CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 145:1-8, 1I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. 2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. 5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. 8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Sunday, October 30, 2011
November 5 2011
Who Cares?
Reading: Jeremiah 5:28-29, 28 Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor. 29 Should I not punish them for this?” declares the LORD. Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?
What would you think, if you were sitting in church, and they were sharing footage and clips from a missions trip of starving and naked children, and a man sitting behind you as the footage ended said, “Ah, who cares?!?!??” What would you think of him? But, the question is… what do you do when you really care about something? Let’s take a moment and be really honest with ourselves… if you were sitting there watching your favorite football team and it was the 4th quarter and they are charging down the field… and your TV turns off. What would you do? If you went to the movie theatre and it was reaching the climax of the movie, you’re just about to find out who the killer has been… they just start to lift the mask and a very large man decides to leave and moves very, very slowly in front of you… what would you do? We could go on and on giving illustrations but, if we are really honest with ourselves, when we care about something we take action. It doesn’t matter what that action would be… but we most definitely take action. So, as appalled as we would be if someone said, “Who care?” The question really does stand… “Who really does care?” It is amazing how strong God’s words are about those who do not care about the needs of the fatherless and the poor. But, notice, He doesn’t just say “care” about them. He says, “Plead [their] case… defend [their] rights”… another words, “take action”. Don’t just say that you care… because saying you care without action is not caring. So, men, who cares?
I hope your response is… “I do!” Are you ready today to really care and take action? If yes, what action will you be taking today to show that you care?
I do not want to take away from the Lord leading you to do even more than this but taking action can sometimes be… prayer!
End of the Day Review
How were you able to take action today and demonstrate that you truly care?
What impact did it make on your life today and apparent impact did it make on others?
Reading: Jeremiah 5:28-29, 28 Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor. 29 Should I not punish them for this?” declares the LORD. Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?
What would you think, if you were sitting in church, and they were sharing footage and clips from a missions trip of starving and naked children, and a man sitting behind you as the footage ended said, “Ah, who cares?!?!??” What would you think of him? But, the question is… what do you do when you really care about something? Let’s take a moment and be really honest with ourselves… if you were sitting there watching your favorite football team and it was the 4th quarter and they are charging down the field… and your TV turns off. What would you do? If you went to the movie theatre and it was reaching the climax of the movie, you’re just about to find out who the killer has been… they just start to lift the mask and a very large man decides to leave and moves very, very slowly in front of you… what would you do? We could go on and on giving illustrations but, if we are really honest with ourselves, when we care about something we take action. It doesn’t matter what that action would be… but we most definitely take action. So, as appalled as we would be if someone said, “Who care?” The question really does stand… “Who really does care?” It is amazing how strong God’s words are about those who do not care about the needs of the fatherless and the poor. But, notice, He doesn’t just say “care” about them. He says, “Plead [their] case… defend [their] rights”… another words, “take action”. Don’t just say that you care… because saying you care without action is not caring. So, men, who cares?
I hope your response is… “I do!” Are you ready today to really care and take action? If yes, what action will you be taking today to show that you care?
I do not want to take away from the Lord leading you to do even more than this but taking action can sometimes be… prayer!
End of the Day Review
How were you able to take action today and demonstrate that you truly care?
What impact did it make on your life today and apparent impact did it make on others?
November 4 2011
Build It
Reading: I Corinthians 3:12-15, 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Can you imagine being on a construction team that will be competing against another team to win a multi-million dollar project to build a bridge? The project manager gets up in front of both teams and states that the competition is simple, you have to build a model bridge that is 20 feet long and 5 feet high that can hold a military grade tank within a specified period of time. You have been given a huge variety of materials from which to choose. As your team begins working hard with steal and concrete, members from the other team come over and ask if you are planning to use your cardboard. With a look of confusion, you give them permission to take it all. A little while later, they ask for your team’s scotch tape, then your pile of newspaper. Your curiosity got the best of you so you go and look at their project. You can hardly contain your laughter and your excitement that winning the project will be easy, since they have built their entire bridge out of cardboard, tape and newspaper. Do you really think at any point you would be upset that they took any of those products away from your team?... absolutely not… because that wasn’t even important to complete the task. You can’t even believe that it was important to them for the project. Men, unfortunately, we look at other things of this world and perceive them as important for our life project. We get upset that the world is taking our flimsy things away from us that not only doesn’t help the building of our life project but actually will hurt the strength of it.
What flimsy materials have you been using lately to build the structure of your life?
How can you get back to simply using the materials that will last and endure?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to refocus on the building materials in your life that will last?
Were you able to get rid of the flimsy material that’s hurting your structure? And, how were you able to incorporate the lasting material today?
Reading: I Corinthians 3:12-15, 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Can you imagine being on a construction team that will be competing against another team to win a multi-million dollar project to build a bridge? The project manager gets up in front of both teams and states that the competition is simple, you have to build a model bridge that is 20 feet long and 5 feet high that can hold a military grade tank within a specified period of time. You have been given a huge variety of materials from which to choose. As your team begins working hard with steal and concrete, members from the other team come over and ask if you are planning to use your cardboard. With a look of confusion, you give them permission to take it all. A little while later, they ask for your team’s scotch tape, then your pile of newspaper. Your curiosity got the best of you so you go and look at their project. You can hardly contain your laughter and your excitement that winning the project will be easy, since they have built their entire bridge out of cardboard, tape and newspaper. Do you really think at any point you would be upset that they took any of those products away from your team?... absolutely not… because that wasn’t even important to complete the task. You can’t even believe that it was important to them for the project. Men, unfortunately, we look at other things of this world and perceive them as important for our life project. We get upset that the world is taking our flimsy things away from us that not only doesn’t help the building of our life project but actually will hurt the strength of it.
What flimsy materials have you been using lately to build the structure of your life?
How can you get back to simply using the materials that will last and endure?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to refocus on the building materials in your life that will last?
Were you able to get rid of the flimsy material that’s hurting your structure? And, how were you able to incorporate the lasting material today?
November 3 2011
Spot of Sin
Reading: II Peter 3:14, 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to [Christ’s coming], be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
I’m sure you probably have your pet peeves. One of mine is when I am wearing a clean white shirt and sit down to eat spaghetti. Inevitably, somehow, someway, I get spaghetti sauce splattered on the shirt. It is amazing how a simple little spot of spaghetti sauce can stand out a mile away, especially a nice, white dress shirt. I’m sure some of you may be thinking, “Well, then don’t wear a white shirt or wear something to protect it, when you eat spaghetti.” You would be absolutely correct. That would be the smart thing to do. Why do we make more effort to either eliminate the possibility or to protect our precious clothes from a spot or stain than we do our spiritual pure, white garment that Jesus has washed white as snow with the blood of His sacrifice? We are told to be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. It’s amazing how a spot on our clothes bothers us but when it comes to our spiritual garment we have the attitude, “Well, it’s not THAT big of a spot, besides, I can just cover it up with another shirt.” We don’t tend to respond until it’s “big enough” to notice or deal with.
What are some “spots” in your life that is staining your spiritual garment?
What can you do to address those “spots” today?
What can you do to protect your spiritual garment from those spots today?
REVIEW
Were you able to identify and address the spots in your life today?
Were you willing and able to protect yourself from staining your garment?
Reading: II Peter 3:14, 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to [Christ’s coming], be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
I’m sure you probably have your pet peeves. One of mine is when I am wearing a clean white shirt and sit down to eat spaghetti. Inevitably, somehow, someway, I get spaghetti sauce splattered on the shirt. It is amazing how a simple little spot of spaghetti sauce can stand out a mile away, especially a nice, white dress shirt. I’m sure some of you may be thinking, “Well, then don’t wear a white shirt or wear something to protect it, when you eat spaghetti.” You would be absolutely correct. That would be the smart thing to do. Why do we make more effort to either eliminate the possibility or to protect our precious clothes from a spot or stain than we do our spiritual pure, white garment that Jesus has washed white as snow with the blood of His sacrifice? We are told to be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. It’s amazing how a spot on our clothes bothers us but when it comes to our spiritual garment we have the attitude, “Well, it’s not THAT big of a spot, besides, I can just cover it up with another shirt.” We don’t tend to respond until it’s “big enough” to notice or deal with.
What are some “spots” in your life that is staining your spiritual garment?
What can you do to address those “spots” today?
What can you do to protect your spiritual garment from those spots today?
REVIEW
Were you able to identify and address the spots in your life today?
Were you willing and able to protect yourself from staining your garment?
November 2 2011
Beyond Our Ability!
Reading: I Peter 4:11, If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
It’s been said many, many times that a true superstar is the one that rises to a whole different level than anyone else when the game is on the line. It’s as if something takes over to elevate them to a whole new level, leaving all the other players standing there simply observing the performance. I’m sure that a variety of names of sports heroes are running through your mind. If you are a Christian, you have those same abilities, not on a sports court or field, rather on the field of life. You have been equipped with a button labeled “turbo superstar” which is powered by the ability the God of the universe has supplied you. The question is, why do we often times rely on our own ability, our own power to be a “regular player”? I’m sure our Father gets frustrated standing by watching us attempt in our own strength something that He knows, with His ability, we could do so much better. When we finally do perform with His ability, the opportunity arises for Him to get the glory in all things, because, men, the glory and dominion belong to Him. It is HIS to possess. He is the only worthy and deserving one of such glory and praise. Let Him do the work today.
