CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 92:1-5, 1 It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, 2 to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, 3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. 4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. 5 How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week, which would give glory to God?
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Personal Bible Study, April 30, 2011
Personal Bible Study
Reading:Matthew 6:1-5, 1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Questions for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
REVIEW
How did you do in applying God’s Word today?
Reading:Matthew 6:1-5, 1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Questions for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
REVIEW
How did you do in applying God’s Word today?
The Temple, Friday, April 29 2011
The Temple
Reading:I Corinthians 6:19-20, 19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
What would you do or how would you feel if you came to the church early and no one was there yet. The parking lot was empty. But, when you walked into the lobby you heard some noises, mixed with laughter coming from the auditorium. Curious, you quickly opened up one of the doors to the auditorium. As soon as you did, people dressed in black with ski masks scattered and began running for the exit doors. To your horror you see what they were doing, as the doors slam behind them. They had taken multiple colors of spray paint and painted graffiti all over the walls, the stage, the chairs, the podium and even the alter and the baptistery. I have a feeling many of us would feel anger, possibly even rage, especially when you realize that the graffiti is all sorts of vulgar symbols, swear words and perverted images.
How would you react and why?
Why is it that we tend to react much more strongly to something that “dirties” or perverts a simple building, which does not contain in and of itself the essence of God; but, allow many different things into the “temple of the Holy Spirit”, which is your body, that can defile, dirty, pervert and tarnish. Do we really grasp that our body is the “temple of the Holy Spirit”?
What do you need to do today to clean y?our “temple of the Holy Spirit”?
What do you need to do today to accommodate the Holy Spirit living within you?
In addition, you may want to read the Old Testament documentation of the temple of God and the reverence and holiness of His dwelling.
REVIEW
What did you do today to clean your “temple”?
What did you do today to accommodate the Holy Spirit living within you?
How did this influence your day and your perception of you temple?
Reading:I Corinthians 6:19-20, 19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
What would you do or how would you feel if you came to the church early and no one was there yet. The parking lot was empty. But, when you walked into the lobby you heard some noises, mixed with laughter coming from the auditorium. Curious, you quickly opened up one of the doors to the auditorium. As soon as you did, people dressed in black with ski masks scattered and began running for the exit doors. To your horror you see what they were doing, as the doors slam behind them. They had taken multiple colors of spray paint and painted graffiti all over the walls, the stage, the chairs, the podium and even the alter and the baptistery. I have a feeling many of us would feel anger, possibly even rage, especially when you realize that the graffiti is all sorts of vulgar symbols, swear words and perverted images.
How would you react and why?
Why is it that we tend to react much more strongly to something that “dirties” or perverts a simple building, which does not contain in and of itself the essence of God; but, allow many different things into the “temple of the Holy Spirit”, which is your body, that can defile, dirty, pervert and tarnish. Do we really grasp that our body is the “temple of the Holy Spirit”?
What do you need to do today to clean y?our “temple of the Holy Spirit”?
What do you need to do today to accommodate the Holy Spirit living within you?
In addition, you may want to read the Old Testament documentation of the temple of God and the reverence and holiness of His dwelling.
REVIEW
What did you do today to clean your “temple”?
What did you do today to accommodate the Holy Spirit living within you?
How did this influence your day and your perception of you temple?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Arm Yourself, Thursday, April 28, 2011
Arm Yourself
Reading:Ephesians 6:10-17, 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
I love the story of David just before he defeated Goliath. Saul pulls out his armor and tells David that he should wear it to fight the giant. David, reverently, tells Saul, “No thank you”. Yet, when David walked out to meet Goliath on that battle field, he had all the armor that he needed to win the battle. Although the battle appeared to be extremely physical with all the focus on Goliath’s size and intimidation, it truly was spiritual, which David was well aware of. It is so easy to confuse the physical battles with the spiritual battles. May I humbly state, men, as a Christian, there is no such thing as a physical battle. Every battle that we face as a Christian is a spiritual battle. So, how are you prepared to fight your battles today? Next to each piece of armor, write how you will arm yourself in preparation for your battle today.
Belt of Truth:
Breastplate of Righteousness:
Feet covered with Readiness of the Gospel:
Shield of Faith:
Helmet of Salvation:
Sword, the Word of God:
REVIEW
Did you start your day wearing the armor in preparation for your spiritual battles?
What battles did you fight today and did you notice a difference by wearing your armor?
Reading:Ephesians 6:10-17, 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
I love the story of David just before he defeated Goliath. Saul pulls out his armor and tells David that he should wear it to fight the giant. David, reverently, tells Saul, “No thank you”. Yet, when David walked out to meet Goliath on that battle field, he had all the armor that he needed to win the battle. Although the battle appeared to be extremely physical with all the focus on Goliath’s size and intimidation, it truly was spiritual, which David was well aware of. It is so easy to confuse the physical battles with the spiritual battles. May I humbly state, men, as a Christian, there is no such thing as a physical battle. Every battle that we face as a Christian is a spiritual battle. So, how are you prepared to fight your battles today? Next to each piece of armor, write how you will arm yourself in preparation for your battle today.
Belt of Truth:
Breastplate of Righteousness:
Feet covered with Readiness of the Gospel:
Shield of Faith:
Helmet of Salvation:
Sword, the Word of God:
REVIEW
Did you start your day wearing the armor in preparation for your spiritual battles?
What battles did you fight today and did you notice a difference by wearing your armor?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Being a Freind, Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Being a Friend
Reading:Proverbs 18:24, A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Some have hundreds of people that they would call a friend and others have a handful. Even some would say that they don’t really have any friends. There are a plethora of reasons why friendships vary. Unfortunately, some people don’t have very many friends or none at all because they are the “unwanted” or “undesirable”. There are some who would say that they have hundreds of “friends” but, with so many, they don’t really understand the depth of a true friendship. The world looks at the value of who you are based upon how popular you are… how many friends you have.
Luke 6:31 says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” As a Christian, it is not nearly as important how many friends you have, as it is how many people to whom you are a friend.
Who, in the key passage, is being described as “a friend who sticks closer than a brother”? If you answered Jesus, you are absolutely correct. There is no greater friend that has ever walked this earth than Jesus. And, He is still able to be the best friend anyone could ever encounter. This is encouragement for those who have very little or no friends at all. But, if we are true followers and imitators of Christ, wouldn’t we be striving to be “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” to others; no matter who they are, how they look, how they act, or even how they may smell?
Take some time and write out qualities that you need or want in a friend:
Challenge: You must be the one to be friendly. Don’t worry about the responses of others and whether they return the friendliness. Take all of the qualities that you listed and be all of those things to someone today.
REVIEW
How were you able to be a true and genuine friend to someone today?
What was the response and how did this impact you and your day?
Reading:Proverbs 18:24, A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Some have hundreds of people that they would call a friend and others have a handful. Even some would say that they don’t really have any friends. There are a plethora of reasons why friendships vary. Unfortunately, some people don’t have very many friends or none at all because they are the “unwanted” or “undesirable”. There are some who would say that they have hundreds of “friends” but, with so many, they don’t really understand the depth of a true friendship. The world looks at the value of who you are based upon how popular you are… how many friends you have.
Luke 6:31 says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” As a Christian, it is not nearly as important how many friends you have, as it is how many people to whom you are a friend.
Who, in the key passage, is being described as “a friend who sticks closer than a brother”? If you answered Jesus, you are absolutely correct. There is no greater friend that has ever walked this earth than Jesus. And, He is still able to be the best friend anyone could ever encounter. This is encouragement for those who have very little or no friends at all. But, if we are true followers and imitators of Christ, wouldn’t we be striving to be “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” to others; no matter who they are, how they look, how they act, or even how they may smell?
