Getting What He Wants
Reading:Proverbs 16:9, People may make plans in their minds, but the Lord decides what they will do.
If you are like most men, we like being in control. We want things to happen according to what we want and according to our timetables. But, sometimes, God has other plans… better plans! And, I’m sure you’ve noticed He always has the final word. Are you angry or hurt by a personal tragedy that you didn’t deserve and still cannot understand?
If so, it’s time, friend, it’s time to make peace with God and the life that He has chosen for you. It’s time to forgive others and, if necessary, it’s time to forgive yourself. It’s time to accept the past, because we can’t change it. It’s time to embrace the priceless present and to have faith in the promise of tomorrow. It’s time to trust God completely and to reclaim the peace, His peace, which He is offering to you.
We all have circumstances that are beyond our power to control. Accept those circumstances and trust God. We have a comfort in knowing that our Creator is both loving and wise and that He understands His plan for you, even in the moments when you don’t.
What set of circumstances from your past are you still holding on to and have not been able to let go of?
What would it take for you to trust God with those set of circumstances today?
How will you go about letting go today and trust God that He is in control?
REVIEW
How did you let go of your circumstances today, even those from the past?
How did this impact your faith in God and peace that He is in control?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Personal Bible Study, Thursday March 31, 2011
Personal Bible Study
Reading:Philippians 3:7-11, 7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
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?
Reading:Philippians 3:7-11, 7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
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?
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Contentment, Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Contentment
Reading:Philippians 4:11-12, 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Many people have the sense that “contentment” means, status quo, mundane, or mediocre. But, it’s much more powerful than that. Contentment never means the lack of pursuit of a goal. It simply means, learning how to appreciate and be thankful for what you have when you have it and where you’re at when your there.
Professional all-star athletes are an excellent example. Most recently Brett Favre has taken the heat for just not being able to retire and leave football behind. Football has been his life. He ate, slept, drank, dreamed, talk about, walked, lived football 24/7 for all those years and now he sees it coming to an end; this thing that have come to define him. Also, I’ve never been a huge fan of Michael Jordan but he is, without a doubt, the greatest basketball player that’s ever played the game. When inducted into the Hall of Fame, he gave a speech to which former players, Hall of Famers and reporters were saying, “He just can’t let it go”. In an article written by Adrian Wojnarowski, he wrote, “When basketball wanted to celebrate Jordan as the greatest player ever… he was petty and punitive. Jordan revealed himself to be strangely bitter. You won, Michael. You won it all. Yet, he keeps chasing something that he’ll never catch, and sometimes, well, it all seems so hollow for him.” Men, sometimes we dream about being in Michael Jordan’s shoes or being a dominant force in a professional sport; but, men, if you are able to truly enjoy contentment, you can be a wealthier and more successful man than they.
Men, write down some things that God is doing in your life that you are thankful for and that gives you a sense of contentment:
Challenge:Reread the passage and live in a sense of contentment today
REVIEW
How did you enjoy contentment today?
What happened today reminded you of reminded you of what you have to be thankful for and content with?
Reading:Philippians 4:11-12, 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Many people have the sense that “contentment” means, status quo, mundane, or mediocre. But, it’s much more powerful than that. Contentment never means the lack of pursuit of a goal. It simply means, learning how to appreciate and be thankful for what you have when you have it and where you’re at when your there.
Professional all-star athletes are an excellent example. Most recently Brett Favre has taken the heat for just not being able to retire and leave football behind. Football has been his life. He ate, slept, drank, dreamed, talk about, walked, lived football 24/7 for all those years and now he sees it coming to an end; this thing that have come to define him. Also, I’ve never been a huge fan of Michael Jordan but he is, without a doubt, the greatest basketball player that’s ever played the game. When inducted into the Hall of Fame, he gave a speech to which former players, Hall of Famers and reporters were saying, “He just can’t let it go”. In an article written by Adrian Wojnarowski, he wrote, “When basketball wanted to celebrate Jordan as the greatest player ever… he was petty and punitive. Jordan revealed himself to be strangely bitter. You won, Michael. You won it all. Yet, he keeps chasing something that he’ll never catch, and sometimes, well, it all seems so hollow for him.” Men, sometimes we dream about being in Michael Jordan’s shoes or being a dominant force in a professional sport; but, men, if you are able to truly enjoy contentment, you can be a wealthier and more successful man than they.
Men, write down some things that God is doing in your life that you are thankful for and that gives you a sense of contentment:
Challenge:Reread the passage and live in a sense of contentment today
REVIEW
How did you enjoy contentment today?
What happened today reminded you of reminded you of what you have to be thankful for and content with?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Fear is Good??? Tuesday March 29, 2011
Fear is Good???
Reading:Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.; Proverbs 3:7, Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.; Proverbs 10:27, The fear of the LORD prolongs days; Proverbs 14:26, In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.
Fear… is the antithesis of everything manly, so we think. When I was a kid, I had to check under my bed every night. The closet door had to be open because the unknown was too much for me to handle. Now, granted, I had three older sisters that got their kicks out of scaring the tar out of me, so that probably didn’t help. But, something happens when we become a man. Now all of a sudden, we are the man, the protectanator… we are the warrior that does not know fear. We are the ones that are called to be the destroyer of vicious spiders and we are the ones who are awakened in the middle of the night because of a noise, at which point, we don our armor and scour the house in search of the potential evil invader… at which point, I check under all the beds and leave the closet doors open. But, we’ll just keep that to ourselves, right? That being said, fear is not an attribute that we wear with great pride. So, where does the fear of God fit in? Some may say that the fear of God in this respect is not a quaking in your boots but, in a sense, I beg to differ; because, this is the same God that after Isaiah saw the glory of God he said, “ Woe is me, for I am undone! For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.” Practically, fearing God is simply having an understanding of who He really is in His fearsomeness and greatness, to the extent that there is nothing that is beyond His ability to control or overcome. Therefore, anything that you are fearful of, you have placed higher than God because you are saying God is not great enough or fearsome enough to control, conquer or destroy this thing in my life that I fear. Psalm 118:6 says, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Fearing God is a healthy fear of who He is and of His ability to protect, defend and to teach you.
What are you fearful of today?
Challenge:Give those fears over to a fearsome, capable God who loves you
REVIEW
How were you able to rid yourself today of your fears by having a healthy fear of your great God?
How did this impact your fears and your perception of God?
Reading:Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.; Proverbs 3:7, Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.; Proverbs 10:27, The fear of the LORD prolongs days; Proverbs 14:26, In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.
Fear… is the antithesis of everything manly, so we think. When I was a kid, I had to check under my bed every night. The closet door had to be open because the unknown was too much for me to handle. Now, granted, I had three older sisters that got their kicks out of scaring the tar out of me, so that probably didn’t help. But, something happens when we become a man. Now all of a sudden, we are the man, the protectanator… we are the warrior that does not know fear. We are the ones that are called to be the destroyer of vicious spiders and we are the ones who are awakened in the middle of the night because of a noise, at which point, we don our armor and scour the house in search of the potential evil invader… at which point, I check under all the beds and leave the closet doors open. But, we’ll just keep that to ourselves, right? That being said, fear is not an attribute that we wear with great pride. So, where does the fear of God fit in? Some may say that the fear of God in this respect is not a quaking in your boots but, in a sense, I beg to differ; because, this is the same God that after Isaiah saw the glory of God he said, “ Woe is me, for I am undone! For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.” Practically, fearing God is simply having an understanding of who He really is in His fearsomeness and greatness, to the extent that there is nothing that is beyond His ability to control or overcome. Therefore, anything that you are fearful of, you have placed higher than God because you are saying God is not great enough or fearsome enough to control, conquer or destroy this thing in my life that I fear. Psalm 118:6 says, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Fearing God is a healthy fear of who He is and of His ability to protect, defend and to teach you.