What are some thing s that you will be doing today that you will do with the ability that God supplies?
How will you be sure to perform with His abilities today?
How can you give God the glory through what you do today?
REVIEW
Were you able to live and perform in God’s ability?
How were you able to accomplish this today?
Reading: I Peter 4:11, If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
It’s been said many, many times that a true superstar is the one that rises to a whole different level than anyone else when the game is on the line. It’s as if something takes over to elevate them to a whole new level, leaving all the other players standing there simply observing the performance. I’m sure that a variety of names of sports heroes are running through your mind. If you are a Christian, you have those same abilities, not on a sports court or field, rather on the field of life. You have been equipped with a button labeled “turbo superstar” which is powered by the ability the God of the universe has supplied you. The question is, why do we often times rely on our own ability, our own power to be a “regular player”? I’m sure our Father gets frustrated standing by watching us attempt in our own strength something that He knows, with His ability, we could do so much better. When we finally do perform with His ability, the opportunity arises for Him to get the glory in all things, because, men, the glory and dominion belong to Him. It is HIS to possess. He is the only worthy and deserving one of such glory and praise. Let Him do the work today.
What are some thing s that you will be doing today that you will do with the ability that God supplies?
How will you be sure to perform with His abilities today?
How can you give God the glory through what you do today?
REVIEW
Were you able to live and perform in God’s ability?
How were you able to accomplish this today?
November 1 2011
Refuge
Reading: Psalm 91:1-7, 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. [NIV]
As you get up in the morning and prepare for your day as a warrior of your faith, your home and the cause of Christ, it doesn’t seem to mix with being a warrior and needing a shelter or a refuge. If you notice, though, the specifics that David lists in this Psalm, verse 5, the terror of night, the arrow that flies by day, the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, the plague that destroys at midday, each one of these things are things that are out of your control… the darkness that you can’t see through; a plague that you can’t really fight; even an arrow that you may see because it’s daylight but while you’re fighting hand to hand combat, you can’t see all of the arrows falling from the sky that have a chance to hit you. It is these things that God clearly says, I’ve got you. This is exactly why He promises in Romans 8:28 that He will not give you more than you can handle. When we start worrying about and fearing those things that we cannot control, that is when it when we can become overwhelmed and feel like it is more than we can handle. It is at that point that God is calmly saying, “I am your shield, I am your shelter, you can find rest in me, even while the battle rages on and thousands are falling beside you. I am here.” But, this comes with a stipulation, you must “dwell in the shelter of the Most High.”
What “arrows”, “plagues”, or “terrors” are weighing on your mind?
How can you dwell in His shelter today to find rest from the things that are out of your control?
End of the Day Review
What “arrows”, “plagues” or “terrors” came your way today?
How were you able to give them over to your “My Fortress” and find rest in His capable hand?
Reading: Psalm 91:1-7, 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. [NIV]
As you get up in the morning and prepare for your day as a warrior of your faith, your home and the cause of Christ, it doesn’t seem to mix with being a warrior and needing a shelter or a refuge. If you notice, though, the specifics that David lists in this Psalm, verse 5, the terror of night, the arrow that flies by day, the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, the plague that destroys at midday, each one of these things are things that are out of your control… the darkness that you can’t see through; a plague that you can’t really fight; even an arrow that you may see because it’s daylight but while you’re fighting hand to hand combat, you can’t see all of the arrows falling from the sky that have a chance to hit you. It is these things that God clearly says, I’ve got you. This is exactly why He promises in Romans 8:28 that He will not give you more than you can handle. When we start worrying about and fearing those things that we cannot control, that is when it when we can become overwhelmed and feel like it is more than we can handle. It is at that point that God is calmly saying, “I am your shield, I am your shelter, you can find rest in me, even while the battle rages on and thousands are falling beside you. I am here.” But, this comes with a stipulation, you must “dwell in the shelter of the Most High.”
What “arrows”, “plagues”, or “terrors” are weighing on your mind?
How can you dwell in His shelter today to find rest from the things that are out of your control?
End of the Day Review
What “arrows”, “plagues” or “terrors” came your way today?
How were you able to give them over to your “My Fortress” and find rest in His capable hand?
October 31 2011
Which Fruit?
Reading: Luke 6:44-45, 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
The question is what type of fruit are you? When your friends, family and co-workers look at you, do they see the fruit that grows under the light of Jesus Christ our Savior or is your fruit the type that grows out of the world. Like a tree everything that grows from it comes from its roots. The leaves, the branches and the fruit, everything exists and grows based on how good the roots are and what type of soil they are in. If it gets watered enough and has the right nutrients then everything lives healthy and good. And when you drive down the street and see that beautiful healthy tree we may not think of it but we know that that trees root are good its soil is good and it gets plenty of water and food. But if the owner does not care for a tree and does not water it, or even worse, dumps his pollutants and chemicals around it, then the roots of that tree will starve for water and will soak up the pollutants. This tree will be sick and stunted. Everyone that drives by that tree will see that it is sick. So too, everyone can see from you, your actions and words, where your roots are planted. Are you soaking up the pollutants of the world or the love and light of Christ? The good news is that the tree that was stunted and in need of care can still be saved. If all of the pollutants are cleaned up, the good and proper nutrients are given to the tree, and it is watered and cared for, then it too can live an abundant life and bear good fruit. Where are your roots?
Do you water your roots with the Word of God regularly?
If you have pollutants feeding your roots, what can you do today to clean those out?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to water your roots in the Word of God today?
How were you able to clean out the pollutants that have been feeding your roots?
Reading: Luke 6:44-45, 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
The question is what type of fruit are you? When your friends, family and co-workers look at you, do they see the fruit that grows under the light of Jesus Christ our Savior or is your fruit the type that grows out of the world. Like a tree everything that grows from it comes from its roots. The leaves, the branches and the fruit, everything exists and grows based on how good the roots are and what type of soil they are in. If it gets watered enough and has the right nutrients then everything lives healthy and good. And when you drive down the street and see that beautiful healthy tree we may not think of it but we know that that trees root are good its soil is good and it gets plenty of water and food. But if the owner does not care for a tree and does not water it, or even worse, dumps his pollutants and chemicals around it, then the roots of that tree will starve for water and will soak up the pollutants. This tree will be sick and stunted. Everyone that drives by that tree will see that it is sick. So too, everyone can see from you, your actions and words, where your roots are planted. Are you soaking up the pollutants of the world or the love and light of Christ? The good news is that the tree that was stunted and in need of care can still be saved. If all of the pollutants are cleaned up, the good and proper nutrients are given to the tree, and it is watered and cared for, then it too can live an abundant life and bear good fruit. Where are your roots?
Do you water your roots with the Word of God regularly?
If you have pollutants feeding your roots, what can you do today to clean those out?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to water your roots in the Word of God today?
How were you able to clean out the pollutants that have been feeding your roots?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
October 30 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 146:1-2, 1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. 2 I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Reading: Psalm 146:1-2, 1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. 2 I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
October 29 2011
Bible Study #1
Reading: I Peter 5:1, Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,
Each month there will be a Bible Study, in an effort to give you the tools that you need to fill the role as spiritual leader of your home. One of the first and most important lessons to learn about studying the Bible is to read it and to study it in its context. There are plenty of denominations and religions based upon verses taken out of context. Has someone ever taken something you said out of context? It can be very frustrating. With written work, it is even more important to focus on context because you do not have demeanor, facial expressions or tone of voice. In Bible study, you have the context of a verse, the context of the passage, the context of the book, the context of the entire Bible. One way that people often get confused in discussing a passage with someone with whom they disagree, they say, “Oh, that is your interpretation.” Men, there is only one interpretation… there are many applications. This is very important because the author had a specific purpose for writing what he wrote. It should be our goal to find out what that is. To test context, look at this sentence and the differences in its context. “He got out of his chair in the living room and made his way to the refrigerator to get something to drink” What does this sentence say? Now, in context, there could be multiple ways that the same sentence could be understood. Context #1 - “After watching 8 hours of football and eating an entire pizza by himself, he slowly moved his 300lb. figure to the edge of his recliner ‘He got out of his chair in the living room and made his way to the refrigerator to get something to drink’.” Context #2 - “Since he lost his legs in the war, he has never left his wheelchair without assistance but, since no one was around and he didn’t have anything to drink all day in the intense heat, ‘He got out of his chair in the living room and made his way to the refrigerator to get something to drink’.” It’s the exact same sentence with a very different context. After reviewing I Peter chapter 5, who are the “elders” in I Peter 5:1?
KEY NOTE: this does mean that “elders” in all passages mean the same.
End of the Day Review
How were you able to determine who the “elders” were in this particular context?
Does this differ from the impression that you previously had of “elders”?