Take some time and write out qualities that you need or want in a friend:
Challenge: You must be the one to be friendly. Don’t worry about the responses of others and whether they return the friendliness. Take all of the qualities that you listed and be all of those things to someone today.
REVIEW
How were you able to be a true and genuine friend to someone today?
What was the response and how did this impact you and your day?
Monday, April 25, 2011
How Much Is Too Much? Tuesday April 26 2011
How Much Is Too Much?
Reading:James 1:11, For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
Are you rich? Yes, in spiritual terms you might be. But, are you rich in the world’s terms. Do you plan to be wealthy in 5, 10 or 20 years from now? Would you like to be rich? If we’re totally honest, most of us wouldn’t mind trying it out for a while!
There is a cost to being wealthy. Wealth is often a reason to exercise power or control over others. Some who are wealthy tend to rely on their money for security and happiness instead of relying on God. Money is not a sin… but, wealth can lead to sin. Paul wrote, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs”, I Timothy 6:10.
What does James mean when he says, “But the one who is rich should not take pride in his low position”, James 1:10? He is trying to say to the wealthy this concept: let people know that your riches are not the most important thing in the world to you. Let others know that your peace and security come from your relationship with Jesus rather than your wealth. All of us regardless of how much we have are called to be good stewards of what God has given us.
How much do you give to God and others?
Is it time to try to give more? (trust Him)
What is God leading you to give more of and how much; what is your plan?
REVIEW
What were you able to give to today?
How did you give and what impact did this make on those that you gave to and on you?
Reading:James 1:11, For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
Are you rich? Yes, in spiritual terms you might be. But, are you rich in the world’s terms. Do you plan to be wealthy in 5, 10 or 20 years from now? Would you like to be rich? If we’re totally honest, most of us wouldn’t mind trying it out for a while!
There is a cost to being wealthy. Wealth is often a reason to exercise power or control over others. Some who are wealthy tend to rely on their money for security and happiness instead of relying on God. Money is not a sin… but, wealth can lead to sin. Paul wrote, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs”, I Timothy 6:10.
What does James mean when he says, “But the one who is rich should not take pride in his low position”, James 1:10? He is trying to say to the wealthy this concept: let people know that your riches are not the most important thing in the world to you. Let others know that your peace and security come from your relationship with Jesus rather than your wealth. All of us regardless of how much we have are called to be good stewards of what God has given us.
How much do you give to God and others?
Is it time to try to give more? (trust Him)
What is God leading you to give more of and how much; what is your plan?
REVIEW
What were you able to give to today?
How did you give and what impact did this make on those that you gave to and on you?
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Great Salvation, Monday April 25 2011
Great Salvation
Reading:Hebrews 2:2-4, 2For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Men, I don’t expect for you to be a psychic, but take some time and write down where you might be or what you might be like or who you may have become, if you did not have such a “great salvation” in and through Christ. Don’t just shrug and leave it at “I don’t know”. Think through and write down, what would life be like if you were not free and unshackled from the sin with which you struggle, what would life be like if you were not able to have the “peace that passes all understanding”, etc. Just take some time to write your thoughts down.
How can you live in and through the “great salvation” that you have been given?
REVIEW
How were you able to live in and through the “great salvation” that you have been given?
How did your “great salvation” impact your day today?
Reading:Hebrews 2:2-4, 2For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Men, I don’t expect for you to be a psychic, but take some time and write down where you might be or what you might be like or who you may have become, if you did not have such a “great salvation” in and through Christ. Don’t just shrug and leave it at “I don’t know”. Think through and write down, what would life be like if you were not free and unshackled from the sin with which you struggle, what would life be like if you were not able to have the “peace that passes all understanding”, etc. Just take some time to write your thoughts down.
How can you live in and through the “great salvation” that you have been given?
REVIEW
How were you able to live in and through the “great salvation” that you have been given?
How did your “great salvation” impact your day today?
CELEBRATION!, Sunday, April 24, 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 92:8-10, 8 But you, O LORD, are exalted forever. 9 For surely your enemies, O LORD, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered. 10 You have exalted my horn [a] like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured upon 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 92:8-10, 8 But you, O LORD, are exalted forever. 9 For surely your enemies, O LORD, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered. 10 You have exalted my horn [a] like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured upon 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?
Easter’s Warrior, Saturday April 23, 2011
Easter’s Warrior
Reading: Mark 15
The Jewish people wanted Jesus to be their king who’s coming was prophesied. It was foretold that He would destroy their enemies and it happened right in front of them. They were calling for a king and they got one. They saw Him riding a donkey into the city as multitudes shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” He saw Himself as King, with crown on His head, on His white horse armored for battle, riding to the battlefield. They saw a man standing in front of Pilate, silent, weak and beaten. He saw Himself pulling back the reigns as His horse came to a galloping halt on the peak of the hill overlooking the battlefield. They saw Him standing quietly as Pilate reluctantly sentenced Him to be crucified. He saw Himself looking over the battlefield as Satan, Death, and Sin await Him on the other side with weapons drawn. They saw Him bloody and weak as He struggled under the weight of the cross as He climbed up Golgotha. He saw Himself rearing His horse and yelling, “Charge!”, then leaning forward as His horse charges down the hill to meet in the center of the battlefield. They saw Him hoisted up on the cross, seemingly powerless to stop what was happening to Him. He saw Himself riding across the field toward the three charging toward Him, as He began drawing His glistening sword and crying, “For the souls of My people”. They saw Him cry, “It is finished” and drop His head in death. He saw Himself meet Sin head on as swords clashed and, with a flash of steel, drive His sword straight through Sin’s heart. They saw His lifeless body taken from the cross and placed in a cold tomb. He saw Himself turn His sword and fury on Death and, after a fierce battle, He laid on the ground after being knocked down by Death as Death now stood over Him in triumph and celebration for His apparent victory. They saw the empty tomb. He saw Himself pick up His sword as Death had finished his celebration and raised His sword to finish the job. As Death’s arms were raised with sword overhead, He saw Himself drive His sword into Death as Death dropped his sword, dropped to his knees and fell lifeless to the earth. As Jesus stood up, with sword in hand, Satan’s celebration with Death quickly ended. Satan
How will you follow Christ and be His warrior today in your battles?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to follow Christ and be His warrior today in the “battles” that you fought?
Were you able to see beyond the physical and see the spiritual battle today?
Reading: Mark 15
The Jewish people wanted Jesus to be their king who’s coming was prophesied. It was foretold that He would destroy their enemies and it happened right in front of them. They were calling for a king and they got one. They saw Him riding a donkey into the city as multitudes shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” He saw Himself as King, with crown on His head, on His white horse armored for battle, riding to the battlefield. They saw a man standing in front of Pilate, silent, weak and beaten. He saw Himself pulling back the reigns as His horse came to a galloping halt on the peak of the hill overlooking the battlefield. They saw Him standing quietly as Pilate reluctantly sentenced Him to be crucified. He saw Himself looking over the battlefield as Satan, Death, and Sin await Him on the other side with weapons drawn. They saw Him bloody and weak as He struggled under the weight of the cross as He climbed up Golgotha. He saw Himself rearing His horse and yelling, “Charge!”, then leaning forward as His horse charges down the hill to meet in the center of the battlefield. They saw Him hoisted up on the cross, seemingly powerless to stop what was happening to Him. He saw Himself riding across the field toward the three charging toward Him, as He began drawing His glistening sword and crying, “For the souls of My people”. They saw Him cry, “It is finished” and drop His head in death. He saw Himself meet Sin head on as swords clashed and, with a flash of steel, drive His sword straight through Sin’s heart. They saw His lifeless body taken from the cross and placed in a cold tomb. He saw Himself turn His sword and fury on Death and, after a fierce battle, He laid on the ground after being knocked down by Death as Death now stood over Him in triumph and celebration for His apparent victory. They saw the empty tomb. He saw Himself pick up His sword as Death had finished his celebration and raised His sword to finish the job. As Death’s arms were raised with sword overhead, He saw Himself drive His sword into Death as Death dropped his sword, dropped to his knees and fell lifeless to the earth. As Jesus stood up, with sword in hand, Satan’s celebration with Death quickly ended. Satan
How will you follow Christ and be His warrior today in your battles?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to follow Christ and be His warrior today in the “battles” that you fought?