What are you fearful of today?
Challenge:Give those fears over to a fearsome, capable God who loves you
REVIEW
How were you able to rid yourself today of your fears by having a healthy fear of your great God?
How did this impact your fears and your perception of God?
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Full Orchestra, Monday, March 28 2011
Full Orchestra
Reading:Ephesians 4:12-13, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Whether it’s in the middle of a man’s movie like “Braveheart” or the world renowned event like the Olympics, we all have heard it. If you watched a horror movie without the orchestra playing in the background, making the scene more intense, it just wouldn’t seem as thrilling. Trust me, I’ve tried muting it before, it just doesn’t have the same effect. Orchestras, whether we hear them in such settings that are more man approved as mentioned or we enjoy going to see a live orchestra in concert, we have experienced the affects that their music produces. Orchestras are truly remarkable, yes, as a man, you can still appreciate such things. The “first chair” violinist tunes the entire orchestra to be perfectly in tune with his violin. Most orchestras have around 100 musicians performing. Each one playing their individual instrument to produce amazing works of art, which puts you on the edge of your seat during an intense moment, gets your chest welling up at the climax of victory on the battlefield, amongst many other moods and feelings that they can tend to portray with the sound of their music. Just to give you a little flavor… remember the Jaws movies?... and the theme song when the fin would be spotted coming out of the water? Anytime you hear that same music, what do you think about? Exactly! Wouldn’t it be amazing, if we all tuned our lives to Jesus, and allowed ourselves to be truly directed by the Holy Spirit? Can you imagine the music that we could produce with the unity of playing our different instruments together under that leadership? We would be “the whole measure of the fullness of Christ’s” orchestra. We would be setting the mood to the world of the rich, beautiful sound that the Body of Christ makes.
What is keeping you from being unified with your brother(s) in Christ?
What will you do today to become unified in Christ, so we can be a full orchestra?
REVIEW
How did you work to become unified in Christ today?
How did this impact your relationship with each other and with God?
Reading:Ephesians 4:12-13, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Whether it’s in the middle of a man’s movie like “Braveheart” or the world renowned event like the Olympics, we all have heard it. If you watched a horror movie without the orchestra playing in the background, making the scene more intense, it just wouldn’t seem as thrilling. Trust me, I’ve tried muting it before, it just doesn’t have the same effect. Orchestras, whether we hear them in such settings that are more man approved as mentioned or we enjoy going to see a live orchestra in concert, we have experienced the affects that their music produces. Orchestras are truly remarkable, yes, as a man, you can still appreciate such things. The “first chair” violinist tunes the entire orchestra to be perfectly in tune with his violin. Most orchestras have around 100 musicians performing. Each one playing their individual instrument to produce amazing works of art, which puts you on the edge of your seat during an intense moment, gets your chest welling up at the climax of victory on the battlefield, amongst many other moods and feelings that they can tend to portray with the sound of their music. Just to give you a little flavor… remember the Jaws movies?... and the theme song when the fin would be spotted coming out of the water? Anytime you hear that same music, what do you think about? Exactly! Wouldn’t it be amazing, if we all tuned our lives to Jesus, and allowed ourselves to be truly directed by the Holy Spirit? Can you imagine the music that we could produce with the unity of playing our different instruments together under that leadership? We would be “the whole measure of the fullness of Christ’s” orchestra. We would be setting the mood to the world of the rich, beautiful sound that the Body of Christ makes.
What is keeping you from being unified with your brother(s) in Christ?
What will you do today to become unified in Christ, so we can be a full orchestra?
REVIEW
How did you work to become unified in Christ today?
How did this impact your relationship with each other and with God?
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Celebration Sunday March 27 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading:Psalm 97:1-6, 1 The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. 2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3 Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. 4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.
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?
Reading:Psalm 97:1-6, 1 The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. 2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3 Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. 4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.
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, March 25, 2011
Teach the Children Sarurday, March 26, 2011
Teach the Children
Reading:Deuteronomy 11:18-20, “18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates,”
My, how far we’ve come. If we were to write a few verses that represent the reality today, unfortunately of even Christian homes, it would sound a little bit like this:
“Fix the weekend scores on your minds. However your sports team performed, fix it upon your heart. Tie your team’s logo on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Make sure your children know who your favorite team is. Talk about sports when you sit at home and when you’re driving with your friends or family, when you lie down and when you get up, be passionate about sports and your teams. Make sure that everyone knows, if they know you or your family, that you are a sports fan.”
Or, you can fill in the blanks. What is reality?…
” Fix these in your hearts and minds; tie as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach to your children, talking about when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, and when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates,”
Men, what are we teaching the children? It is our responsibility! We spend so much time giving our children education to prepare them for life and do so little in our homes to prepare them for eternal life! Men, will you rise up with me to reclaim our homes for the cause of Christ?
How will you teach your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews today?
REVIEW
How did you teach the children today?
How did this impact your perception of your roll in kid’s true education?
Reading:Deuteronomy 11:18-20, “18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates,”
My, how far we’ve come. If we were to write a few verses that represent the reality today, unfortunately of even Christian homes, it would sound a little bit like this:
“Fix the weekend scores on your minds. However your sports team performed, fix it upon your heart. Tie your team’s logo on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Make sure your children know who your favorite team is. Talk about sports when you sit at home and when you’re driving with your friends or family, when you lie down and when you get up, be passionate about sports and your teams. Make sure that everyone knows, if they know you or your family, that you are a sports fan.”
Or, you can fill in the blanks. What is reality?…
” Fix these in your hearts and minds; tie as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach to your children, talking about when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, and when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates,”
Men, what are we teaching the children? It is our responsibility! We spend so much time giving our children education to prepare them for life and do so little in our homes to prepare them for eternal life! Men, will you rise up with me to reclaim our homes for the cause of Christ?
How will you teach your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews today?
REVIEW
How did you teach the children today?
How did this impact your perception of your roll in kid’s true education?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Got Milk, Friday, March 25, 2011
Got Milk?
Reading:Hebrews 5:11-14, 11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Have you heard of Pastor Timothy?... how about Pastor James… Pastor Peter, maybe? What allurement do we see in the title, “pastor”? Sometimes we forget that God used fishermen… plain ordinary fishermen to do incredible works for Himself. There is not a single apostle or disciple in the New Testament that we can find bore the name “pastor” yet we look at those same men as great men of God. Often, we don’t expect more out of ourselves as a Christian and become accustomed to just drinking the milk, because, “Well, I’m not a pastor.” The apostle Peter never went and got his theology degree or doctorate from one of the leading universities of that day. He all should be constantly growing and maturing in our relationship and knowledge of God. Notice, in verse 14, it doesn’t say, “solid food is for the [pastors], who…” and, also notice that it does not say, “who by [going to a theological seminary] have trained themselves.” Men, it was by the constant use of the Word of God that trained them to distinguish between good and evil. That’s you! You have that ability. If you “got milk”, do your best to grow and mature out of it.
How long have you been a Christian?
How much of the Word of God do you know?
Does your knowledge of the Word of God match the length of time that you’ve been a Christian?
What will you do today to grow in the Lord?
REVIEW
How were you able to grow in the Lord today?
How did this impact your view of your maturity in Christ?
Men, it is understood that maturing in Christ cannot happen in just a day. This is to serve as a direction, a mindset, a pursuit.
