lost and how much better this other person looks. Even some celebrities create a buzz over substantial weight loss and the curiosity of which diet plan they used. Why? The results. People see the results. So many people today witness great results and want to have it. We have become more inundated with results, even to an extent of overshadowing the work involved to accomplishing the results. We are able to witness many wanting to make a six figure salary but not wanting to put in the work to get there. Unfortunately, we can tend to be the same way in an effort of doing good. Oftentimes, we do good things… to get a result. We want to see results from our efforts of doing good… whether it’s being treated better, spiritual growth of another, financial benefit, reputation enhancement, etc. Paul in Galatians encourages us to not give up, don’t focus on the results. Simply, continue to do good; the results will happen in its time.
How are you currently becoming weary in doing good because you are not seeing an apparent result?
How can you keep your focus on simply doing good and not on the result?
What will you do today that is good even though you may not see a positive result in the future?
REVIEW
What were you able to start or continue to do today that is good?
Were you able to focus on simply doing good without the result in mind?
How did this impact your day?
It is simply amazing at the large quantity of diet plans that exist today. Commercial after commercial gloat over the quantity of weight that this person lost and how much better this other person looks. Even some celebrities create a buzz over substantial weight loss and the curiosity of which diet plan they used. Why? The results. People see the results. So many people today witness great results and want to have it. We have become more inundated with results, even to an extent of overshadowing the work involved to accomplishing the results. We are able to witness many wanting to make a six figure salary but not wanting to put in the work to get there. Unfortunately, we can tend to be the same way in an effort of doing good. Oftentimes, we do good things… to get a result. We want to see results from our efforts of doing good… whether it’s being treated better, spiritual growth of another, financial benefit, reputation enhancement, etc. Paul in Galatians encourages us to not give up, don’t focus on the results. Simply, continue to do good; the results will happen in its time.
How are you currently becoming weary in doing good because you are not seeing an apparent result?
How can you keep your focus on simply doing good and not on the result?
What will you do today that is good even though you may not see a positive result in the future?
REVIEW
What were you able to start or continue to do today that is good?
Were you able to focus on simply doing good without the result in mind?
How did this impact your day?
Thursday, November 25, 2010
See the Crowd, Friday November 26, 2010
Reading: Matthew 9:36-38, 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
As we are to be imitators of Christ, how many times do we “see the crowds”? We fly past many people, almost every day but how often do we really see them? Now, let’s remember who Jesus was as He viewed these crowds. The people that He saw and had compassion on were the same people whose sins would be nailing Him to the cross. He could have very easily thought, “I’m already doing enough for these people. I don’t need to give anything more to them or be concerned any more about them. I’m going to be crucified for them. I think that’s plenty.” No, He had compassion on them. This is the creator of the universe. This is the Son of God. This is the King of Kings.
Can you see them? Can you see them as sheep without a shepherd? Can you see their needs… their real needs?
Challenge #1: Take time today, some real time, not simply a couple minutes, to see the crowds. Go to a location, purposefully, where there will be a larger group of people, and “see” them. Ask God to open your eyes and see them as He sees them.
What can you do to be a “worker in the field” today?
Challenge #2: Take time today get away to talk to God and ask Him to send workers into His harvest field.
REVIEW
What did you see today as you viewed the world through God’s eyes?
What work were you able to do in the “field” today
As we are to be imitators of Christ, how many times do we “see the crowds”? We fly past many people, almost every day but how often do we really see them? Now, let’s remember who Jesus was as He viewed these crowds. The people that He saw and had compassion on were the same people whose sins would be nailing Him to the cross. He could have very easily thought, “I’m already doing enough for these people. I don’t need to give anything more to them or be concerned any more about them. I’m going to be crucified for them. I think that’s plenty.” No, He had compassion on them. This is the creator of the universe. This is the Son of God. This is the King of Kings.
Can you see them? Can you see them as sheep without a shepherd? Can you see their needs… their real needs?
Challenge #1: Take time today, some real time, not simply a couple minutes, to see the crowds. Go to a location, purposefully, where there will be a larger group of people, and “see” them. Ask God to open your eyes and see them as He sees them.
What can you do to be a “worker in the field” today?
Challenge #2: Take time today get away to talk to God and ask Him to send workers into His harvest field.
REVIEW
What did you see today as you viewed the world through God’s eyes?
What work were you able to do in the “field” today
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Humble Yourself, Thursday, November 25, 2010
Reading: I Peter 5:5-7, 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time”
I am always intrigued at high school state tournament championships. State tournaments are typically broken into different divisions. At the end of the Division III championship game, the winners are all chanting, “We’re number 1… we’re number 1.” Then the Division II teams come out to play their championship game obviously appearing to be bigger, stronger and more talented than the Division III championship team. At the end of the Division II championship game, the winning team begins chanting, “We’re number 1… we’re number 1.” Then, the Division I teams come out to play. No comparison between Division I and Division II. I’m sure you know what’s coming. Now, who is number 1? Then, you can begin the comparison to college teams and then pro teams. Now, why do we struggle so much with thinking that who we are, what we have to offer, what we say, what we can accomplish is in any way better than any other brother in Christ? When God tells us to be submissive to one another, notice it does not talk about position, class or experience. Goodness, men, the apostles who God used to write His Word were fishermen, tax collectors, etc. These were not men full of experience, rather full of the Spirit of God. We are to compare ourselves to the ultimate champion, God. In humbling ourselves under His mighty hand, He will exalt us but it will be to bring Him glory.
What areas of pride is God convicting you of, especially in relationship to your brother’s in Christ?
What can you do to make this right and be submissive to “one another”?
REVIEW
What did you do today to confess your pride and to humble yourself to be submissive to “one another”?
How did this impact your day?
I am always intrigued at high school state tournament championships. State tournaments are typically broken into different divisions. At the end of the Division III championship game, the winners are all chanting, “We’re number 1… we’re number 1.” Then the Division II teams come out to play their championship game obviously appearing to be bigger, stronger and more talented than the Division III championship team. At the end of the Division II championship game, the winning team begins chanting, “We’re number 1… we’re number 1.” Then, the Division I teams come out to play. No comparison between Division I and Division II. I’m sure you know what’s coming. Now, who is number 1? Then, you can begin the comparison to college teams and then pro teams. Now, why do we struggle so much with thinking that who we are, what we have to offer, what we say, what we can accomplish is in any way better than any other brother in Christ? When God tells us to be submissive to one another, notice it does not talk about position, class or experience. Goodness, men, the apostles who God used to write His Word were fishermen, tax collectors, etc. These were not men full of experience, rather full of the Spirit of God. We are to compare ourselves to the ultimate champion, God. In humbling ourselves under His mighty hand, He will exalt us but it will be to bring Him glory.
What areas of pride is God convicting you of, especially in relationship to your brother’s in Christ?
What can you do to make this right and be submissive to “one another”?
REVIEW
What did you do today to confess your pride and to humble yourself to be submissive to “one another”?