Were you able to see beyond the physical and see the spiritual battle today?
Friday, April 22, 2011
Are You Learning Friday, April 22 2011
Are You Learning?
Reading:Psalm 25:4-5 4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Have you ever tried to teach something to someone and they seem to be easily distracted or seem anxious to do something else? When it comes to our request for God to teach us, we tend to give God our request, “Oh, Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me”, but, you’re going to need to do it at the speed of my life. I sure hope that your instruction can keep up with my schedule. I believe this is the reason that David, “A man after God’s own heart”, kept emphasizing, “Wait, wait I say on the Lord”. That is also why Jesus told Martha that Mary had made the better decision to sit at His feet and listen. There is plenty of time to make yourself busy, but taking time to sit at Jesus feet and learn is greater. The key comes from David’s accurate perspective of daily living, “You are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.” He knew that he could not perform the tasks of the day without God teaching him and guiding him through the whole process… “all day long”. Typically we want God’s teaching and guiding to be like a class in school… “Okay, I’m heading to my 8:00-8:30 a.m. class”, instead of all day.
Men, really evaluate what you would expect out of someone whom you were trying to teach and list those characteristics below.
Go through your list of expectations, rewrite the list below and, next to it, write out how you would rate yourself in those same areas as a student of God.
How can you apply these things to your day today, “All day long”?
REVIEW
How would you rate your “student” skills today?
Were you able to maintain your learning “all day long”; if so, how did it impact your day?
Reading:Psalm 25:4-5 4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Have you ever tried to teach something to someone and they seem to be easily distracted or seem anxious to do something else? When it comes to our request for God to teach us, we tend to give God our request, “Oh, Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me”, but, you’re going to need to do it at the speed of my life. I sure hope that your instruction can keep up with my schedule. I believe this is the reason that David, “A man after God’s own heart”, kept emphasizing, “Wait, wait I say on the Lord”. That is also why Jesus told Martha that Mary had made the better decision to sit at His feet and listen. There is plenty of time to make yourself busy, but taking time to sit at Jesus feet and learn is greater. The key comes from David’s accurate perspective of daily living, “You are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.” He knew that he could not perform the tasks of the day without God teaching him and guiding him through the whole process… “all day long”. Typically we want God’s teaching and guiding to be like a class in school… “Okay, I’m heading to my 8:00-8:30 a.m. class”, instead of all day.
Men, really evaluate what you would expect out of someone whom you were trying to teach and list those characteristics below.
Go through your list of expectations, rewrite the list below and, next to it, write out how you would rate yourself in those same areas as a student of God.
How can you apply these things to your day today, “All day long”?
REVIEW
How would you rate your “student” skills today?
Were you able to maintain your learning “all day long”; if so, how did it impact your day?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Pre-Planned, Thursday, April 21, 2011
Pre-Planned
Reading:Psalm 37:23-24, 23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. 24When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.
There are planners and there are people who fly by the seat of their pants. But, let’s say that you’re a planner. You have planned a week long trip for your family. You have scheduled pit stops, made dinner reservations, hotel reservations, purchased tickets to events at certain locations and mapped out the entire trip. Every single detail is planned and taken care of. You all load up into the rental van and you’re off. Right after you start heading down the road, the complaining begins. “I have to go to the bathroom”, “when are we going to stop”, “it’s hot in here”, “I’m hungry”, “why do we have to do that”, “I don’t want to eat there”. All of a sudden you realize that hardly anything that you had planned is actually happening. You begin getting extremely frustrated and begin wondering why you even bothered spending all that time planning. There’s just no consideration for all the planning that you did or any appreciation at all. God has pre-planned our steps and He is thrilled when we follow His way. What an amazing and understanding Father that we have. Even when we fall, getting off course, He promises that He won’t let us get too far off of His plan because, He’s holding our hand. I wonder, with God establishing, or as another translation puts it, “ordered” our steps, how much time we spend asking Him what He has planned for your day, or our trip. I wonder how much time we spend complaining about the “plans” that He has made for our day, our trip. Men, let’s make today a day that we decide that we are going to consult the “planner” of our day trip, try to see what He has planned and just enjoy His perfectly planned and orchestrated day… no matter what that plan holds for you today.
Take some time right now and ask God to reveal His plan for you today.
What do you sense God has planned for you today?
Are you willing to go on this trip today and enjoy His plan? How will you do that?
End of the Day Review
What did God have planned for you today that may have been out of the ordinary?
How were you able to appreciate His plan and enjoy it in ways that you may not normally?
Reading:Psalm 37:23-24, 23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. 24When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.
There are planners and there are people who fly by the seat of their pants. But, let’s say that you’re a planner. You have planned a week long trip for your family. You have scheduled pit stops, made dinner reservations, hotel reservations, purchased tickets to events at certain locations and mapped out the entire trip. Every single detail is planned and taken care of. You all load up into the rental van and you’re off. Right after you start heading down the road, the complaining begins. “I have to go to the bathroom”, “when are we going to stop”, “it’s hot in here”, “I’m hungry”, “why do we have to do that”, “I don’t want to eat there”. All of a sudden you realize that hardly anything that you had planned is actually happening. You begin getting extremely frustrated and begin wondering why you even bothered spending all that time planning. There’s just no consideration for all the planning that you did or any appreciation at all. God has pre-planned our steps and He is thrilled when we follow His way. What an amazing and understanding Father that we have. Even when we fall, getting off course, He promises that He won’t let us get too far off of His plan because, He’s holding our hand. I wonder, with God establishing, or as another translation puts it, “ordered” our steps, how much time we spend asking Him what He has planned for your day, or our trip. I wonder how much time we spend complaining about the “plans” that He has made for our day, our trip. Men, let’s make today a day that we decide that we are going to consult the “planner” of our day trip, try to see what He has planned and just enjoy His perfectly planned and orchestrated day… no matter what that plan holds for you today.
Take some time right now and ask God to reveal His plan for you today.
What do you sense God has planned for you today?
Are you willing to go on this trip today and enjoy His plan? How will you do that?
End of the Day Review
What did God have planned for you today that may have been out of the ordinary?
How were you able to appreciate His plan and enjoy it in ways that you may not normally?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Do You Have Time? Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Do You Have Time?
Reading: Ephesians 5:15-17, 15Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (NASB)
With how busy our world is, we certainly do find plenty of time to waste. I’m sure all of us have had a time when we have heard or said, “You’ve been working on this for THAT long and that’s all you got done?” Can you imagine standing before God someday? Would He look at you and say, “You had a WHOLE lifetime and that’s all you got done for me?” Let’s just focus on today, though, instead of placing the burden of your whole lifetime on your shoulders. What will you decide to spend your time on today?
Write out a brief schedule of a typical day:
Throughout this schedule, how can you make the most of your time with eternity in mind?
What do you think you need to cut out of your schedule today because it is not making the most of time or what should you add to maximize your time for Him?
End of the Day Review
What did you end up cutting out of your schedule as a “time waster”?
How did this affect your day?
Reading: Ephesians 5:15-17, 15Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (NASB)
With how busy our world is, we certainly do find plenty of time to waste. I’m sure all of us have had a time when we have heard or said, “You’ve been working on this for THAT long and that’s all you got done?” Can you imagine standing before God someday? Would He look at you and say, “You had a WHOLE lifetime and that’s all you got done for me?” Let’s just focus on today, though, instead of placing the burden of your whole lifetime on your shoulders. What will you decide to spend your time on today?
