The Big Game
Reading:Matthew 16:27, For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.
Can you imagine joining a basketball team? You see one of your teammates shooting baskets at a park and, after stopping to talk for a little while, you sense an overzealous enthusiasm over practice. When you show up for practice, you see cheerleaders and fans in the stands. You immediately confirm that this is not a game. “No”, another teammate says, “It’s practice. Aren’t you just stoked?” “Uh, but, who are we playing, since all of these people are here to watch?” Most of your teammates give you a strange look and say, “Nobody, we’re practicing”. After the practice, you can’t help but think, “My goodness, if they react this way for practice, how are they going to be for the game?” This continued until the big game day. You could feel the excitement in the pit of your stomach as you enter the gym, anticipating a lot of fans and an air of excitement. But, to your surprise, you didn’t see a single teammate of yours; not a single fan that normally was at practice… the gym seemed pretty empty. Guys from the other team were down at the other end shooting around. You wait and wait… until finally, the referee come over to you and said, “Your team is going to have to forfeit.” By the next practice, you arrive pretty upset. Sure enough, there’s all of your team, cheerleaders and all of the fans excited about practice. Can you imagine how you would react? I’m sure that you would be frustrated and say something to the effect of, “Don’t you guys get it? Practice isn’t important at all, unless it’s preparing us for the game. Why are you guys placing all the importance on simply the practice instead of the big game?” Although absurd, this is the way that we treat life compared to eternal life, “The Big Game”. This life is simple preparation for eternity. We look for the rewards in the practice of fans, success, etc. instead of the rewards of our King of Kings. Really think this through, are you looking at this practice in the same way?
What can you do today to “practice for the Big Game”?
REVIEW
What were you able to do to practice for the Big Game today?
How did this impact your perspective on your day and what was important?
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Celebration June 26 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading:Psalm 64:9-10, 9 All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done. 10 Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Reading:Psalm 64:9-10, 9 All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done. 10 Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Go to Them June 25 2011
Go to Them
Reading:Acts 8:26-31, 36-39, 26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." 30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
I wonder if the Ethiopian Eunuch were alive today and living in your community, if he would have been told about the gospel. As these verses typify, the early New Testament church did not simply go to church and hope that people came who needed to hear the truth of God’s Word, rather they would go to them. I love how God spoke to Philip. He could have “suddenly took” him away to bring him to the Eunuch but He simply told him to head down the road and that is where he “met” this man that God led Him to speak to.
Today, who will you see out with whom you can share God? (ask God to show you who that may be)
How will you do that?
What are some ways that you could be distracted from really caring this out?
Men, let’s go to them today!
REVIEW
Were you able to share God with someone today?
How did it happen?
What was the result?
Reading:Acts 8:26-31, 36-39, 26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." 30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
I wonder if the Ethiopian Eunuch were alive today and living in your community, if he would have been told about the gospel. As these verses typify, the early New Testament church did not simply go to church and hope that people came who needed to hear the truth of God’s Word, rather they would go to them. I love how God spoke to Philip. He could have “suddenly took” him away to bring him to the Eunuch but He simply told him to head down the road and that is where he “met” this man that God led Him to speak to.
Today, who will you see out with whom you can share God? (ask God to show you who that may be)
How will you do that?
What are some ways that you could be distracted from really caring this out?
Men, let’s go to them today!
REVIEW
Were you able to share God with someone today?
How did it happen?
What was the result?
His Name, June 24 2011
His Name
Reading:Isaiah 42:8, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.
Have you ever heard of the names of these men: Sanakhte, Reneb, Sahure, Otho, Nerva, Hadrian, Cassander, Attalos, Yongle, or Wanli? Each of these men listed were a ruler of an empire in the past. Rulers of empires!... and you most likely have never even heard of them. I don’t think there is a single man reading this devotional who has been or ever will be a ruler of an empire and I am sure that in one hundred years our names will not be remembered either. If a ruler of an empire’s name is not remembered, how would our name be remembered. This is not to make you feel worthless and pointless, rather to allow each of us to realize the name that lasts, that will always live on. I love how pointed God is, “I am the LORD; that is my name!” I almost picture God saying right after that… “And don’t you forget it!!!”
Now for our role… if you truly are a Christian, you where the name of God on your life; you are the adopted son of God.
How much glory do you bring to His name?
How much glory do you seek for yourself for the things that “you” have accomplished or that “you deserve”? (“you” is in quotes because are you able to accomplish anything in and of yourself?)
What can you do today to bring and give glory to the Lord and His name?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to bring and give glory to the Lord and His name?
How did this impact your perception of the glory that “you deserve” and the glory that God deserves?
Reading:Isaiah 42:8, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.
Have you ever heard of the names of these men: Sanakhte, Reneb, Sahure, Otho, Nerva, Hadrian, Cassander, Attalos, Yongle, or Wanli? Each of these men listed were a ruler of an empire in the past. Rulers of empires!... and you most likely have never even heard of them. I don’t think there is a single man reading this devotional who has been or ever will be a ruler of an empire and I am sure that in one hundred years our names will not be remembered either. If a ruler of an empire’s name is not remembered, how would our name be remembered. This is not to make you feel worthless and pointless, rather to allow each of us to realize the name that lasts, that will always live on. I love how pointed God is, “I am the LORD; that is my name!” I almost picture God saying right after that… “And don’t you forget it!!!”
Now for our role… if you truly are a Christian, you where the name of God on your life; you are the adopted son of God.
How much glory do you bring to His name?
How much glory do you seek for yourself for the things that “you” have accomplished or that “you deserve”? (“you” is in quotes because are you able to accomplish anything in and of yourself?)
What can you do today to bring and give glory to the Lord and His name?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to bring and give glory to the Lord and His name?
How did this impact your perception of the glory that “you deserve” and the glory that God deserves?
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Be Holy Thursday June 23, 2011
Be Holy
Reading: I Peter 1:15-16, 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
Do you want to know how to get the most out of your life? The answer is found in Scripture, but it’s not he most popular. Paul said that we are “created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)
To be like God is a big order. What do we have to do to be like God? The 2 key words are righteousness and holiness.
To be righteous is to line up our lives with the claims and principles of a higher authority. It is to have a sense of moral integrity that reflects the very nature of God. In other words, righteousness completes assignments, keeps promises, pays bills, honors commitments, keeps appointments, strives to be on time and establishes a reputation of reliability.