How did this impact your day?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Beyond Our Ability! Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Reading: I Peter 4:11, If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
It’s been said many, many times that a true superstar is the one that rises to a whole different level than anyone else when the game is on the line. It’s as if something takes over to elevate them to a whole new level, leaving all the other players standing there simply observing the performance. I’m sure that a variety of names of sports heroes are running through your mind. If you are a Christian, you have those same abilities, not on a sports court or field, rather on the field of life. You have been equipped with a button labeled “turbo superstar” which is powered by the ability the God of the universe has supplied you. The question is, why do we often times rely on our own ability, our own power to be a “regular player”? I’m sure our Father gets frustrated standing by watching us attempt in our own strength something that He knows, with His ability, we could do so much better. When we finally do perform with His ability, the opportunity arises for Him to get the glory in all things, because, men, the glory and dominion belong to Him. It is HIS to possess. He is the only worthy and deserving one of such glory and praise. Let Him do the work today.
What are some thing s that you will be doing today that you will do with the ability that God supplies?
How will you be sure to perform with His abilities today?
How can you give God the glory through what you do today?
REVIEW
Were you able to live and perform in God’s ability?
How were you able to accomplish this today?
It’s been said many, many times that a true superstar is the one that rises to a whole different level than anyone else when the game is on the line. It’s as if something takes over to elevate them to a whole new level, leaving all the other players standing there simply observing the performance. I’m sure that a variety of names of sports heroes are running through your mind. If you are a Christian, you have those same abilities, not on a sports court or field, rather on the field of life. You have been equipped with a button labeled “turbo superstar” which is powered by the ability the God of the universe has supplied you. The question is, why do we often times rely on our own ability, our own power to be a “regular player”? I’m sure our Father gets frustrated standing by watching us attempt in our own strength something that He knows, with His ability, we could do so much better. When we finally do perform with His ability, the opportunity arises for Him to get the glory in all things, because, men, the glory and dominion belong to Him. It is HIS to possess. He is the only worthy and deserving one of such glory and praise. Let Him do the work today.
What are some thing s that you will be doing today that you will do with the ability that God supplies?
How will you be sure to perform with His abilities today?
How can you give God the glory through what you do today?
REVIEW
Were you able to live and perform in God’s ability?
How were you able to accomplish this today?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tear Down the Altars, Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Reading: Judges 2:1-3, 1 Then the Angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you. 2 And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed My voice. Why have you done this? 3 Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.’”
So many times we think the way to conquer the sin in our lives is to simply stop doing it and to ask forgiveness. God told the children of Israel to utterly destroy the people within the land that God gave them and to destroy their altars that were made for other gods. God knew that these remaining remnants would be temptations and deterrents from their relationship with Him. Sure enough, Israel did not do what God had told them to do, destroy it ALL. Tear down the altars! Can you imagine firefighters called to a scene, putting out the fire but not making sure the cause of the fire is eliminated? Often we address our sin in the same way, we put out the fire for the time being, but, the ultimate cause of the sin, we ignore and act like it will be okay. Men, we need to not simply stop performing our acts of sin and ask forgiveness, we need to hate it enough to utterly destroy all remnants of the sin. Tear down the altars! Don’t let there be anything that could tempt you or cause you to stumble. Whatever you leave behind, God will allow to be a thorn in your side.
What remnants of sin and temptation have you left in place that can cause you to stumble and fall back into?
What can you do to utterly destroy the remnants of this sin and temptation?
REVIEW
What remnants of sin and temptation were you able to destroy today?
Were you victorious?
How did this affect your day
So many times we think the way to conquer the sin in our lives is to simply stop doing it and to ask forgiveness. God told the children of Israel to utterly destroy the people within the land that God gave them and to destroy their altars that were made for other gods. God knew that these remaining remnants would be temptations and deterrents from their relationship with Him. Sure enough, Israel did not do what God had told them to do, destroy it ALL. Tear down the altars! Can you imagine firefighters called to a scene, putting out the fire but not making sure the cause of the fire is eliminated? Often we address our sin in the same way, we put out the fire for the time being, but, the ultimate cause of the sin, we ignore and act like it will be okay. Men, we need to not simply stop performing our acts of sin and ask forgiveness, we need to hate it enough to utterly destroy all remnants of the sin. Tear down the altars! Don’t let there be anything that could tempt you or cause you to stumble. Whatever you leave behind, God will allow to be a thorn in your side.
What remnants of sin and temptation have you left in place that can cause you to stumble and fall back into?
What can you do to utterly destroy the remnants of this sin and temptation?
REVIEW
What remnants of sin and temptation were you able to destroy today?
Were you victorious?
How did this affect your day
Sunday, November 21, 2010
When Facing a Crisis, Monday, November 22, 2010
Reading: Psalm 121, I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Have you ever been confronted with a problem or crisis that is so big that it makes you feel overwhelmed and powerless? Perhaps you’ve experienced that feeling of panic and fright when you realize you do not have what it takes to get through the situation on your own.
God is always with you and ready to provide you with the strength and wisdom to confront your problems. He eagerly awaits the opportunity to help and guide you through these times. God uses these times to help us develop our relationship with Him. He wants us to call upon him for help and support.
How would you call upon the Lord when confronting a problem or crisis in your life?
What problem or crisis are you experiencing today?
How can you be sure to call on Him throughout the day and turn to Him for your struggle?
REVIEW
Have you taken the opportunity to ask God for his help with a problem or crisis you’re confronting today?
How has this experience strengthened your relationship with God?
Have you ever been confronted with a problem or crisis that is so big that it makes you feel overwhelmed and powerless? Perhaps you’ve experienced that feeling of panic and fright when you realize you do not have what it takes to get through the situation on your own.
God is always with you and ready to provide you with the strength and wisdom to confront your problems. He eagerly awaits the opportunity to help and guide you through these times. God uses these times to help us develop our relationship with Him. He wants us to call upon him for help and support.
How would you call upon the Lord when confronting a problem or crisis in your life?
What problem or crisis are you experiencing today?
How can you be sure to call on Him throughout the day and turn to Him for your struggle?
REVIEW
Have you taken the opportunity to ask God for his help with a problem or crisis you’re confronting today?
How has this experience strengthened your relationship with God?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
CELEBRATION!, Sunday, November 21, 2010
Reading: Psalm 138:1-3, 1 I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise. 2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3 When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
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, November 19, 2010
You Are Not Alone, Saturday, November 20, 2010
Reading: Galatians 6:2, Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
If you drove to the airport, parked your car and walked to the terminal drop off area, I am sure that you would witness a variety of different people and muse at the various methods of packing. There’s the business man, who buzzes by you with a simple briefcase. There’s the mom getting out of a van with her kids after visiting Grandma and Grandpa with four oversized suitcases. There’s the college student that went on a ski trip awkwardly struggling with his bag, skis, boots, and other necessities. In a setting like this, it is easy to see someone that is struggling with a burden that is more than they can handle. When it is an inward burden of sin or struggle, it is not necessarily easy to observe or recognize. To fulfill this verse, it is important for both sides, the burdened and the bystander, to work together as brothers in Christ. Always remember, from the point you joined the family of God, you are not alone!
