CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 103:1-6, 1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Sunday, March 11, 2012
March 17 2012
Search Me!
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, it is that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find a place in your house and let everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground; a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you have a visual as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for your sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
End of the Day Review
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, it is that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find a place in your house and let everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground; a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you have a visual as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for your sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
End of the Day Review
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
March 16 2012
What Did You Say?
Reading: James 3:3-6, 3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
A little girl, who was struggling with gossiping about her friends, went to her grandpa after hurting a friend’s feelings through gossip. Her grandpa wisely took her up into tower on a blustery day and gave her a pillow. He then told her to take a pair of scissors, cut it open and shake all of the feathers out of the pillow. The feathers quickly scattered in the wind and they stood quietly watching the journey of the feathers across the countryside. The little girl’s grandpa then told her to go collect all of the feathers and put them back in the pillowcase. “That’s impossible!”, she adamantly declared. “So, it is impossible to retrieve or repair gossip that is scattered on the lips of others after you release it.”
Please really consider, do you say things about other people, true or untrue?
How do you feel when others do that to you?
Challenge: Today, do not say a single negative thing against another person. Every time you open your mouth to speak today, consider, will this “corrupt” or “bless”?
What could be a hindrance from you committing to this challenge?
REVIEW
Did your mouth bless or corrupt today?
How did this affect your day?
Reading: James 3:3-6, 3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
A little girl, who was struggling with gossiping about her friends, went to her grandpa after hurting a friend’s feelings through gossip. Her grandpa wisely took her up into tower on a blustery day and gave her a pillow. He then told her to take a pair of scissors, cut it open and shake all of the feathers out of the pillow. The feathers quickly scattered in the wind and they stood quietly watching the journey of the feathers across the countryside. The little girl’s grandpa then told her to go collect all of the feathers and put them back in the pillowcase. “That’s impossible!”, she adamantly declared. “So, it is impossible to retrieve or repair gossip that is scattered on the lips of others after you release it.”
Please really consider, do you say things about other people, true or untrue?
How do you feel when others do that to you?
Challenge: Today, do not say a single negative thing against another person. Every time you open your mouth to speak today, consider, will this “corrupt” or “bless”?
What could be a hindrance from you committing to this challenge?
REVIEW
Did your mouth bless or corrupt today?
How did this affect your day?
March 15 2012
Teach Them
Reading: Proverbs 6:20-23, 20 My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,
You’re an adult and don’t need to be concerned about keeping your father’s commands or your mother’s teachings, right? Well, this passage is for you, as the author. The book of Proverbs is written from a father to his son for instructions and consideration. Notice it does not say, “My son, keep the commands that you learn at church, that you learn in school or that you learn on television.” Many times we become so concerned about not discouraging our children or we rely on others to train them that it comes back to the old adage, “He who aims at nothing, will hit it every time.” Are you giving them commands to be a lamp, teachings to be a light or corrections to be a way to life?
If your son or daughter’s instruction were based solely on the commands or teachings that you have given them, where would they be? What would they be following?
Challenge: Today, take time out of your schedule for each one of your children to spend time with them and give them instruction, teach them about God and give them thoughts to be a lamp to their feet.
NOTE: if you do not have children, you are not exempt. You can apply this to the next generation that you pass everyday. What impact can you make today?
REVIEW
Did you take time today to give your child(ren) instruction and teaching to guide them?
What was their reaction?
Are you able and willing to follow up with them on this, if yes, when (and write a reminder in this book)?
Reading: Proverbs 6:20-23, 20 My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,
You’re an adult and don’t need to be concerned about keeping your father’s commands or your mother’s teachings, right? Well, this passage is for you, as the author. The book of Proverbs is written from a father to his son for instructions and consideration. Notice it does not say, “My son, keep the commands that you learn at church, that you learn in school or that you learn on television.” Many times we become so concerned about not discouraging our children or we rely on others to train them that it comes back to the old adage, “He who aims at nothing, will hit it every time.” Are you giving them commands to be a lamp, teachings to be a light or corrections to be a way to life?
If your son or daughter’s instruction were based solely on the commands or teachings that you have given them, where would they be? What would they be following?
Challenge: Today, take time out of your schedule for each one of your children to spend time with them and give them instruction, teach them about God and give them thoughts to be a lamp to their feet.
NOTE: if you do not have children, you are not exempt. You can apply this to the next generation that you pass everyday. What impact can you make today?
REVIEW
Did you take time today to give your child(ren) instruction and teaching to guide them?
What was their reaction?
Are you able and willing to follow up with them on this, if yes, when (and write a reminder in this book)?
March 14 2012
See the REAL Battle
Reading: Job 1 & 2
Key Passage: Job 1:9-12; 2:3-6, 9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
So many times we get caught up in the physical struggles around us. If we were Job in that same scenario in Job chapter one, I think the warrior would mount up in us and we would gather as many as we could and go to destroy the Sabeans and Chaldeans that took our livestock. There was a lot more that happened to Job than just his livestock being taken but at least it would be someone paying for what happened to us. But, Job was wiser than we tend to be. He saw the real battle. That it wasn’t about his livestock, it wasn’t about his children, it wasn’t about his possessions, it was about his relationship with God. Notice Satan didn’t confront God and simply say that he wanted to take away his livestock, children or possessions. He wanted Job to “curse [God] to [His] face”. That was his goal. Today, it’s not about your boss at work, it’s not about the person that cut you off on the road, it’s not about the person that took or damaged something that belonged to you, it is about who you are in Christ. THAT is the ultimate importance today. God said of Job, “In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
Challenge: Today, look beyond the physical and don’t let anything, ANYTHING… effect your joy, your peace, your love, your compassion, your faith, your humility that you have in Christ.
What are some potential hindrances for you to accomplish this task?
REVIEW
What were some struggles you faced in fulfilling your challenges for today?
Did you gain victory or did you suffer a defeat?
What can you learn from this?
Reading: Job 1 & 2
Key Passage: Job 1:9-12; 2:3-6, 9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
So many times we get caught up in the physical struggles around us. If we were Job in that same scenario in Job chapter one, I think the warrior would mount up in us and we would gather as many as we could and go to destroy the Sabeans and Chaldeans that took our livestock. There was a lot more that happened to Job than just his livestock being taken but at least it would be someone paying for what happened to us. But, Job was wiser than we tend to be. He saw the real battle. That it wasn’t about his livestock, it wasn’t about his children, it wasn’t about his possessions, it was about his relationship with God. Notice Satan didn’t confront God and simply say that he wanted to take away his livestock, children or possessions. He wanted Job to “curse [God] to [His] face”. That was his goal. Today, it’s not about your boss at work, it’s not about the person that cut you off on the road, it’s not about the person that took or damaged something that belonged to you, it is about who you are in Christ. THAT is the ultimate importance today. God said of Job, “In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
Challenge: Today, look beyond the physical and don’t let anything, ANYTHING… effect your joy, your peace, your love, your compassion, your faith, your humility that you have in Christ.