Answer: in context, in vs.5, alternatively speaking to “younger men”, the “elders” in this passage is referring to older men.
Reading: I Peter 5:1, Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,
Each month there will be a Bible Study, in an effort to give you the tools that you need to fill the role as spiritual leader of your home. One of the first and most important lessons to learn about studying the Bible is to read it and to study it in its context. There are plenty of denominations and religions based upon verses taken out of context. Has someone ever taken something you said out of context? It can be very frustrating. With written work, it is even more important to focus on context because you do not have demeanor, facial expressions or tone of voice. In Bible study, you have the context of a verse, the context of the passage, the context of the book, the context of the entire Bible. One way that people often get confused in discussing a passage with someone with whom they disagree, they say, “Oh, that is your interpretation.” Men, there is only one interpretation… there are many applications. This is very important because the author had a specific purpose for writing what he wrote. It should be our goal to find out what that is. To test context, look at this sentence and the differences in its context. “He got out of his chair in the living room and made his way to the refrigerator to get something to drink” What does this sentence say? Now, in context, there could be multiple ways that the same sentence could be understood. Context #1 - “After watching 8 hours of football and eating an entire pizza by himself, he slowly moved his 300lb. figure to the edge of his recliner ‘He got out of his chair in the living room and made his way to the refrigerator to get something to drink’.” Context #2 - “Since he lost his legs in the war, he has never left his wheelchair without assistance but, since no one was around and he didn’t have anything to drink all day in the intense heat, ‘He got out of his chair in the living room and made his way to the refrigerator to get something to drink’.” It’s the exact same sentence with a very different context. After reviewing I Peter chapter 5, who are the “elders” in I Peter 5:1?
KEY NOTE: this does mean that “elders” in all passages mean the same.
End of the Day Review
How were you able to determine who the “elders” were in this particular context?
Does this differ from the impression that you previously had of “elders”?
Answer: in context, in vs.5, alternatively speaking to “younger men”, the “elders” in this passage is referring to older men.
October 28 2011
He Did It
Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9, 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. [NASB]
Most who are reading this already know that you cannot do anything to earn your salvation. You cannot do enough works to attain it, to earn the right to spend eternity with God. It is only by the grace of God through the faith that we have in Him and the work of His Son on the cross. You may already know that but, often, we only know that for salvation. The realization of this fact does not seem to carry over into our daily lives. Let’s just say that you owed a massive amount in debts, an amount that you could never, ever repay and that the company to whom most of the money was owed has a close affiliation with the “mob”. One day the mob hit man shows up at your door and forces his way in. He holds you and your son at gunpoint. Your neighbor shows up at your door and sees through the window what is happening… he lets himself into the house with his son by his side… and he tells the hit man that he and his son have talked and they would like to have his son take your place. Since someone was going to have to pay for the debt with their life, his son would be willing to take their place. Afterwards, every day for the rest of your life… how would you feel? How would you associate with that neighbor? We know that we are saved by God’s grace alone but, afterward, we tend to act like we did a really good job earning it ourselves. If the hit man scenario actually happened, not a day would go by without a feeling of indebtedness and a sense of “please tell me what I could do to ever repay you for the sacrifice that you gave”. That is why Paul said that it is simply “your reasonable service” to be a “living sacrifice”. It’s not a stretch, not extraordinary… it’s just reasonable.
Are you living your life to demonstrate a sense of indebtedness to God and His Son for such a great salvation and sacrifice?
How can you do that today?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to live in a sense of indebtedness today?
How did that seem to impact your day and your perception of your great salvation?
Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9, 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. [NASB]
Most who are reading this already know that you cannot do anything to earn your salvation. You cannot do enough works to attain it, to earn the right to spend eternity with God. It is only by the grace of God through the faith that we have in Him and the work of His Son on the cross. You may already know that but, often, we only know that for salvation. The realization of this fact does not seem to carry over into our daily lives. Let’s just say that you owed a massive amount in debts, an amount that you could never, ever repay and that the company to whom most of the money was owed has a close affiliation with the “mob”. One day the mob hit man shows up at your door and forces his way in. He holds you and your son at gunpoint. Your neighbor shows up at your door and sees through the window what is happening… he lets himself into the house with his son by his side… and he tells the hit man that he and his son have talked and they would like to have his son take your place. Since someone was going to have to pay for the debt with their life, his son would be willing to take their place. Afterwards, every day for the rest of your life… how would you feel? How would you associate with that neighbor? We know that we are saved by God’s grace alone but, afterward, we tend to act like we did a really good job earning it ourselves. If the hit man scenario actually happened, not a day would go by without a feeling of indebtedness and a sense of “please tell me what I could do to ever repay you for the sacrifice that you gave”. That is why Paul said that it is simply “your reasonable service” to be a “living sacrifice”. It’s not a stretch, not extraordinary… it’s just reasonable.
Are you living your life to demonstrate a sense of indebtedness to God and His Son for such a great salvation and sacrifice?
How can you do that today?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to live in a sense of indebtedness today?
How did that seem to impact your day and your perception of your great salvation?
October 27 2011
Enticed?
Reading: Proverbs 1:10, 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. (NKJV)
My 2 year old picked up my cell phone this morning off my night stand to play with it. I immediately told her that she needed to put it down and not touch it or play with it. She did really well and set it back down… but, then, she just stood there and stared at it. After a little while of staring at it with a look on her face like she was just itching to touch it again, sure enough, she did.
Men, in this situation, what should happen? Take some time and write out exactly what should happen in this situation.
Okay, now that you have written those things out… what is your enticement right now?
How can you take the things that you wrote down that would be appropriate in the situation with my 2 year old and the cell phone and apply those same principles to the things in your life that are enticements?
The challenge today is to simply follow those things that you already know to do in dealing with something that is an enticement. By the way, one of the biggest things I like about this verse is… it is so direct and to the point… just don’t do it. “Do not consent”.
End of the Day Review
How did you do with your enticements today?
How were you able to follow your own advice to “not consent” to your enticement?
Reading: Proverbs 1:10, 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. (NKJV)
My 2 year old picked up my cell phone this morning off my night stand to play with it. I immediately told her that she needed to put it down and not touch it or play with it. She did really well and set it back down… but, then, she just stood there and stared at it. After a little while of staring at it with a look on her face like she was just itching to touch it again, sure enough, she did.
Men, in this situation, what should happen? Take some time and write out exactly what should happen in this situation.
Okay, now that you have written those things out… what is your enticement right now?
How can you take the things that you wrote down that would be appropriate in the situation with my 2 year old and the cell phone and apply those same principles to the things in your life that are enticements?
The challenge today is to simply follow those things that you already know to do in dealing with something that is an enticement. By the way, one of the biggest things I like about this verse is… it is so direct and to the point… just don’t do it. “Do not consent”.
End of the Day Review
How did you do with your enticements today?
How were you able to follow your own advice to “not consent” to your enticement?
October 26 2011
Think about It
Reading: Philippians 4:8, 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. [NKJV]
One of the nice things about the Apostle Paul is… you didn’t really have to guess where you stand with him. He usually was very good at saying things fairly pointedly. This passage is not different. He gives a list of things and simply says, think or meditate on these things. So, today, let’s not just read about it… let’s truly follow what Paul is saying.
What are some things that you know to be true about God?
What are some things that are noble that you see in Christian men around you?
What are some ways that you have seen God’s justice?
What are a few things that you would consider being pure?
What are some things that you consider lovely?
What has happened recently that you would consider good news, “good report”?
Today, make a point to continue to review the things that you have listed above to follow Paul’s instructions to “meditate” or think about those things.
End of the Day Review
What were some distractions that tried to keep you from meditating and thinking about those things?
How did meditating or thinking about those things impact your day, your attitude and your perception?
Reading: Philippians 4:8, 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. [NKJV]
One of the nice things about the Apostle Paul is… you didn’t really have to guess where you stand with him. He usually was very good at saying things fairly pointedly. This passage is not different. He gives a list of things and simply says, think or meditate on these things. So, today, let’s not just read about it… let’s truly follow what Paul is saying.
What are some things that you know to be true about God?
What are some things that are noble that you see in Christian men around you?
What are some ways that you have seen God’s justice?
What are a few things that you would consider being pure?
What are some things that you consider lovely?
What has happened recently that you would consider good news, “good report”?
Today, make a point to continue to review the things that you have listed above to follow Paul’s instructions to “meditate” or think about those things.
End of the Day Review
What were some distractions that tried to keep you from meditating and thinking about those things?
How did meditating or thinking about those things impact your day, your attitude and your perception?
October 25 2011
Our Life in His Death
Reading: Matthew 27:27-31, 27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
Luke 23:34, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Crosses are everywhere; on necklaces, rearview mirrors, tattoos, car bumpers, etc. Yet, even with this constant reminder out in plain sight, we tend to lose sight of what really occurred on the cross. Today, on my way to work, I was, once again, cut off by a fellow commuter. As I tried to hold back my frustration, my line of vision from my sustained scowl directed at the offender caught a glimpse of a familiar imagine dangling from my rearview mirror. As my focus pulled back from the offender to the cross, my eyes filled with tears. I recalled the verses above. I hang the symbol of His sacrifice in my car but how much do I LIVE as a reflection of that sacrifice? There is NOTHING in my day today or your day will even come close to the pain, suffering, neglect, sorrow, or betrayal that Jesus felt on that day. Yet, He still mustered the strength to utter the words, “Father, forgive them.” As the blood drained from His body, one thing was not depleted. His love!