What burdens of sin or struggle are you experiencing today?
Challenge #1: Ask someone to help you carry this burden today. Be specific. To truly allow someone to help you carry this burden, you need to let them know the entirety of the burden that you are experiencing. If not, you will maintain the majority of the weight of this burden. Let your brother be there for you.
What burdens are you already aware that someone else is experiencing?
Challenge #2: Go to those people who you already know are experiencing burdens of sin or struggles. First, pray and ask God to give you discernment of how to best carry his burden with him. Second, pray with them. Third, do as much as you possibly can to help them carry that burden today.
REVIEW
Were you able to share your burdens with someone today? How did that impact you?
Were you able to share someone else’s burden today? What impact did it make today?
If you drove to the airport, parked your car and walked to the terminal drop off area, I am sure that you would witness a variety of different people and muse at the various methods of packing. There’s the business man, who buzzes by you with a simple briefcase. There’s the mom getting out of a van with her kids after visiting Grandma and Grandpa with four oversized suitcases. There’s the college student that went on a ski trip awkwardly struggling with his bag, skis, boots, and other necessities. In a setting like this, it is easy to see someone that is struggling with a burden that is more than they can handle. When it is an inward burden of sin or struggle, it is not necessarily easy to observe or recognize. To fulfill this verse, it is important for both sides, the burdened and the bystander, to work together as brothers in Christ. Always remember, from the point you joined the family of God, you are not alone!
What burdens of sin or struggle are you experiencing today?
Challenge #1: Ask someone to help you carry this burden today. Be specific. To truly allow someone to help you carry this burden, you need to let them know the entirety of the burden that you are experiencing. If not, you will maintain the majority of the weight of this burden. Let your brother be there for you.
What burdens are you already aware that someone else is experiencing?
Challenge #2: Go to those people who you already know are experiencing burdens of sin or struggles. First, pray and ask God to give you discernment of how to best carry his burden with him. Second, pray with them. Third, do as much as you possibly can to help them carry that burden today.
REVIEW
Were you able to share your burdens with someone today? How did that impact you?
Were you able to share someone else’s burden today? What impact did it make today?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Always Pray, Friday, November 19, 2010
Reading: Ephesians 6:18, 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
After writing a letter to the editor of the Appeal-Democrat and mentioning prayer, an online reader, apparently an atheist, commented on the article and stated, “Be sure to let us know how that works for you.” And, later on stated that “[he is] seriously interested in knowing how talking to yourself [helps].” Although, we may get upset or discouraged with people that might make comments like this, often times we treat prayer the same way. We act as though we are simply talking to our self and not the creator and ruler of the universe and our Father who cares about us.
We tend to think that God is only interested in the BIG things but we are told to pray on ALL occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. He wants to hear from you. He loves hearing from you, about everything! There is another part to this verse, though, “Be alert and always keep on praying”. Be alert to what others may be going through, especially your brothers and sisters in Christ. Be alert to what others may be struggling with and pray, pray, pray. Don’t just say that you will pray for them… pray for them. One of the greatest parts of this verse is, “pray in the Spirit”. This is where the power comes from. The Spirit can and will guide you in your prayers.
Challenge: Today, pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Even the smallest, most insignificant things, today, pray about them. Talk to God about EVERYTHING today. Tell Him how you’re feeling, what you’re struggling with, pray for those you drive past, thank Him for the day that He created for you today… just talk to Him… all day long… about everything. He wants to hear from you!
What are some distractions that could keep you from your challenge?
REVIEW
Did you pray about everything today with all kinds of prayers and requests?
Were you able to notice others and their needs to pray for them?
How did this impact your day?
After writing a letter to the editor of the Appeal-Democrat and mentioning prayer, an online reader, apparently an atheist, commented on the article and stated, “Be sure to let us know how that works for you.” And, later on stated that “[he is] seriously interested in knowing how talking to yourself [helps].” Although, we may get upset or discouraged with people that might make comments like this, often times we treat prayer the same way. We act as though we are simply talking to our self and not the creator and ruler of the universe and our Father who cares about us.
We tend to think that God is only interested in the BIG things but we are told to pray on ALL occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. He wants to hear from you. He loves hearing from you, about everything! There is another part to this verse, though, “Be alert and always keep on praying”. Be alert to what others may be going through, especially your brothers and sisters in Christ. Be alert to what others may be struggling with and pray, pray, pray. Don’t just say that you will pray for them… pray for them. One of the greatest parts of this verse is, “pray in the Spirit”. This is where the power comes from. The Spirit can and will guide you in your prayers.
Challenge: Today, pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Even the smallest, most insignificant things, today, pray about them. Talk to God about EVERYTHING today. Tell Him how you’re feeling, what you’re struggling with, pray for those you drive past, thank Him for the day that He created for you today… just talk to Him… all day long… about everything. He wants to hear from you!
What are some distractions that could keep you from your challenge?
REVIEW
Did you pray about everything today with all kinds of prayers and requests?
Were you able to notice others and their needs to pray for them?
How did this impact your day?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Fight the Battle, Thursday, November 18, 2010
Reading: Judges 3:1-6, 1 These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan 2 (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience): 3 the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. 4 They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD's commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses. 5 The Israelites lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 6 They took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
God in His wisdom knew that if all of the land and Israel’s enemies were conquered at the time, then the next generation would grow up without knowing how to defend itself and to see God’s hand in destroying their enemies instead of just hearing the stories. But, Israel, instead of using the “test” for the purpose that God intended, “to make them stronger”, they used it as a means of sinning against God and served other gods. There are things that God is allowing in your life as tests. The purpose is not for you to fall, though, or to become discouraged. It is for you to fight the battle, to gain more experience as a warrior of the faith… to rise up and fight against it! The last thing He wants is for you to fall. Often times we choose to “serve other gods” with the tests and temptation, instead of seeing the REAL battle and test. Men, let’s rise up and fight the battle today!
What are some tests that you are experiencing?
Are you rising up and fighting the battle or have you been defeated by the test?
It’s never too late, let’s rise up today and fight the battle. Choose to totally destroy the enemy today and gain victory over the test that God is allowing for your experience to make you stronger as a warrior of the faith!
REVIEW
How did you fight the battle and overcome your tests today?
Were you victorious? Explain
God in His wisdom knew that if all of the land and Israel’s enemies were conquered at the time, then the next generation would grow up without knowing how to defend itself and to see God’s hand in destroying their enemies instead of just hearing the stories. But, Israel, instead of using the “test” for the purpose that God intended, “to make them stronger”, they used it as a means of sinning against God and served other gods. There are things that God is allowing in your life as tests. The purpose is not for you to fall, though, or to become discouraged. It is for you to fight the battle, to gain more experience as a warrior of the faith… to rise up and fight against it! The last thing He wants is for you to fall. Often times we choose to “serve other gods” with the tests and temptation, instead of seeing the REAL battle and test. Men, let’s rise up and fight the battle today!
What are some tests that you are experiencing?
Are you rising up and fighting the battle or have you been defeated by the test?