What are some potential hindrances for you to accomplish this task?
REVIEW
What were some struggles you faced in fulfilling your challenges for today?
Did you gain victory or did you suffer a defeat?
What can you learn from this?
March 13 2012
Build It Strong
Reading: Luke 6:47-49, 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
We bought our kids some large building blocks and, periodically, I’ll sit down with them to build our massive structure. You know… one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for the local mouse family. It never fails, just the time that we are just about completed and are starting to be proud of our work, our two year old comes along. Did I mention… 2 year old. Yeah! The poor mice have nowhere to live now. Utter destruction! Even though the construction really doesn’t matter too much, it has still periodically produced a stream of tears from our seven year old. I’m sure we have all felt the frustration of putting time, effort and sweat into something just to have it wrecked. It is a very disheartening feeling and frustrating thinking about the time wasted. Now imagine the structure of your life is being built and all it takes is a storm to destroy it all. The thing is the destruction doesn’t come from doing something awful. It is simply hearing God’s Words but not actually putting it into practice. The unfortunate thing is, we have churches FILLED with people just like that. We act as though showing up and hearing the “blue prints” is good enough but we don’t have to REALLY follow them in construction. Or, we can leave some of the instructions out. Men, we need to storm proof our “house”.
What can you do today, to not simply “hear God’s Words” but to actually put them into practice?
What do you need to do to “[dig] down deep” to lay your foundation on the “Rock”?
REVIEW
What did you do today to dig down deep to lay your foundation on the “Rock”?
What did you do today to put God’s Word into practice?
Reading: Luke 6:47-49, 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
We bought our kids some large building blocks and, periodically, I’ll sit down with them to build our massive structure. You know… one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for the local mouse family. It never fails, just the time that we are just about completed and are starting to be proud of our work, our two year old comes along. Did I mention… 2 year old. Yeah! The poor mice have nowhere to live now. Utter destruction! Even though the construction really doesn’t matter too much, it has still periodically produced a stream of tears from our seven year old. I’m sure we have all felt the frustration of putting time, effort and sweat into something just to have it wrecked. It is a very disheartening feeling and frustrating thinking about the time wasted. Now imagine the structure of your life is being built and all it takes is a storm to destroy it all. The thing is the destruction doesn’t come from doing something awful. It is simply hearing God’s Words but not actually putting it into practice. The unfortunate thing is, we have churches FILLED with people just like that. We act as though showing up and hearing the “blue prints” is good enough but we don’t have to REALLY follow them in construction. Or, we can leave some of the instructions out. Men, we need to storm proof our “house”.
What can you do today, to not simply “hear God’s Words” but to actually put them into practice?
What do you need to do to “[dig] down deep” to lay your foundation on the “Rock”?
REVIEW
What did you do today to dig down deep to lay your foundation on the “Rock”?
What did you do today to put God’s Word into practice?
March 12 2012
Confession
Reading: James 5:16, 20 - 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Confession is one of the most uncomfortable actions that a man can make. It takes courage, humility and a strong desire to change. Let’s remember, conquering a stronghold in your life is impossible without confession. The beauty is God promises to forgive you (I John 1:9). It is another story dealing with confession to a friend, your wife, another family member or a fellow brother in Christ. How many of us really practice this verse, “confess your sins to each other”? Confession is an extremely vulnerable action. We are men! We are not suppose to admit to failure, yet, we are called to confess to one another. Just remember, who would be worse finding out about your sin, God, the ruler of the universe and ultimate judge when we stand before Him, or another brother? I can still hear ringing in my ears, “I’m going to tell Dad” and the sickening feeling I would get in the pit of my stomach thinking about my dad finding out about what I did wrong. The fear was not that my sibling knew what I did. It was the fear of my dad finding out. The intriguing thing about our sin is, our Father in heaven already knows about it. So, why do we fight so much with confessing our sin and weaknesses to each other? It is this confession that helps keep us accountable and it gives us support.
Men, let’s be honest. What sin are you struggling with the most?
Who are you going to confess this sin to?
Don’t dwell on the fear of confessing, just obey and do it. Let’s see what God will do with your obedience.
REVIEW
Did you confess to someone? Who did you confess to?
How are you feeling about your confession?
Do you have regrets or are you able to experience God’s healing?
Reading: James 5:16, 20 - 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Confession is one of the most uncomfortable actions that a man can make. It takes courage, humility and a strong desire to change. Let’s remember, conquering a stronghold in your life is impossible without confession. The beauty is God promises to forgive you (I John 1:9). It is another story dealing with confession to a friend, your wife, another family member or a fellow brother in Christ. How many of us really practice this verse, “confess your sins to each other”? Confession is an extremely vulnerable action. We are men! We are not suppose to admit to failure, yet, we are called to confess to one another. Just remember, who would be worse finding out about your sin, God, the ruler of the universe and ultimate judge when we stand before Him, or another brother? I can still hear ringing in my ears, “I’m going to tell Dad” and the sickening feeling I would get in the pit of my stomach thinking about my dad finding out about what I did wrong. The fear was not that my sibling knew what I did. It was the fear of my dad finding out. The intriguing thing about our sin is, our Father in heaven already knows about it. So, why do we fight so much with confessing our sin and weaknesses to each other? It is this confession that helps keep us accountable and it gives us support.
Men, let’s be honest. What sin are you struggling with the most?
Who are you going to confess this sin to?
Don’t dwell on the fear of confessing, just obey and do it. Let’s see what God will do with your obedience.
REVIEW
Did you confess to someone? Who did you confess to?
How are you feeling about your confession?
Do you have regrets or are you able to experience God’s healing?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
March 4 2012
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 104:1-5, 1 Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. 2 He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent 3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. 4 He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. 5 He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.
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 104:1-5, 1 Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. 2 He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent 3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. 4 He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. 5 He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.
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?