To be holy is to live out this righteousness in an observable way so that people will see our good works and glorify God. To be holy is to be set apart or consecrated for service in the kingdom. Holiness thinks like God; loves what God loves; hates what God hates; relates to other people as God related to us; and acts like God acts.
How can righteousness and holiness be reflected in your life today? (Remember, these attributes are not an accidental characteristic, it is pursued.)
Remember, men, you can never be righteous and holy by yourself. How can you turn your attention to God and walk with Him in His holiness today?
REVIEW
Look back at your day. Were you able to live in righteousness and holiness?
What were different road blocks that attempted to stop you from living righteously and holy; and, how did you gain victory?
Reading: I Peter 1:15-16, 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
Do you want to know how to get the most out of your life? The answer is found in Scripture, but it’s not he most popular. Paul said that we are “created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)
To be like God is a big order. What do we have to do to be like God? The 2 key words are righteousness and holiness.
To be righteous is to line up our lives with the claims and principles of a higher authority. It is to have a sense of moral integrity that reflects the very nature of God. In other words, righteousness completes assignments, keeps promises, pays bills, honors commitments, keeps appointments, strives to be on time and establishes a reputation of reliability.
To be holy is to live out this righteousness in an observable way so that people will see our good works and glorify God. To be holy is to be set apart or consecrated for service in the kingdom. Holiness thinks like God; loves what God loves; hates what God hates; relates to other people as God related to us; and acts like God acts.
How can righteousness and holiness be reflected in your life today? (Remember, these attributes are not an accidental characteristic, it is pursued.)
Remember, men, you can never be righteous and holy by yourself. How can you turn your attention to God and walk with Him in His holiness today?
REVIEW
Look back at your day. Were you able to live in righteousness and holiness?
What were different road blocks that attempted to stop you from living righteously and holy; and, how did you gain victory?
Wrong Turn? Wednesday June 22, 2011
Wrong Turn?
Reading: Deuteronomy 5:32-33, 32 So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. 33 Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”
I’ll never forget the first and only time that I was in New York City by myself. I was on a recruitment trip for the college that I was working for. I had the genius idea to take a drive to see where it would take me. I was so enamored with the sights and the business of traffic that I wasn’t really paying attention to where I was going; not that it even made a difference because I didn’t even know what to look for. Before I knew what happened, I found myself driving down the streets of Manhattan. I immediately found out why everyone walks down there instead of driving. Driving, while trying not to hit a taxi or the random “jaywalker”, was pretty intense. But, that wasn’t the worst part for me. It was the fact that, by the time I got back to where I wanted to go, I spent $24 in tolls in just a short distance from crossing all the bridges. All from making a wrong turn!
God has commanded us to not turn aside to the right hand or to the left; to constantly be focused on Him, to constantly be pursuing Him. Unfortunately, when we aren’t paying attention or we look around and become enamored with those things around us, we end up making a round turn and we get off the highway that God laid out for us to travel on. And, men… it will cost you big every time. By the time you get back to where you wanted to be, you look back in disgust and you have to ask yourself, was it worth it?
Men, are your eyes constantly fixed on God and how His Word is directing your life?
What are some things that have caught your attention that’s pulled your focus away?
What will you do today to make sure that your focus is not deterred from God and what He has for you?
REVIEW
How were you able to keep your focus on God today and what He had for you?
How did this impact your journey with Him today?
Reading: Deuteronomy 5:32-33, 32 So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. 33 Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”
I’ll never forget the first and only time that I was in New York City by myself. I was on a recruitment trip for the college that I was working for. I had the genius idea to take a drive to see where it would take me. I was so enamored with the sights and the business of traffic that I wasn’t really paying attention to where I was going; not that it even made a difference because I didn’t even know what to look for. Before I knew what happened, I found myself driving down the streets of Manhattan. I immediately found out why everyone walks down there instead of driving. Driving, while trying not to hit a taxi or the random “jaywalker”, was pretty intense. But, that wasn’t the worst part for me. It was the fact that, by the time I got back to where I wanted to go, I spent $24 in tolls in just a short distance from crossing all the bridges. All from making a wrong turn!
God has commanded us to not turn aside to the right hand or to the left; to constantly be focused on Him, to constantly be pursuing Him. Unfortunately, when we aren’t paying attention or we look around and become enamored with those things around us, we end up making a round turn and we get off the highway that God laid out for us to travel on. And, men… it will cost you big every time. By the time you get back to where you wanted to be, you look back in disgust and you have to ask yourself, was it worth it?
Men, are your eyes constantly fixed on God and how His Word is directing your life?
What are some things that have caught your attention that’s pulled your focus away?
What will you do today to make sure that your focus is not deterred from God and what He has for you?
REVIEW
How were you able to keep your focus on God today and what He had for you?
How did this impact your journey with Him today?
Monday, June 20, 2011
True Love, Tuesday June 21, 2011
True Love
Reading:Colossians 1:16-17, 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Let’s say you were asked the question, “Do you believe in God?” And you reply, “Yes, I do.” “Then tell me about your God. Give me some specifics. What is He like? What are His characteristics?
What specifics about God’s character would you describe? Today’s passage focuses on one primary characteristic. God is self-sufficient. He doesn’t need anything or anyone. We need food, water and air. But for God, nothing is necessary. All of life is in God. Life is a gift from God. God isn’t interested in you because He is incomplete without you. He’s interested in you because He loves you, not because He needs you.
It’s amazing. God is completely independent of everyone else. I cannot make Him anymore God than He already is. If every human on earth became blind today, the stars would still sine. They exist in their own right and don’t depend on us. As similarly, if Christians didn’t exist, God would be no less than He is. Maybe you’ve thought that God needs our support or that He needs us to defend Him before others. He doesn’t need you, but He chooses to work through you and to call you to Himself.
So why did He even create us? He must have done it for some reason. Maybe, just maybe… that’s what love is all about.
What does God mean to you?
How can you live in and demonstrate those characteristics today?
REVIEW
How were you able to live in and demonstrate the characteristics of what God means to you?
How did this impact your view of God and your role in His plan?
Reading:Colossians 1:16-17, 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Let’s say you were asked the question, “Do you believe in God?” And you reply, “Yes, I do.” “Then tell me about your God. Give me some specifics. What is He like? What are His characteristics?
What specifics about God’s character would you describe? Today’s passage focuses on one primary characteristic. God is self-sufficient. He doesn’t need anything or anyone. We need food, water and air. But for God, nothing is necessary. All of life is in God. Life is a gift from God. God isn’t interested in you because He is incomplete without you. He’s interested in you because He loves you, not because He needs you.