It’s never too late, let’s rise up today and fight the battle. Choose to totally destroy the enemy today and gain victory over the test that God is allowing for your experience to make you stronger as a warrior of the faith!
REVIEW
How did you fight the battle and overcome your tests today?
Were you victorious? Explain
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Keep Loving, Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Reading: Matthew 24:10-13, 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
In a time when CEOs of financial institutions walk away from a plummeting economy with million dollar bonuses, men are walking into schools and shopping malls to kill as many people as they can before taking their own lives, terrorist across the globe are taking the lives of countless innocent victims and most people are out for only themselves with very little morals, Jesus’ words seem to reverberate even louder today. “Because of [this] increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but [if you] stand firm to the end [you] will be saved.” Don’t give up on love. Keep loving… keep having compassion. Remember that the world is only seeking to fill the “God Shaped Hole” in their heart with everything to satisfy themselves. They do not know or experience the joy, peace, love and hope that we can experience through Christ.
What are some ways that you have started giving up on love or demonstrating it, especially to the world?
How could you demonstrate love today, especially to those who, most would consider, are not deserving of it?
Challenge: Show and demonstrate God’s unconditional and unfailing love to as many people as you come across today.
What may be some challenges to fulfilling this challenge today?
REVIEW
How were you able to keep and demonstrate God’s unconditional, unfailing love?
How did this impact your day today?
In a time when CEOs of financial institutions walk away from a plummeting economy with million dollar bonuses, men are walking into schools and shopping malls to kill as many people as they can before taking their own lives, terrorist across the globe are taking the lives of countless innocent victims and most people are out for only themselves with very little morals, Jesus’ words seem to reverberate even louder today. “Because of [this] increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but [if you] stand firm to the end [you] will be saved.” Don’t give up on love. Keep loving… keep having compassion. Remember that the world is only seeking to fill the “God Shaped Hole” in their heart with everything to satisfy themselves. They do not know or experience the joy, peace, love and hope that we can experience through Christ.
What are some ways that you have started giving up on love or demonstrating it, especially to the world?
How could you demonstrate love today, especially to those who, most would consider, are not deserving of it?
Challenge: Show and demonstrate God’s unconditional and unfailing love to as many people as you come across today.
What may be some challenges to fulfilling this challenge today?
REVIEW
How were you able to keep and demonstrate God’s unconditional, unfailing love?
How did this impact your day today?
Monday, November 15, 2010
Shed Your Cares, Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Reading: I Peter 5:7, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
I’m sure that you have either witnessed it or can imagine this happening. You see a woman or child struggling to carry all of the things that they are attempting to carry in one trip. You walk over and kindly offer to help. “No, no thank you. I’ve got it.” Typically, right after the response, several things fall out of their arms, crashing to the ground. Again, you offer to help them but they adamantly respond that they’ve “got it”. You really struggle with wanting to be a gentleman and help them. Can you imagine how God feels? He sees us struggling, trying to balance everything on our shoulders and in our arms? He attempts to remind you that He’s there. He lovingly tells you in His Word to cast on Him all of those things that you’re stressed over and burdened with, but we often say, “No, I’ve got it. Thank you, though.” Then there are some of us who hand our stress and cares over to Him for Him to carry; then, after a while, walk back over and take it back to carry again burdening ourselves with it again. Even though, when He was carrying it, you are easily able to see that He’s not struggling with it at all and your life is a lot easier.
What are your cares and burdens today, list them in detail?
How can you cast these cares and burdens on God right now and all throughout the day?
Challenge: All throughout today, cast ALL of your cares upon Him and leave them there.
REVIEW
What cares and burdens did you give over to the Lord today?
Were you able to leave them in His care?
I’m sure that you have either witnessed it or can imagine this happening. You see a woman or child struggling to carry all of the things that they are attempting to carry in one trip. You walk over and kindly offer to help. “No, no thank you. I’ve got it.” Typically, right after the response, several things fall out of their arms, crashing to the ground. Again, you offer to help them but they adamantly respond that they’ve “got it”. You really struggle with wanting to be a gentleman and help them. Can you imagine how God feels? He sees us struggling, trying to balance everything on our shoulders and in our arms? He attempts to remind you that He’s there. He lovingly tells you in His Word to cast on Him all of those things that you’re stressed over and burdened with, but we often say, “No, I’ve got it. Thank you, though.” Then there are some of us who hand our stress and cares over to Him for Him to carry; then, after a while, walk back over and take it back to carry again burdening ourselves with it again. Even though, when He was carrying it, you are easily able to see that He’s not struggling with it at all and your life is a lot easier.
What are your cares and burdens today, list them in detail?
How can you cast these cares and burdens on God right now and all throughout the day?
Challenge: All throughout today, cast ALL of your cares upon Him and leave them there.
REVIEW
What cares and burdens did you give over to the Lord today?
Were you able to leave them in His care?
Sunday, November 14, 2010
How’s Your Attitude? Monday, November 15, 2010
Reading: Philippians 2:5-8, 5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Have you ever been in a situation where you had more experience, more knowledge, more education and/or more understanding than a particular individual? Then, that person comes walking up to you that you KNOW couldn’t possibly know what you know, at which point they begin telling you what to do or give the impression that they know more about it than you do? Now, picture the creator of the universe… humbling Himself to come down to be the baby, the student, the servant, the condemned one, the crucified one.
What was His attitude like and give illustrations?
What is your attitude like or would it be like in that same scenario?
In what areas do you need to work on and demonstrate humility today?
In general?
At work?
At home?
REVIEW
In what ways did you struggle today keeping your pride in check?
How did this impact your day?
Have you ever been in a situation where you had more experience, more knowledge, more education and/or more understanding than a particular individual? Then, that person comes walking up to you that you KNOW couldn’t possibly know what you know, at which point they begin telling you what to do or give the impression that they know more about it than you do? Now, picture the creator of the universe… humbling Himself to come down to be the baby, the student, the servant, the condemned one, the crucified one.
What was His attitude like and give illustrations?
What is your attitude like or would it be like in that same scenario?
In what areas do you need to work on and demonstrate humility today?
In general?
At work?
At home?
REVIEW
In what ways did you struggle today keeping your pride in check?
How did this impact your day?
Saturday, November 13, 2010
CELEBRATION! Sunday, November 14, 2010
Reading: Psalm 138:4-8, 4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth. 5 May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great. 6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. 8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.
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, November 12, 2010
Pray for Your Pastors, Saturday, November 13, 2010
Reading: Ephesians 6:19-20, 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
When we think about the Apostle Paul, who wrote this book to the church of Ephesus, we think of someone who had it all together. I mean, come on! He was the Apostle Paul; one of the original church leaders. Yet, Paul asks the people of Ephesus to pray for him that he would not have fear when he declares the gospel of Christ. These two verses are packed full of some amazing revelations that are very appropriate for us as men. It’s NEVER easy for a man to admit he’s afraid, let alone, this stalwart of the faith who is suppose to be this mighty man of God, to admit that he needs prayer not to be afraid to witness. Another amazing revelation is his complete dependence on God to give him the words to speak. Oftentimes, we can become so cavalier in our reliance on our own wisdom and insight. Goodness, look at all the experience we have; yet, Paul, who literally saw Jesus and had been on several missionary trips and witnessed to scores of people, still relied totally on the words being given to him from God. How many times had he done this… yet, he still experienced fear and he still relied on God. For those of us that have the experience with God, what a tremendous reminder to get back to relying on Him to speak, not ourselves. For those of us who do not have the experience with God, what a tremendous encouragement, that even the Apostle Paul struggled with fear to witness and preach the Gospel.