Write out a brief schedule of a typical day:
Throughout this schedule, how can you make the most of your time with eternity in mind?
What do you think you need to cut out of your schedule today because it is not making the most of time or what should you add to maximize your time for Him?
End of the Day Review
What did you end up cutting out of your schedule as a “time waster”?
How did this affect your day?
Monday, April 18, 2011
3 Feet!!! Tuesday, April 19, 2011
3 Feet!!!
Reading:Galatians 5:22-23, 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Men, this is going to be a very transparent devotional. Last night, at around 1 a.m. as I was studying for this devotional, I heard a loud noise and my wife began yelling my name. She met me in the hall telling me that someone threw something through the window of our sliding glass door in our bedroom. I immediately grabbed my shotgun and called 911. As I looked closer, while on the phone with the dispatcher, there was a mark on the wall, which turned out to be a bullet hole. A bullet hole!!! My mind raced that someone was still in our backyard with a gun. I cannot even begin to describe the feelings and sense of being the protector. After investigating with the officer, it appeared that it was a stray bullet which appears to have been shot in the air and came through our window and lodged in our bedroom wall 3 feet from my sleeping wife’s head. Three feet from losing my wife. Three feet from our girls losing their mother. Three feet from losing our unborn baby. It is hard to believe in a safe neighborhood in Yuba City, California that this could happen. But, even in the midst of the horror, God reminded me that even in this, you do not have to give up on your love, joy and peace. No matter what everyone else in the world does even through the “increase of wickedness”, you don’t have to lose your love, your joy, your peace. The fruits of the spirit are a gift from God. No one… NO ONE can take them away. They may take all that you have but, if you lose your love, joy, peace, etc., you have chosen to give them up. No one took them from you. Men, let’s not give up on our love, joy, peace…
What are some things that are attacking you attempting to steal your love, your joy, your peace, your patience, etc.?
What can you do to hold onto these attributes of the Spirit today?
REVIEW
Were you able to hold onto your love, joy, peace, patience, etc.?
Did you allow anything to dictate to you your level of love, joy or peace?
Reading:Galatians 5:22-23, 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Men, this is going to be a very transparent devotional. Last night, at around 1 a.m. as I was studying for this devotional, I heard a loud noise and my wife began yelling my name. She met me in the hall telling me that someone threw something through the window of our sliding glass door in our bedroom. I immediately grabbed my shotgun and called 911. As I looked closer, while on the phone with the dispatcher, there was a mark on the wall, which turned out to be a bullet hole. A bullet hole!!! My mind raced that someone was still in our backyard with a gun. I cannot even begin to describe the feelings and sense of being the protector. After investigating with the officer, it appeared that it was a stray bullet which appears to have been shot in the air and came through our window and lodged in our bedroom wall 3 feet from my sleeping wife’s head. Three feet from losing my wife. Three feet from our girls losing their mother. Three feet from losing our unborn baby. It is hard to believe in a safe neighborhood in Yuba City, California that this could happen. But, even in the midst of the horror, God reminded me that even in this, you do not have to give up on your love, joy and peace. No matter what everyone else in the world does even through the “increase of wickedness”, you don’t have to lose your love, your joy, your peace. The fruits of the spirit are a gift from God. No one… NO ONE can take them away. They may take all that you have but, if you lose your love, joy, peace, etc., you have chosen to give them up. No one took them from you. Men, let’s not give up on our love, joy, peace…
What are some things that are attacking you attempting to steal your love, your joy, your peace, your patience, etc.?
What can you do to hold onto these attributes of the Spirit today?
REVIEW
Were you able to hold onto your love, joy, peace, patience, etc.?
Did you allow anything to dictate to you your level of love, joy or peace?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Chin up! Monday, April 18, 2011
Chin Up!
Reading:John 16:13, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide us. Do you work better when your supervisor is next to you or when He’s on vacation? It’s amazing how the presence affects the direction we take.
As men, when making decisions, we must make a stand. Our cry should be, “If Jesus can’t go with me than I’m not going. Listen carefully for God’s voice. It’s a still, small voice. It’s the voice inside of you that’s not you.
Tom Landry, a retired football coach who loved the Lord, was honored and adorned by his players. Listen to what his quarterback, Roger Staubach, had to say at Landry’s funeral.
“Coach Landry is the most quiet spoken man I’ve ever met. He would walk up and down the sidelines having soft spoken conversation with his players with seventy to eighty thousand fans going nuts. We didn’t miss a word.” “How did the players hear him,” the interviewer asked, “Well,” Roger responded, “It’s simple. We know this man. We practice with him everyday. We can recognize his voice above all the other noise.”
Jesus prompts us in the little everyday things. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 37, “Be still and He will lift our hearts.”
Are you able to recognize God and His Spirit’s voice when He speaks to you, not necessarily audibly, but do you know it?
How and when will you take time to “Be still” and listen for God to speak to you?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to recognize God speaking to you and did you take time to listen?
How did this impact your relationship with Him today?
Reading:John 16:13, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide us. Do you work better when your supervisor is next to you or when He’s on vacation? It’s amazing how the presence affects the direction we take.
As men, when making decisions, we must make a stand. Our cry should be, “If Jesus can’t go with me than I’m not going. Listen carefully for God’s voice. It’s a still, small voice. It’s the voice inside of you that’s not you.
Tom Landry, a retired football coach who loved the Lord, was honored and adorned by his players. Listen to what his quarterback, Roger Staubach, had to say at Landry’s funeral.
“Coach Landry is the most quiet spoken man I’ve ever met. He would walk up and down the sidelines having soft spoken conversation with his players with seventy to eighty thousand fans going nuts. We didn’t miss a word.” “How did the players hear him,” the interviewer asked, “Well,” Roger responded, “It’s simple. We know this man. We practice with him everyday. We can recognize his voice above all the other noise.”
Jesus prompts us in the little everyday things. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 37, “Be still and He will lift our hearts.”
Are you able to recognize God and His Spirit’s voice when He speaks to you, not necessarily audibly, but do you know it?
How and when will you take time to “Be still” and listen for God to speak to you?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to recognize God speaking to you and did you take time to listen?
How did this impact your relationship with Him today?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
CELEBRATION! Sunday April 17, 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 96:1-6, 1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
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 96:1-6, 1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
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?
Search Me! Saturday April 16, 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, it is 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 a place in your house and let everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground; a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you have a visual 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 your 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:
End of the Day 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, it is 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 a place in your house and let everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground; a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you have a visual 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 your 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:
End of the Day 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, April 14, 2011
Love Them? Friday, April 15 2011
Love Them?
Reading: Matthew 5:43-48, 43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Write out a list or even one individual that you may consider an enemy, an adversary or a thorn in your side and why that is the case:
Take some time right now and also throughout the day to pray for him/them.
Select ONE from your list and do something good for that person. Show them love.
End of the Day Review
What was the response from the person to whom you gave?
What did God teach you today?
NOTE: remember it’s God who we are to please even if gratitude is not evident.
Reading: Matthew 5:43-48, 43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Write out a list or even one individual that you may consider an enemy, an adversary or a thorn in your side and why that is the case:
Take some time right now and also throughout the day to pray for him/them.
Select ONE from your list and do something good for that person. Show them love.
End of the Day Review
What was the response from the person to whom you gave?
What did God teach you today?
NOTE: remember it’s God who we are to please even if gratitude is not evident.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Trust Him, Thursday April 14, 2011
Trust Him
Reading:Psalm 34:8, 22, 8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.