March 3 2012
Share
Reading: I Peter 4:9-10, 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Have you seen the look on someone’s face when they are eating something that they are thoroughly enjoying and someone walks up, begins watching them carefully then begins licking their lips, signaling that they would really like to have some of the treat? It quite often is not a look of pleasure, feeling the necessity to “share” something that you just want to enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, we treat the special gifts that God has given to us the same way. We enjoy how it makes us look. We enjoy how it makes us feel. We enjoy the attention it may give us. In turn, we also can tend to be envious and desirous of the gifts other people have been given because of the greater attention those particular gifts are given. But, we are told to “use whatever gift [you have] received to serve others.” Quite the realization that your gifts have nothing to do with you or your enjoyment, isn’t it? Somewhat like you being handed keys to a brand new sports car and just when you begin to get excited, you are informed that the only time that you can use the car is to drive certain people around to their destinations. It really seems to put it into perspective. Your gift whether preaching, teaching, counseling, singing, playing an instrument, hospitality, ushering, or any other gifts that God has given you is not for you but to serve others. According to Webster being hospitable means, “b: promising or suggesting generous and cordial welcome c : offering a pleasant or sustaining environment 2 : readily receptive.” This is what we are to be offering to each other, without grumbling over the inconvenience.
How can you be hospitable to one of your fellow brothers in Christ today?
How can you use one of the gifts that God has given you to serve someone today?
REVIEW
How were you able to be hospitable and use your gifts to serve someone today?
How did this impact your day?
Reading: I Peter 4:9-10, 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Have you seen the look on someone’s face when they are eating something that they are thoroughly enjoying and someone walks up, begins watching them carefully then begins licking their lips, signaling that they would really like to have some of the treat? It quite often is not a look of pleasure, feeling the necessity to “share” something that you just want to enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, we treat the special gifts that God has given to us the same way. We enjoy how it makes us look. We enjoy how it makes us feel. We enjoy the attention it may give us. In turn, we also can tend to be envious and desirous of the gifts other people have been given because of the greater attention those particular gifts are given. But, we are told to “use whatever gift [you have] received to serve others.” Quite the realization that your gifts have nothing to do with you or your enjoyment, isn’t it? Somewhat like you being handed keys to a brand new sports car and just when you begin to get excited, you are informed that the only time that you can use the car is to drive certain people around to their destinations. It really seems to put it into perspective. Your gift whether preaching, teaching, counseling, singing, playing an instrument, hospitality, ushering, or any other gifts that God has given you is not for you but to serve others. According to Webster being hospitable means, “b: promising or suggesting generous and cordial welcome c : offering a pleasant or sustaining environment 2 : readily receptive.” This is what we are to be offering to each other, without grumbling over the inconvenience.
How can you be hospitable to one of your fellow brothers in Christ today?
How can you use one of the gifts that God has given you to serve someone today?
REVIEW
How were you able to be hospitable and use your gifts to serve someone today?
How did this impact your day?
March 2 2012
Stars Speak
Reading: Isaiah 40:25-27, 25 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. 26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
What a rebuke, although this was written around 2,700 years ago, it might as well have my name in the place of “O, Jacob” and “O, Israel”. Too often we can lose sight of God’s immense power, yet, also, God’s immense love.
On a clear, moonless night about 3,000 stars are visible with the unaided eye. A small telescope will increase the number to around 100,000 stars. But this is just the beginning! The stars we can easily see are all in our corner of the Milky Way Galaxy. The entire galaxy numbers about 100 billion stars. And beyond the Milky Way are other galaxies with many shapes and sizes. Around 100 billion such galaxies are known to exist. Taking the Milky Way as an average galaxy, the estimated stars number 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000; when we write this number out. This figure would be pronounced as “ten billion trillion” stars. Yet, our great God calls each one of them by name. Goodness, I have a hard time remembering the names of people that I’ve met several times before. Men, please take time to let this truly sink in today. This great God who created these stars and galaxies and calls them by name… your way is not hidden from Him today. Your cause is looked at attentively by Him. With a universe to oversee, He still will be taking time for you today.
Men, I hope that today, without a universe to oversee and innumerable names of stars to remember, that God will not say at the end of today, “My way is hidden from [my son]; my cause is disregarded by my [son]”. Another words, let’s give our great God the same attention that He is giving us.
Challenge: give God your attention to His way and His cause today, but this evening, take some time to look at the stars in the sky tonight and read this passage. I would also recommend that you insert your name in the place of, “Jacob” and “Israel”.
REVIEW
How were you able to give God your attention to His way and His cause today?
Write down your experience from spending time looking at His stars and what this passage speaks to you.
Reading: Isaiah 40:25-27, 25 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. 26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
What a rebuke, although this was written around 2,700 years ago, it might as well have my name in the place of “O, Jacob” and “O, Israel”. Too often we can lose sight of God’s immense power, yet, also, God’s immense love.
On a clear, moonless night about 3,000 stars are visible with the unaided eye. A small telescope will increase the number to around 100,000 stars. But this is just the beginning! The stars we can easily see are all in our corner of the Milky Way Galaxy. The entire galaxy numbers about 100 billion stars. And beyond the Milky Way are other galaxies with many shapes and sizes. Around 100 billion such galaxies are known to exist. Taking the Milky Way as an average galaxy, the estimated stars number 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000; when we write this number out. This figure would be pronounced as “ten billion trillion” stars. Yet, our great God calls each one of them by name. Goodness, I have a hard time remembering the names of people that I’ve met several times before. Men, please take time to let this truly sink in today. This great God who created these stars and galaxies and calls them by name… your way is not hidden from Him today. Your cause is looked at attentively by Him. With a universe to oversee, He still will be taking time for you today.
Men, I hope that today, without a universe to oversee and innumerable names of stars to remember, that God will not say at the end of today, “My way is hidden from [my son]; my cause is disregarded by my [son]”. Another words, let’s give our great God the same attention that He is giving us.
Challenge: give God your attention to His way and His cause today, but this evening, take some time to look at the stars in the sky tonight and read this passage. I would also recommend that you insert your name in the place of, “Jacob” and “Israel”.
REVIEW
How were you able to give God your attention to His way and His cause today?
Write down your experience from spending time looking at His stars and what this passage speaks to you.
March 1 2012
Stand Fast!
Reading: II Thessalonians 2:15-17, 15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
As if from a scene from a movie, imagine all of us gathered together on a hillside, swords drawn in one hand and shield in the other. We see the enemy on the horizon approaching. The numbers seem overwhelming on the side of the enemy as they continue to march toward us. Then, the first wave of soldiers on the front lines of the enemy begin to run at us. Jesus is on His horse and is out in front of us with His massive sword drawn. Adrenaline is at its highest and your muscles tighten out of anticipation of the clash that is just seconds away. It is then that Paul, a Captain, shouts to us, “stand firm, men, and hold fast!!!!” You feel the confidence rise in your heart and soul and you feel your strength surge as you look up and see Jesus as His horse rears back and He thrusts His sword forward to fight and attack.