Challenge: Pray for our pastors today. Although they may have experience, they too desire and will need our prayers for God to speak to them and calm their fears.
Are you declaring the gospel fearlessly, as you should?
How can you do that today (to start, you can ask God to calm your fears), but how else?
REVIEW
Did you pray for your pastors today?
Were you able to declare the gospel fearlessly today?
What happened?
When we think about the Apostle Paul, who wrote this book to the church of Ephesus, we think of someone who had it all together. I mean, come on! He was the Apostle Paul; one of the original church leaders. Yet, Paul asks the people of Ephesus to pray for him that he would not have fear when he declares the gospel of Christ. These two verses are packed full of some amazing revelations that are very appropriate for us as men. It’s NEVER easy for a man to admit he’s afraid, let alone, this stalwart of the faith who is suppose to be this mighty man of God, to admit that he needs prayer not to be afraid to witness. Another amazing revelation is his complete dependence on God to give him the words to speak. Oftentimes, we can become so cavalier in our reliance on our own wisdom and insight. Goodness, look at all the experience we have; yet, Paul, who literally saw Jesus and had been on several missionary trips and witnessed to scores of people, still relied totally on the words being given to him from God. How many times had he done this… yet, he still experienced fear and he still relied on God. For those of us that have the experience with God, what a tremendous reminder to get back to relying on Him to speak, not ourselves. For those of us who do not have the experience with God, what a tremendous encouragement, that even the Apostle Paul struggled with fear to witness and preach the Gospel.
Challenge: Pray for our pastors today. Although they may have experience, they too desire and will need our prayers for God to speak to them and calm their fears.
Are you declaring the gospel fearlessly, as you should?
How can you do that today (to start, you can ask God to calm your fears), but how else?
REVIEW
Did you pray for your pastors today?
Were you able to declare the gospel fearlessly today?
What happened?
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Share, Friday, November 12, 2010
Reading: I Peter 4:9-10, 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Have you seen the look on someone’s face when they are eating something that they are thoroughly enjoying and someone walks up, begins watching them carefully then begins licking their lips, signaling that they would really like to have some of the treat? It quite often is not a look of pleasure, feeling the necessity to “share” something that you just want to enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, we treat the special gifts that God has given to us the same way. We enjoy how it makes us look. We enjoy how it makes us feel. We enjoy the attention it may give us. In turn, we also can tend to be envious and desirous of the gifts other people have been given because of the greater attention those particular gifts are given. But, we are told to “use whatever gift [you have] received to serve others.” Quite the realization that your gifts have nothing to do with you or your enjoyment, isn’t it? Somewhat like you being handed keys to a brand new sports car and just when you begin to get excited, you are informed that the only time that you can use the car is to drive certain people around to their destinations. It really seems to put it into perspective. Your gift whether preaching, teaching, counseling, singing, playing an instrument, hospitality, ushering, or any other gifts that God has given you is not for you but to serve others. According to Webster being hospitable means, “b: promising or suggesting generous and cordial welcome c : offering a pleasant or sustaining environment 2 : readily receptive.” This is what we are to be offering to each other, without grumbling over the inconvenience.
How can you be hospitable to one of your fellow brothers in Christ today?
How can you use one of the gifts that God has given you to serve someone today?
REVIEW
How were you able to be hospitable and use your gifts to serve someone today?
How did this impact your day?
Have you seen the look on someone’s face when they are eating something that they are thoroughly enjoying and someone walks up, begins watching them carefully then begins licking their lips, signaling that they would really like to have some of the treat? It quite often is not a look of pleasure, feeling the necessity to “share” something that you just want to enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, we treat the special gifts that God has given to us the same way. We enjoy how it makes us look. We enjoy how it makes us feel. We enjoy the attention it may give us. In turn, we also can tend to be envious and desirous of the gifts other people have been given because of the greater attention those particular gifts are given. But, we are told to “use whatever gift [you have] received to serve others.” Quite the realization that your gifts have nothing to do with you or your enjoyment, isn’t it? Somewhat like you being handed keys to a brand new sports car and just when you begin to get excited, you are informed that the only time that you can use the car is to drive certain people around to their destinations. It really seems to put it into perspective. Your gift whether preaching, teaching, counseling, singing, playing an instrument, hospitality, ushering, or any other gifts that God has given you is not for you but to serve others. According to Webster being hospitable means, “b: promising or suggesting generous and cordial welcome c : offering a pleasant or sustaining environment 2 : readily receptive.” This is what we are to be offering to each other, without grumbling over the inconvenience.
How can you be hospitable to one of your fellow brothers in Christ today?
How can you use one of the gifts that God has given you to serve someone today?
REVIEW
How were you able to be hospitable and use your gifts to serve someone today?
How did this impact your day?
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Spot of Sin, Thursday, November 11, 2010
Reading: II Peter 3:14, 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to [Christ’s coming], be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
I’m sure you probably have your pet peeves. One of mine is when I am wearing a clean white shirt and sit down to eat spaghetti. Inevitably, somehow, someway, I get spaghetti sauce splattered on the shirt. It is amazing how a simple little spot of spaghetti sauce can stand out a mile away, especially a nice, white dress shirt. I’m sure some of you may be thinking, “Well, then don’t wear a white shirt or wear something to protect it, when you eat spaghetti.” You would be absolutely correct. That would be the smart thing to do. Why do we make more effort to either eliminate the possibility or to protect our precious clothes from a spot or stain than we do our spiritual pure, white garment that Jesus has washed white as snow with the blood of His sacrifice? We are told to be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. It’s amazing how a spot on our clothes bothers us but when it comes to our spiritual garment we have the attitude, “Well, it’s not THAT big of a spot, besides, I can just cover it up with another shirt.” We don’t tend to respond until it’s “big enough” to notice or deal with.
What are some “spots” in your life that is staining your spiritual garment?
What can you do to address those “spots” today?
What can you do to protect your spiritual garment from those spots today?
REVIEW
Were you able to identify and address the spots in your life today?
Were you willing and able to protect yourself from staining your garment?
I’m sure you probably have your pet peeves. One of mine is when I am wearing a clean white shirt and sit down to eat spaghetti. Inevitably, somehow, someway, I get spaghetti sauce splattered on the shirt. It is amazing how a simple little spot of spaghetti sauce can stand out a mile away, especially a nice, white dress shirt. I’m sure some of you may be thinking, “Well, then don’t wear a white shirt or wear something to protect it, when you eat spaghetti.” You would be absolutely correct. That would be the smart thing to do. Why do we make more effort to either eliminate the possibility or to protect our precious clothes from a spot or stain than we do our spiritual pure, white garment that Jesus has washed white as snow with the blood of His sacrifice? We are told to be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. It’s amazing how a spot on our clothes bothers us but when it comes to our spiritual garment we have the attitude, “Well, it’s not THAT big of a spot, besides, I can just cover it up with another shirt.” We don’t tend to respond until it’s “big enough” to notice or deal with.