Especially in a society that seems to be getting more and more cynical as time goes on, trust is not necessarily easy to come by. We say that we trust the Lord but then a huge project comes up; a move, a project at work, a ministry opportunity, an unexpectedly large bill, and our shoulders tighten, our stomach tenses up and we feel the joy drain out of us. Sometimes we are excited about the project until things aren’t going our way, or the deadline is looming, or you realize that you may not be able to get it done. It’s difficult at that point to feel like you’re able to trust, especially when you are in the middle of something and you have lost trust for other people upon whom you were counting. So, to turn around and be at peace with the fact that you can trust God, is very difficult for many of us. Our thoughts tend to be something like, “Well, it’s not like God is going to come and help me do this”… but, is that true? Often, we didn’t invite Him into the project in the first place. He wants to be a part of everything. When you know that God is in what you are doing and you are including Him in the process, if the project becomes overbearing, you will at least have the peace of knowing that God has been in it the whole time and He hasn’t left just because it is getting difficult. Keep trusting! God only expects your best, through His strength, and He will do the rest. The final result may not be what you wanted but it most certainly will be what He intended. In that, you can trust! You may think, “Yeah, but my boss… or wife… or parents… don’t care about my best, they only care about the results.” That may be true but at the end of the day, is it about them or is it about tasting and seeing “that the Lord is good” and His promises to bless you, if you trust in Him? Be at peace… do your best… and He will do the rest! It is never too late to trust Him to do it!
What do you have in your life that you are struggling with and how will you trust in God today to receive His blessing in the midst of the struggle?
End of the Day Review
How did you give your struggles over to God today and trust in Him?
How did this impact your experiences in the midst of the struggle?
Reading:Psalm 34:8, 22, 8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.
Especially in a society that seems to be getting more and more cynical as time goes on, trust is not necessarily easy to come by. We say that we trust the Lord but then a huge project comes up; a move, a project at work, a ministry opportunity, an unexpectedly large bill, and our shoulders tighten, our stomach tenses up and we feel the joy drain out of us. Sometimes we are excited about the project until things aren’t going our way, or the deadline is looming, or you realize that you may not be able to get it done. It’s difficult at that point to feel like you’re able to trust, especially when you are in the middle of something and you have lost trust for other people upon whom you were counting. So, to turn around and be at peace with the fact that you can trust God, is very difficult for many of us. Our thoughts tend to be something like, “Well, it’s not like God is going to come and help me do this”… but, is that true? Often, we didn’t invite Him into the project in the first place. He wants to be a part of everything. When you know that God is in what you are doing and you are including Him in the process, if the project becomes overbearing, you will at least have the peace of knowing that God has been in it the whole time and He hasn’t left just because it is getting difficult. Keep trusting! God only expects your best, through His strength, and He will do the rest. The final result may not be what you wanted but it most certainly will be what He intended. In that, you can trust! You may think, “Yeah, but my boss… or wife… or parents… don’t care about my best, they only care about the results.” That may be true but at the end of the day, is it about them or is it about tasting and seeing “that the Lord is good” and His promises to bless you, if you trust in Him? Be at peace… do your best… and He will do the rest! It is never too late to trust Him to do it!
What do you have in your life that you are struggling with and how will you trust in God today to receive His blessing in the midst of the struggle?
End of the Day Review
How did you give your struggles over to God today and trust in Him?
How did this impact your experiences in the midst of the struggle?
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
True Reward Wednesday April 13, 2011
True Reward
Reading: Matthew 6:1-4, 1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Let’s say that a man approaches you and he states that he has an offer for you. He will pay you a lot of money but, yes, there is a catch. He will give you some tasks to perform; he will give you the funds that are necessary to cover the costs. The tasks include helping a family who is struggling financially. You will also need to travel around and find those who are needing food and clothing and make sure that their needs are met. The list goes on to include helping a family move, driving someone without a car to pick up some essentials, helping someone paint their house, just sitting and listening to someone who needs someone to listen, perform on stage at church and the list goes on. The stipulation that the man puts on the reward for doing these things is for every deed you perform you will get $1 million. The catch is, if you receive any form of reward, financial or simply praise, you will get $0. What would you do? I know, if it were me, I would do my best to make sure that I didn’t get any reward at all, with the $1 million constantly in mind. So many times we put too much value on the “glorified” positions at church and within Christianity because we see the recognition and praise that is given. Why would we sacrifice the reward from our King of Kings and Lord of Lords to get recognition here? Oh, what our churches would be like if people were jumping in line to be involved in areas, specifically because it doesn’t get any recognition for the purpose of receiving recognition from their King.
What will you do today to serve others, specifically for the purpose of serving without any recognition or reward?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to others today without any recognition or reward?
How did this impact your view of your service for God?
Reading: Matthew 6:1-4, 1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Let’s say that a man approaches you and he states that he has an offer for you. He will pay you a lot of money but, yes, there is a catch. He will give you some tasks to perform; he will give you the funds that are necessary to cover the costs. The tasks include helping a family who is struggling financially. You will also need to travel around and find those who are needing food and clothing and make sure that their needs are met. The list goes on to include helping a family move, driving someone without a car to pick up some essentials, helping someone paint their house, just sitting and listening to someone who needs someone to listen, perform on stage at church and the list goes on. The stipulation that the man puts on the reward for doing these things is for every deed you perform you will get $1 million. The catch is, if you receive any form of reward, financial or simply praise, you will get $0. What would you do? I know, if it were me, I would do my best to make sure that I didn’t get any reward at all, with the $1 million constantly in mind. So many times we put too much value on the “glorified” positions at church and within Christianity because we see the recognition and praise that is given. Why would we sacrifice the reward from our King of Kings and Lord of Lords to get recognition here? Oh, what our churches would be like if people were jumping in line to be involved in areas, specifically because it doesn’t get any recognition for the purpose of receiving recognition from their King.
What will you do today to serve others, specifically for the purpose of serving without any recognition or reward?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to others today without any recognition or reward?
How did this impact your view of your service for God?
Waters of Change, Tuesday April 12, 2011
Waters of Change
Reading: Psalm 37:3, Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Have you ever been in a place where the winds of change have swept you into uncharted waters? Need a compass? Are you lost? We all find ourselves in uncharted waters from time to time; “I’ve never had an argument like that”, “I’ve never lost my job before”, or raised kids, or been physically hurt this bad, or I’ve never lost a parent. We’ve all been there.
You don’t have to find God’s voice exactly for your situation today. Our job is not to take a magnifying glass and search through all the haystacks of life to find the needle of God’s will. Our responsibility is to find God and draw near to Him. Follow Him, seek Him, more than seeking for answers for your life.
There is a trusted navigational tool that can help guide you through any troubled waters... the compass of God’s Word. Most people who are desperate for direction will sail into any port to get directions. Don’t do it! The Bible is the true map and a rudder for our journey.
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He will do it”,
Psalm 37:5
What uncharted water are you “sailing” in?
Even though you may be becoming impatient, are you willing to wait on God to guide you?
Have you sought our navigational tool, God’s Word, for answers?
What will you do today to focus on drawing close to God and letting Him steer the boat?
End of the Day Review
How did you focus on drawing close to God and let Him steer the boat?
How did this impact your journey through uncharted waters?
Reading: Psalm 37:3, Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Have you ever been in a place where the winds of change have swept you into uncharted waters? Need a compass? Are you lost? We all find ourselves in uncharted waters from time to time; “I’ve never had an argument like that”, “I’ve never lost my job before”, or raised kids, or been physically hurt this bad, or I’ve never lost a parent. We’ve all been there.
You don’t have to find God’s voice exactly for your situation today. Our job is not to take a magnifying glass and search through all the haystacks of life to find the needle of God’s will. Our responsibility is to find God and draw near to Him. Follow Him, seek Him, more than seeking for answers for your life.
There is a trusted navigational tool that can help guide you through any troubled waters... the compass of God’s Word. Most people who are desperate for direction will sail into any port to get directions. Don’t do it! The Bible is the true map and a rudder for our journey.