It’s amazing. God is completely independent of everyone else. I cannot make Him anymore God than He already is. If every human on earth became blind today, the stars would still sine. They exist in their own right and don’t depend on us. As similarly, if Christians didn’t exist, God would be no less than He is. Maybe you’ve thought that God needs our support or that He needs us to defend Him before others. He doesn’t need you, but He chooses to work through you and to call you to Himself.
So why did He even create us? He must have done it for some reason. Maybe, just maybe… that’s what love is all about.
What does God mean to you?
How can you live in and demonstrate those characteristics today?
REVIEW
How were you able to live in and demonstrate the characteristics of what God means to you?
How did this impact your view of God and your role in His plan?
The power of accountability June 20 2011
The Power of Accountability
Reading:Ecclesiastes 4:12, Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
For some of us, and it is a sobering thought, one day we’ll come face-to-face with our Heavenly Father. We will be called to give an account for our actions on earth. Remember God already knows everything about us, so, it certainly won’t be surprising to Him. But, the full scope of our choices might be surprising to us.
We were never meant to hold this weight alone. Today, do whatever you can to ensure that your thoughts and your heart are pleasing to God.
We are all vulnerable to pride and power. That’s why being a spiritual Lone Ranger is so dangerous. We must depend on trusted brothers and sisters who love us enough to tell us the truth. God never intended anyone to sail their own boat without assistance through the uncharted waters of life or ministry. All of us need help.
Ronald Reagan once said, “The greater the task, the greater the need. No man is an island. We need each other.”
In what ways have you been attempting to bear your burden alone?
How can you share that burden with others?
Who can you contact today to encourage and help bear their burden?
Be sure to let them know that they are not alone and that, if you go through this together, they will not be overpowered.
REVIEW
Were you able to share your burden with someone and, if so, how?
Were you able to bear someone else’s burden today and encourage them and, if so, how?
Reading:Ecclesiastes 4:12, Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
For some of us, and it is a sobering thought, one day we’ll come face-to-face with our Heavenly Father. We will be called to give an account for our actions on earth. Remember God already knows everything about us, so, it certainly won’t be surprising to Him. But, the full scope of our choices might be surprising to us.
We were never meant to hold this weight alone. Today, do whatever you can to ensure that your thoughts and your heart are pleasing to God.
We are all vulnerable to pride and power. That’s why being a spiritual Lone Ranger is so dangerous. We must depend on trusted brothers and sisters who love us enough to tell us the truth. God never intended anyone to sail their own boat without assistance through the uncharted waters of life or ministry. All of us need help.
Ronald Reagan once said, “The greater the task, the greater the need. No man is an island. We need each other.”
In what ways have you been attempting to bear your burden alone?
How can you share that burden with others?
Who can you contact today to encourage and help bear their burden?
Be sure to let them know that they are not alone and that, if you go through this together, they will not be overpowered.
REVIEW
Were you able to share your burden with someone and, if so, how?
Were you able to bear someone else’s burden today and encourage them and, if so, how?
Celebration , Sunday June 19 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading:Psalm 68:3-6, 3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. 4 Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds [a]— his name is the LORD— and rejoice before him. 5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. 6 God sets the lonely in families, [b] he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
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 68:3-6, 3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. 4 Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds [a]— his name is the LORD— and rejoice before him. 5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. 6 God sets the lonely in families, [b] he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
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?
Real Religion, June 18, 2011
Real Religion
Reading:James 1:27, Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Most, if not all of us at one time or another have been termed or called someone “religious”, based on church attendance or involvement. The words “religion” or “religious” has taken on a very loose meaning. If you get together with friends or acquaintances, the common rule is… “Don’t talk politics or… [yes] religion.” Even when you begin to talk to someone about God, if they don’t really want to hear what you have to say, they may tend to say something like, “Oh, yeah… I’m not really very religious.” Then they usually walk away. But, seriously, with hundreds, if not thousands, of known religions in the world, how can you expect the secular world to know the difference. The greater concern is, do we, who know the truth, truly understand the concept of religion?
James said that pure religion, before any man-made religions can interfere and pervert it, is simply… to look after the orphans and widows in their distress and to keep yourself clean from the world. WOW! Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone who claimed to be or is labeled “religious” truly lived out this passage? Wait a second!... this passage says nothing about church attendance. It says nothing about tithing. And, we could go on and on about characteristics that oftentimes we immediately associate with “being religious”. Now, the Bible definitely teaches the importance of church attendance and tithing; but, with God stating exactly what pure religion, don’t you think that we should place those characteristics up at the forefront in our lives, instead of it being tucked away in “some ministry that some guy does in our church”?
Challenge:Take the weekend, if you need it, but find someone who is fatherless or a widow and reach out to them in their need.
How can you keep yourself from being polluted by the world today?
REVIEW
Were you able to reach out to someone who is fatherless or a widow? If yes, how was it received?
How did this impact you and/or those that you ministered to today?
Reading:James 1:27, Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Most, if not all of us at one time or another have been termed or called someone “religious”, based on church attendance or involvement. The words “religion” or “religious” has taken on a very loose meaning. If you get together with friends or acquaintances, the common rule is… “Don’t talk politics or… [yes] religion.” Even when you begin to talk to someone about God, if they don’t really want to hear what you have to say, they may tend to say something like, “Oh, yeah… I’m not really very religious.” Then they usually walk away. But, seriously, with hundreds, if not thousands, of known religions in the world, how can you expect the secular world to know the difference. The greater concern is, do we, who know the truth, truly understand the concept of religion?
James said that pure religion, before any man-made religions can interfere and pervert it, is simply… to look after the orphans and widows in their distress and to keep yourself clean from the world. WOW! Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone who claimed to be or is labeled “religious” truly lived out this passage? Wait a second!... this passage says nothing about church attendance. It says nothing about tithing. And, we could go on and on about characteristics that oftentimes we immediately associate with “being religious”. Now, the Bible definitely teaches the importance of church attendance and tithing; but, with God stating exactly what pure religion, don’t you think that we should place those characteristics up at the forefront in our lives, instead of it being tucked away in “some ministry that some guy does in our church”?
Challenge:Take the weekend, if you need it, but find someone who is fatherless or a widow and reach out to them in their need.
How can you keep yourself from being polluted by the world today?
REVIEW
Were you able to reach out to someone who is fatherless or a widow? If yes, how was it received?