Men, are there potential hurts and struggles in your day today? Or, will you be around those who have hurt you or frustrate you? What are those things or individuals?
How can you live as a reflection of His sacrifice and only show love… no matter what comes your way today?
End of the Day Review
Did you have struggles, frustrations or hurts today?
How were you able to reflect the sacrifice of Christ and His love today?
How did this impact your perception of people or situations?
Reading: Matthew 27:27-31, 27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
Luke 23:34, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Crosses are everywhere; on necklaces, rearview mirrors, tattoos, car bumpers, etc. Yet, even with this constant reminder out in plain sight, we tend to lose sight of what really occurred on the cross. Today, on my way to work, I was, once again, cut off by a fellow commuter. As I tried to hold back my frustration, my line of vision from my sustained scowl directed at the offender caught a glimpse of a familiar imagine dangling from my rearview mirror. As my focus pulled back from the offender to the cross, my eyes filled with tears. I recalled the verses above. I hang the symbol of His sacrifice in my car but how much do I LIVE as a reflection of that sacrifice? There is NOTHING in my day today or your day will even come close to the pain, suffering, neglect, sorrow, or betrayal that Jesus felt on that day. Yet, He still mustered the strength to utter the words, “Father, forgive them.” As the blood drained from His body, one thing was not depleted. His love!
Men, are there potential hurts and struggles in your day today? Or, will you be around those who have hurt you or frustrate you? What are those things or individuals?
How can you live as a reflection of His sacrifice and only show love… no matter what comes your way today?
End of the Day Review
Did you have struggles, frustrations or hurts today?
How were you able to reflect the sacrifice of Christ and His love today?
How did this impact your perception of people or situations?
October 24 2011
Where’s the Forgiveness?
Reading: Matthew 18:21-22, 21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
“Where has all the forgiveness gone” sounds like a song from Peter, Paul and Mary, but it brings up a question we should all ask ourselves. In today’s world someone cuts you off and the hands and language starts flying. If you burn yourself on a cup of coffee you can sue the person who handed it to you, hey, you may even get rich. So where does “seventy times seven” come in to our lives? Think about it I don’t know anyone who gets cut off 490 times on his way to work, DO YOU? Seems kind of silly doesn’t it…or maybe getting mad at that one person that cuts you off seems pretty silly.
Furthermore, has anyone raised a hand against your son… beaten, mocked, tortured and nailed him to a cross? Yet, you did that. It would be comparable to a mass murderer getting angry and scolding someone for breaking the law by going 7 miles over the speed limit. Your sin drove the nails into the Son of God and, yet, you cannot forgive someone who has wronged you in a way that is far more menial.
Take some time and spend some time talking with God. Ask Him to reveal areas in your life where you are storing a lack of forgiveness.
Who has God revealed that you need to forgive?
With whom can you be more understanding and not get so angry over their menial sin?
What do you need to do today to demonstrate that forgiveness?
End of the Day Review
How many people wronged you today?
In what way did you react to these people today? Did you forgive or did you get mad?
Reading: Matthew 18:21-22, 21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
“Where has all the forgiveness gone” sounds like a song from Peter, Paul and Mary, but it brings up a question we should all ask ourselves. In today’s world someone cuts you off and the hands and language starts flying. If you burn yourself on a cup of coffee you can sue the person who handed it to you, hey, you may even get rich. So where does “seventy times seven” come in to our lives? Think about it I don’t know anyone who gets cut off 490 times on his way to work, DO YOU? Seems kind of silly doesn’t it…or maybe getting mad at that one person that cuts you off seems pretty silly.
Furthermore, has anyone raised a hand against your son… beaten, mocked, tortured and nailed him to a cross? Yet, you did that. It would be comparable to a mass murderer getting angry and scolding someone for breaking the law by going 7 miles over the speed limit. Your sin drove the nails into the Son of God and, yet, you cannot forgive someone who has wronged you in a way that is far more menial.
Take some time and spend some time talking with God. Ask Him to reveal areas in your life where you are storing a lack of forgiveness.
Who has God revealed that you need to forgive?
With whom can you be more understanding and not get so angry over their menial sin?
What do you need to do today to demonstrate that forgiveness?
End of the Day Review
How many people wronged you today?
In what way did you react to these people today? Did you forgive or did you get mad?
Sunday, October 16, 2011
October 23 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 9:1-3 1I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. 3 My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Reading: Psalm 9:1-3 1I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. 3 My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
October 22 2011
Search Me!
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, we have reached that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find place in your house and let your everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground, a hoola-hoop, a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for you sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, we have reached that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find place in your house and let your everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground, a hoola-hoop, a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for you sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
October 21 2011
Build them up
Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-8, 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Not Ashamed of the Gospel 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
Paul goes on and on and on and on...can you think of the last time someone poured out praise for you this much? Paul often spent significant portions of his letters to praise and build up others. Can you imagine how good it would feel to go into work and get this kind of greeting from your boss? Wow! What a day that would be and what a place to work... think about it, can you see it think hard on it. Now turn it around when you get home from work, how would your family feel if they heard this kind of a greeting from you? How would your wife and children feel if you were to pour this kind of praise out on them? The beauty of the way that God made us is, if you try doing that I’m sure you’ll be surprised that it makes you feel good too.
Who comes to mind that you could and will build up today?
How will you do that today?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to pour praise into someone today?
How did it impact the person that you praised and how did it make you feel as well?
Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-8, 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Not Ashamed of the Gospel 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
Paul goes on and on and on and on...can you think of the last time someone poured out praise for you this much? Paul often spent significant portions of his letters to praise and build up others. Can you imagine how good it would feel to go into work and get this kind of greeting from your boss? Wow! What a day that would be and what a place to work... think about it, can you see it think hard on it. Now turn it around when you get home from work, how would your family feel if they heard this kind of a greeting from you? How would your wife and children feel if you were to pour this kind of praise out on them? The beauty of the way that God made us is, if you try doing that I’m sure you’ll be surprised that it makes you feel good too.
Who comes to mind that you could and will build up today?
How will you do that today?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to pour praise into someone today?
How did it impact the person that you praised and how did it make you feel as well?
October 20 2011
Permission?
Reading: Mark 2:1-5, 1 When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. 3And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. 4 Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. 5 And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Can you imagine if this event took place today in our churches? I can just hear it now. “Hey, is the Pastor or the board aware that this is going on?” “Did they get permission to do that?” “Who’s committee oversees buildings and maintenance?” “Isn’t there a permitting process or something?” It would never end. The greater question remains… can you imagine having such a passion to bring someone to Jesus that you would do anything… ANYTHING to make it happen? Can you imagine being one of those men… knowing that after you tore the hole in the roof and began leaning down through the hole to lower him that your friends would see you… or fellow church members would see you? And, now (from the perspective of the church) if you were standing there watching someone tear a hole in the roof of your church to lower someone, how would you respond? How would you feel about that? I have a feeling that no one will be tearing a hole in the roof of our churches but I still cannot get out of my mind the time that I saw a man in our church when I was a teenager, chewing out a young boy for jumping up and hitting an interior overhang with his hands because he left dirty finger marks. This young kid did not have parents that came to church; he would come on our busses. Where is the hunger and passion to simply bring others to Christ? Where is the focus on reaching the world, rather than how comfortable, neat and clean we can keep our temporary stuff?
Today, men, you don’t need permission… do whatever you need to do to show Jesus to someone. How do you plan to do that today?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to show Jesus to someone?
How did it go? What was the result?
Reading: Mark 2:1-5, 1 When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. 3And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. 4 Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. 5 And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Can you imagine if this event took place today in our churches? I can just hear it now. “Hey, is the Pastor or the board aware that this is going on?” “Did they get permission to do that?” “Who’s committee oversees buildings and maintenance?” “Isn’t there a permitting process or something?” It would never end. The greater question remains… can you imagine having such a passion to bring someone to Jesus that you would do anything… ANYTHING to make it happen? Can you imagine being one of those men… knowing that after you tore the hole in the roof and began leaning down through the hole to lower him that your friends would see you… or fellow church members would see you? And, now (from the perspective of the church) if you were standing there watching someone tear a hole in the roof of your church to lower someone, how would you respond? How would you feel about that? I have a feeling that no one will be tearing a hole in the roof of our churches but I still cannot get out of my mind the time that I saw a man in our church when I was a teenager, chewing out a young boy for jumping up and hitting an interior overhang with his hands because he left dirty finger marks. This young kid did not have parents that came to church; he would come on our busses. Where is the hunger and passion to simply bring others to Christ? Where is the focus on reaching the world, rather than how comfortable, neat and clean we can keep our temporary stuff?