What are some “spots” in your life that is staining your spiritual garment?
What can you do to address those “spots” today?
What can you do to protect your spiritual garment from those spots today?
REVIEW
Were you able to identify and address the spots in your life today?
Were you willing and able to protect yourself from staining your garment?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
He Understands, Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16, 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
I will not soon forget attending a Memorial Day Service where Vietnam Vets were honored. To see these men and to know that I will never understand what they have been through. Even the looks on their faces as they greet each other were filled with a “knowing” glance. Seeing this sense of camaraderie because they endured a horrific war and political upheaval. Even friends, family and loved ones who have not endured those experiences will never understand exactly where they’ve been or what they’ve experienced. As Christians we endure guilt from sin and temptation or scars from acts of sin against us, we feel more apt to share those weaknesses or scars with those who have been there? What a great God we have! We get to approach His throne with confidence and Jesus gives us a “knowing” glance because He’s been there… He knows what it’s like. “[He] has been tempted in every way, just as we are.”
What are you struggling with thus far this week that you have not given to God and come before His throne for His mercy and grace? (Really search your heart)
Before you do anything else, go before His throne of grace with confidence so you can receive mercy and find grace to help you today in your time of need.
How can you live in His mercy and grace today?
REVIEW
What did you do different today to live in His mercy and grace?
How did that impact your day today?
I will not soon forget attending a Memorial Day Service where Vietnam Vets were honored. To see these men and to know that I will never understand what they have been through. Even the looks on their faces as they greet each other were filled with a “knowing” glance. Seeing this sense of camaraderie because they endured a horrific war and political upheaval. Even friends, family and loved ones who have not endured those experiences will never understand exactly where they’ve been or what they’ve experienced. As Christians we endure guilt from sin and temptation or scars from acts of sin against us, we feel more apt to share those weaknesses or scars with those who have been there? What a great God we have! We get to approach His throne with confidence and Jesus gives us a “knowing” glance because He’s been there… He knows what it’s like. “[He] has been tempted in every way, just as we are.”
What are you struggling with thus far this week that you have not given to God and come before His throne for His mercy and grace? (Really search your heart)
Before you do anything else, go before His throne of grace with confidence so you can receive mercy and find grace to help you today in your time of need.
How can you live in His mercy and grace today?
REVIEW
What did you do different today to live in His mercy and grace?
How did that impact your day today?
Monday, November 8, 2010
I Thirst!, Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Reading: Matthew 5:6, 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
It’s amazing how commercials can have such an impact on us. They must be effective for companies to pay millions of dollars for a brief spot on Super Bowl Sunday. It is intriguing the way Gatorade, specifically, portrays its product. Play through some of the commercials in your head; athlete running, struggling, straining to excel while sweat pours off of their face. Now, can you imagine Gatorade running a commercial with some people sitting around a pool on a nice, cool, breezy day? Why? The product is for quenching your thirst, not for a cocktail around the pool. They want to portray situations that you may experience that produce the greatest thirst. It’s interesting that the world and the devil do the same to us. We are living in a dry and thirsty land, impoverished from the abundance of God’s holiness; yet, the world and the devil want to play their commercial as if you are poolside on a nice cool day with drink in hand. You are comfortable… you are okay. Why would you need the water of God’s Word? Hungering and thirsting is not based upon your situation… it is based upon your perception. For example, at the end of some sporting events, an announcer may say of the winning team, “Boy, it was sure obvious that they were more hungry/thirsty for this win.” Are you hungry or thirsty for God and His Word? No matter how many times that you have read it. No matter how many church services that we’ve been to, we should still be hungering and thirsting after His Word, as if we could never get enough of it.
Where are you at today? Do you feel hungry or thirsty for God’s Word?
If not, what can you do to truly hunger and thirst for it?
How can you maintain this hunger and thirst throughout the day?
REVIEW
Were you able to maintain a hunger and thirst for God and His Word today?
If yes, how? If no, why do you think that happened?
It’s amazing how commercials can have such an impact on us. They must be effective for companies to pay millions of dollars for a brief spot on Super Bowl Sunday. It is intriguing the way Gatorade, specifically, portrays its product. Play through some of the commercials in your head; athlete running, struggling, straining to excel while sweat pours off of their face. Now, can you imagine Gatorade running a commercial with some people sitting around a pool on a nice, cool, breezy day? Why? The product is for quenching your thirst, not for a cocktail around the pool. They want to portray situations that you may experience that produce the greatest thirst. It’s interesting that the world and the devil do the same to us. We are living in a dry and thirsty land, impoverished from the abundance of God’s holiness; yet, the world and the devil want to play their commercial as if you are poolside on a nice cool day with drink in hand. You are comfortable… you are okay. Why would you need the water of God’s Word? Hungering and thirsting is not based upon your situation… it is based upon your perception. For example, at the end of some sporting events, an announcer may say of the winning team, “Boy, it was sure obvious that they were more hungry/thirsty for this win.” Are you hungry or thirsty for God and His Word? No matter how many times that you have read it. No matter how many church services that we’ve been to, we should still be hungering and thirsting after His Word, as if we could never get enough of it.
Where are you at today? Do you feel hungry or thirsty for God’s Word?
If not, what can you do to truly hunger and thirst for it?
How can you maintain this hunger and thirst throughout the day?
REVIEW
Were you able to maintain a hunger and thirst for God and His Word today?
If yes, how? If no, why do you think that happened?
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Live As a Sacrifice, Monday, November 8, 2010
Reading: Romans 12:1, 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
It’s amazing to listen to people who have near death experiences. Every day, every moment seems to be viewed as a bonus, as if they should not be here to experience it. Imagine that happening to you… you have a near death experience. You are driving home and you quickly glance to your side and there is a car plowing into your side. The next thing that you know. You wake up with a sheet pulled over your head in the hospital and hear the doctor say, “Time of death…” Even though you’re about to be pronounced dead… you are alive to the doctors dismay. How would you view your life? That is it, as Paul said, “In view of God’s mercy… offer your bodies as a living sacrifice”. If it were not for God’s mercy, you would be spiritually dead, without life. God has given you eternal life. I know sometimes that has simply become words but let that sink in, “ETERNAL… LIFE”… because of His mercy. You had a near spiritual death experience. Now, look at your day as a bonus today to live as a living sacrifice to Him, who has granted you this day. Notice, when you get to the end of the day, it is not whether we lived up to our measure of what we may accept, but whether it was “holy and pleasing to [Him]”. What will your spiritual act of worship be like today?
How can you offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him today?
Specifically what are you going to lay on the alter and sacrifice to Him today (specific struggles in thought, attitude, action)?