How did this impact you and/or those that you ministered to today?
Thursday, June 16, 2011
A Man of Compassion, June 17, 2011
A Man of Compassion
Reading:I Peter 3:8, Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
God’s Word commands us to be compassionate, to be servants who are generous with our words and our time; to be willing to give joyfully to those who need our support.
Concentration camp survivor Corrie Ten Boom correctly encouraged, “The measure of a life is not its duration but its donations.” What a great reminder that life is not determined by what we take from others, but by what we are able to share with other.
When we sit back and take inventory of our lives as believers, we can’t help but realize how richly blessed we are. Our Lord gives us so abundantly. So, in turn, the man of compassion is called to share with others. (our gifts, our possessions, our talents, and our testimony of how great our God is.)
The thread of compassion is woven into the very fabric of Christ’s teachings. If we are to be true disciples of Christ, we too must be zealous in caring for others. Our Savior expects no less from us. And He deserves no less.
What do you have that you can share with others today? (whether possessions, encouragement or your spiritual gifts)
Who will you choose to share those things with today?
Don’t limit yourself! Although you have specific people in mind, be looking for someone that God may lay on your heart as you pass them in the course of your day. Take this thought with you throughout the day and be looking.
REVIEW
What were you able to share with others today and with whom did you share those things?
How did this impact those with whom you shared and how did it impact you?
Reading:I Peter 3:8, Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
God’s Word commands us to be compassionate, to be servants who are generous with our words and our time; to be willing to give joyfully to those who need our support.
Concentration camp survivor Corrie Ten Boom correctly encouraged, “The measure of a life is not its duration but its donations.” What a great reminder that life is not determined by what we take from others, but by what we are able to share with other.
When we sit back and take inventory of our lives as believers, we can’t help but realize how richly blessed we are. Our Lord gives us so abundantly. So, in turn, the man of compassion is called to share with others. (our gifts, our possessions, our talents, and our testimony of how great our God is.)
The thread of compassion is woven into the very fabric of Christ’s teachings. If we are to be true disciples of Christ, we too must be zealous in caring for others. Our Savior expects no less from us. And He deserves no less.
What do you have that you can share with others today? (whether possessions, encouragement or your spiritual gifts)
Who will you choose to share those things with today?
Don’t limit yourself! Although you have specific people in mind, be looking for someone that God may lay on your heart as you pass them in the course of your day. Take this thought with you throughout the day and be looking.
REVIEW
What were you able to share with others today and with whom did you share those things?
How did this impact those with whom you shared and how did it impact you?
Sit, Stand, Bow, June 16, 2011
Sit, Stand, Bow
Reading:I Peter 5:6, 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Sit we need to sit on promoting ourselves. If we are really gifted, the people who want to use our talents will find us. If we were meant to be discovered and used in a significant way God will bring it about. Just as he did for Joseph, sold into obscurity and doomed to rot in a dungeon in Egypt. God raised him up in his time, Genesis 50:30. God will promote you when he determines the time is appropriate.
StandWe need to stand up for others. You can encourage others to be humble by being sensitive to them in their needs. God has called us as men to look out for those who nobody else will.
Bow We need to bow before God. We need to trust him. He doesn’t break his promises. He will lift you up!
Who are you looking out for… yourself or others?
How will you walk humbly today in these three areas?
Sit:
Stand:
Bow:
REVIEW
How were you able to walk humbly today in the three areas?
Sit:
Stand:
Bow:
Reading:I Peter 5:6, 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Sit we need to sit on promoting ourselves. If we are really gifted, the people who want to use our talents will find us. If we were meant to be discovered and used in a significant way God will bring it about. Just as he did for Joseph, sold into obscurity and doomed to rot in a dungeon in Egypt. God raised him up in his time, Genesis 50:30. God will promote you when he determines the time is appropriate.
StandWe need to stand up for others. You can encourage others to be humble by being sensitive to them in their needs. God has called us as men to look out for those who nobody else will.
Bow We need to bow before God. We need to trust him. He doesn’t break his promises. He will lift you up!
Who are you looking out for… yourself or others?
How will you walk humbly today in these three areas?
Sit:
Stand:
Bow:
REVIEW
How were you able to walk humbly today in the three areas?
Sit:
Stand:
Bow:
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
WAIT! June 15 2011
WAIT!
Reading:Psalm 37:7, Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
I get very frustrated when I watch a movie and while I’m watching they show someone in the movie who does something that makes you want to grab them and say, “Seriously! What were you thinking??? Just WAIT!” One of those moments is in the movie Gladiator, when the big group of gladiators are fighting together against the enemy to reenact a historical battle. Maximus kept telling the men to wait and stay together… wait and stay together. Of course, one man has to be impatient and ran out by himself. Sure enough, he was immediately killed. What was he thinking? Other similar situations are in an intense place in a movie when a girl is hiding away from a person that is trying to hurt her as they stalk her in the dark. Do you think that she would just sit still, quietly, in the safe place where she is? Oh, no! That wouldn’t make good entertainment, I guess, because inevitably… she will try to leave her safety only to be caught by her stalker. What was she thinking? Just WAIT!
I have a feeling that God could ask Himself the same question when we are not “still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him”. What was he thinking? We see potential danger and think we need to act or run away on our own. Meanwhile, God is shaking His head and, I’m sure, wondering why you didn’t just wait for Him in the safety of His hand. We should not be reacting based upon our perception, rather, simply wait for God to lead.
Men, what struggles or dangers are you experiencing or seem to be in the foreseeable future?
How can you “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” for those struggles or dangers?
REVIEW
Were you able to wait on the Lord today, if so, in what areas?
How did this impact the way that you addressed your day and the potential dangers?
Reading:Psalm 37:7, Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
I get very frustrated when I watch a movie and while I’m watching they show someone in the movie who does something that makes you want to grab them and say, “Seriously! What were you thinking??? Just WAIT!” One of those moments is in the movie Gladiator, when the big group of gladiators are fighting together against the enemy to reenact a historical battle. Maximus kept telling the men to wait and stay together… wait and stay together. Of course, one man has to be impatient and ran out by himself. Sure enough, he was immediately killed. What was he thinking? Other similar situations are in an intense place in a movie when a girl is hiding away from a person that is trying to hurt her as they stalk her in the dark. Do you think that she would just sit still, quietly, in the safe place where she is? Oh, no! That wouldn’t make good entertainment, I guess, because inevitably… she will try to leave her safety only to be caught by her stalker. What was she thinking? Just WAIT!