Today, men, you don’t need permission… do whatever you need to do to show Jesus to someone. How do you plan to do that today?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to show Jesus to someone?
How did it go? What was the result?
October 19 2011
Wake Up!
Reading: Matthew 24:42, "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. Mark 13:33, 33"Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. Luke 21:36, 36"But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." (NASB)
Did you catch the one word that stood out in all three scriptures? Jesus was telling His disciples to be on the "alert" at all times for the signs of His return. I believe Jesus was saying this because of the time in which we are living. We have all the modern devices at our disposal: the internet, blackberries, 24 hour news broadcasting, 300 T.V. channels. We can get so wrapped up in being on Facebook, or playing the latest X-Box game, that we are wasting our time being distracted from what’s really going on around us. We can't wait to be on Farmtown or Mafia Wars, yet we don't read our bibles to keep us focused on what Jesus told us. We are witnessing massive earthquakes and tsunamis like we have never seen before. We have dictators being overthrown in Egypt and, potentially in Libya. Jesus said in Matt.24:7 "nation will rise up against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes." These things have to take place before Jesus comes back to earth. With all of this increase in technology, we have a great opportunity to reach the lost with the gospel. We can calm the fears of those who don't know which direction to turn with this down-turned economy and tell them of the hope we have in the word of God. I believe we are living in exciting times, not frightful ones. We can be that shining light God uses to lead someone to the truth and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
What are some of the ways that you can encourage someone who is troubled today?
With the modern devices at your disposal, send someone an encouraging
e-mail or text today.
End of the Day Review
How did you respond to the term " Be Alert"?
What did you do with the tools that were at your disposal?
Reading: Matthew 24:42, "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. Mark 13:33, 33"Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. Luke 21:36, 36"But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." (NASB)
Did you catch the one word that stood out in all three scriptures? Jesus was telling His disciples to be on the "alert" at all times for the signs of His return. I believe Jesus was saying this because of the time in which we are living. We have all the modern devices at our disposal: the internet, blackberries, 24 hour news broadcasting, 300 T.V. channels. We can get so wrapped up in being on Facebook, or playing the latest X-Box game, that we are wasting our time being distracted from what’s really going on around us. We can't wait to be on Farmtown or Mafia Wars, yet we don't read our bibles to keep us focused on what Jesus told us. We are witnessing massive earthquakes and tsunamis like we have never seen before. We have dictators being overthrown in Egypt and, potentially in Libya. Jesus said in Matt.24:7 "nation will rise up against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes." These things have to take place before Jesus comes back to earth. With all of this increase in technology, we have a great opportunity to reach the lost with the gospel. We can calm the fears of those who don't know which direction to turn with this down-turned economy and tell them of the hope we have in the word of God. I believe we are living in exciting times, not frightful ones. We can be that shining light God uses to lead someone to the truth and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
What are some of the ways that you can encourage someone who is troubled today?
With the modern devices at your disposal, send someone an encouraging
e-mail or text today.
End of the Day Review
How did you respond to the term " Be Alert"?
What did you do with the tools that were at your disposal?
October 18 2011
The Spotlight
Reading: I John 1:5-7, “5This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (NASB)
I love acting. I remember the first time that I was in a college play production. I was extremely nervous but it was pretty incredible… I came out, said my lines and moved across the stage like we had practiced over and over and over again. The time that I moved toward the front of the stage and looked out into the crowd… I was very pleasantly surprised… I could hardly see a single person. There could be only one person or a couple thousand people and I would never know. The spotlight shining in my face and the darkness of the audience produced an inability to see beyond the stage. They could all be doing cartwheels or throwing a football and I would have no idea.
Men, “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (I Peter 2:9, NASB) Wouldn’t it be great if we lived out lives in remembrance that we live in His marvelous light, yet with that comes the reality that we are now in the spotlight, on stage, in front of the world who is in darkness. One of the amazing byproducts of this is, with the light shining in your face, you cannot see the distractions of the world. Yet, the world is an audience watching how we act in the light. How is your performance?
What have been distractions and temptations for you in the world?
How can you allow the light of Christ to shine in your face to blind you from those distractions and temptations today?
End of the Day Review
What distraction and temptations were you able to see today?
Were you able to keep your eyes on the light and, if so, what happened to the distractions/temptations?
Reading: I John 1:5-7, “5This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (NASB)
I love acting. I remember the first time that I was in a college play production. I was extremely nervous but it was pretty incredible… I came out, said my lines and moved across the stage like we had practiced over and over and over again. The time that I moved toward the front of the stage and looked out into the crowd… I was very pleasantly surprised… I could hardly see a single person. There could be only one person or a couple thousand people and I would never know. The spotlight shining in my face and the darkness of the audience produced an inability to see beyond the stage. They could all be doing cartwheels or throwing a football and I would have no idea.
Men, “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (I Peter 2:9, NASB) Wouldn’t it be great if we lived out lives in remembrance that we live in His marvelous light, yet with that comes the reality that we are now in the spotlight, on stage, in front of the world who is in darkness. One of the amazing byproducts of this is, with the light shining in your face, you cannot see the distractions of the world. Yet, the world is an audience watching how we act in the light. How is your performance?
What have been distractions and temptations for you in the world?
How can you allow the light of Christ to shine in your face to blind you from those distractions and temptations today?
End of the Day Review
What distraction and temptations were you able to see today?
Were you able to keep your eyes on the light and, if so, what happened to the distractions/temptations?
October 17 2011
Personal Bible Study
Reading: I John 4:7-8 Dear friends let us love on another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love (niv)
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Question for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
Reading: I John 4:7-8 Dear friends let us love on another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love (niv)
Illustration (how can you practically apply this Scripture to yourself?):
Question for applying this principle to your life:
Answers for applying this principle to your life:
Sunday, October 9, 2011
October 16 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 150:1-6, 1 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Reading: Psalm 150:1-6, 1 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
October 15 2011
Be a Good Samaritan
Reading: Luke 10:30-35, 30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
Most, if not all of us, know about the story of the Good Samaritan.
The challenge today? Simply, be a Good Samaritan to someone today.
What are some ways that you will be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What could be some pitfalls that could keep you from being a Good Samaritan to someone today?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What was the response? What are your thoughts?
Reading: Luke 10:30-35, 30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
Most, if not all of us, know about the story of the Good Samaritan.
The challenge today? Simply, be a Good Samaritan to someone today.
What are some ways that you will be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What could be some pitfalls that could keep you from being a Good Samaritan to someone today?
REVIEW
What were you able to do today to be a Good Samaritan to someone?
What was the response? What are your thoughts?
October 14 2011
Draw, Aim, Shoot
Reading: I Corinthians 9:26-27, “26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” [NIV]
I use to own a .410 shotgun. I LOVED that gun. One of the biggest reasons that I loved it was because you could shoot from the hip like they do in the old westerns. Funny thing is… just like in most things… the movies aren’t very realistic. They make it look like, if you draw and shoot from your hip, it’s really easy to hit your target exactly where you wanted to every time. Yeah… didn’t seem to happen for me, when I thought I could be just like John Wayne. If I was just shooting just to shoot, it was fine but if a rabbit or pheasant shot out and I really wanted to hit my target, I learned very quickly that you don’t shoot from the hip. Fellow hunters who are with you don’t seem to like it too much either, for some reason. You have to go back to hunter’s training days of draw… aim… shoot.
We tend to do the same thing, especially in our spiritual life. Yes, we tend to have a goal when we get up in the morning. We may know what we need or want to accomplish in the day. We may know what we need to do or get done at work or around the house. Meanwhile, in our spiritual lives, we shoot from the hip… we allow ourselves to be aimless when it comes to living our lives for Christ or being a husband or being a father. The paycheck that you may earn today will not last long, especially since others seem to find creative ways to help you spend it. The prize to which Paul is referring is eternal. Let’s not be accidental Christians, husbands and/or fathers today. Let’s take aim on what God has called us to be today.
What are your goals for Christ today?
How can you take aim and make sure to reach those goals today?
End of the Day Review
Were you able to reach your goals today? If so or if not, how did that happen?
How did this impact your day and how can you continue taking aim?
Reading: I Corinthians 9:26-27, “26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” [NIV]
I use to own a .410 shotgun. I LOVED that gun. One of the biggest reasons that I loved it was because you could shoot from the hip like they do in the old westerns. Funny thing is… just like in most things… the movies aren’t very realistic. They make it look like, if you draw and shoot from your hip, it’s really easy to hit your target exactly where you wanted to every time. Yeah… didn’t seem to happen for me, when I thought I could be just like John Wayne. If I was just shooting just to shoot, it was fine but if a rabbit or pheasant shot out and I really wanted to hit my target, I learned very quickly that you don’t shoot from the hip. Fellow hunters who are with you don’t seem to like it too much either, for some reason. You have to go back to hunter’s training days of draw… aim… shoot.