REVIEW
Over all today, how was your spiritual act of worship?
How was God able to use this in your life today?
It’s amazing to listen to people who have near death experiences. Every day, every moment seems to be viewed as a bonus, as if they should not be here to experience it. Imagine that happening to you… you have a near death experience. You are driving home and you quickly glance to your side and there is a car plowing into your side. The next thing that you know. You wake up with a sheet pulled over your head in the hospital and hear the doctor say, “Time of death…” Even though you’re about to be pronounced dead… you are alive to the doctors dismay. How would you view your life? That is it, as Paul said, “In view of God’s mercy… offer your bodies as a living sacrifice”. If it were not for God’s mercy, you would be spiritually dead, without life. God has given you eternal life. I know sometimes that has simply become words but let that sink in, “ETERNAL… LIFE”… because of His mercy. You had a near spiritual death experience. Now, look at your day as a bonus today to live as a living sacrifice to Him, who has granted you this day. Notice, when you get to the end of the day, it is not whether we lived up to our measure of what we may accept, but whether it was “holy and pleasing to [Him]”. What will your spiritual act of worship be like today?
How can you offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him today?
Specifically what are you going to lay on the alter and sacrifice to Him today (specific struggles in thought, attitude, action)?
REVIEW
Over all today, how was your spiritual act of worship?
How was God able to use this in your life today?
Saturday, November 6, 2010
CELEBRATION!, Sunday, November 7, 2010
Reading: Psalm 144:1-3, 1 Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. 2 He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. 3 O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him?
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, November 5, 2010
Advice, Saturday, November 6, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 12:15, 15 The way of a fool seems right to him,
but a wise man listens to advice
Proverbs 13:10, 10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Our society is inundated with TV sitcoms with the husbands and fathers being portrayed as clueless and not having a brain in their head. Add on top of that, who we are. We have a difficult time simply asking for directions, as we have been labeled. God has made us to have thoughts, wisdom, logic, experience and/or advice that has built up inside of us without anyone listening and we want to shout it from the rooftops, “I know what I’m doing and I know how to do it. I don’t need anyone else telling me what I need to do or how I need to do it.” On the flip side, think about how you would feel if someone came up to you and said, “Hey, I was just wondering what your advice would be, if I were to…” How does that make you feel when someone asks your thoughts or advice?
Since no one else seems to care about what we think, we tend to decide, “I am going to do what I think! Why would I get someone else’s advice when that’s the last piece of control that I have left, which is, doing what I think is best? If no one else will respect or take my advice, at least I can take and respect my own advice and decision making ability. In doing so, our opinion and advice becomes the ONLY opinion or advice that we will consider. Do you know what that is? Pride!
Challenge: Today, don’t just listen to advice but think though things that you’re going through in your life, struggles or decisions, and ask someone’s advice of how to deal with it or how to conquer it.
What are some challenges, struggles or decisions on which you will seek advice?
REVIEW
What advice were you given today?
It is one thing to listen to advice. It’s another thing to follow it. How can you use the advice you were given today
but a wise man listens to advice
Proverbs 13:10, 10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Our society is inundated with TV sitcoms with the husbands and fathers being portrayed as clueless and not having a brain in their head. Add on top of that, who we are. We have a difficult time simply asking for directions, as we have been labeled. God has made us to have thoughts, wisdom, logic, experience and/or advice that has built up inside of us without anyone listening and we want to shout it from the rooftops, “I know what I’m doing and I know how to do it. I don’t need anyone else telling me what I need to do or how I need to do it.” On the flip side, think about how you would feel if someone came up to you and said, “Hey, I was just wondering what your advice would be, if I were to…” How does that make you feel when someone asks your thoughts or advice?
Since no one else seems to care about what we think, we tend to decide, “I am going to do what I think! Why would I get someone else’s advice when that’s the last piece of control that I have left, which is, doing what I think is best? If no one else will respect or take my advice, at least I can take and respect my own advice and decision making ability. In doing so, our opinion and advice becomes the ONLY opinion or advice that we will consider. Do you know what that is? Pride!
Challenge: Today, don’t just listen to advice but think though things that you’re going through in your life, struggles or decisions, and ask someone’s advice of how to deal with it or how to conquer it.
What are some challenges, struggles or decisions on which you will seek advice?
REVIEW
What advice were you given today?
It is one thing to listen to advice. It’s another thing to follow it. How can you use the advice you were given today
Thursday, November 4, 2010
What Did You Say?, Friday, November 5, 2010
Reading: James 3:3-6, 3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
A little girl, who was struggling with gossiping about her friends, went to her grandpa after hurting a friend’s feelings through gossip. Her grandpa wisely took her up into tower on a blustery day and gave her a pillow. He then told her to take a pair of scissors, cut it open and shake all of the feathers out of the pillow. The feathers quickly scattered in the wind and they stood quietly watching the journey of the feathers across the countryside. The little girl’s grandpa then told her to go collect all of the feathers and put them back in the pillowcase. “That’s impossible!”, she adamantly declared. “So, it is impossible to retrieve or repair gossip that is scattered on the lips of others after you release it.”
Please really consider, do you say things about other people, true or untrue?
How do you feel when others do that to you?
Challenge: Today, do not say a single negative thing against another person. Every time you open your mouth to speak today, consider, will this “corrupt” or “bless”?
What could be a hindrance from you committing to this challenge?
REVIEW
Did your mouth bless or corrupt today?
How did this affect your day?
A little girl, who was struggling with gossiping about her friends, went to her grandpa after hurting a friend’s feelings through gossip. Her grandpa wisely took her up into tower on a blustery day and gave her a pillow. He then told her to take a pair of scissors, cut it open and shake all of the feathers out of the pillow. The feathers quickly scattered in the wind and they stood quietly watching the journey of the feathers across the countryside. The little girl’s grandpa then told her to go collect all of the feathers and put them back in the pillowcase. “That’s impossible!”, she adamantly declared. “So, it is impossible to retrieve or repair gossip that is scattered on the lips of others after you release it.”
Please really consider, do you say things about other people, true or untrue?
How do you feel when others do that to you?
Challenge: Today, do not say a single negative thing against another person. Every time you open your mouth to speak today, consider, will this “corrupt” or “bless”?
What could be a hindrance from you committing to this challenge?
REVIEW
Did your mouth bless or corrupt today?
How did this affect your day?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Good Name, Thursday, November 4, 2010
Reading: Proverbs 22:1, A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
What do you think of when I say the names… Clint Eastwood… OJ Simpson… Abraham Lincoln… Lee Harvey Oswald… Billy Graham… Bill Gates. It’s amazing the power of a name. The principle in this verse is becoming more and more estranged from where the world is continuing to head. People don’t care what you think of them as long as they are able to get their riches. Today, it doesn’t seem to matter how you get your riches, just as long as you get them. But, just remember, in the context of this verse, that you bear the name of Jesus Christ. It is not simply your name that you are constantly developing a reputation concerning.
As we reviewed the list of well known people and had thoughts and impressions of those individuals, what would people think of the name, Jesus Christ, if it were based on your ability to wear the name?