I have a feeling that God could ask Himself the same question when we are not “still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him”. What was he thinking? We see potential danger and think we need to act or run away on our own. Meanwhile, God is shaking His head and, I’m sure, wondering why you didn’t just wait for Him in the safety of His hand. We should not be reacting based upon our perception, rather, simply wait for God to lead.
Men, what struggles or dangers are you experiencing or seem to be in the foreseeable future?
How can you “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” for those struggles or dangers?
REVIEW
Were you able to wait on the Lord today, if so, in what areas?
How did this impact the way that you addressed your day and the potential dangers?
Just Passing Through, June 14 2011
Just Passing Through
Reading:Hebrews 11:8-10, 8By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Abraham recognized his temporary status. The earth was a temporary dwelling place for him. He was a stranger… he worked with worldly people around him and still had a great reputation. He was respected by others. But, he never got caught up in the lifestyles of the rich and famous of that time.
He knew he was there for a reason. He knew that God had called him for a task even though he “died in faith, without receiving the promise”, Hebrews 11:13.
Where is your focus today? Is your concern directed more toward the little world around you?
Times are difficult when we are outnumbered by unbelievers and surrounded by a lifestyle that doesn’t reflect the presence of God. Take courage… you too are an alien. This world is not your home. You are just passing through.
Men, God has you exactly where you are for a reason.
How can the fact that you are just passing through make an impact on your day?
What are some areas in which you are struggling to accept where God has placed you and how can you give those to God today?
REVIEW
Were you able to accept where God has placed you today and how did you accomplish that?
How did the realization that you are just passing through impact your day?
Reading:Hebrews 11:8-10, 8By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Abraham recognized his temporary status. The earth was a temporary dwelling place for him. He was a stranger… he worked with worldly people around him and still had a great reputation. He was respected by others. But, he never got caught up in the lifestyles of the rich and famous of that time.
He knew he was there for a reason. He knew that God had called him for a task even though he “died in faith, without receiving the promise”, Hebrews 11:13.
Where is your focus today? Is your concern directed more toward the little world around you?
Times are difficult when we are outnumbered by unbelievers and surrounded by a lifestyle that doesn’t reflect the presence of God. Take courage… you too are an alien. This world is not your home. You are just passing through.
Men, God has you exactly where you are for a reason.
How can the fact that you are just passing through make an impact on your day?
What are some areas in which you are struggling to accept where God has placed you and how can you give those to God today?
REVIEW
Were you able to accept where God has placed you today and how did you accomplish that?
How did the realization that you are just passing through impact your day?
He's Not Tired, June 13, 2011
He’s Not Tired
Reading:Isaiah 40:28-31, 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
I love the fact that God has a great sense of humor. In verse 28, He says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard?”. Isaiah was written to and for Israel, so He already knew the answers to the questions. The message is… Well, you sure aren’t acting like it. We often focus on verse 31, but the key to all of this begins in verse 28.
Imagine you are digging a large hole in your yard, the sun beating down on you. I walk up to you and you begin to tell me how exhausted you are and how hot it is. So, I tell you that I’m rested and have been inside all day, so why don’t you let me dig for a while. As you climb out of the hole, I hand you a glass of ice water and jump in the hole and begin digging. After a while, after getting some rest, you tell me that you’re ready to start digging again. I turn and tell you, “Actually, I’m not tired at all. I can keep digging right alongside you. In fact, that’s for you to dig with.” You see that I’m pointing at something and you look over your shoulder and there is a brand new backhoe for you to dig the hole. I’m sure a barrage of thoughts would go through your mind… like, “oh, wow, thank you”, “this will be SO much easier” and “I wish I would have waited to start after he came over”. God mentions His endurance in verse 28 to let us know, I’m standing right here, rested and willing to help you, and I have the tools to make your job easier… oh, and, by the way, I will NEVER, EVER get tired. The only thing that you have to do is wait for Him.
How can you give your day over to God and allow Him to work alongside you?
Men, wait for the Lord to do the work through you. Let Him bear your burden.
REVIEW
How were you able to give God your stresses, your burden and/or your tasks today?
How did it impact your strength and endurance today?
Reading:Isaiah 40:28-31, 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
I love the fact that God has a great sense of humor. In verse 28, He says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard?”. Isaiah was written to and for Israel, so He already knew the answers to the questions. The message is… Well, you sure aren’t acting like it. We often focus on verse 31, but the key to all of this begins in verse 28.
Imagine you are digging a large hole in your yard, the sun beating down on you. I walk up to you and you begin to tell me how exhausted you are and how hot it is. So, I tell you that I’m rested and have been inside all day, so why don’t you let me dig for a while. As you climb out of the hole, I hand you a glass of ice water and jump in the hole and begin digging. After a while, after getting some rest, you tell me that you’re ready to start digging again. I turn and tell you, “Actually, I’m not tired at all. I can keep digging right alongside you. In fact, that’s for you to dig with.” You see that I’m pointing at something and you look over your shoulder and there is a brand new backhoe for you to dig the hole. I’m sure a barrage of thoughts would go through your mind… like, “oh, wow, thank you”, “this will be SO much easier” and “I wish I would have waited to start after he came over”. God mentions His endurance in verse 28 to let us know, I’m standing right here, rested and willing to help you, and I have the tools to make your job easier… oh, and, by the way, I will NEVER, EVER get tired. The only thing that you have to do is wait for Him.
How can you give your day over to God and allow Him to work alongside you?
Men, wait for the Lord to do the work through you. Let Him bear your burden.
REVIEW
How were you able to give God your stresses, your burden and/or your tasks today?
How did it impact your strength and endurance today?
Friday, June 10, 2011
CELEBRATION! Sunday June 12, 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 68:19-20, 19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens. Selah 20 Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
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 68:19-20, 19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens. Selah 20 Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
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 June 11, 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 to 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:
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 to 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:
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?