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He will do it”,
Psalm 37:5
What uncharted water are you “sailing” in?
Even though you may be becoming impatient, are you willing to wait on God to guide you?
Have you sought our navigational tool, God’s Word, for answers?
What will you do today to focus on drawing close to God and letting Him steer the boat?
End of the Day Review
How did you focus on drawing close to God and let Him steer the boat?
How did this impact your journey through uncharted waters?
Strange Compassion Monday April 11, 2011
Strange Compassion
Reading: Mark 10:17-23, 17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" 20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"
What do you think of when you hear the names Bernie Madoff, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Bill Gates, or Hugh Hefner? Do you immediately think of them and have compassion? What about the former CEOs of Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac, are you overwhelmed with compassion for them as well? Men, one of the greatest challenges that we have is to break the extreme value that we place on the temporary because it goes against everything that the world tells us is important. The world even knows that it is easy to have compassion when we see flashes of impoverished children in third world countries. But, men, look at the names of the men listed above again, they, like the children of third world countries, have souls that are impoverished. The boss at work, who lives very comfortably and is out for only himself while you struggle to pay the bills, is impoverished. Are you able to see past the temporary and the glamour of today and have compassion? Yes, it is a strange compassion but it is even more difficult for these people to see their need for God, when they believe that they have no needs. This is not to encourage you to see the eternal needs of only the wealthy but to tear down the scales on our eyes of temporary values and see the eternal needs of those around you.
Men, how will you today, look around you and try to meet the eternal needs of those around you?
End of the Day Review
How did you meet the eternal needs of those around you today?
How did this alter your perception of people’s true needs?
Reading: Mark 10:17-23, 17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" 20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"
What do you think of when you hear the names Bernie Madoff, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Bill Gates, or Hugh Hefner? Do you immediately think of them and have compassion? What about the former CEOs of Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac, are you overwhelmed with compassion for them as well? Men, one of the greatest challenges that we have is to break the extreme value that we place on the temporary because it goes against everything that the world tells us is important. The world even knows that it is easy to have compassion when we see flashes of impoverished children in third world countries. But, men, look at the names of the men listed above again, they, like the children of third world countries, have souls that are impoverished. The boss at work, who lives very comfortably and is out for only himself while you struggle to pay the bills, is impoverished. Are you able to see past the temporary and the glamour of today and have compassion? Yes, it is a strange compassion but it is even more difficult for these people to see their need for God, when they believe that they have no needs. This is not to encourage you to see the eternal needs of only the wealthy but to tear down the scales on our eyes of temporary values and see the eternal needs of those around you.
Men, how will you today, look around you and try to meet the eternal needs of those around you?
End of the Day Review
How did you meet the eternal needs of those around you today?
How did this alter your perception of people’s true needs?
CELEBRATION! Sunday April 10, 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 96:7-11, 7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. 9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
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 96:7-11, 7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. 9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
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, April 8, 2011
Protect and Defend, Saturday, April 9, 2011
Protect and Defend
Reading:John 17:11b, 14-15, Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
Imagine you are looking around your house for your young son or daughter. You keep calling their name. After room after room, your voice becomes more intense as you call their name. Finally, you decide to check outside. You see that they’re not in the backyard so you start to run out to the front yard. As soon as you get out there, you realize that they are standing next to a car and a man is leaning out talking to them and giving them something. You yell their name and the man looks up and speeds away. You hug them and warn them about doing that. A week passes and you see that same care at a park watching some kids. You walk up and introduce yourself to the man in the car. After reminding him about the incident at your house, you ask him if he would like to have dinner with you and your family. You mention that your daughter thought he seemed really nice, so you thought that would be nice. If you have blood running through your veins, you would be upset and distraught at just the thought of reacting like that. You wouldn’t want him anywhere near your children, especially in your house. Men, then why do we do the same thing, only we call it entertainment on TV or the computer or music. Just because they don’t physically kidnap your child does not mean that they don’t kidnap their and your mind, thoughts, dreams and desires. So, when Jesus prayed for His Father to protect us. Why would we invite the enemy right into our homes? That does not mean that everything on TV, the computer or music is bad, obviously, but that is why He prayed the Holy Spirit come to give us discernment. Would you be willing to never watch what you would really like to watch on TV or the computer to protect those you love, including yourself?
How will you choose to protect those you love and yourself from the enemy in your home today?
REVIEW
How did you protect those you love and yourself from the enemy in your home today?
How difficult was it and how did it impact your home, your castle?
Reading:John 17:11b, 14-15, Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
Imagine you are looking around your house for your young son or daughter. You keep calling their name. After room after room, your voice becomes more intense as you call their name. Finally, you decide to check outside. You see that they’re not in the backyard so you start to run out to the front yard. As soon as you get out there, you realize that they are standing next to a car and a man is leaning out talking to them and giving them something. You yell their name and the man looks up and speeds away. You hug them and warn them about doing that. A week passes and you see that same care at a park watching some kids. You walk up and introduce yourself to the man in the car. After reminding him about the incident at your house, you ask him if he would like to have dinner with you and your family. You mention that your daughter thought he seemed really nice, so you thought that would be nice. If you have blood running through your veins, you would be upset and distraught at just the thought of reacting like that. You wouldn’t want him anywhere near your children, especially in your house. Men, then why do we do the same thing, only we call it entertainment on TV or the computer or music. Just because they don’t physically kidnap your child does not mean that they don’t kidnap their and your mind, thoughts, dreams and desires. So, when Jesus prayed for His Father to protect us. Why would we invite the enemy right into our homes? That does not mean that everything on TV, the computer or music is bad, obviously, but that is why He prayed the Holy Spirit come to give us discernment. Would you be willing to never watch what you would really like to watch on TV or the computer to protect those you love, including yourself?
How will you choose to protect those you love and yourself from the enemy in your home today?
REVIEW
How did you protect those you love and yourself from the enemy in your home today?
How difficult was it and how did it impact your home, your castle?
I Surender...Part, Friday April 8 2011
I Surrender… Part
Reading:Luke 9:23, Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Have you ever had someone ask you for help because they didn’t know what to do or how to do it? Then, when you started helping them, they tried to tell you what to do and how to do it and when you looked for the tools to get the job done, they were using them? That can be very frustrating! All too often, though, that is our poor demonstration of surrendering to God. We hold up the white flag of surrender but then we want to negotiate. “I will surrender to you, under the following conditions…” We ask Him for help but then we want to tell Him how to do it.
As with everything, Jesus is our perfect example. Here He is, the perfect Son of God, whom the wind, wave, demons and the universe obeys demonstrating His complete surrender to His Father "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Luke 11:2). "Not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36); "Your will be done" (Matthew 26:42); and ". . . nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). Have you truly given yourself to God in complete surrender? It is only under the power of complete surrender that you can understand the essence of God’s supreme abilities. Complete surrender sacrifices your physical understanding and perception of those things around you. Men, when we grasp this, it’s almost laughable. It’s as if God is saying, “Surrender your toy matchbox car and I will give you a real Lamborghini” or “Surrender your squirt gun and I will give you an AK47”. If a man held a gun to your head, are you living in such complete surrender to not resign yourself to dying there on the spot but that He has the ability, even if the gun were fired, to stop it from even touching you? The Israelites saw an unsurpassable Red Sea; Moses, in his complete surrender, saw a miraculous passage of dry ground. The Israelites saw a 10 foot undefeatable giant; David saw, in his complete surrender, a bigger target to hit.
Are you ready to take up your cross today and follow Him in complete surrender? If so, how will you do that today? (Be specific)
REVIEW
How did you live today in complete surrender? (give specific examples)
How did this impact your perception of God’s power in your life?