Reading:Hebrews 5:11-14, 11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Have you heard of Pastor Timothy?... how about Pastor James… Pastor Peter, maybe? What allurement do we see in the title, “pastor”? Sometimes we forget that God used fishermen… plain ordinary fishermen to do incredible works for Himself. There is not a single apostle or disciple in the New Testament that we can find bore the name “pastor” yet we look at those same men as great men of God. Often, we don’t expect more out of ourselves as a Christian and become accustomed to just drinking the milk, because, “Well, I’m not a pastor.” The apostle Peter never went and got his theology degree or doctorate from one of the leading universities of that day. He all should be constantly growing and maturing in our relationship and knowledge of God. Notice, in verse 14, it doesn’t say, “solid food is for the [pastors], who…” and, also notice that it does not say, “who by [going to a theological seminary] have trained themselves.” Men, it was by the constant use of the Word of God that trained them to distinguish between good and evil. That’s you! You have that ability. If you “got milk”, do your best to grow and mature out of it.
How long have you been a Christian?
How much of the Word of God do you know?
Does your knowledge of the Word of God match the length of time that you’ve been a Christian?
What will you do today to grow in the Lord?
REVIEW
How were you able to grow in the Lord today?
How did this impact your view of your maturity in Christ?
Men, it is understood that maturing in Christ cannot happen in just a day. This is to serve as a direction, a mindset, a pursuit.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Where's the Little Boy, Thirsday, March 23 2011
Where’s the Little Boy
Reading:Matthew 18:2-5, 2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.
In just a minute, I’m going to ask you to set down the book and reminisce about your childhood. Remember back when you were a little boy? Do you remember the innocence? Do you remember the simple faith and trust? For me, I remember when I was a little boy and one day I had a softball game. I was so excited! It was my first year playing on a team, instead of in my back yard. I woke up in the morning and jumped out of bed with hopes that the day would fly by so it could be time to go to the game. I looked out the window, though, and was very sad to see that it was raining. The morning dragged on as it continued to rain. As it turned into the afternoon, I still remember kneeling by my bed and asking God to make the rain stop so I could play in the game. I kid you not, as soon as I got up and look out the window, the clouds parted and the sun came out. We were able to play the game in the sunshine that evening. My faith in God just skyrocketed as a kid. I smile when I think about that… but, then, my smile turns to sadness. I’m sure God has asked that same question just as I now wonder, “Where’s that little boy?” At what point did someone hurt our feelings, or disappoint us, or do something else that over time we lost that simple trust, that simple faith, that simple joy, that simple desire to please? I look at some of our kids and see their sweet innocence and wonder, will it change or when will it change?
Take some time and think through what you were like as a little boy and write down some characteristics:
Challenge:Review the list that you wrote down and evaluate how you can demonstrate those same qualities with God today and, then, do it.
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate the innocent trust and desire to please with God today?
How did this impact your relationship with God today?
Reading:Matthew 18:2-5, 2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.
In just a minute, I’m going to ask you to set down the book and reminisce about your childhood. Remember back when you were a little boy? Do you remember the innocence? Do you remember the simple faith and trust? For me, I remember when I was a little boy and one day I had a softball game. I was so excited! It was my first year playing on a team, instead of in my back yard. I woke up in the morning and jumped out of bed with hopes that the day would fly by so it could be time to go to the game. I looked out the window, though, and was very sad to see that it was raining. The morning dragged on as it continued to rain. As it turned into the afternoon, I still remember kneeling by my bed and asking God to make the rain stop so I could play in the game. I kid you not, as soon as I got up and look out the window, the clouds parted and the sun came out. We were able to play the game in the sunshine that evening. My faith in God just skyrocketed as a kid. I smile when I think about that… but, then, my smile turns to sadness. I’m sure God has asked that same question just as I now wonder, “Where’s that little boy?” At what point did someone hurt our feelings, or disappoint us, or do something else that over time we lost that simple trust, that simple faith, that simple joy, that simple desire to please? I look at some of our kids and see their sweet innocence and wonder, will it change or when will it change?
Take some time and think through what you were like as a little boy and write down some characteristics:
Challenge:Review the list that you wrote down and evaluate how you can demonstrate those same qualities with God today and, then, do it.
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate the innocent trust and desire to please with God today?
How did this impact your relationship with God today?
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Choice is Yours, Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Choice is Yours
Reading:Luke 23:39-43, 39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Both of the criminals had a choice but only one chose life. God allows us to make our own choices. He loves us that much. God gives us eternal choices and these choices have eternal consequences.
This reminds me of a story about Edwin Thomas and his brother John. Edwin was an actor in the 1800’s in New York. He performed Hamlet for 150 consecutive nights. His brother John was also an actor. There last name was Booth, Edwin Thomas Booth and John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. Ten years later at a New Jersey train station, Edwin miraculously saved a young man’s life who had lost his footing and fell between the platform and the train. The young man’s name was Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s son. They had the same father and mother; the same upbringing. Even the same profession, yet one chose life and the other chose death.
As the thief on the cross was about to die, he turned to Christ for forgiveness and Christ accepted him. It is never too late to turn to God. Never!
Take some time and consider your choices in life. Are you choosing life or are you choosing death?
If you are choosing life, how will you demonstrate that today and turn to Christ?
Challenge:Make sure that your actions today, match choosing life!
REVIEW
How did you choose life today and how did you demonstrate turning to Christ?
How did this impact your choices today?
Reading:Luke 23:39-43, 39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Both of the criminals had a choice but only one chose life. God allows us to make our own choices. He loves us that much. God gives us eternal choices and these choices have eternal consequences.
This reminds me of a story about Edwin Thomas and his brother John. Edwin was an actor in the 1800’s in New York. He performed Hamlet for 150 consecutive nights. His brother John was also an actor. There last name was Booth, Edwin Thomas Booth and John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. Ten years later at a New Jersey train station, Edwin miraculously saved a young man’s life who had lost his footing and fell between the platform and the train. The young man’s name was Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s son. They had the same father and mother; the same upbringing. Even the same profession, yet one chose life and the other chose death.
As the thief on the cross was about to die, he turned to Christ for forgiveness and Christ accepted him. It is never too late to turn to God. Never!
Take some time and consider your choices in life. Are you choosing life or are you choosing death?
If you are choosing life, how will you demonstrate that today and turn to Christ?
Challenge:Make sure that your actions today, match choosing life!
REVIEW
How did you choose life today and how did you demonstrate turning to Christ?
How did this impact your choices today?
Monday, March 21, 2011
She's the enemy, Tuesday, March 22, 2011
She’s the Enemy
Reading:Proverbs 6:24-28, 24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. 25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, 26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. 27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? 28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?
Why do we tend to read these verses and get a perception in our minds of a prostitute standing on the street corner? Men, we need to realize that it isn’t the woman that is trying to get you to fall; it is the devil knowing exactly how he can get to you. He will not dress the temptation up in something that is ugly and unappealing. He will make it as desirable as he possibly can. Get rid of the mental picture that the women talked about in these verses are dressed up prostitutes, rather, they are women that you see every day. They are the women in the online ads, they are the women in the annual swimsuit issue, they are the women in the Victoria Secrets commercials, she is your “friend” who is going through marital problems who you “want to be there for”. We could have the list go on and on, but, men, we know exactly who they are. We just do not want to view them as they really are. They are the enemy! They are the enemy of your purity, they are the enemy of your marriage, even as the verse says, they are the enemy of your very life. Many a man has fallen by the wayside with everything that they hold dear in life being destroyed because of some smooth talk, captivating beauty or lust that they thought was just in their mind and heart and didn’t think it would affect anything else, or even under the guise of “trying to be there” for a woman, which is not your place. Just as Solomon said, as I paraphrase, “Do you really think that you can do this, you can entertain the idea of this woman, and not have it cause destruction in your heart, your life and your home?” Did you really think that could happen? Men, let’s pull off the blinders and see the enemy for who they are. She is not your hot, dream girl. She is the enemy of your soul! Guard it!
In what ways are you struggling seeing the enemy for who she really is and what will you do today to put a stop to it?
REVIEW
How were you able to see the enemy for who she really is today and how did you put a stop to it?
How did this impact your view of who the real enemy is and how it can destroy your life?