This should be our vision today. Men, no matter what happens in your day. Every single day is a battle. Every single day has attacks. We should be watching for the enemy. We should be preparing our self to stand firm and hold fast to the Word of God. One of the enemies of standing fast is the element of surprise, not anticipating the attack.
What are some things that may keep you from standing firm and holding fast to the Word of God today?
Challenge: 1) Identify potential struggles to standing firm. 2) Stand firm and hold fast to the Word of God and what you know to be true and right. 3) Be encouraged by seeing Jesus, who has already won the battle, riding on His horse with Sword drawn prepared to fight alongside you today.
REVIEW
Were you able to anticipate areas that you may struggle standing firm today?
What were those areas and were you able to stand firm and hold fast to what you know to be true and right?
How did this impact you today?
Reading: II Thessalonians 2:15-17, 15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
As if from a scene from a movie, imagine all of us gathered together on a hillside, swords drawn in one hand and shield in the other. We see the enemy on the horizon approaching. The numbers seem overwhelming on the side of the enemy as they continue to march toward us. Then, the first wave of soldiers on the front lines of the enemy begin to run at us. Jesus is on His horse and is out in front of us with His massive sword drawn. Adrenaline is at its highest and your muscles tighten out of anticipation of the clash that is just seconds away. It is then that Paul, a Captain, shouts to us, “stand firm, men, and hold fast!!!!” You feel the confidence rise in your heart and soul and you feel your strength surge as you look up and see Jesus as His horse rears back and He thrusts His sword forward to fight and attack.
This should be our vision today. Men, no matter what happens in your day. Every single day is a battle. Every single day has attacks. We should be watching for the enemy. We should be preparing our self to stand firm and hold fast to the Word of God. One of the enemies of standing fast is the element of surprise, not anticipating the attack.
What are some things that may keep you from standing firm and holding fast to the Word of God today?
Challenge: 1) Identify potential struggles to standing firm. 2) Stand firm and hold fast to the Word of God and what you know to be true and right. 3) Be encouraged by seeing Jesus, who has already won the battle, riding on His horse with Sword drawn prepared to fight alongside you today.
REVIEW
Were you able to anticipate areas that you may struggle standing firm today?
What were those areas and were you able to stand firm and hold fast to what you know to be true and right?
How did this impact you today?
february 29 2012
Your Inheritance
Reading: I Peter 1:3-4, 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,
Can you imagine being at home after a hard days work, looking at your bank book and wondering how you’re going to pay the bills? All of a sudden there is a knock on the door. You walk over and there stands a middle aged man in a suit and a tie, carrying a briefcase. He introduces himself as an attorney and states that he has a legal matter to discuss with you. You invite him in and you sit down at the table. He pulls out his paperwork and begins tell you that what he has is the will of a certain individual. The gentleman that passed away left a giant estate with holdings in several large corporations and multi-millions of dollars. And, you brace yourself from falling off your chair as he informs you that you are the sole person named on the will as the heir of this fortune. How would you respond?
Just for fun… write out what you would do with the fortune:
Now, the verses above describe “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you”. That inheritance is greater than any inheritance that you could receive here. But, review the things that you wrote out about what you would do with the earthly fortune… the question is… are you doing those same things with your eternal inheritance, sharing, investing, storing, buying, taking care of your true needs or other things from your list?
How can you do the same with your eternal inheritance that you would do with an enormous earthly one, today?
REVIEW
How were you able to use your eternal inheritance in your life and/or the life of others today?
How did this impact your day, your perception of your inheritance and those around you?
Reading: I Peter 1:3-4, 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,
Can you imagine being at home after a hard days work, looking at your bank book and wondering how you’re going to pay the bills? All of a sudden there is a knock on the door. You walk over and there stands a middle aged man in a suit and a tie, carrying a briefcase. He introduces himself as an attorney and states that he has a legal matter to discuss with you. You invite him in and you sit down at the table. He pulls out his paperwork and begins tell you that what he has is the will of a certain individual. The gentleman that passed away left a giant estate with holdings in several large corporations and multi-millions of dollars. And, you brace yourself from falling off your chair as he informs you that you are the sole person named on the will as the heir of this fortune. How would you respond?
Just for fun… write out what you would do with the fortune:
Now, the verses above describe “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you”. That inheritance is greater than any inheritance that you could receive here. But, review the things that you wrote out about what you would do with the earthly fortune… the question is… are you doing those same things with your eternal inheritance, sharing, investing, storing, buying, taking care of your true needs or other things from your list?
How can you do the same with your eternal inheritance that you would do with an enormous earthly one, today?
REVIEW
How were you able to use your eternal inheritance in your life and/or the life of others today?
How did this impact your day, your perception of your inheritance and those around you?
February 28 2012
He Understands
Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16, 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
I will not soon forget attending a Memorial Day Service where Vietnam Vets were honored. To see these men and to know that I will never understand what they have been through. Even the looks on their faces as they greet each other were filled with a “knowing” glance. They had a sense of camaraderie because they endured a horrific war and political upheaval. Even friends, family and loved ones who have not endured those experiences will never understand exactly where they’ve been or what they’ve experienced. As Christians we endure guilt from sin and temptation or scars from acts of sin against us, we feel more apt to share those weaknesses or scars with those who have been there? What a great God we have! We get to approach His throne with confidence and Jesus gives us a “knowing” glance because He’s been there… He knows what it’s like. “[He] has been tempted in every way, just as we are.”
What are you struggling with thus far this week that you have not given to God and come before His throne for His mercy and grace? (Really search your heart)
Before you do anything else, go before His throne of grace with confidence so you can receive mercy and find grace to help you today in your time of need.
How can you live in His mercy and grace today?
REVIEW
What did you do different today to live in His mercy and grace?
How did that impact your day today?
Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16, 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
I will not soon forget attending a Memorial Day Service where Vietnam Vets were honored. To see these men and to know that I will never understand what they have been through. Even the looks on their faces as they greet each other were filled with a “knowing” glance. They had a sense of camaraderie because they endured a horrific war and political upheaval. Even friends, family and loved ones who have not endured those experiences will never understand exactly where they’ve been or what they’ve experienced. As Christians we endure guilt from sin and temptation or scars from acts of sin against us, we feel more apt to share those weaknesses or scars with those who have been there? What a great God we have! We get to approach His throne with confidence and Jesus gives us a “knowing” glance because He’s been there… He knows what it’s like. “[He] has been tempted in every way, just as we are.”