Reading:Luke 9:23, Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Have you ever had someone ask you for help because they didn’t know what to do or how to do it? Then, when you started helping them, they tried to tell you what to do and how to do it and when you looked for the tools to get the job done, they were using them? That can be very frustrating! All too often, though, that is our poor demonstration of surrendering to God. We hold up the white flag of surrender but then we want to negotiate. “I will surrender to you, under the following conditions…” We ask Him for help but then we want to tell Him how to do it.
As with everything, Jesus is our perfect example. Here He is, the perfect Son of God, whom the wind, wave, demons and the universe obeys demonstrating His complete surrender to His Father "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Luke 11:2). "Not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36); "Your will be done" (Matthew 26:42); and ". . . nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). Have you truly given yourself to God in complete surrender? It is only under the power of complete surrender that you can understand the essence of God’s supreme abilities. Complete surrender sacrifices your physical understanding and perception of those things around you. Men, when we grasp this, it’s almost laughable. It’s as if God is saying, “Surrender your toy matchbox car and I will give you a real Lamborghini” or “Surrender your squirt gun and I will give you an AK47”. If a man held a gun to your head, are you living in such complete surrender to not resign yourself to dying there on the spot but that He has the ability, even if the gun were fired, to stop it from even touching you? The Israelites saw an unsurpassable Red Sea; Moses, in his complete surrender, saw a miraculous passage of dry ground. The Israelites saw a 10 foot undefeatable giant; David saw, in his complete surrender, a bigger target to hit.
Are you ready to take up your cross today and follow Him in complete surrender? If so, how will you do that today? (Be specific)
REVIEW
How did you live today in complete surrender? (give specific examples)
How did this impact your perception of God’s power in your life?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
His Thoughts, Thursday, April 7, 2011
His Thoughts
Reading:Isaiah 55:8-9, 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
I was an Electrician’s Mate, 3rd Class in the Korean War. It was another day on our ship. I was in the ram room, which is where I spent my time on duty. I had my usual chair where I sat always on the ready because of if the steering on the ship failed, I would have to manually steer the ship. I also made sure that the electricity for the speaker system so the captain could give commands to the ship was always in working condition. I was at my station as usual that day and I was surprised when the Lieutenant in charge came into the ram room to inform me that I had been reassigned. It seemed very random and I didn’t thoroughly understand it. Nevertheless, I received my orders and off I went, reassigned to another location. Men, the very next day, we came under enemy fire. It was very intense and I still vividly remember it. But, in the midst of this attack, I was able to witness the powerful hand of God. After the attack and the smoke cleared, it was brought to my attention that a shell had landed in the hull of the ship and had exploded right on the same chair that I had been sitting in the day before. The chair and everything around it was obliterated. Even the man that had replaced me God spared. Because he was new to the position and responsibility, he was up and walking around doing other things trying to learn the system. Because of that fact, he had minor wounds to his legs but his life was spared. It was more than a lieutenant giving me orders or reassignment, as I perceived it. It was God whispering, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways”. He had greater things in store for me that my feeble mind could not even begin to understand.
What are some things that you are experiencing that you don’t understand right now?
How will you surrender those things to God today and leave them in His capable hands?
REVIEW
How did you surrender the struggles that you are experiencing to God today?
How did this impact your view of your struggles and experiences today?
Reading:Isaiah 55:8-9, 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
I was an Electrician’s Mate, 3rd Class in the Korean War. It was another day on our ship. I was in the ram room, which is where I spent my time on duty. I had my usual chair where I sat always on the ready because of if the steering on the ship failed, I would have to manually steer the ship. I also made sure that the electricity for the speaker system so the captain could give commands to the ship was always in working condition. I was at my station as usual that day and I was surprised when the Lieutenant in charge came into the ram room to inform me that I had been reassigned. It seemed very random and I didn’t thoroughly understand it. Nevertheless, I received my orders and off I went, reassigned to another location. Men, the very next day, we came under enemy fire. It was very intense and I still vividly remember it. But, in the midst of this attack, I was able to witness the powerful hand of God. After the attack and the smoke cleared, it was brought to my attention that a shell had landed in the hull of the ship and had exploded right on the same chair that I had been sitting in the day before. The chair and everything around it was obliterated. Even the man that had replaced me God spared. Because he was new to the position and responsibility, he was up and walking around doing other things trying to learn the system. Because of that fact, he had minor wounds to his legs but his life was spared. It was more than a lieutenant giving me orders or reassignment, as I perceived it. It was God whispering, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways”. He had greater things in store for me that my feeble mind could not even begin to understand.
What are some things that you are experiencing that you don’t understand right now?
How will you surrender those things to God today and leave them in His capable hands?
REVIEW
How did you surrender the struggles that you are experiencing to God today?
How did this impact your view of your struggles and experiences today?
Oh No You Didn't Wednesday, April 6 2011
Oh, No You Didn’t!
Reading:Proverbs 22:24-25, Don't hang out with angry people; don't keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don't get infected.
It’s tough… but, face it… sometimes people can be down right rude! Very rude! I was just cut off on the freeway and the driver not only didn’t offer me a polite nod saying, “I am so sorry, sir, was I ever in the wrong.” Instead, He extended a finger, one finger mind you, and the last time I checked it doesn’t signify that he was telling me that I’m number one. What’s a man of honor suppose to do?
When other people are jerks to you, we are so tempted to strike back either verbally or in some other way. Don’t do it!
Instead, remember that God correct other people’s behaviors in His own way and He doesn’t need your help, no matter how much you may think He does.
So, when other people behave cruelly, foolishly or impulsively, don’t be a hothead. Instead, speak up for yourself as gentle as you can and walk away. Then, forgive everybody as quickly as you can and leave the rest up to God. A mans is not defined by what someone does to him. A man is defined by how he responds.
What are some ways that you tend to find yourself responding badly?
Have you been treated badly lately, if so, how?
How will you let God handle that, instead of taking it into your own hands?
REVIEW
How did you let God handle the people who are doing you wrong today?
How did this impact your responses today?
Reading:Proverbs 22:24-25, Don't hang out with angry people; don't keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don't get infected.
It’s tough… but, face it… sometimes people can be down right rude! Very rude! I was just cut off on the freeway and the driver not only didn’t offer me a polite nod saying, “I am so sorry, sir, was I ever in the wrong.” Instead, He extended a finger, one finger mind you, and the last time I checked it doesn’t signify that he was telling me that I’m number one. What’s a man of honor suppose to do?
When other people are jerks to you, we are so tempted to strike back either verbally or in some other way. Don’t do it!
Instead, remember that God correct other people’s behaviors in His own way and He doesn’t need your help, no matter how much you may think He does.
So, when other people behave cruelly, foolishly or impulsively, don’t be a hothead. Instead, speak up for yourself as gentle as you can and walk away. Then, forgive everybody as quickly as you can and leave the rest up to God. A mans is not defined by what someone does to him. A man is defined by how he responds.
What are some ways that you tend to find yourself responding badly?
Have you been treated badly lately, if so, how?
How will you let God handle that, instead of taking it into your own hands?
REVIEW
How did you let God handle the people who are doing you wrong today?
How did this impact your responses today?
Monday, April 4, 2011
It's Your Call, Tuesday, April 5, 2011
It’s Your Call
Reading:James 4:17, Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
You are the commanding general in a war. You have the media plaguing you with criminal charges if you pursue the course of action that you want to take. You have the facts and Intel that you need. The men under your command are starting to grumble and complain. Your subordinate officers are trying to tell you what you should do. But, with your knowledge and experience and taking all of the information and counsel that you have at your disposal, you know what you should do… no… what you have to do. What would you do as the leader and commander in that situation?
Many times, in our homes, in our churches, in our communities, amongst our friends, we know what we should do… no… what we have to do, but for some reason we choose differently. Why?... because men’s lives under your command aren't in danger. Actually, it’s much more serious then that; men’s souls are in danger.