Reading:Proverbs 6:24-28, 24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. 25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, 26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. 27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? 28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?
Why do we tend to read these verses and get a perception in our minds of a prostitute standing on the street corner? Men, we need to realize that it isn’t the woman that is trying to get you to fall; it is the devil knowing exactly how he can get to you. He will not dress the temptation up in something that is ugly and unappealing. He will make it as desirable as he possibly can. Get rid of the mental picture that the women talked about in these verses are dressed up prostitutes, rather, they are women that you see every day. They are the women in the online ads, they are the women in the annual swimsuit issue, they are the women in the Victoria Secrets commercials, she is your “friend” who is going through marital problems who you “want to be there for”. We could have the list go on and on, but, men, we know exactly who they are. We just do not want to view them as they really are. They are the enemy! They are the enemy of your purity, they are the enemy of your marriage, even as the verse says, they are the enemy of your very life. Many a man has fallen by the wayside with everything that they hold dear in life being destroyed because of some smooth talk, captivating beauty or lust that they thought was just in their mind and heart and didn’t think it would affect anything else, or even under the guise of “trying to be there” for a woman, which is not your place. Just as Solomon said, as I paraphrase, “Do you really think that you can do this, you can entertain the idea of this woman, and not have it cause destruction in your heart, your life and your home?” Did you really think that could happen? Men, let’s pull off the blinders and see the enemy for who they are. She is not your hot, dream girl. She is the enemy of your soul! Guard it!
In what ways are you struggling seeing the enemy for who she really is and what will you do today to put a stop to it?
REVIEW
How were you able to see the enemy for who she really is today and how did you put a stop to it?
How did this impact your view of who the real enemy is and how it can destroy your life?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Boost Your Energy, Monday, March 21, 2011
Boost Your Energy
Reading:Colossians 1:29, “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me”
Everywhere we look, someone is coming out with a new energy drink. There’s Red Bull, Rock Star, Xtreme Shock, and the list goes on. I could not believe it when I actually counted the number of different energy drinks out there right now, 356. Can you believe that? Everyone wants a boost of energy.
Paul knew where to find his energy. He got his from God. But, instead of just saying, “Hey, guys, get your energy from God”, there are some practical things that we can consider, which coincides perfectly with receiving our energy from God. Have you ever had some of those people that just seem to zap your energy? Did you know that it’s not them, necessarily? What is an activity or something that you do that you thoroughly enjoy doing and, even though it may take a bit of energy to do, you could just keep doing that all day long? Why is that? Why can you do that and just keep doing it but, if that “someone” comes along that tends to zap your energy, you are done for the day? Unfortunately, although we’d love to blame that person, it’s not them. It is actually our feelings, thoughts and attitude with that particular person or project. It takes more energy to think a negative thought than it does a positive thought. It takes more energy to frown that it does to smile. The New Age movement has attempted to teach this as well but, the difference is, they teach and believe that you can find that energy, peace and “positive energy” inside of you and, the truth is, only God can truly produce those attributes and characteristics within you. Just remember as you are confronted by that person or that project, God has a perfect purpose. He sent you that person and that project today. He knew that through His strength and power you can not only handle it but continue to keep your energy up to accomplish even more of what he has for you to do today. It is all in your attitude and perception.
Where will you find your energy today?
How will you be sure to not let anything zap your energy today?
REVIEW
Did anything zap your energy today?
Explain how it did or did not and what you’ve learned from that experience?
Reading:Colossians 1:29, “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me”
Everywhere we look, someone is coming out with a new energy drink. There’s Red Bull, Rock Star, Xtreme Shock, and the list goes on. I could not believe it when I actually counted the number of different energy drinks out there right now, 356. Can you believe that? Everyone wants a boost of energy.
Paul knew where to find his energy. He got his from God. But, instead of just saying, “Hey, guys, get your energy from God”, there are some practical things that we can consider, which coincides perfectly with receiving our energy from God. Have you ever had some of those people that just seem to zap your energy? Did you know that it’s not them, necessarily? What is an activity or something that you do that you thoroughly enjoy doing and, even though it may take a bit of energy to do, you could just keep doing that all day long? Why is that? Why can you do that and just keep doing it but, if that “someone” comes along that tends to zap your energy, you are done for the day? Unfortunately, although we’d love to blame that person, it’s not them. It is actually our feelings, thoughts and attitude with that particular person or project. It takes more energy to think a negative thought than it does a positive thought. It takes more energy to frown that it does to smile. The New Age movement has attempted to teach this as well but, the difference is, they teach and believe that you can find that energy, peace and “positive energy” inside of you and, the truth is, only God can truly produce those attributes and characteristics within you. Just remember as you are confronted by that person or that project, God has a perfect purpose. He sent you that person and that project today. He knew that through His strength and power you can not only handle it but continue to keep your energy up to accomplish even more of what he has for you to do today. It is all in your attitude and perception.
Where will you find your energy today?
How will you be sure to not let anything zap your energy today?
REVIEW
Did anything zap your energy today?
Explain how it did or did not and what you’ve learned from that experience?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Celebration! Sunday March 20, 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading:Psalm 101:1-3, 1 I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise. 2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life— when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart. 3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.
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?
Reading:Psalm 101:1-3, 1 I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise. 2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life— when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart. 3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.
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, March 18, 2011
Give Thanks, Saturday, March 19, 2011
Give Thanks
Reading:Psalm 30:11-12, 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
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.
Men, today is our day of thanksgiving. We can rejoice in all the many wonderful things that we have to be thankful for. Whether you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or have a lot to do today, or things just don’t seem to be going your way, let’s take time today to be thankful for what we do have.
First, what are you thankful for that God has done for you?
What attribute of God are you thankful for today and why?
How will you demonstrate that gratitude for God today?
What are you thankful for that others have done for you?
What attribute in another person are you thankful for today and why?
How will you demonstrate that gratitude for others today?
REVIEW
How did you demonstrate your thankfulness today?
How did this impact others and your attitude and perception of your day?
Reading:Psalm 30:11-12, 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
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.
Men, today is our day of thanksgiving. We can rejoice in all the many wonderful things that we have to be thankful for. Whether you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or have a lot to do today, or things just don’t seem to be going your way, let’s take time today to be thankful for what we do have.
First, what are you thankful for that God has done for you?
What attribute of God are you thankful for today and why?
How will you demonstrate that gratitude for God today?
What are you thankful for that others have done for you?
What attribute in another person are you thankful for today and why?
How will you demonstrate that gratitude for others today?
REVIEW
How did you demonstrate your thankfulness today?
How did this impact others and your attitude and perception of your day?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Right Place Friday March 18 2011
The Right Place
Reading:Genesis 18:14, Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
Do you know why Jesus called fisherman? I think it was because they understood the life of adventure. Some days, when I’m confronted by the pressures of the future, I am tempted to “play it safe”.
God tells me I can move mountains but instead, I fret over gopher holes. When I focus on the unfairness of today, I stop dreaming about the hopes for tomorrow. When we as men are unwilling to trust God completely, we take timid half steps when God created us for giant leaps.
Today, ask God for the courage to step outside of the boundary of doubt. Ask the Lord to guide you to a place where you can realize who you could become. A place where you are free form the fears of failure. Don’t ask Him to lead you to a “safe place”. Instead, ask Him to lead you to the “right” place. Remember those two places are seldom the same. Nothing is impossible for our God. What mountain is He calling you to move?
“The really committed leave the safety of the harbor, accept the risk of the open seas of faith and set their compasses for the place of total devotion to God and whatever life adventures He plans for them.”
- Bill Hybels
What mountain is God calling you to move? In other words, what do you sense God wants you to do, but you don’t think you can do it?
Come on, men, how will you choose today to move that mountain?
REVIEW
How were you able to move mountains today that you didn’t know you could?
How did this impact your trust in God and His ability to help you accomplish it?