We tend to do the same thing, especially in our spiritual life. Yes, we tend to have a goal when we get up in the morning. We may know what we need or want to accomplish in the day. We may know what we need to do or get done at work or around the house. Meanwhile, in our spiritual lives, we shoot from the hip… we allow ourselves to be aimless when it comes to living our lives for Christ or being a husband or being a father. The paycheck that you may earn today will not last long, especially since others seem to find creative ways to help you spend it. The prize to which Paul is referring is eternal. Let’s not be accidental Christians, husbands and/or fathers today. Let’s take aim on what God has called us to be today.
What are your goals for Christ today?
How can you take aim and make sure to reach those goals today?
End of the Day Review
Were you able to reach your goals today? If so or if not, how did that happen?
How did this impact your day and how can you continue taking aim?
October 13 2011
Jenga!
Reading: I Corinthians 3:10-11, 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
My oldest daughter and I held our breath as my other daughter pulled out a wood block from the very bottom and placed it on top. Now, my turn… as I tested different wood blocks the whole tower of Jenga blocks would slightly sway back and forth, each time, holding my breath, knowing I am a fraction away from the tower crashing down. Finally, I find a piece that is loose and I carefully position it on top. My oldest daughter’s turn… she tests the different blocks to find the loose one as the tower rocks back and forth… but this time… it was pushed a little too hard and we all in unison cry, “Ooooooooohh…” in harmony with the slow wobble and fall of the tower. Unfortunately, it seems like we have, over time, begun playing Jenga with Christianity. The point of Jenga is to see how high you can build the town without it falling down, although… you’re not adding new blocks… you are simply removing some from the foundation and structure to build on top of it. We have tended to build our Christianity and our churches, for that matter, as “big” as we can, while sacrificing the foundation and the core structure. As Paul say, you “must be careful how [you] build” your life. We must not sacrifice, take away from, minimize, detract or remove any piece to the foundation of Christ. Does that mean that we are “removing” Christ? Not necessarily… it means that we are, possibly unknowingly, making everything else bigger or more important than Him. Just like Jenga… it will inevitably come crashing down. It is a matter of a spiritual law of physics.
Are you building everything on Christ, your foundation, without making other things bigger than He is in your life?
How can you do a better job of getting back to your foundation and making sure that you are not taking away from that?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to focus on building on the foundation of Christ in your life today?
What were you able to build upon in your life today?
Reading: I Corinthians 3:10-11, 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
My oldest daughter and I held our breath as my other daughter pulled out a wood block from the very bottom and placed it on top. Now, my turn… as I tested different wood blocks the whole tower of Jenga blocks would slightly sway back and forth, each time, holding my breath, knowing I am a fraction away from the tower crashing down. Finally, I find a piece that is loose and I carefully position it on top. My oldest daughter’s turn… she tests the different blocks to find the loose one as the tower rocks back and forth… but this time… it was pushed a little too hard and we all in unison cry, “Ooooooooohh…” in harmony with the slow wobble and fall of the tower. Unfortunately, it seems like we have, over time, begun playing Jenga with Christianity. The point of Jenga is to see how high you can build the town without it falling down, although… you’re not adding new blocks… you are simply removing some from the foundation and structure to build on top of it. We have tended to build our Christianity and our churches, for that matter, as “big” as we can, while sacrificing the foundation and the core structure. As Paul say, you “must be careful how [you] build” your life. We must not sacrifice, take away from, minimize, detract or remove any piece to the foundation of Christ. Does that mean that we are “removing” Christ? Not necessarily… it means that we are, possibly unknowingly, making everything else bigger or more important than Him. Just like Jenga… it will inevitably come crashing down. It is a matter of a spiritual law of physics.
Are you building everything on Christ, your foundation, without making other things bigger than He is in your life?
How can you do a better job of getting back to your foundation and making sure that you are not taking away from that?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to focus on building on the foundation of Christ in your life today?
What were you able to build upon in your life today?
October 12 2011
No Matter What
Reading: Genesis 39:6-7, 10-12, 16-20, 6 So [Potiphar] left in Joseph’s care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. 11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. 16 She kept his cloak beside her until his master came home. 17 Then she told him this story: “That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me. 18 But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.” 19 When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. 20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
Imagine, men, working so hard to get to the point that you, as a foreigner, have become the manager of all things for this leader in Egypt, one of the most progressive nations at that time. You have a gorgeous women who wants to be with you. Trust me, she was gorgeous. He chose to do the right thing, even though he’s in a foreign country (the world) and she kept pursuing him day after day. How did he get rewarded by God? He was thrown in prison. Can you imagine how we would feel? Many would probably respond, “Well, good grief, if this is how I’m going to get paid for doing what’s right… I might as well have just gone ahead and given in to her. If I’m going to be accused of that, I might as well just do it”. But, that was not his response, and God blessed him even more greatly than before. Often we seem to expect an immediate reward for doing what’s right. Joseph, at some point, just decided to do what’s right… no matter what! Rewarded for it… punished for it… doesn’t matter. I will chose to do what is right!
What is a temptation that you’re struggling with and how will you choose to do what’s right today… no matter what?
End of the Day Review
How did you choose to do what is right today, no matter what?
What were the struggles with accomplishing this and how did this alter your day?
Reading: Genesis 39:6-7, 10-12, 16-20, 6 So [Potiphar] left in Joseph’s care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. 11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. 16 She kept his cloak beside her until his master came home. 17 Then she told him this story: “That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me. 18 But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.” 19 When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. 20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
Imagine, men, working so hard to get to the point that you, as a foreigner, have become the manager of all things for this leader in Egypt, one of the most progressive nations at that time. You have a gorgeous women who wants to be with you. Trust me, she was gorgeous. He chose to do the right thing, even though he’s in a foreign country (the world) and she kept pursuing him day after day. How did he get rewarded by God? He was thrown in prison. Can you imagine how we would feel? Many would probably respond, “Well, good grief, if this is how I’m going to get paid for doing what’s right… I might as well have just gone ahead and given in to her. If I’m going to be accused of that, I might as well just do it”. But, that was not his response, and God blessed him even more greatly than before. Often we seem to expect an immediate reward for doing what’s right. Joseph, at some point, just decided to do what’s right… no matter what! Rewarded for it… punished for it… doesn’t matter. I will chose to do what is right!
What is a temptation that you’re struggling with and how will you choose to do what’s right today… no matter what?
End of the Day Review
How did you choose to do what is right today, no matter what?
What were the struggles with accomplishing this and how did this alter your day?
October 11 2011
The Real Needs
Reading: Acts 3:2-6, 2And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. 3When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. 4But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, "Look at us!" 5And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!" (NASB)
Men, imagine going out hunting with a friend of yours and while you both walk away from your car to your hunting spots with gun in hand. Your friend steps into a hole and his gun goes off. You run to his side and realize that he has sustained a life threatening wound from the gunshot. But, your friend begins complaining about how badly his ankle hurts from stepping into the hole. What would you do? What wound would you address? Can you imagine spending your time trying to make his ankle feel better and even trying to make a splint for his ankle while he continues to lose an excessive amount of blood? That would be CRAZY! Can you imagine the looks of the EMT’s when they arrive and you explain what you have already done to help him?
Unfortunately, this is what we tend to do with the needs of others. They are blind to their real need. “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…” (II Corinthians 4:4). Peter knew this very well. He could have quickly walked around and taken up a small collection for this man but he knew that his real need was the fatal wound to his soul as he was spiritually bleeding to death.
Men, today, look for the real needs of people. Those needs are not based on their financial status. Look closely!!! How can you try to meet the real needs of those around you today?
End of the Day Review
How did you meet the real needs of those around you today?
What apparent impact did it make on them? How did it impact you?
Reading: Acts 3:2-6, 2And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. 3When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. 4But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, "Look at us!" 5And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!" (NASB)
Men, imagine going out hunting with a friend of yours and while you both walk away from your car to your hunting spots with gun in hand. Your friend steps into a hole and his gun goes off. You run to his side and realize that he has sustained a life threatening wound from the gunshot. But, your friend begins complaining about how badly his ankle hurts from stepping into the hole. What would you do? What wound would you address? Can you imagine spending your time trying to make his ankle feel better and even trying to make a splint for his ankle while he continues to lose an excessive amount of blood? That would be CRAZY! Can you imagine the looks of the EMT’s when they arrive and you explain what you have already done to help him?
Unfortunately, this is what we tend to do with the needs of others. They are blind to their real need. “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…” (II Corinthians 4:4). Peter knew this very well. He could have quickly walked around and taken up a small collection for this man but he knew that his real need was the fatal wound to his soul as he was spiritually bleeding to death.
Men, today, look for the real needs of people. Those needs are not based on their financial status. Look closely!!! How can you try to meet the real needs of those around you today?
End of the Day Review
How did you meet the real needs of those around you today?
What apparent impact did it make on them? How did it impact you?
October 10 2011
Praise Him Together
Reading: Psalm 34:1-3, 1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
What an amazing thing to say, especially since David wrote this Psalm while in the midst of running from Saul when Saul was wanting to kill David. I will praise the Lord “at all times”, “His praise will always be on my lips”. This devotional is not requesting that you say, like David, that you will praise Him always and at all times, although that would be fantastic; it is simply to do that today. If Job, after losing everything that he had including his children, could fall to the ground in worship and say, “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.” (Job 1:21), then, the least that we can do today is to praise God all throughout our day.