Hold on Loosely, Friday, June 10 2011
Hold on Loosely
Reading: Job 1:20-21, 20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
If there was anyone in history that understood the importance of holding on to things loosely it was job. In a moment everything was gone. But, his hope, his security, his foundation was not easily shaken. He understood that we have nothing when we are born and nothing when we depart. So, everything we have is provided by God. The problem comes when the possessions begin to own us, when the car drives us, figuratively speaking. Stuff never owned Job, that’s heroic. I heard a great story from a pastor who traveled across country where he was scheduled to speak. He had forgotten it was at a nice fancy restaurant, he failed to include a nice suit. He realized it toward the afternoon when the hour was getting late. Since his motel was located near a funeral home, he though, for just one evening, the funeral director might be willing to loan him a suit, one that would later be used on a cadaver. He said he went over and bargained with the director to use the suit for just one night. Then he said, “That evening, as I was addressing all the people, I did what I usually do. I reached up to put my hand in my pocket. I couldn’t. Right then I learned that cadaver suits have no pockets.” It drove home the idea that we don’t take anything with us.
What are you holding onto too tightly? What would you not be willing to do without?
What are you willing to give God today that you have been holding onto?
Challenge: Live today with the same value that Job placed on material possessions and maintain that no matter what happens, “the name of the Lord be praised”
REVIEW
What were able to give God today that you had been holding onto?
How did this impact your day and the value that you placed on the things around you?
Reading: Job 1:20-21, 20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
If there was anyone in history that understood the importance of holding on to things loosely it was job. In a moment everything was gone. But, his hope, his security, his foundation was not easily shaken. He understood that we have nothing when we are born and nothing when we depart. So, everything we have is provided by God. The problem comes when the possessions begin to own us, when the car drives us, figuratively speaking. Stuff never owned Job, that’s heroic. I heard a great story from a pastor who traveled across country where he was scheduled to speak. He had forgotten it was at a nice fancy restaurant, he failed to include a nice suit. He realized it toward the afternoon when the hour was getting late. Since his motel was located near a funeral home, he though, for just one evening, the funeral director might be willing to loan him a suit, one that would later be used on a cadaver. He said he went over and bargained with the director to use the suit for just one night. Then he said, “That evening, as I was addressing all the people, I did what I usually do. I reached up to put my hand in my pocket. I couldn’t. Right then I learned that cadaver suits have no pockets.” It drove home the idea that we don’t take anything with us.
What are you holding onto too tightly? What would you not be willing to do without?
What are you willing to give God today that you have been holding onto?
Challenge: Live today with the same value that Job placed on material possessions and maintain that no matter what happens, “the name of the Lord be praised”
REVIEW
What were able to give God today that you had been holding onto?
How did this impact your day and the value that you placed on the things around you?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Where Is Your Focus? Thursday June 9 2011
Where Is Your Focus?
Reading: Hebrews 12:2, Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Where is your focus today? What do you have ahead for yourself?
This day… and every day hereafter… is your chance to celebrate the life that God has given you. It’s also a chance to give thanks to the One who has offered you more blessing than you can possibly count. Let me ask you again… what is your focus today? Are you willing to focus your thoughts and energies on God’s blessings and upon His will for your life? Or, will you turn your thoughts to other things… things that don’t really matter?
The choice is yours. Today why not focus your thoughts on the joy that is rightfully yours in Christ? Why not take time to celebrate God’s creation around you? Trust your hopes instead of your fears.
When you do, you will become more joyful... easier to be around. When you think optimistically about your future, that God holds your joy will become contagious, and you can then share your optimism with others.
Fix your eyes on Jesus.
So, men, where is your focus today?
What are some potential stumbling blocks that could cause you to lose focus on Jesus today?
What can you do to prepare for those things to continue to fix your eyes on Him?
REVIEW
Were you able to keep your focus on Jesus all throughout the day?
How were you able to accomplish this today?
Reading: Hebrews 12:2, Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Where is your focus today? What do you have ahead for yourself?
This day… and every day hereafter… is your chance to celebrate the life that God has given you. It’s also a chance to give thanks to the One who has offered you more blessing than you can possibly count. Let me ask you again… what is your focus today? Are you willing to focus your thoughts and energies on God’s blessings and upon His will for your life? Or, will you turn your thoughts to other things… things that don’t really matter?
The choice is yours. Today why not focus your thoughts on the joy that is rightfully yours in Christ? Why not take time to celebrate God’s creation around you? Trust your hopes instead of your fears.
When you do, you will become more joyful... easier to be around. When you think optimistically about your future, that God holds your joy will become contagious, and you can then share your optimism with others.
Fix your eyes on Jesus.
So, men, where is your focus today?
What are some potential stumbling blocks that could cause you to lose focus on Jesus today?
What can you do to prepare for those things to continue to fix your eyes on Him?
REVIEW
Were you able to keep your focus on Jesus all throughout the day?
How were you able to accomplish this today?
Peace! Wednesday June 8 2011
Peace!
Reading: Isaiah 26:1-4, 1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts.
2 Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. 3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
There is one characteristic of being a Christian that I cannot imagine living without, especially as I see the struggles and tragedy that so many people are going through these days. Without the “peace of God which surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 4:7), I do not know where I would be. It is one of the greatest byproducts of being a Christian. But, notice, we have a role in this. That kind of peace does not *poof*, appear. It says, “[God] will keep [you] in perfect peace” if you steadfastly trust in the Him. I love it because “steadfast” is such a man word. It means, “firmly fixed in place, immovable, not subject to change; firm in belief, determination, or adherence.” (Webster) I always picture a soldier in full armor with sword drawn with a look of determination on his face almost to say, “I will not be moved!”… all the while with feet firmly planted on the “Rock eternal”.
How steadfast are you in your trust in the Lord?
How at peace do you feel?
What are some areas that you struggle trusting the Lord completely?
How can you give those things to God today, trust Him and stand steadfast?
REVIEW
How were you able to give your distrust over to God and trust Him steadfastly today?
How did this impact the peace that you experienced today?
Reading: Isaiah 26:1-4, 1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts.
2 Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. 3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
There is one characteristic of being a Christian that I cannot imagine living without, especially as I see the struggles and tragedy that so many people are going through these days. Without the “peace of God which surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 4:7), I do not know where I would be. It is one of the greatest byproducts of being a Christian. But, notice, we have a role in this. That kind of peace does not *poof*, appear. It says, “[God] will keep [you] in perfect peace” if you steadfastly trust in the Him. I love it because “steadfast” is such a man word. It means, “firmly fixed in place, immovable, not subject to change; firm in belief, determination, or adherence.” (Webster) I always picture a soldier in full armor with sword drawn with a look of determination on his face almost to say, “I will not be moved!”… all the while with feet firmly planted on the “Rock eternal”.
How steadfast are you in your trust in the Lord?
How at peace do you feel?
What are some areas that you struggle trusting the Lord completely?