Reading:Genesis 18:14, Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
Do you know why Jesus called fisherman? I think it was because they understood the life of adventure. Some days, when I’m confronted by the pressures of the future, I am tempted to “play it safe”.
God tells me I can move mountains but instead, I fret over gopher holes. When I focus on the unfairness of today, I stop dreaming about the hopes for tomorrow. When we as men are unwilling to trust God completely, we take timid half steps when God created us for giant leaps.
Today, ask God for the courage to step outside of the boundary of doubt. Ask the Lord to guide you to a place where you can realize who you could become. A place where you are free form the fears of failure. Don’t ask Him to lead you to a “safe place”. Instead, ask Him to lead you to the “right” place. Remember those two places are seldom the same. Nothing is impossible for our God. What mountain is He calling you to move?
“The really committed leave the safety of the harbor, accept the risk of the open seas of faith and set their compasses for the place of total devotion to God and whatever life adventures He plans for them.”
- Bill Hybels
What mountain is God calling you to move? In other words, what do you sense God wants you to do, but you don’t think you can do it?
Come on, men, how will you choose today to move that mountain?
REVIEW
How were you able to move mountains today that you didn’t know you could?
How did this impact your trust in God and His ability to help you accomplish it?
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Not My Will, but Yours Be Done, Thursday, March 17 2011
Not My Will, but Yours Be Done
Reading:Romans 12:12, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
The walls of a building are truly amazing. The smallest flaw in the metal, or a weak point in the bricks could send the whole wall tumbling down, but if those same supports are strong and immovable that same building can withstand the many pressures exerted upon it. God gave me an image of a large brick wall while in prayer once. It was a pivotal point in my life in which I was torn between two paths, and all I could pray was that God would have His will be done and not mine. In that image, I slowly began to pull bricks out of the wall one by one until finally I came to the brick in the dead center of that wall, and down it came. God was telling me that He had more for me yet to do in the place where I was at, and almost 10 years later my wife and four children I’m sure would agree. When we lean on the desires of the flesh we may miss entirely what God has planned for us, but if we lean on the One who desires our heart and wants what’s best for us we experience our full potential on this earth.
When times get tough, we often tend to blame God rather than run to Him for guidance. But, if we are patient in our afflictions and faithful in our prayers, we will find joy in hope.
Do you rely on God or yourself to make decisions in your life?
Do you pray for God’s will to be done, or just for Him to “fix” your problems?
How will you rely on God, today, to make decisions in your life?
REVIEW
How did you run to God today for direction and guidance instead of simply fixing your problem?
How did this impact your decisions in the day and how you handled them?
Reading:Romans 12:12, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
The walls of a building are truly amazing. The smallest flaw in the metal, or a weak point in the bricks could send the whole wall tumbling down, but if those same supports are strong and immovable that same building can withstand the many pressures exerted upon it. God gave me an image of a large brick wall while in prayer once. It was a pivotal point in my life in which I was torn between two paths, and all I could pray was that God would have His will be done and not mine. In that image, I slowly began to pull bricks out of the wall one by one until finally I came to the brick in the dead center of that wall, and down it came. God was telling me that He had more for me yet to do in the place where I was at, and almost 10 years later my wife and four children I’m sure would agree. When we lean on the desires of the flesh we may miss entirely what God has planned for us, but if we lean on the One who desires our heart and wants what’s best for us we experience our full potential on this earth.
When times get tough, we often tend to blame God rather than run to Him for guidance. But, if we are patient in our afflictions and faithful in our prayers, we will find joy in hope.
Do you rely on God or yourself to make decisions in your life?
Do you pray for God’s will to be done, or just for Him to “fix” your problems?
How will you rely on God, today, to make decisions in your life?
REVIEW
How did you run to God today for direction and guidance instead of simply fixing your problem?
How did this impact your decisions in the day and how you handled them?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Conquer it! Wendesday, March 16, 2011
Conquer It!
Reading:Joshua 14:10-14, 10 "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said." 13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.
I can just imagine a white haired Caleb, marching up to Joshua, declaring that he’s been waiting for 45 years to possess the land that God said that He would. And, you talk about valiant. Here’s an 85 year old man who tells Joshua that he’s as young and spry as he was at 40 years old. Notice, he doesn’t tell Joshua that he’d been fighting this long… and he’s going to have someone else go up there and fight those people… because he deserves it… he’s put in his time. Greater still… he could have just settled for a valley or some flat ground to take over. No, sir… he wanted the hill country. If you know a little something about war and battles, hills and mountains are a little harder to take. The key, though, to Caleb acting so valiantly is stated in verse 7, when he told Joshua why he told Moses in the first place that they could defeat the enemy, “I brought him back a report according to my convictions”. He didn’t say, “according to my strength… or wisdom… or experience. At the core of his valor were his convictions. And, because of that conviction in God, he knew he could and would conquer that hill country at 85 years old.
Men, what “hill” does God want you to conquer? Is it reclaiming your home for God… is it finally offering forgiveness to someone who doesn’t deserve it.. what is it, men?
Challenge:Whatever that “hill” is today, conquer it with conviction!
REVIEW
How did you conquer your “hill” today?
How did you experience victory and how did it affect you?
Reading:Joshua 14:10-14, 10 "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said." 13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.
I can just imagine a white haired Caleb, marching up to Joshua, declaring that he’s been waiting for 45 years to possess the land that God said that He would. And, you talk about valiant. Here’s an 85 year old man who tells Joshua that he’s as young and spry as he was at 40 years old. Notice, he doesn’t tell Joshua that he’d been fighting this long… and he’s going to have someone else go up there and fight those people… because he deserves it… he’s put in his time. Greater still… he could have just settled for a valley or some flat ground to take over. No, sir… he wanted the hill country. If you know a little something about war and battles, hills and mountains are a little harder to take. The key, though, to Caleb acting so valiantly is stated in verse 7, when he told Joshua why he told Moses in the first place that they could defeat the enemy, “I brought him back a report according to my convictions”. He didn’t say, “according to my strength… or wisdom… or experience. At the core of his valor were his convictions. And, because of that conviction in God, he knew he could and would conquer that hill country at 85 years old.
Men, what “hill” does God want you to conquer? Is it reclaiming your home for God… is it finally offering forgiveness to someone who doesn’t deserve it.. what is it, men?
Challenge:Whatever that “hill” is today, conquer it with conviction!
REVIEW
How did you conquer your “hill” today?
How did you experience victory and how did it affect you?
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Mission Field, Tuesday March 15, 2011
The Mission Field
Reading: I Peter 2:9, But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Whether you realize it or not, you are on a personal mission for God. As a man following after Christ, that mission is straightforward: honor God, accept Christ as your personal Savior and serve God and His children.
You must never lose sight of the overwhelming purposes that God has established for you personally. You will encounter these overriding purposes again and again as you worship your Creator and study His Word. You are called to be the hero of your own arena. No one can take your place. You are the only one who has your exact sphere of influence.
Today, there are countless opportunities to serve God and worship Him in your arena. Your mission field is the places where God has chosen for you to be an overseer; your home, your job, your friends, your family, etc.
The great missionary, David Livingstone, once said, “God had an only Son and He made Him a missionary.
Where are your mission fields?
Who are in those mission fields that God has chosen you to reach?
What are you prepared to do today to be a missionary to your sphere of influence?
REVIEW
How were you able to minister or witness to those in your mission field?
How did this impact your sphere of influence?
Reading: I Peter 2:9, But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Whether you realize it or not, you are on a personal mission for God. As a man following after Christ, that mission is straightforward: honor God, accept Christ as your personal Savior and serve God and His children.
You must never lose sight of the overwhelming purposes that God has established for you personally. You will encounter these overriding purposes again and again as you worship your Creator and study His Word. You are called to be the hero of your own arena. No one can take your place. You are the only one who has your exact sphere of influence.