What are you struggling with thus far this week that you have not given to God and come before His throne for His mercy and grace? (Really search your heart)
Before you do anything else, go before His throne of grace with confidence so you can receive mercy and find grace to help you today in your time of need.
How can you live in His mercy and grace today?
REVIEW
What did you do different today to live in His mercy and grace?
How did that impact your day today?
February 27 2012
Keep Loving
Reading: Matthew 24:10-13, 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
In a time when CEOs of financial institutions walk away from a plummeting economy with million dollar bonuses, men are walking into schools and shopping malls to kill as many people as they can before taking their own lives, terrorist across the globe are taking the lives of countless innocent victims and most people are out for only themselves with very little morals, Jesus’ words seem to reverberate even louder today. “Because of [this] increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but [if you] stand firm to the end [you] will be saved.” Don’t give up on love. Keep loving… keep having compassion. Remember that the world is only seeking to fill the “God Shaped Hole” in their heart with everything to satisfy themselves. They do not know or experience the joy, peace, love and hope that we can experience through Christ.
What are some ways that you have started giving up on love or demonstrating it, especially to the world?
How could you demonstrate love today, especially to those who, most would consider, are not deserving of it?
Challenge: Show and demonstrate God’s unconditional and unfailing love to as many people as you come across today.
What may be some challenges to fulfilling this challenge today?
REVIEW
How were you able to keep and demonstrate God’s unconditional, unfailing love?
How did this impact your day today?
Reading: Matthew 24:10-13, 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
In a time when CEOs of financial institutions walk away from a plummeting economy with million dollar bonuses, men are walking into schools and shopping malls to kill as many people as they can before taking their own lives, terrorist across the globe are taking the lives of countless innocent victims and most people are out for only themselves with very little morals, Jesus’ words seem to reverberate even louder today. “Because of [this] increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but [if you] stand firm to the end [you] will be saved.” Don’t give up on love. Keep loving… keep having compassion. Remember that the world is only seeking to fill the “God Shaped Hole” in their heart with everything to satisfy themselves. They do not know or experience the joy, peace, love and hope that we can experience through Christ.
What are some ways that you have started giving up on love or demonstrating it, especially to the world?
How could you demonstrate love today, especially to those who, most would consider, are not deserving of it?
Challenge: Show and demonstrate God’s unconditional and unfailing love to as many people as you come across today.
What may be some challenges to fulfilling this challenge today?
REVIEW
How were you able to keep and demonstrate God’s unconditional, unfailing love?
How did this impact your day today?
Monday, February 13, 2012
February 19 2012
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 106:1-2, 1 Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise?
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 106:1-2, 1 Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise?
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?
February 18 2012
Search Me!
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, it is that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find a place in your house and let everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground; a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you to have a visual as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for your sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, it is that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find a place in your house and let everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground; a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you to have a visual as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for your sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
February 17 2012
Humility
Reading: I Peter 5:5, Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Humility is counter cultural. It is neither understood nor admired. Leaders usually view themselves as being there to be served. It is looked upon as degrading.
The elder President Bush praised Ronald Reagan’s humility in his eulogy at his funeral. In 1981, Reagan was recovering from a gunshot wound he received during the assassination attempt. Just days after the surgery that repaired his life threatening injuries, his aides discovered him on his hands and knees in his hospital room wiping water from the floor. Bush said of Reagan, “He worried that his nurse would get in trouble.”
That is a gracious act of humility, strength and character. How rarely we would imagine our president on his hands and knees cleaning up his own mess?
We appreciate humility in others but rarely want it for ourselves. Humility is not a result of having a poor self image. True humility comes from strength and inner security. Remember, the arrogant find themselves at odds with God, while the humble enjoy his blessings. Before ever considering to act in humility, you must first sacrifice your pride.
Men, in what areas do you struggle with humility?
How will you demonstrate humility today and sacrifice your pride?
REVIEW
How were you able to sacrifice your pride and demonstrate humility today?
How did this impact your day and how you respond in the areas in which you struggle with humility?
Reading: I Peter 5:5, Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Humility is counter cultural. It is neither understood nor admired. Leaders usually view themselves as being there to be served. It is looked upon as degrading.
The elder President Bush praised Ronald Reagan’s humility in his eulogy at his funeral. In 1981, Reagan was recovering from a gunshot wound he received during the assassination attempt. Just days after the surgery that repaired his life threatening injuries, his aides discovered him on his hands and knees in his hospital room wiping water from the floor. Bush said of Reagan, “He worried that his nurse would get in trouble.”
That is a gracious act of humility, strength and character. How rarely we would imagine our president on his hands and knees cleaning up his own mess?
We appreciate humility in others but rarely want it for ourselves. Humility is not a result of having a poor self image. True humility comes from strength and inner security. Remember, the arrogant find themselves at odds with God, while the humble enjoy his blessings. Before ever considering to act in humility, you must first sacrifice your pride.
Men, in what areas do you struggle with humility?
How will you demonstrate humility today and sacrifice your pride?
REVIEW
How were you able to sacrifice your pride and demonstrate humility today?
How did this impact your day and how you respond in the areas in which you struggle with humility?
February 16 2012
Content? Or Content?
Reading: Hebrews 13:5-6, Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you, so that we confidently say, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
In today's uncertain world of ever changing politics and jobs, how can we be content with our lives? We have families to care for, bills to pay, our homes are not worth what we owe on them. So what are we to do? Everywhere we turn someone is telling us how doomed we are, always the negative, always how something will never work. So where do we turn? I mean, really, just tell me what to do to fix it ant I will fix it.
Personally, I believe that we really are suffering from a lack of trust. We can't trust the politicians, we can't trust the media, we can't trust the company, we can't trust… and the list goes on. Maybe our forefathers could not trust any of these things either. I’m sure that my grandfather and great grandfather would sit around and complain about the same things we do now. "The world is moving to fast"; "the president doesn't have a clue"; "my boss is an idiot". So what did they trust in? It's ironic that the same money that we are trying to earn to feel “safe” is printed with the words "In God we trust" on it?
Maybe we have been trying to trust in the wrong things lately, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU". What guarantees have you ever received in this world that could stack up against that promise from a God who holds the entire world in His hand? Remember this is God promising this to you. It doesn’t come with a “90 day limited warranty”, it is forever.
Do you genuinely feel content with what you have?
How can you choose today to be content with what you have and place your complete trust in God?