Take some time and write out your praise to God:
Now that you have written out some good praise and adoration to God, let’s take it a step further and as David said, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.” Let’s choose 3 men with whom we can share our praise to God and ask them what God is doing in their life for which they can give praise.
Who would those 3 men be that you will speak to?
Write out some of their praise so that you can reflect back for encouragement on what God is doing in other men’s lives as well.
End of the Day Review
Were you able to speak to 3 men about your praise to God and take some time to praise Him together, if so, how did it go?
How did this affect your relationship or sense of closeness with God and these men?
Reading: Psalm 34:1-3, 1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
What an amazing thing to say, especially since David wrote this Psalm while in the midst of running from Saul when Saul was wanting to kill David. I will praise the Lord “at all times”, “His praise will always be on my lips”. This devotional is not requesting that you say, like David, that you will praise Him always and at all times, although that would be fantastic; it is simply to do that today. If Job, after losing everything that he had including his children, could fall to the ground in worship and say, “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.” (Job 1:21), then, the least that we can do today is to praise God all throughout our day.
Take some time and write out your praise to God:
Now that you have written out some good praise and adoration to God, let’s take it a step further and as David said, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.” Let’s choose 3 men with whom we can share our praise to God and ask them what God is doing in their life for which they can give praise.
Who would those 3 men be that you will speak to?
Write out some of their praise so that you can reflect back for encouragement on what God is doing in other men’s lives as well.
End of the Day Review
Were you able to speak to 3 men about your praise to God and take some time to praise Him together, if so, how did it go?
How did this affect your relationship or sense of closeness with God and these men?
Sunday, October 2, 2011
October 9 2011
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 16: 2, 5, 2I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good besides You." 5The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.
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 16: 2, 5, 2I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good besides You." 5The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.
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?
October 8 2011
Homeschool
Reading: Proverbs 1:8, Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Proverbs 4:1, Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. Proverbs 4:10, Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
These three verses are just a short list of how many times Solomon tells his sons to listen to his instructions. Today, I wonder how much time we really take to teach or instruct our children. Often, we wait until there is a discipline or a correction to “teach” them. It reminds me of the movie, “My Life”. Michael Keaton is dying of cancer and he begins making videos for his son of things that he would want to teach him, even showing him how to walk in a room and how to shake hands. Many times, we think if we were in the same place, how much of the kid’s lives you would miss and how much you would have taught them. Yet, for some reason, without that fatal reminder, we spend our evenings letting the television or peers teach and instruct our kids.
From the moment your children wake up, they are learning, whether it is good or bad, they are learning. Outside of school what is teaching your kids?
What would you want to teach your kids?
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Challenge: The kids only have one YOU, dad, stepdad, grandpa, uncle, etc. Take time today to teach them. Don’t let another moment go by.
REVIEW
What were you able to teach the kids today?
How was it go? How did you do it?
Reading: Proverbs 1:8, Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Proverbs 4:1, Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. Proverbs 4:10, Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
These three verses are just a short list of how many times Solomon tells his sons to listen to his instructions. Today, I wonder how much time we really take to teach or instruct our children. Often, we wait until there is a discipline or a correction to “teach” them. It reminds me of the movie, “My Life”. Michael Keaton is dying of cancer and he begins making videos for his son of things that he would want to teach him, even showing him how to walk in a room and how to shake hands. Many times, we think if we were in the same place, how much of the kid’s lives you would miss and how much you would have taught them. Yet, for some reason, without that fatal reminder, we spend our evenings letting the television or peers teach and instruct our kids.
From the moment your children wake up, they are learning, whether it is good or bad, they are learning. Outside of school what is teaching your kids?
What would you want to teach your kids?
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Challenge: The kids only have one YOU, dad, stepdad, grandpa, uncle, etc. Take time today to teach them. Don’t let another moment go by.
REVIEW
What were you able to teach the kids today?
How was it go? How did you do it?
October 7 2011
He’s Got It
Reading: Exodus 15:22, 24, 27 22 Then Moses led Israel from the red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink? Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water. Exodus 17:1-2, 1 The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin… They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” NIV
Many of us already know the story of Israel leaving Egypt and journeying to their new home, the “Promise Land”. Israel had between 2-3 million people. The daily needs of water supply, especially traveling in desert regions, become a pre-planned necessity. Typically, Israel was found grumbling and complaining about the apparent lack of planning. Constantly, they were saying, “Okay, Moses, you brought us out here and obviously, you must not have had a real clear plan or just didn’t think through what it would be like to move 2-3 million people and what our needs would be.” God could have very easily given them a map and said, “Okay, to move 2-3 million people you should be able to travel 30 miles and you can see the building marked on your map that indicates the rest area, which includes a food and drink station.” He’s God… He could have done that. But, if He did, would they have learned to look to God to meet their needs? Instead, they were able to witness God’s hand meeting their specific need. He already knows when you’re walking in the desert of life, men, and that you will need His refreshing. We don’t need to see our rest area marked on our life’s map but we do need to look to Him and trust that He’s got it. He wants you to see Him meet your specific need.
First, just like the Israelites saw God’s power in previous events, what has God done for you to show His hand in your life?
In what “desert” are you walking through and how will you look to God to meet your needs and trust Him that He’s got it?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to look to God to meet your needs today?
How did God show Himself to you through your needs?
Reading: Exodus 15:22, 24, 27 22 Then Moses led Israel from the red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink? Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water. Exodus 17:1-2, 1 The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin… They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” NIV
Many of us already know the story of Israel leaving Egypt and journeying to their new home, the “Promise Land”. Israel had between 2-3 million people. The daily needs of water supply, especially traveling in desert regions, become a pre-planned necessity. Typically, Israel was found grumbling and complaining about the apparent lack of planning. Constantly, they were saying, “Okay, Moses, you brought us out here and obviously, you must not have had a real clear plan or just didn’t think through what it would be like to move 2-3 million people and what our needs would be.” God could have very easily given them a map and said, “Okay, to move 2-3 million people you should be able to travel 30 miles and you can see the building marked on your map that indicates the rest area, which includes a food and drink station.” He’s God… He could have done that. But, if He did, would they have learned to look to God to meet their needs? Instead, they were able to witness God’s hand meeting their specific need. He already knows when you’re walking in the desert of life, men, and that you will need His refreshing. We don’t need to see our rest area marked on our life’s map but we do need to look to Him and trust that He’s got it. He wants you to see Him meet your specific need.
First, just like the Israelites saw God’s power in previous events, what has God done for you to show His hand in your life?
In what “desert” are you walking through and how will you look to God to meet your needs and trust Him that He’s got it?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to look to God to meet your needs today?
How did God show Himself to you through your needs?
October 6 2011
Wake Up!
Reading: Matthew 24:42, "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. Mark 13:33, 33"Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. Luke 21:36, 36"But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." (NASB)
Did you catch the one word that stood out in all three scriptures? Jesus was telling His disciples to be on the "alert" at all times for the signs of His return. I believe Jesus was saying this because of the time in which we are living. We have all the modern devices at our disposal: the internet, blackberries, 24 hour news broadcasting, 300 T.V. channels. We can get so wrapped up in being on Facebook, or playing the latest X-Bow game, that we are using our time to be distracted from what is really going on around us. We can't wait to be on Farmtown or Mafia Wars, that we don't read our bibles to keep us focused on what Jesus told us.
We are witnessing massive earthquakes and tsunamis like we have never seen before. We have dictators being overthrown in Egypt and about to in Libya. Jesus said in Matt.24:7 "nation will rise up against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes." These things have to take place before Jesus comes back to earth. With all of this increase in technology, we have a great opportunity to reach the lost with the gospel. We can calm the fears of those who don't know which direction to turn with this down-turned economy and tell them of the hope we have in the word of God.
I believe we are living in exciting times, not frightful ones. We can be that shining light God uses to lead someone to the truth and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
What are some of the ways that you can encourage someone who is troubled today?
With the modern devices at your disposal, send someone an encouraging e-mail or text today.
End of the Day Review
How were you able to “Be Alert" today?
How were you able to encourage someone today and what was the
result?
Reading: Matthew 24:42, "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. Mark 13:33, 33"Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. Luke 21:36, 36"But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." (NASB)
Did you catch the one word that stood out in all three scriptures? Jesus was telling His disciples to be on the "alert" at all times for the signs of His return. I believe Jesus was saying this because of the time in which we are living. We have all the modern devices at our disposal: the internet, blackberries, 24 hour news broadcasting, 300 T.V. channels. We can get so wrapped up in being on Facebook, or playing the latest X-Bow game, that we are using our time to be distracted from what is really going on around us. We can't wait to be on Farmtown or Mafia Wars, that we don't read our bibles to keep us focused on what Jesus told us.