Today, there are countless opportunities to serve God and worship Him in your arena. Your mission field is the places where God has chosen for you to be an overseer; your home, your job, your friends, your family, etc.
The great missionary, David Livingstone, once said, “God had an only Son and He made Him a missionary.
Where are your mission fields?
Who are in those mission fields that God has chosen you to reach?
What are you prepared to do today to be a missionary to your sphere of influence?
REVIEW
How were you able to minister or witness to those in your mission field?
How did this impact your sphere of influence?
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Do We Get It? Monday, March 14, 2011
Do We Get It?
Reading:Philippians 2:9-11, 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Men, do we really get it? Do we… really? Every knee will bow and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord! Do we really understand the gravity of this? That means Pontius Pilate, who attempted to wash His death off his hands; the Pharisees and other religious rulers that pushed for Him to be crucified; all of the powerful Pharaohs that ever ruled Egypt; all of the Caesars of the Roman Empire; Alexander the Great; Adolph Hitler; Joseph Stalin; Charles Darwin; and any ruler, celebrity, or famous person that ever walked the earth… and you… will bow and proclaim! Do you really get that? Just take a minute and think about it and let it really sink in.
It is this same Jesus who wants to have a conversation with you today. It is this same Jesus who wants to walk with you throughout your day today. It is this same Jesus that wants to use you today. Can you believe it? Why would we not want to take Him with us throughout our day? Why would we not want to take advantage of every second that we have to talk to Him?
Men, how will you walk with this same Jesus throughout your day?
How do you intend to serve this same Jesus today?
How do you intend to have a conversation with this same Jesus today? (a conversation is listening and talking, what is your plan for both?)
REVIEW
How were you able to walk, talk and serve this same Jesus today?
What did this mean to you?
Reading:Philippians 2:9-11, 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Men, do we really get it? Do we… really? Every knee will bow and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord! Do we really understand the gravity of this? That means Pontius Pilate, who attempted to wash His death off his hands; the Pharisees and other religious rulers that pushed for Him to be crucified; all of the powerful Pharaohs that ever ruled Egypt; all of the Caesars of the Roman Empire; Alexander the Great; Adolph Hitler; Joseph Stalin; Charles Darwin; and any ruler, celebrity, or famous person that ever walked the earth… and you… will bow and proclaim! Do you really get that? Just take a minute and think about it and let it really sink in.
It is this same Jesus who wants to have a conversation with you today. It is this same Jesus who wants to walk with you throughout your day today. It is this same Jesus that wants to use you today. Can you believe it? Why would we not want to take Him with us throughout our day? Why would we not want to take advantage of every second that we have to talk to Him?
Men, how will you walk with this same Jesus throughout your day?
How do you intend to serve this same Jesus today?
How do you intend to have a conversation with this same Jesus today? (a conversation is listening and talking, what is your plan for both?)
REVIEW
How were you able to walk, talk and serve this same Jesus today?
What did this mean to you?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Celebration! Sunday, March 13, 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading:Psalm 103:1-6, 1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
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?
Reading:Psalm 103:1-6, 1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
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, March 11, 2011
Search Me! Saturday, March 12, 2011
Search Me!
Reading:Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, we have reached that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find place in your house and let your everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground, a hoola-hoop, a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for you sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
Reading:Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, we have reached that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find place in your house and let your everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground, a hoola-hoop, a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for you sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Watch You Words, Friday March 11, 2011
Reading:Psalm 15:1-2, 1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.”
This was Benjamin Franklin’s favorite Psalm. He called it the “Gentlemen’s Psalm”. David called it a “guideline for a blameless journey.”
The word “dwell” in verse number one, means intimate fellowship. Wow! Lord, how can I enjoy intimate fellowship with you? The Lord says to walk blameless, which means to walk with integrity. A definition of integrity is someone who keeps his oath even when it hurts.
How? How do we walk in integrity? The Lord give us the answer in the very next passage: Psalm 15:3, “He who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue.”
A man of integrity watches his mouth. He is careful with secrets and takes every word captive before they are used.
Is it possible? It is today… in you!
How will you captivate your words and be very careful how you let them out of your mouth today?
How will you be sure to speak the truth today? (Remember, speaking the truth is not ceasing from telling a lie, it is, what is truthful you are proclaiming.)
REVIEW
Did you succeed in captivating your mouth and words today?
How did you and how did you not?
How did this impact your day?
This was Benjamin Franklin’s favorite Psalm. He called it the “Gentlemen’s Psalm”. David called it a “guideline for a blameless journey.”
The word “dwell” in verse number one, means intimate fellowship. Wow! Lord, how can I enjoy intimate fellowship with you? The Lord says to walk blameless, which means to walk with integrity. A definition of integrity is someone who keeps his oath even when it hurts.
How? How do we walk in integrity? The Lord give us the answer in the very next passage: Psalm 15:3, “He who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue.”
A man of integrity watches his mouth. He is careful with secrets and takes every word captive before they are used.
Is it possible? It is today… in you!
How will you captivate your words and be very careful how you let them out of your mouth today?
How will you be sure to speak the truth today? (Remember, speaking the truth is not ceasing from telling a lie, it is, what is truthful you are proclaiming.)
REVIEW
Did you succeed in captivating your mouth and words today?
How did you and how did you not?
How did this impact your day?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Run Away! Thursday, March 10, 2011
Reading:Proverbs 5:3, 8; 3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; 8 Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house,
I Corinthians 6:18, 18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
The other day, I was with our youngest daughter in Wal-Mart. It was a nice casual day, I was in my short, t-shirt and sandals. I was pushing the shopping cart with her inside and I have absolutely no idea how it happened. But, the next thing I know, my little toe hit the wheel of the shopping cart when I was in stride and it caught the nail just right and rip it completely back. Blood started gushing out and I tried to push the toenail back down into place. Of course, I didn’t want anyone else around me to know what I had done, so, I’m just gritting my teeth and smiling; trying not to let anyone see me limp through the store.
I’m sure, if you’ve ever hit your little toe on something, you know how bad it hurts. After it’s hurt, you either are extremely conscious of walking near something that can bump it; or you don’t pay attention and don’t think about it and accidentally bump it, which could almost make a grown man cry.
There are many areas in the Bible that we are encouraged and commanded to fight for and resist. But, when it comes to sins of the sexual nature, we are told to run away! Don’t even come near it! Just like injuring your little toe, it may seem like a small thing but what excruciating pain it can cause! Don’t go near it! Don’t take your chances!!!
What temptations are you not running from (be specific and be honest)?
What will you do today to run from them and not go near them at all?
REVIEW
Did you identify your areas of weakness today and how did you make the effort to run from them and not go near them?
How did this impact your thoughts and your temptations?
I Corinthians 6:18, 18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
The other day, I was with our youngest daughter in Wal-Mart. It was a nice casual day, I was in my short, t-shirt and sandals. I was pushing the shopping cart with her inside and I have absolutely no idea how it happened. But, the next thing I know, my little toe hit the wheel of the shopping cart when I was in stride and it caught the nail just right and rip it completely back. Blood started gushing out and I tried to push the toenail back down into place. Of course, I didn’t want anyone else around me to know what I had done, so, I’m just gritting my teeth and smiling; trying not to let anyone see me limp through the store.
I’m sure, if you’ve ever hit your little toe on something, you know how bad it hurts. After it’s hurt, you either are extremely conscious of walking near something that can bump it; or you don’t pay attention and don’t think about it and accidentally bump it, which could almost make a grown man cry.
There are many areas in the Bible that we are encouraged and commanded to fight for and resist. But, when it comes to sins of the sexual nature, we are told to run away! Don’t even come near it! Just like injuring your little toe, it may seem like a small thing but what excruciating pain it can cause! Don’t go near it! Don’t take your chances!!!