Write out a list of things that you would like people to think of when they think of your name:
Challenge: Value wearing the name of Jesus today and the impression you are leaving with others, in your demonstration of His name in your life.
Challenge: Review the list that you wrote above with the mindset of what you can do to demonstrate these attributes today to everyone, not just the people whom you care what they think, even those you may never see again.
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate wearing the name of Jesus today?
How did you live out the attributes that you would like people to think of when they think of your name?
What do you think of when I say the names… Clint Eastwood… OJ Simpson… Abraham Lincoln… Lee Harvey Oswald… Billy Graham… Bill Gates. It’s amazing the power of a name. The principle in this verse is becoming more and more estranged from where the world is continuing to head. People don’t care what you think of them as long as they are able to get their riches. Today, it doesn’t seem to matter how you get your riches, just as long as you get them. But, just remember, in the context of this verse, that you bear the name of Jesus Christ. It is not simply your name that you are constantly developing a reputation concerning.
As we reviewed the list of well known people and had thoughts and impressions of those individuals, what would people think of the name, Jesus Christ, if it were based on your ability to wear the name?
Write out a list of things that you would like people to think of when they think of your name:
Challenge: Value wearing the name of Jesus today and the impression you are leaving with others, in your demonstration of His name in your life.
Challenge: Review the list that you wrote above with the mindset of what you can do to demonstrate these attributes today to everyone, not just the people whom you care what they think, even those you may never see again.
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate wearing the name of Jesus today?
How did you live out the attributes that you would like people to think of when they think of your name?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
He’s Not Through, Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Reading: Philippians 1:3-6, 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, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Can you imagine driving downtown Sacramento and seeing a massive construction site for a skyscraper? Seeing someone who appears to be the Construction Supervisor, you walk up to him and say, “Hey, what’s going on here?” “Uh, who are you?”, he’d reply. “Well, I was just passing by… and I just noticed some of this stuff that you’re putting in… and, I don’t know, it just doesn’t look right.” “Uh, sir… first of all, we’re not done yet; and, secondly, do you even know anything about construction, especially that of a skyscraper?” You start backing away, “Well, uh, not necessarily… but, it just doesn’t look right.” To which he says, “Sir, I have built many skyscrapers and I have the blueprints. I have mastered construction. Please leave it for us to do.”
As absurd as it may seem to do that. We often try to challenge the Master Builder of our lives, who has already proven Himself and, not only has the blueprints to our lives, but He had them drawn from the foundation of the world. My brother, don’t get down or discouraged by where you are in your life. Your Master Builder has a plan for you, and when He has begun a good work in you, He is not just a job starter, but a job finisher. Let Him perform His work in you.
What areas in your life are you becoming frustrated or discouraged?
How can you give those to the Lord today?
REVIEW
Were you able to live in His comfort that He will take your areas of frustration and discouragement, and create something amazing in your life?
What helped you to accomplish this today?
Can you imagine driving downtown Sacramento and seeing a massive construction site for a skyscraper? Seeing someone who appears to be the Construction Supervisor, you walk up to him and say, “Hey, what’s going on here?” “Uh, who are you?”, he’d reply. “Well, I was just passing by… and I just noticed some of this stuff that you’re putting in… and, I don’t know, it just doesn’t look right.” “Uh, sir… first of all, we’re not done yet; and, secondly, do you even know anything about construction, especially that of a skyscraper?” You start backing away, “Well, uh, not necessarily… but, it just doesn’t look right.” To which he says, “Sir, I have built many skyscrapers and I have the blueprints. I have mastered construction. Please leave it for us to do.”
As absurd as it may seem to do that. We often try to challenge the Master Builder of our lives, who has already proven Himself and, not only has the blueprints to our lives, but He had them drawn from the foundation of the world. My brother, don’t get down or discouraged by where you are in your life. Your Master Builder has a plan for you, and when He has begun a good work in you, He is not just a job starter, but a job finisher. Let Him perform His work in you.
What areas in your life are you becoming frustrated or discouraged?
How can you give those to the Lord today?
REVIEW
Were you able to live in His comfort that He will take your areas of frustration and discouragement, and create something amazing in your life?
What helped you to accomplish this today?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Confession, Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Reading: James 5:16, 20 - 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
It has been a month since the Men’s Conference, “The Conquest”. We spoke about getting out of your comfort zone. Confession is one of the most uncomfortable actions that a man can make. It takes courage, humility and a strong desire to change. Let’s remember, conquering a stronghold in your life is impossible without confession. The beauty is God promises to forgive you (I John 1:9). It is another story dealing with confession to a friend, your wife, another family member or a fellow brother in Christ. How many of us really practice this verse, “confess your sins to each other”? Confession is an extremely vulnerable action. We are men! We are not suppose to admit to failure, yet, we are called to confess to one another. Just remember, who would be worse finding out about your sin, God, the ruler of the universe and ultimate judge when we stand before Him, or another brother? I can still hear ringing in my ears, “I’m going to tell Dad” and the sickening feeling I would get in the pit of my stomach thinking about my dad finding out about what I did wrong. The fear was not that my sibling knew what I did. It was the fear of my dad finding out. The intriguing thing about our sin is, our Father in heaven already knows about it. So, why do we fight so much with confessing our sin and weaknesses to each other? It is this confession that helps keep us accountable and it gives us support.
Men, let’s be honest. What sin are you struggling with the most?
Who are you going to confess this sin to?
Don’t dwell on the fear of confessing, just obey and do it. Let’s see what God will do with your obedience.
REVIEW
Did you confess to someone? Who did you confess to?
How are you feeling about your confession?
Do you have regrets or are you able to experience God’s healing?
It has been a month since the Men’s Conference, “The Conquest”. We spoke about getting out of your comfort zone. Confession is one of the most uncomfortable actions that a man can make. It takes courage, humility and a strong desire to change. Let’s remember, conquering a stronghold in your life is impossible without confession. The beauty is God promises to forgive you (I John 1:9). It is another story dealing with confession to a friend, your wife, another family member or a fellow brother in Christ. How many of us really practice this verse, “confess your sins to each other”? Confession is an extremely vulnerable action. We are men! We are not suppose to admit to failure, yet, we are called to confess to one another. Just remember, who would be worse finding out about your sin, God, the ruler of the universe and ultimate judge when we stand before Him, or another brother? I can still hear ringing in my ears, “I’m going to tell Dad” and the sickening feeling I would get in the pit of my stomach thinking about my dad finding out about what I did wrong. The fear was not that my sibling knew what I did. It was the fear of my dad finding out. The intriguing thing about our sin is, our Father in heaven already knows about it. So, why do we fight so much with confessing our sin and weaknesses to each other? It is this confession that helps keep us accountable and it gives us support.
Men, let’s be honest. What sin are you struggling with the most?
Who are you going to confess this sin to?
Don’t dwell on the fear of confessing, just obey and do it. Let’s see what God will do with your obedience.
REVIEW
Did you confess to someone? Who did you confess to?
How are you feeling about your confession?
Do you have regrets or are you able to experience God’s healing?
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