End of the Day Review
As you look back on the day, did you feel a sense of contentment? If yes, how; if no, why not?
Did you go through your day, trusting in God that He will take care of things?
Reading: Hebrews 13:5-6, Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you, so that we confidently say, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
In today's uncertain world of ever changing politics and jobs, how can we be content with our lives? We have families to care for, bills to pay, our homes are not worth what we owe on them. So what are we to do? Everywhere we turn someone is telling us how doomed we are, always the negative, always how something will never work. So where do we turn? I mean, really, just tell me what to do to fix it ant I will fix it.
Personally, I believe that we really are suffering from a lack of trust. We can't trust the politicians, we can't trust the media, we can't trust the company, we can't trust… and the list goes on. Maybe our forefathers could not trust any of these things either. I’m sure that my grandfather and great grandfather would sit around and complain about the same things we do now. "The world is moving to fast"; "the president doesn't have a clue"; "my boss is an idiot". So what did they trust in? It's ironic that the same money that we are trying to earn to feel “safe” is printed with the words "In God we trust" on it?
Maybe we have been trying to trust in the wrong things lately, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU". What guarantees have you ever received in this world that could stack up against that promise from a God who holds the entire world in His hand? Remember this is God promising this to you. It doesn’t come with a “90 day limited warranty”, it is forever.
Do you genuinely feel content with what you have?
How can you choose today to be content with what you have and place your complete trust in God?
End of the Day Review
As you look back on the day, did you feel a sense of contentment? If yes, how; if no, why not?
Did you go through your day, trusting in God that He will take care of things?
February 15 2012
“The Church”
Reading: Matthew 16:17-18, 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
It’s truly amazing how the word “church” has taken on so many different meanings, perceptions and/or characteristics over the last 2,000 years since Jesus uttered the word for the very first time as He spoke to Peter in these verses. In all actuality, He didn’t really even use the word “church”. In the original Greek language, the word is “ekklesia”, “ek” meaning “out” and “kaleo” meaning to “call”. Therefore, he was referring to a group of people who were very special, who were “called out”; not the seemingly ambiguous definition that “church” has taken on today where almost any religious gathering in a building could qualify. We… are “called out”. When we are called out, though, we are separate. We are unique. We are different. We have been called out of the crowd… called out of the world. But, are we different? Are we unique? Do we look separate? This is not looking separate like a “commune” or with a special uniform. Jesus spent much of His ministry attempting to break the thought process that its about the outward man, rather, the inward man... your responses... your attitude… your character… your integrity. Are you different? Can the world and those around you see that you have been and are truly “called out”?
What are some ways that you can be different today, to be “called out”?
What one person or group of people tends to bring your flesh out the most? What can you do today to be different?
How can the world see that we have been called out, that we can be different, if we continue to response and act the same way that they do? By the way, if you wait for someone else to be the “better man”, the world does the same thing.
End of the Day Review
How were you able to act or respond differently than the world or, possibly, differently than you may normally act or respond today?
How did this impact you and how did it impact those around you?
Reading: Matthew 16:17-18, 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
It’s truly amazing how the word “church” has taken on so many different meanings, perceptions and/or characteristics over the last 2,000 years since Jesus uttered the word for the very first time as He spoke to Peter in these verses. In all actuality, He didn’t really even use the word “church”. In the original Greek language, the word is “ekklesia”, “ek” meaning “out” and “kaleo” meaning to “call”. Therefore, he was referring to a group of people who were very special, who were “called out”; not the seemingly ambiguous definition that “church” has taken on today where almost any religious gathering in a building could qualify. We… are “called out”. When we are called out, though, we are separate. We are unique. We are different. We have been called out of the crowd… called out of the world. But, are we different? Are we unique? Do we look separate? This is not looking separate like a “commune” or with a special uniform. Jesus spent much of His ministry attempting to break the thought process that its about the outward man, rather, the inward man... your responses... your attitude… your character… your integrity. Are you different? Can the world and those around you see that you have been and are truly “called out”?
What are some ways that you can be different today, to be “called out”?
What one person or group of people tends to bring your flesh out the most? What can you do today to be different?
How can the world see that we have been called out, that we can be different, if we continue to response and act the same way that they do? By the way, if you wait for someone else to be the “better man”, the world does the same thing.
End of the Day Review
How were you able to act or respond differently than the world or, possibly, differently than you may normally act or respond today?
How did this impact you and how did it impact those around you?
February 13 2012
Reading: Philippians 2:14-15, 14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
I was amazed when a special speaker came to our work and gave a demonstration of encouragement versus complaining. He had one of our coworkers stand in front and hold their arms straight out at their side. He then placed his hands on top of their arms but did not push them down. He began by stating a barrage of complaints and negative comments. The more he complained the further the coworker’s arms sank. After a few minutes, he began the practice all over again but this time, was very positive and encouraging. The coworker kept their arms up the whole time, in fact, their arms had risen slightly. It was amazing to see the physical response of hearing positive comments versus negative. We do not realize the impact our complaining and negative comments make on ourselves and those around us. Don’t forget the saying, “I complained about the fact that I didn’t have any shoes, until I met a man who had no feet”.
Challenge: Go throughout the entire day without saying a single negative thing and without a single complaint.
What are some typical things that you complain about throughout a day?
How can you safeguard yourself to catch yourself?
REVIEW
How difficult was it to not complain or say something negative?
How did it influence your day?
I was amazed when a special speaker came to our work and gave a demonstration of encouragement versus complaining. He had one of our coworkers stand in front and hold their arms straight out at their side. He then placed his hands on top of their arms but did not push them down. He began by stating a barrage of complaints and negative comments. The more he complained the further the coworker’s arms sank. After a few minutes, he began the practice all over again but this time, was very positive and encouraging. The coworker kept their arms up the whole time, in fact, their arms had risen slightly. It was amazing to see the physical response of hearing positive comments versus negative. We do not realize the impact our complaining and negative comments make on ourselves and those around us. Don’t forget the saying, “I complained about the fact that I didn’t have any shoes, until I met a man who had no feet”.
Challenge: Go throughout the entire day without saying a single negative thing and without a single complaint.
What are some typical things that you complain about throughout a day?
How can you safeguard yourself to catch yourself?
REVIEW
How difficult was it to not complain or say something negative?
How did it influence your day?
Sunday, January 22, 2012
January 29 2012
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 109:30-31, 30 With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng I will praise him. 31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
Reading: Psalm 109:30-31, 30 With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng I will praise him. 31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him.
Review the questions and answers from this past week.
What key victories did you experience this past week in your 7 battles?