How can you give those things to God today, trust Him and stand steadfast?
REVIEW
How were you able to give your distrust over to God and trust Him steadfastly today?
How did this impact the peace that you experienced today?
Monday, June 6, 2011
Be a Stranger, Tuesday June 7 2011
Be a Stranger
Reading:I Peter 1:17, Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
Especially when reconnecting with friends with whom I have not been able to spend very much time, I typically will find myself saying the familiar phrase, “Hey, don’t be a stranger!” But, here in this life, in this world we are told, “Hey, be a stranger!”
What can I say, Webster says it very plainly. A “stranger” is, “1 : c : a person or thing that is unknown or with whom one is unacquainted d : one who does not belong to or is kept from the activities of a group e : one not privy or party to an act, contract, or title : one that interferes without right. 2 : one ignorant of or unacquainted with someone or something.
Being a stranger is not necessarily fun. You usually do not feel comfortable. You miss your home and the comfort of your surroundings. You don’t feel like you really know anyone. You don’t feel familiar with your surroundings.
If you moved to a new location where you didn’t know anyone and you know that you were not planning to live there very long until you move back “home”, how much time would you take to “settle down”? How much time would you take to work to become comfortable in your surroundings?
How can you live here as a stranger in this world in reverent fear?
What will you do that today?
REVIEW
How were you able to get out of your comfort zone and be a stranger in this land today?
What impact did that have on your day and the way that you live?
Reading:I Peter 1:17, Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
Especially when reconnecting with friends with whom I have not been able to spend very much time, I typically will find myself saying the familiar phrase, “Hey, don’t be a stranger!” But, here in this life, in this world we are told, “Hey, be a stranger!”
What can I say, Webster says it very plainly. A “stranger” is, “1 : c : a person or thing that is unknown or with whom one is unacquainted d : one who does not belong to or is kept from the activities of a group e : one not privy or party to an act, contract, or title : one that interferes without right. 2 : one ignorant of or unacquainted with someone or something.
Being a stranger is not necessarily fun. You usually do not feel comfortable. You miss your home and the comfort of your surroundings. You don’t feel like you really know anyone. You don’t feel familiar with your surroundings.
If you moved to a new location where you didn’t know anyone and you know that you were not planning to live there very long until you move back “home”, how much time would you take to “settle down”? How much time would you take to work to become comfortable in your surroundings?
How can you live here as a stranger in this world in reverent fear?
What will you do that today?
REVIEW
How were you able to get out of your comfort zone and be a stranger in this land today?
What impact did that have on your day and the way that you live?
Happy? Monday, June 6, 2011
Happy?
Reading:I Peter 1:8-9, 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Men, take a few moments and write down all the things that you think could possibly go wrong today:
Now, look at all the things that you wrote down and, if you knew that at the end of today, you were going to receive $10 million, a new home worth $1.5 million, with free maid and lawn service, and a free trip for you and your family anywhere you wanted to go in the world, how would you look at your day if all the things that you wrote down that could go wrong in your day, actually went wrong. I don’t know about you but I have a feeling with knowing what was to come at the end of the day… I could still find a way to be happy. In some ways, I think I would find myself chuckling a little bit and thinking, “Ha, ha! You think you can get me down? Good try… but, I know what’s coming at the end of the day”. This is what Peter is talking about. Can you imagine how infectious we could be as Christians if we were truly “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy”? Bigger question… why aren’t we? We have an even greater event that’s coming at the end of our days… the salvation of our soul!!! Praise the Lord!!! So, why do we let such things get us down?
What does the salvation of your soul mean to you?
Challenge: live today in inexpressible and glorious joy because of the salvation of your soul.
REVIEW
Were you able to maintain an inexpressible and glorious joy throughout the day, if so, how?
How did this perspective impact your day and your attitude toward it?
Reading:I Peter 1:8-9, 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Men, take a few moments and write down all the things that you think could possibly go wrong today:
Now, look at all the things that you wrote down and, if you knew that at the end of today, you were going to receive $10 million, a new home worth $1.5 million, with free maid and lawn service, and a free trip for you and your family anywhere you wanted to go in the world, how would you look at your day if all the things that you wrote down that could go wrong in your day, actually went wrong. I don’t know about you but I have a feeling with knowing what was to come at the end of the day… I could still find a way to be happy. In some ways, I think I would find myself chuckling a little bit and thinking, “Ha, ha! You think you can get me down? Good try… but, I know what’s coming at the end of the day”. This is what Peter is talking about. Can you imagine how infectious we could be as Christians if we were truly “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy”? Bigger question… why aren’t we? We have an even greater event that’s coming at the end of our days… the salvation of our soul!!! Praise the Lord!!! So, why do we let such things get us down?
What does the salvation of your soul mean to you?
Challenge: live today in inexpressible and glorious joy because of the salvation of your soul.
REVIEW
Were you able to maintain an inexpressible and glorious joy throughout the day, if so, how?
How did this perspective impact your day and your attitude toward it?
Saturday, June 4, 2011
CELEBRATION! Sunday June 5 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 68:32-35, 32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth,
sing praise to the Lord, Selah 33 to him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice. 34 Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. 35 You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Reading: Psalm 68:32-35, 32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth,
sing praise to the Lord, Selah 33 to him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice. 34 Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. 35 You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Come Close, Saturday June 4 2011
Come Close
Reading: James 4:8a, Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Write down the name of the person that lived in the last 200 years that you would love to see and get close enough to talk to?
If you were able to go somewhere where that person was going to be, today, and you had a “pass” that allowed you to be ushered to the front of the line and speak to that person directly and spend some individual time with them but, when you got there the crowd was enormous and dense, what would you do? Would you walk away? Would you give up? Seriously, write down what you would do:
There are many times that we struggle with feeling distant from God. We act as though God has walked away and left us. God has promised though: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,” Deuteronomy 31:8. If God has not left you or forsaken you and He promises that if you come near to God, He will come near to you, is there ever a time that we should feel distant from Him. With that being said, what are you willing to do to overcome any crowd, road block, detour or barrier to come closer to God. Men, there are times that you may not feel like God is talking to you but He is! Sometimes, it is a whisper… because a whisper causes you to stop what you’re doing, come closer to Him and give Him your undivided attention.
How will you pursue God today to come close to Him and give Him your undivided attention?
(If your answer to the previous question is filled with more determination, then there is something wrong, men.)
REVIEW
How did you pursue drawing close to God today?
How did this impact your relationship with Him today?