What temptations are you not running from (be specific and be honest)?
What will you do today to run from them and not go near them at all?
REVIEW
Did you identify your areas of weakness today and how did you make the effort to run from them and not go near them?
How did this impact your thoughts and your temptations?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Priorities, Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Priorities, Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Reading:Matthew 6:33-34, 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The question is, do you really seek God, His kingdom and His righteousness first? What are your priorities?
On the following lines, right down what you think your priorities are or should be (leave your job out of the list):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
On the previous five lines, write next to each item how much time you spend in an average day and then how much money you spend on that particular item. Then, on the following lines, right down the five things again in the order of quantity of time and money spent:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Men, what are you seeking first? What are your true priorities?
Challenge:Choose today what your priorities should be and make sure that your time and expenses match.
How will you do that today?
REVIEW
What were your priorities today?
Write down the list from above and fill in the time and money spent:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Run To Him, Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Reading:Psalm 18:1-2, I will love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
As men, each of these characteristics that describe God in these verses are things that we aspire to be. We take great pride in our strength, either inwardly or outwardly. We love being a fortress for someone to run to for protection and defense. We swell with manly courage at the thought of riding in to save the day and delivering someone from the enemy. Even when I was three years old, I’ve been told that when some bigger boys were picking on my older sisters, I picked up some wood chips and told them that if they didn’t stop picking on my sisters that I would start throwing the wood chips at them. It is built into our DNA.
So, for us to feel needy, especially in these areas, it is very difficult for us. We don’t want to be delivered; we want to be the deliverer. We don’t want to have to count on someone else to be the stronghold; we want to be the stronghold. Because of this fact, we seem to constantly be in a tug of war with the fact that God is our strength, our rock, our fortress, our deliverer, our stronghold; we pull against it and then we give in. Then we find ourselves pulling against it again and then giving in. We don’t want to have to run to someone; we want to be the one that people run to. Men, it is impossible for us to be a truly effective rock, fortress, deliverer, strength and stronghold for anyone else, unless you are running to God to allow Him to be those things for you. Run to Him today!
What are some things with which you are struggling and need a rock, a fortress, a deliverer, a stronghold?
How will you trust in God today? (write next to each word something that you are giving to Him in that area today)
Strength:
Deliverer:
Shield:
Stronghold:
REVIEW
What did you turn over to God today and trust Him with it?
How did this impact your trust in Him and your ability to be those characteristics for others?
As men, each of these characteristics that describe God in these verses are things that we aspire to be. We take great pride in our strength, either inwardly or outwardly. We love being a fortress for someone to run to for protection and defense. We swell with manly courage at the thought of riding in to save the day and delivering someone from the enemy. Even when I was three years old, I’ve been told that when some bigger boys were picking on my older sisters, I picked up some wood chips and told them that if they didn’t stop picking on my sisters that I would start throwing the wood chips at them. It is built into our DNA.
So, for us to feel needy, especially in these areas, it is very difficult for us. We don’t want to be delivered; we want to be the deliverer. We don’t want to have to count on someone else to be the stronghold; we want to be the stronghold. Because of this fact, we seem to constantly be in a tug of war with the fact that God is our strength, our rock, our fortress, our deliverer, our stronghold; we pull against it and then we give in. Then we find ourselves pulling against it again and then giving in. We don’t want to have to run to someone; we want to be the one that people run to. Men, it is impossible for us to be a truly effective rock, fortress, deliverer, strength and stronghold for anyone else, unless you are running to God to allow Him to be those things for you. Run to Him today!
What are some things with which you are struggling and need a rock, a fortress, a deliverer, a stronghold?
How will you trust in God today? (write next to each word something that you are giving to Him in that area today)
Strength:
Deliverer:
Shield:
Stronghold:
REVIEW
What did you turn over to God today and trust Him with it?
How did this impact your trust in Him and your ability to be those characteristics for others?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
I Thirst! Monday, March 7, 2011
Reading:Psalm 42:1-2, As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Walkin’ through the desert of this thing that we call life
The sands of sin surround me with Satan’s awful plight
The heat pounding upon me, the pressures of this world
My soul drying within me, I cry out for the Lord…
Where is the water of Your Word?
I’m searchin’ for the spring of life that I once heard.
Show me now the well of life that never will run dry.
Quench this longing thirst for You before this weary soul dies.
Temptations swirl around me and whip against my face
How can I continue in this Godless place
There’s too many around me, who’ve fallen on their way
The vultures circle over and I hit my knees to pray
Where is the water of Your Word?
I’m searchin’ for the spring of life that I once heard.
Show me now the well of life that never will run dry.
Quench this longing thirst for You before this weary soul dies.
Sometimes we are so comfortable that we forget that we are living in a dry and barren land spiritually. It’s when we are able to realize how in need of the Water from His Word, that we truly become thirsty.
Why do you need the water from God’s Word today? Really… why?
How will you demonstrate your thirst for God’s Word today?
REVIEW
What happened in your day that was a desert for you to dry you out spiritually?
How were you able to demonstrate your thirst for God’s Word?
Walkin’ through the desert of this thing that we call life
The sands of sin surround me with Satan’s awful plight
The heat pounding upon me, the pressures of this world
My soul drying within me, I cry out for the Lord…
Where is the water of Your Word?
I’m searchin’ for the spring of life that I once heard.
Show me now the well of life that never will run dry.
Quench this longing thirst for You before this weary soul dies.
Temptations swirl around me and whip against my face
How can I continue in this Godless place
There’s too many around me, who’ve fallen on their way
The vultures circle over and I hit my knees to pray
Where is the water of Your Word?
I’m searchin’ for the spring of life that I once heard.
Show me now the well of life that never will run dry.
Quench this longing thirst for You before this weary soul dies.
Sometimes we are so comfortable that we forget that we are living in a dry and barren land spiritually. It’s when we are able to realize how in need of the Water from His Word, that we truly become thirsty.
Why do you need the water from God’s Word today? Really… why?
How will you demonstrate your thirst for God’s Word today?
REVIEW
What happened in your day that was a desert for you to dry you out spiritually?
How were you able to demonstrate your thirst for God’s Word?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
CELEBRATION! Sunday March 6, 2011
Reading: Psalm 103:19-22, 19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
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?
you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
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?
Leave a Mark, Saturday, March 5, 2011
Reading: Ecclesiastes 6:12; 7:1-2, For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone? 1 A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. 2 It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.
As told by Pastor Bruce Porter from the Columbine Massacre:
I received a call from the Coroner confirming that Rachel [Scott] had been positively identified and was indeed deceased. It was very difficult delivering that news, and we spent several hours praying and weeping with the family members who had assembled in their home. Pictures of Rachel adorned the living room. She was such a beautiful 17-year-old! We spent time praying together, and seeking our Father's merciful comfort. We heard from eyewitness accounts of other surviving students that when Rachel was confronted by one of the gunmen, she gave a bold testimony of her faith. The killer asked her, "Do you believe in God?!!" She boldly answered, "Yes I do!" She was instantly gunned down. This evening we joined another church in holding a memorial service for Rachel and the other students killed or wounded. Over 1,500 people attended. Never before have we seen such an open hunger for God in the young people of this community!
At first read, this passage of Scripture seems somewhat morbid. But, how many people search for the meaning of life at a feast or a party? Almost everyone reflects, considers and searches for the meaning of life at a funeral. You may not know or recognize the name “Rachel Scott” but, with only 17 years behind her, her life truly was a “few… days”, yet, her “name”, her reputation, her testimony left an indelible mark. I’m sure, just like this passage states, she had no comprehension what “will happen under the sun after [she] is gone”. Hundreds came to the Lord from her testimony and through her death.
Challenge: Leave an indelible mark for the cause of Christ today. Let today be the day that would exemplify exactly how you would want to be remembered. Let everything you do today reflect those characteristics.