How can you celebrate and rejoice in the victories of this week which would give glory to God?
January 28 2012
Our Weakness
Reading: I Corinthians 1:22-25, 22Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
I don’t know about you but I don’t get any real joy out of spending time talking about my weaknesses. I would rather hear about how I’m making a difference or how I look good in my caped suit as I swept down and saved the day. Hearing about my weakness, though??? Not an enjoyable thing, especially as a guy. We want to be the conqueror not the defeated… and typically, we want to do it ourselves. It is this characteristic that tends to war against the teachings of this passage. When our wife, children or friends have a question, it sure feels good to hear that you would be the one with the answer, the one that knows. Verse 25 is simply amazing, though, it’s almost like the Bible is saying, “Yeah, God’s foolishness is smarter than the smartest man in the world. God could do man’s greatest feats with His hands tied behind His back.” The thing is… as God’s child… you have access to that same wisdom and strength. The cost?... simply sacrifice your wisdom and strength, which is easy to say… not as easy to do, especially as a man. It’s easier to act, react, and function while using our own strength and thoughts based upon our own senses and perception. Will you choose to tap into God’s wisdom and strength today?
How can you set aside your own thoughts and smarts to rely on God’s thoughts today?
How can you set aside your own strength to rely on God’s strength today?
REVIEW
How were you able to set aside your own strength and thoughts to rely on God’s thoughts and strength?
How did that impact you and your day today?
Reading: I Corinthians 1:22-25, 22Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
I don’t know about you but I don’t get any real joy out of spending time talking about my weaknesses. I would rather hear about how I’m making a difference or how I look good in my caped suit as I swept down and saved the day. Hearing about my weakness, though??? Not an enjoyable thing, especially as a guy. We want to be the conqueror not the defeated… and typically, we want to do it ourselves. It is this characteristic that tends to war against the teachings of this passage. When our wife, children or friends have a question, it sure feels good to hear that you would be the one with the answer, the one that knows. Verse 25 is simply amazing, though, it’s almost like the Bible is saying, “Yeah, God’s foolishness is smarter than the smartest man in the world. God could do man’s greatest feats with His hands tied behind His back.” The thing is… as God’s child… you have access to that same wisdom and strength. The cost?... simply sacrifice your wisdom and strength, which is easy to say… not as easy to do, especially as a man. It’s easier to act, react, and function while using our own strength and thoughts based upon our own senses and perception. Will you choose to tap into God’s wisdom and strength today?
How can you set aside your own thoughts and smarts to rely on God’s thoughts today?
How can you set aside your own strength to rely on God’s strength today?
REVIEW
How were you able to set aside your own strength and thoughts to rely on God’s thoughts and strength?
How did that impact you and your day today?
January 27 2012
Thanks, Brothers
Reading: Philemon 1:4-7, 4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
I think that sometimes we take our Christian brothers for granted. When do we remember them, when we need a hand with something? When we have received unwelcome news? How often do we remember to pray for our brother or just give thanks to God for blessing our lives with them? Surely we’re thankful for them, aren’t we? It truly is a different feeling to pray thanks for someone rather than lifting them as a request. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s important that we pray for those in need, but I also feel a joy when I pray for someone “just because.”
I can recall a day that can be described as a “case of the Mondays.” Nothing was going right. I was miserable and in a foul mood. I knew I had to pray and as I started speaking the words, I found my thoughts drifting to my best friend. I prayed that his house would finally close escrow that he would have enough time with his girlfriend and I prayed that he would serve the Lord to the best of his potential. Wouldn’t you know it…as soon as I said Amen, the phone rang. It was my friend with great news – his house had finally closed and he was taking his girlfriend out to celebrate. He closed with “Isn’t God great?” “Yes He is.” I replied. I spent the rest of the day in a great mood. I pray that the next time you’re having a “case of the Mondays” that you will be able to turn to God in prayer and change that “Monday” into a great day.
Who can you pray for today and, specifically, how will you be praying for them?
End of the Day Review
How did you lift up your brothers in prayer today?
Did you see any results? How did God reveal Himself to you through doing this?
Reading: Philemon 1:4-7, 4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
I think that sometimes we take our Christian brothers for granted. When do we remember them, when we need a hand with something? When we have received unwelcome news? How often do we remember to pray for our brother or just give thanks to God for blessing our lives with them? Surely we’re thankful for them, aren’t we? It truly is a different feeling to pray thanks for someone rather than lifting them as a request. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s important that we pray for those in need, but I also feel a joy when I pray for someone “just because.”
I can recall a day that can be described as a “case of the Mondays.” Nothing was going right. I was miserable and in a foul mood. I knew I had to pray and as I started speaking the words, I found my thoughts drifting to my best friend. I prayed that his house would finally close escrow that he would have enough time with his girlfriend and I prayed that he would serve the Lord to the best of his potential. Wouldn’t you know it…as soon as I said Amen, the phone rang. It was my friend with great news – his house had finally closed and he was taking his girlfriend out to celebrate. He closed with “Isn’t God great?” “Yes He is.” I replied. I spent the rest of the day in a great mood. I pray that the next time you’re having a “case of the Mondays” that you will be able to turn to God in prayer and change that “Monday” into a great day.
Who can you pray for today and, specifically, how will you be praying for them?
End of the Day Review
How did you lift up your brothers in prayer today?
Did you see any results? How did God reveal Himself to you through doing this?
January 26 2012
Level Ground
Reading: Isaiah 26:7-9, 7 The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth. 8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. 9 My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.
If you are anything like me, you may chuckle a bit at the thought of life being level and smooth. Life seems to be anything but level and smooth. But, that’s not what Isaiah is talking about. It would be comparable to climbing a mountain and coming to a point where there is a ravine for as far as you can seen from side to side. Your journey and goal is to get to the other side to continue climbing up the mountain. You start climbing down into the ravine. It’s rocky and difficult but then you look up and see a bridge that spans the ravine. The bridge doesn’t take away the rockiness or difficulty of the ravine and the area that you need to cross, it simply makes the path level and smooth, well, and a lot easier, for that matter. The problem tends to be that we want the result of a level and smooth path of life, but we don’t want to have to wait for it. Yes, I said, “Wait for it”. Notice, Isaiah said, “walking in the way of your laws, we WAIT for you”. Too many times, the waiting is too difficult so we tend to go ahead through the rocky ravine. But, what produces the ability to wait? Verses 8 and 9 give us the answers. When your focus is removed from the path and placed on “desiring”, “yearning” and “longing” for God and walking with Him. The waiting doesn’t seem nearly as difficult because you don’t want to experience the journey without Him. So, however long the wait, you just know that you don’t want to go without Him.