Reading: James 4:8a, Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Write down the name of the person that lived in the last 200 years that you would love to see and get close enough to talk to?
If you were able to go somewhere where that person was going to be, today, and you had a “pass” that allowed you to be ushered to the front of the line and speak to that person directly and spend some individual time with them but, when you got there the crowd was enormous and dense, what would you do? Would you walk away? Would you give up? Seriously, write down what you would do:
There are many times that we struggle with feeling distant from God. We act as though God has walked away and left us. God has promised though: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,” Deuteronomy 31:8. If God has not left you or forsaken you and He promises that if you come near to God, He will come near to you, is there ever a time that we should feel distant from Him. With that being said, what are you willing to do to overcome any crowd, road block, detour or barrier to come closer to God. Men, there are times that you may not feel like God is talking to you but He is! Sometimes, it is a whisper… because a whisper causes you to stop what you’re doing, come closer to Him and give Him your undivided attention.
How will you pursue God today to come close to Him and give Him your undivided attention?
(If your answer to the previous question is filled with more determination, then there is something wrong, men.)
REVIEW
How did you pursue drawing close to God today?
How did this impact your relationship with Him today?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Think… HIM! Friday, June 3, 2011
Think… HIM!
Reading: I Corinthians 10:31, So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Most, if not all of us, have hear this verse. We may even have it memorized. By the way, if you don’t, it’s a great one to memorize and have handy in your day. That being said, we oftentimes fool ourselves that we are following this verse, that we are doing things for God. But, how do we evaluate what we do in our day? How do we evaluate options within a decision that we have to make? What drives us before our day begins and reflecting back on our day after it ends?
Most often, we evaluate our day and the choices that we make by, “What’s in it for me?” I am sure many of you after reading that question thought, “I don’t do that. That sounds really selfish and I DO consider God and others throughout my day. Goodness, I feel like I live my whole life for everyone else 24/7 with very little consideration for myself.” Okay, that’s fine… but, here is the greater question, how many times do you ask yourself prior to do anything within your day, “What’s in it for Him?” and base the things that you do, the choices you make, the things that you say on the answer to that question alone. If we are truly doing “all for the glory of God”, we must constantly be asking ourselves, “What’s in it for Him?”
What things do you have to do or choices that you have to make today?
How would you normally go about those things today?
How will you change those things by asking yourself now and through your day, “What’s in it for Him?”
REVIEW
How were you able to “do all for the glory of God” today?
Were you able to continuously ask yourself, “What’s in it for Him” today? If yes, how did that impact your day?
Reading: I Corinthians 10:31, So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Most, if not all of us, have hear this verse. We may even have it memorized. By the way, if you don’t, it’s a great one to memorize and have handy in your day. That being said, we oftentimes fool ourselves that we are following this verse, that we are doing things for God. But, how do we evaluate what we do in our day? How do we evaluate options within a decision that we have to make? What drives us before our day begins and reflecting back on our day after it ends?
Most often, we evaluate our day and the choices that we make by, “What’s in it for me?” I am sure many of you after reading that question thought, “I don’t do that. That sounds really selfish and I DO consider God and others throughout my day. Goodness, I feel like I live my whole life for everyone else 24/7 with very little consideration for myself.” Okay, that’s fine… but, here is the greater question, how many times do you ask yourself prior to do anything within your day, “What’s in it for Him?” and base the things that you do, the choices you make, the things that you say on the answer to that question alone. If we are truly doing “all for the glory of God”, we must constantly be asking ourselves, “What’s in it for Him?”
What things do you have to do or choices that you have to make today?
How would you normally go about those things today?
How will you change those things by asking yourself now and through your day, “What’s in it for Him?”
REVIEW
How were you able to “do all for the glory of God” today?
Were you able to continuously ask yourself, “What’s in it for Him” today? If yes, how did that impact your day?
Finding a Place of Refuge, Thursday June 2, 2011
Finding a Place of Refuge
Reading: Psalm 57:1, Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
My home is my safe place. My wife makes it her quest to assure my protection there. Dealing with the problems of life in the lives of others at work is one things but it would be too much to deal with if I had it at home too. I realize problems don’t stop after 6:00 p.m., but I have to have boundaries too. I count my blessings that my wife stand guard at the phone and with the door.
Even men need a refuge because at times we are in distress. David understood when he wrote this Psalm. He was hiding for his very life in a cave. He needed a shelter, a cave to duck into. We need a refuge because we all need encouragement. When people are discouraged, they don’t need critics, they already hurt enough. They need a place to hide and heal. A willing, caring, available someone, a confidant, a comrade at arms. You can’t find one? Why not share David’s shelter? The One he called “My Strength, my Rock, my Hightower.”
We need a refuge because at times we need a training ground. Remember the making of a saint is the task of a lifetime and God doesn’t give up. David was humble enough to learn in the cave. He turned to God and found in Him a place of rest and repair.
Do you have a place of refuge and, if so, what or who is that?
How often do you access that place of refuge?
Challenge: Today, thank God and anyone who offers you a place of refuge and, then, run to that place today to renew your strength and rest.
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate your gratitude for your refuge today?
How were you able to run to your place of refuge and how were you able to renew your strength and rest?
Reading: Psalm 57:1, Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
My home is my safe place. My wife makes it her quest to assure my protection there. Dealing with the problems of life in the lives of others at work is one things but it would be too much to deal with if I had it at home too. I realize problems don’t stop after 6:00 p.m., but I have to have boundaries too. I count my blessings that my wife stand guard at the phone and with the door.
Even men need a refuge because at times we are in distress. David understood when he wrote this Psalm. He was hiding for his very life in a cave. He needed a shelter, a cave to duck into. We need a refuge because we all need encouragement. When people are discouraged, they don’t need critics, they already hurt enough. They need a place to hide and heal. A willing, caring, available someone, a confidant, a comrade at arms. You can’t find one? Why not share David’s shelter? The One he called “My Strength, my Rock, my Hightower.”
We need a refuge because at times we need a training ground. Remember the making of a saint is the task of a lifetime and God doesn’t give up. David was humble enough to learn in the cave. He turned to God and found in Him a place of rest and repair.
Do you have a place of refuge and, if so, what or who is that?
How often do you access that place of refuge?
Challenge: Today, thank God and anyone who offers you a place of refuge and, then, run to that place today to renew your strength and rest.
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate your gratitude for your refuge today?
How were you able to run to your place of refuge and how were you able to renew your strength and rest?
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