As a man and as a leader, we need to be able to let the rest of the world and what they are telling and influencing us to do, disappear. We need to be able to evaluate… what do I need to do? What decision do I need to make? What is the right thing to do? Yes, men… especially, in our marriages. No matter what our wives are doing, we need to choose to do what’s right. Specifically, how many times are we “nagged” about doing something and we don’t do it just because we don’t want to be told what to do? *reread the verse again*. We must stop and evaluate… what is the right thing for me to do? Whether we are bombarded with discouragement from doing it or bombarded with “nagging” encouragement to do it, we must as leaders choose to do right whatever that may be.
What are some areas in which you know the right thing to do but are struggling to do it? Why?
Challenge:Today, choose to do what’s right… no matter what!
REVIEW
How did you identify those things that you knew were the right things to do, even though you were struggling to do it?
How did you end up making the right decision to do what is right?
Reading:James 4:17, Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
You are the commanding general in a war. You have the media plaguing you with criminal charges if you pursue the course of action that you want to take. You have the facts and Intel that you need. The men under your command are starting to grumble and complain. Your subordinate officers are trying to tell you what you should do. But, with your knowledge and experience and taking all of the information and counsel that you have at your disposal, you know what you should do… no… what you have to do. What would you do as the leader and commander in that situation?
Many times, in our homes, in our churches, in our communities, amongst our friends, we know what we should do… no… what we have to do, but for some reason we choose differently. Why?... because men’s lives under your command aren't in danger. Actually, it’s much more serious then that; men’s souls are in danger.
As a man and as a leader, we need to be able to let the rest of the world and what they are telling and influencing us to do, disappear. We need to be able to evaluate… what do I need to do? What decision do I need to make? What is the right thing to do? Yes, men… especially, in our marriages. No matter what our wives are doing, we need to choose to do what’s right. Specifically, how many times are we “nagged” about doing something and we don’t do it just because we don’t want to be told what to do? *reread the verse again*. We must stop and evaluate… what is the right thing for me to do? Whether we are bombarded with discouragement from doing it or bombarded with “nagging” encouragement to do it, we must as leaders choose to do right whatever that may be.
What are some areas in which you know the right thing to do but are struggling to do it? Why?
Challenge:Today, choose to do what’s right… no matter what!
REVIEW
How did you identify those things that you knew were the right things to do, even though you were struggling to do it?
How did you end up making the right decision to do what is right?
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Christian? Monday, April 4, 2011
Christian?
Reading:Acts 11:25-26, 25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Christianity, with a market share of about 34% worldwide, remains the most popular religion globally. The religious landscape in North American is overwhelmingly Christian: about three in four adults identify themselves as Christian; the next largest organized religious groups are Islam and Judaism at about 1%. The percentage of American adults who identify themselves as Christians dropped from 86% in 1990 to 77% in 2001. This is an unprecedented drop of almost 1 percentage point per year. Some may be bothered by this statistic but the real question which could never be shown in a statistic is how many are really Christians? You see… if you notice in verse 26, it does not say that the disciples first called themselves Christians. Rather, they were called Christians by others by a clear observation that they were followers of Christ. We have really become a society of labels. “Christian” has just become something we call ourselves. “If I were to go to church, it would be to a Christian church, so, I would classify myself as a Christian.” But, would we bear that name or title if it meant it would cost us our lives? That’s what it meant for the Christians referenced in this passage of Scripture. It was not a compliment, it was not title… it was a brand.
Men, I’m sure that each one of us would consider ourselves to be a “Christian”; but, would others brand you a Christian based on their observation that you are truly a follower of Jesus Christ?
How will you stop simply considering yourself a Christian and, instead, live in an observable way to everyone around you today, that you are a follower of Christ? (be specific)
REVIEW
How were you able to live in an observable way that you are a follower of Christ?
What impact did that make on your surroundings and your perception of being a Christian?
Reading:Acts 11:25-26, 25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Christianity, with a market share of about 34% worldwide, remains the most popular religion globally. The religious landscape in North American is overwhelmingly Christian: about three in four adults identify themselves as Christian; the next largest organized religious groups are Islam and Judaism at about 1%. The percentage of American adults who identify themselves as Christians dropped from 86% in 1990 to 77% in 2001. This is an unprecedented drop of almost 1 percentage point per year. Some may be bothered by this statistic but the real question which could never be shown in a statistic is how many are really Christians? You see… if you notice in verse 26, it does not say that the disciples first called themselves Christians. Rather, they were called Christians by others by a clear observation that they were followers of Christ. We have really become a society of labels. “Christian” has just become something we call ourselves. “If I were to go to church, it would be to a Christian church, so, I would classify myself as a Christian.” But, would we bear that name or title if it meant it would cost us our lives? That’s what it meant for the Christians referenced in this passage of Scripture. It was not a compliment, it was not title… it was a brand.
Men, I’m sure that each one of us would consider ourselves to be a “Christian”; but, would others brand you a Christian based on their observation that you are truly a follower of Jesus Christ?
How will you stop simply considering yourself a Christian and, instead, live in an observable way to everyone around you today, that you are a follower of Christ? (be specific)
REVIEW
How were you able to live in an observable way that you are a follower of Christ?
What impact did that make on your surroundings and your perception of being a Christian?
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Celebration Sunday, April 3, 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading:Psalm 97:9-12, 9 For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. 10 Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. 11 Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Reading:Psalm 97:9-12, 9 For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. 10 Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. 11 Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Friday, April 1, 2011
Commitment, Saturday. April 2, 2011
Commitment
Reading:Acts 4:32-35, 32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
When it comes to commitment, I’m reminded of the story of the royal chicken and the royal pig. One day the king had a birthday and the royal chicken and the royal pig woke up and began trying to decide what they could do for the king for his birthday. Finally, the chicken said he had a brilliant plan. He said, “How about we give the king a royal breakfast? He can give him eggs and bacon for breakfast.” The pig thought for a second and said, “Wait a second! For you, this gift might be a small sacrifice but for me, it’s total commitment!”
Consider what the people of the early church were doing for one another. Can you imagine coming home from work one day and walking in the door and announcing to your family that you were all going to sell everything that you own and give it to the church to distribute back evenly amongst the people in the church? Can you imagine the reaction? I have a feeling some type of counseling would be suggested. But, these people in the early church did exactly that! Can you imagine the level of commitment they had for God and for each other?
What are you committed to (not what should you be committed to, what are you committed to)?
What will you do today to give and demonstrate your commitment to God and His people?
REVIEW
How did you demonstrate your commitment to God and His people?
How did this impact what your committed to and how you demonstrate it?
Reading:Acts 4:32-35, 32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
When it comes to commitment, I’m reminded of the story of the royal chicken and the royal pig. One day the king had a birthday and the royal chicken and the royal pig woke up and began trying to decide what they could do for the king for his birthday. Finally, the chicken said he had a brilliant plan. He said, “How about we give the king a royal breakfast? He can give him eggs and bacon for breakfast.” The pig thought for a second and said, “Wait a second! For you, this gift might be a small sacrifice but for me, it’s total commitment!”
Consider what the people of the early church were doing for one another. Can you imagine coming home from work one day and walking in the door and announcing to your family that you were all going to sell everything that you own and give it to the church to distribute back evenly amongst the people in the church? Can you imagine the reaction? I have a feeling some type of counseling would be suggested. But, these people in the early church did exactly that! Can you imagine the level of commitment they had for God and for each other?
What are you committed to (not what should you be committed to, what are you committed to)?
What will you do today to give and demonstrate your commitment to God and His people?
REVIEW
How did you demonstrate your commitment to God and His people?
How did this impact what your committed to and how you demonstrate it?
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