We are witnessing massive earthquakes and tsunamis like we have never seen before. We have dictators being overthrown in Egypt and about to in Libya. Jesus said in Matt.24:7 "nation will rise up against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes." These things have to take place before Jesus comes back to earth. With all of this increase in technology, we have a great opportunity to reach the lost with the gospel. We can calm the fears of those who don't know which direction to turn with this down-turned economy and tell them of the hope we have in the word of God.
I believe we are living in exciting times, not frightful ones. We can be that shining light God uses to lead someone to the truth and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
What are some of the ways that you can encourage someone who is troubled today?
With the modern devices at your disposal, send someone an encouraging e-mail or text today.
End of the Day Review
How were you able to “Be Alert" today?
How were you able to encourage someone today and what was the
result?
October 5 2011
Look Up
Reading: Psalm 19:1-4, 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
We often make the search for God so much more difficult than what it really is.
According to these verses, there is nowhere on this earth that you could go without “hearing” the “voices” of God’s creation in the sky. Although, the world has attempting to silence them by stating that they just appear through random occurrences; nothing can silence them from proclaiming God’s glory.
The question inevitably reverberates from those celestial beings down to our innermost being, “if something, millions of miles and light-years away can proclaim the glory of God and cannot be silenced. Where is our voice? Where is our proclamation of His glory? Jesus Christ did not come to this earth to die and shed His blood for heavens or the skies. Yet, they continue to speak, they continue to shout His praises.
Men, first, let’s look up today and tonight and while you look up… listen…
listen! Look and listen for their symphony of praise to our great God and King!
Then, let’s let our lives and voices proclaim the glory of God today. Let’s stop making it so difficult to search for God. Purposefully look for Him today and let someone else see God in you today.
How will you purposefully look for God today?
How will you proclaim God’s glory to others today?
End of the Day Review
Were you able to God in His created heavens and how?
Were you able to proclaim God and His glory to someone else today and how?
What impact did this make on your day?
Reading: Psalm 19:1-4, 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
We often make the search for God so much more difficult than what it really is.
According to these verses, there is nowhere on this earth that you could go without “hearing” the “voices” of God’s creation in the sky. Although, the world has attempting to silence them by stating that they just appear through random occurrences; nothing can silence them from proclaiming God’s glory.
The question inevitably reverberates from those celestial beings down to our innermost being, “if something, millions of miles and light-years away can proclaim the glory of God and cannot be silenced. Where is our voice? Where is our proclamation of His glory? Jesus Christ did not come to this earth to die and shed His blood for heavens or the skies. Yet, they continue to speak, they continue to shout His praises.
Men, first, let’s look up today and tonight and while you look up… listen…
listen! Look and listen for their symphony of praise to our great God and King!
Then, let’s let our lives and voices proclaim the glory of God today. Let’s stop making it so difficult to search for God. Purposefully look for Him today and let someone else see God in you today.
How will you purposefully look for God today?
How will you proclaim God’s glory to others today?
End of the Day Review
Were you able to God in His created heavens and how?
Were you able to proclaim God and His glory to someone else today and how?
What impact did this make on your day?
October 4 2011
Why Fear Failure?
Reading: Romans 8:14-15, 14For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"
Why do we fear failure? When was the last time you saw a young boy jumping out of a tree house afraid of failing? He knows he can do it. Worrying is a learned response. In today's world we learn early on that failing is a bad thing. From Kindergarten on, we either pass or "fail", we get an 'A' or an 'F'. Even as adults we get an annual evaluation, someone else's judgment of how we are doing in your job. But is this the way God intended it to be?
Teddy Roosevelt was quoted as saying "the only man that does not make a mistake is the man that does nothing". Thomas Edison when ask stated "I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that it did not work".
In Jesus' day how did they learn? They didn't go to schools like today. Jesus worked under his father in a sort of apprenticeship program. I'm sure that as he grew up he had many mistakes, but they were not looked at as failures. I can see it now, when Jesus made his first wooden chair, maybe a little wobbly because one of the legs was a little short. Did his father tell him what a failure he was or that he was never going to amount to anything? No, I'm sure he just patiently showed him how to shorten the other three legs. In the bible we see that all of the greats, Moses, David, and Peter all failed at a time in their life. Did their heavenly Father brand them a complete failure? No, He patiently showed them how to succeed in his way. Maybe we should not be so worried about making the grade or being the big success, rather, look at our failures as God teaching us how to succeed, and not by the world’s standards.
What mistakes/"failures" have you had in your life or recently?
How can you use those mistakes/ “failures” under God's apprenticeship program to learn to be a success today?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to turn past mistakes/ “failures” from the past into learning experiences today?
How did it impact you today?
Reading: Romans 8:14-15, 14For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"
Why do we fear failure? When was the last time you saw a young boy jumping out of a tree house afraid of failing? He knows he can do it. Worrying is a learned response. In today's world we learn early on that failing is a bad thing. From Kindergarten on, we either pass or "fail", we get an 'A' or an 'F'. Even as adults we get an annual evaluation, someone else's judgment of how we are doing in your job. But is this the way God intended it to be?
Teddy Roosevelt was quoted as saying "the only man that does not make a mistake is the man that does nothing". Thomas Edison when ask stated "I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that it did not work".
In Jesus' day how did they learn? They didn't go to schools like today. Jesus worked under his father in a sort of apprenticeship program. I'm sure that as he grew up he had many mistakes, but they were not looked at as failures. I can see it now, when Jesus made his first wooden chair, maybe a little wobbly because one of the legs was a little short. Did his father tell him what a failure he was or that he was never going to amount to anything? No, I'm sure he just patiently showed him how to shorten the other three legs. In the bible we see that all of the greats, Moses, David, and Peter all failed at a time in their life. Did their heavenly Father brand them a complete failure? No, He patiently showed them how to succeed in his way. Maybe we should not be so worried about making the grade or being the big success, rather, look at our failures as God teaching us how to succeed, and not by the world’s standards.
What mistakes/"failures" have you had in your life or recently?
How can you use those mistakes/ “failures” under God's apprenticeship program to learn to be a success today?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to turn past mistakes/ “failures” from the past into learning experiences today?
How did it impact you today?
October 3, 2011
Root Not the Fruit
Reading: Genesis 3:6, When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. (NASB)
Have you ever wondered from this passage why God did not proclaim a command throughout all time to not eat fruit? That is what Adam and Eve did wrong. They ate fruit. Of course, we know that the real wrong that they committed was not eating fruit, but, rather, disobeying God. Often, we tend to not see our own sin so clearly. We focus on the “fruit” instead of addressing the root issue. I John 2:16 states, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” NASB. The root of all sin is based in these three elements. Notice Genesis 3:6 above, “saw [it] was good for food”, lust of the flesh; “delight to the eyes”, lust of the eyes, and; “desirable to make one wise”, pride of life. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, 1) turn stones to bread after fasting, lust of the flesh; 2) look over the kingdoms of the world and their glory, lust of the eyes, and; 3) fall from pinnacle for angels to save Him, pride of life. Hence, as is stated in Hebrews, Jesus was tempted in every point as we are. To truly acknowledge our sin, we have to stop looking at the “fruit” of our sin, alcohol, pornography, greed, anger, etc., and begin focusing on the roots so we can uproot them. If you struggle in an area of the lust of the flesh, it may take on a difference face as a different fruit, until you deal with destroying the actual root of the lust of the flesh. Let’s tear our sin up by the roots.
Next to each root, write sins with which you struggle:
Lust of the flesh:
Lust of the Eyes:
Pride of Life:
How can you tear each of these sins up by the root and destroy the 3 roots of sin in your life?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to uproot your sin today?
How did this impact the outlook that you have of your sin and how did this impact your day?
Reading: Genesis 3:6, When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. (NASB)
Have you ever wondered from this passage why God did not proclaim a command throughout all time to not eat fruit? That is what Adam and Eve did wrong. They ate fruit. Of course, we know that the real wrong that they committed was not eating fruit, but, rather, disobeying God. Often, we tend to not see our own sin so clearly. We focus on the “fruit” instead of addressing the root issue. I John 2:16 states, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” NASB. The root of all sin is based in these three elements. Notice Genesis 3:6 above, “saw [it] was good for food”, lust of the flesh; “delight to the eyes”, lust of the eyes, and; “desirable to make one wise”, pride of life. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, 1) turn stones to bread after fasting, lust of the flesh; 2) look over the kingdoms of the world and their glory, lust of the eyes, and; 3) fall from pinnacle for angels to save Him, pride of life. Hence, as is stated in Hebrews, Jesus was tempted in every point as we are. To truly acknowledge our sin, we have to stop looking at the “fruit” of our sin, alcohol, pornography, greed, anger, etc., and begin focusing on the roots so we can uproot them. If you struggle in an area of the lust of the flesh, it may take on a difference face as a different fruit, until you deal with destroying the actual root of the lust of the flesh. Let’s tear our sin up by the roots.
Next to each root, write sins with which you struggle:
Lust of the flesh:
Lust of the Eyes:
Pride of Life:
How can you tear each of these sins up by the root and destroy the 3 roots of sin in your life?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to uproot your sin today?
How did this impact the outlook that you have of your sin and how did this impact your day?
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