REVIEW
How did you leave an indelible mark for the cause of Christ today?
How did you live out the characteristics of how you want to be remembered
As told by Pastor Bruce Porter from the Columbine Massacre:
I received a call from the Coroner confirming that Rachel [Scott] had been positively identified and was indeed deceased. It was very difficult delivering that news, and we spent several hours praying and weeping with the family members who had assembled in their home. Pictures of Rachel adorned the living room. She was such a beautiful 17-year-old! We spent time praying together, and seeking our Father's merciful comfort. We heard from eyewitness accounts of other surviving students that when Rachel was confronted by one of the gunmen, she gave a bold testimony of her faith. The killer asked her, "Do you believe in God?!!" She boldly answered, "Yes I do!" She was instantly gunned down. This evening we joined another church in holding a memorial service for Rachel and the other students killed or wounded. Over 1,500 people attended. Never before have we seen such an open hunger for God in the young people of this community!
At first read, this passage of Scripture seems somewhat morbid. But, how many people search for the meaning of life at a feast or a party? Almost everyone reflects, considers and searches for the meaning of life at a funeral. You may not know or recognize the name “Rachel Scott” but, with only 17 years behind her, her life truly was a “few… days”, yet, her “name”, her reputation, her testimony left an indelible mark. I’m sure, just like this passage states, she had no comprehension what “will happen under the sun after [she] is gone”. Hundreds came to the Lord from her testimony and through her death.
Challenge: Leave an indelible mark for the cause of Christ today. Let today be the day that would exemplify exactly how you would want to be remembered. Let everything you do today reflect those characteristics.
REVIEW
How did you leave an indelible mark for the cause of Christ today?
How did you live out the characteristics of how you want to be remembered
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Unite Together, Friday March 4, 2011
Reading: Romans 15:5-7 - 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
It’s amazing that immediately following 9-11, America seemed to be one voice in saying “United We Stand”. Bumper stickers, Billboards, and signs were all over declaring this unity. Yet, here we are today. A country that seems to be constantly divided about legal, moral, philosophical and/or racial issues was once so unified in its determination and resolve to avenge 9-11 victims.
Why is that? We had a common enemy and a common purpose.
Too often we tend to war with each other within our churches and denominations. We lose site of our “common enemy” and our “common purpose”. We tend to focus on our differences, instead of focusing on our similarities in Christ. Part of the struggle is a little deeper than that, though, because part of the reason that we lose site of our “common enemy” is simply we are not at war. Men, the spiritual war does not have deployments, tour of duties or even a military leave. The spiritual war is a constant. There is a camaraderie amongst those who are fighting together. This is why Paul makes a point to mention endurance and encouragement, right before unity to remind the Romans that God give endurance and encouragement to keep going, to keep fighting. He then reminds them of the “common purpose” to “glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Who do you not feel unified with today?
What “common purpose” do you share and how will you show that today?
Challenge: Just as God has given endurance and encouragement, actively pursue unity today. Let those who are fighting together against the Devil and the world, encourage each other and support each other today.
REVIEW
How did you encourage your fellow warriors today?
How did you have a greater sense of unity today in “common enemy” and “common purpose”?
It’s amazing that immediately following 9-11, America seemed to be one voice in saying “United We Stand”. Bumper stickers, Billboards, and signs were all over declaring this unity. Yet, here we are today. A country that seems to be constantly divided about legal, moral, philosophical and/or racial issues was once so unified in its determination and resolve to avenge 9-11 victims.
Why is that? We had a common enemy and a common purpose.
Too often we tend to war with each other within our churches and denominations. We lose site of our “common enemy” and our “common purpose”. We tend to focus on our differences, instead of focusing on our similarities in Christ. Part of the struggle is a little deeper than that, though, because part of the reason that we lose site of our “common enemy” is simply we are not at war. Men, the spiritual war does not have deployments, tour of duties or even a military leave. The spiritual war is a constant. There is a camaraderie amongst those who are fighting together. This is why Paul makes a point to mention endurance and encouragement, right before unity to remind the Romans that God give endurance and encouragement to keep going, to keep fighting. He then reminds them of the “common purpose” to “glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Who do you not feel unified with today?
What “common purpose” do you share and how will you show that today?
Challenge: Just as God has given endurance and encouragement, actively pursue unity today. Let those who are fighting together against the Devil and the world, encourage each other and support each other today.
REVIEW
How did you encourage your fellow warriors today?
How did you have a greater sense of unity today in “common enemy” and “common purpose”?
His Throne, Thursday March 3, 2011
Reading: Revelation 4:2-11, 2At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. 6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Imagine being in the presence of God. Someday you and I will be able to witness everything that we just read. It is difficult to know exactly how we will feel but can give a little bit of insight as to how we perceive God.
How would you feel if you witness this today?
What would be your thoughts?
What would be your actions?
What do you think this says about your relationship with Him?
Challenge: Today, live in this sense of holiness and awe of God.
REVIEW
How did you live in the sense of holiness and awe of God, as described in Revelations 4?
How did it impact your day and your relationship with Him?
Imagine being in the presence of God. Someday you and I will be able to witness everything that we just read. It is difficult to know exactly how we will feel but can give a little bit of insight as to how we perceive God.
How would you feel if you witness this today?
What would be your thoughts?
What would be your actions?
What do you think this says about your relationship with Him?
Challenge: Today, live in this sense of holiness and awe of God.
REVIEW
How did you live in the sense of holiness and awe of God, as described in Revelations 4?
How did it impact your day and your relationship with Him?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
ARE WE THERE YET? Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Reading: Philippians 4:6, 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Think back when you were a child. Do you remember the long car rides on the way to a camping trip, or the everlasting drive to go see grandma and grandpa two hours away? Perhaps you even have children and have heard them echo the words you said so many years ago, “Are we there yet?” We learn at a very young age to be anxious, restless, and even impatient sometimes, and yet that is completely the opposite of what Paul writes about in the Bible. “Don’t be anxious about ANYTHING, he says. I know, I know, it’s so easy to say, but not so easy to do, right? Wrong. The very next words of the verse tells us exactly how to NOT be anxious; “…but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” God knew the paths our lives would take us before we were even born. Learn to accept that fact, and the ease of mind, heart, and soul falls right into place.
The next time you feel anxious or nervous, try this time, instead of turning inward for you answers, turn your eyes upward. Spend time with God today and cast all you cares upon Him.
What are some things that you are anxious about in your life right now?
Honestly ask yourself, have I presented those anxieties entirely up to God?
Do you trust God, and give him total control of you life and your decisions?
REVIEW
Did you present your anxieties to God today and leave them there?
How did this impact your day, especially with your stress and anxiety?
Think back when you were a child. Do you remember the long car rides on the way to a camping trip, or the everlasting drive to go see grandma and grandpa two hours away? Perhaps you even have children and have heard them echo the words you said so many years ago, “Are we there yet?” We learn at a very young age to be anxious, restless, and even impatient sometimes, and yet that is completely the opposite of what Paul writes about in the Bible. “Don’t be anxious about ANYTHING, he says. I know, I know, it’s so easy to say, but not so easy to do, right? Wrong. The very next words of the verse tells us exactly how to NOT be anxious; “…but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” God knew the paths our lives would take us before we were even born. Learn to accept that fact, and the ease of mind, heart, and soul falls right into place.
The next time you feel anxious or nervous, try this time, instead of turning inward for you answers, turn your eyes upward. Spend time with God today and cast all you cares upon Him.
What are some things that you are anxious about in your life right now?
Honestly ask yourself, have I presented those anxieties entirely up to God?
Do you trust God, and give him total control of you life and your decisions?
REVIEW
Did you present your anxieties to God today and leave them there?
How did this impact your day, especially with your stress and anxiety?
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