What rocky or difficult ravines are you traveling through right now?
Do you “yearn for [God] in the night; in the morning [your] spirit long for [Him]”? If not, how can you get to that place?
REVIEW
How was your path today?
Were you able to wait on the Lord and did you yearn for Him and long for Him? How did this impact your day?
Reading: Isaiah 26:7-9, 7 The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth. 8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. 9 My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.
If you are anything like me, you may chuckle a bit at the thought of life being level and smooth. Life seems to be anything but level and smooth. But, that’s not what Isaiah is talking about. It would be comparable to climbing a mountain and coming to a point where there is a ravine for as far as you can seen from side to side. Your journey and goal is to get to the other side to continue climbing up the mountain. You start climbing down into the ravine. It’s rocky and difficult but then you look up and see a bridge that spans the ravine. The bridge doesn’t take away the rockiness or difficulty of the ravine and the area that you need to cross, it simply makes the path level and smooth, well, and a lot easier, for that matter. The problem tends to be that we want the result of a level and smooth path of life, but we don’t want to have to wait for it. Yes, I said, “Wait for it”. Notice, Isaiah said, “walking in the way of your laws, we WAIT for you”. Too many times, the waiting is too difficult so we tend to go ahead through the rocky ravine. But, what produces the ability to wait? Verses 8 and 9 give us the answers. When your focus is removed from the path and placed on “desiring”, “yearning” and “longing” for God and walking with Him. The waiting doesn’t seem nearly as difficult because you don’t want to experience the journey without Him. So, however long the wait, you just know that you don’t want to go without Him.
What rocky or difficult ravines are you traveling through right now?
Do you “yearn for [God] in the night; in the morning [your] spirit long for [Him]”? If not, how can you get to that place?
REVIEW
How was your path today?
Were you able to wait on the Lord and did you yearn for Him and long for Him? How did this impact your day?
January 25 2012
Use Your Gift
Reading: I Timothy 4:12-16, 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
With young children of my own, I am constantly intrigued at Christmas and birthdays which gift they are going to really cling to and which gift they would just as soon do without. There are so many times that “you just know that they are going to love it!!!” Then they open it, and the last thing that their face communicates is absolute adoration for this gift. Even at a certain age, they would much rather play with the box that the gift came in, then to play with the gift. You begin to wonder “Then, what was the point of getting the gift?” Then, you have us, the adults. Have you ever received a gift, tucked it away, then found it a while later and completely forgot that you had it? My brother-in-law and I had about a five year string going when we would give the tie that the other one had given the previous year. I don’t think we wore the tie even one time. It just sat on the tie rack. Too many times we are the same way with our spiritual gifts from God. It may not be the most popular gift. We may experience fear in demonstrating that gift. We may not think we have time to use the gift, but, what Paul said to Timothy, to “not neglect your gift”, was a command to follow. A legitimate struggle for you could be that you don’t know what your gifts are. It’s difficult to open your gift and use it, if you don’t know what it is.
Challenge: If you don’t know what your gifts are, talk to your group and ask them to help you with developing a list of your gifts.
What are your gifts?
How can you use those gifts in your life without neglecting them?
REVIEW
What did you learn about your gifts today?
How were you able to use your gifts today?
Reading: I Timothy 4:12-16, 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
With young children of my own, I am constantly intrigued at Christmas and birthdays which gift they are going to really cling to and which gift they would just as soon do without. There are so many times that “you just know that they are going to love it!!!” Then they open it, and the last thing that their face communicates is absolute adoration for this gift. Even at a certain age, they would much rather play with the box that the gift came in, then to play with the gift. You begin to wonder “Then, what was the point of getting the gift?” Then, you have us, the adults. Have you ever received a gift, tucked it away, then found it a while later and completely forgot that you had it? My brother-in-law and I had about a five year string going when we would give the tie that the other one had given the previous year. I don’t think we wore the tie even one time. It just sat on the tie rack. Too many times we are the same way with our spiritual gifts from God. It may not be the most popular gift. We may experience fear in demonstrating that gift. We may not think we have time to use the gift, but, what Paul said to Timothy, to “not neglect your gift”, was a command to follow. A legitimate struggle for you could be that you don’t know what your gifts are. It’s difficult to open your gift and use it, if you don’t know what it is.
Challenge: If you don’t know what your gifts are, talk to your group and ask them to help you with developing a list of your gifts.
What are your gifts?
How can you use those gifts in your life without neglecting them?
REVIEW
What did you learn about your gifts today?
How were you able to use your gifts today?
January 24 2012
Leave Responsibilities?
Reading: Matthew 19:29, And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
“Everyone who has left house… okay, I get that… or brothers… get that… or sisters… definitely get that… or father or mother… yeah, get that… or children… WHAT? Leave children?” And add on top of that… leave fields… which at that time was the way to provide for your family? Men, this isn’t a verse that is teaching us to shirk our God given roles and responsibilities. Rather, we can tend to, very easily, hide behind our “roles and responsibilities” as an excuse to not truly follow Christ. Men, following Christ is not merely attending church. We tend to fill our days with work (the “fields”) and running our kids to one event or the other. Let’s do the math… if the average Christian home has 2 children… and if every child in that home follows Christ… we are not changing the world. We are remaining status quo. Are we ready to make a difference in the world? Really… are we?
What things are you holding on to and not forsaking to follow Christ completely?
What are some hindrances and things that make it difficult for you to let go of these things to follow Him?
How can you take steps today to let go of these things and follow Christ completely with all that you have to offer?
End of the Day Review
What steps did you take in your life today to let go of the things that have been holding you back from following Christ completely?
How can you maintain this to continue on following Him without picking those things back up?
Reading: Matthew 19:29, And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
“Everyone who has left house… okay, I get that… or brothers… get that… or sisters… definitely get that… or father or mother… yeah, get that… or children… WHAT? Leave children?” And add on top of that… leave fields… which at that time was the way to provide for your family? Men, this isn’t a verse that is teaching us to shirk our God given roles and responsibilities. Rather, we can tend to, very easily, hide behind our “roles and responsibilities” as an excuse to not truly follow Christ. Men, following Christ is not merely attending church. We tend to fill our days with work (the “fields”) and running our kids to one event or the other. Let’s do the math… if the average Christian home has 2 children… and if every child in that home follows Christ… we are not changing the world. We are remaining status quo. Are we ready to make a difference in the world? Really… are we?
What things are you holding on to and not forsaking to follow Christ completely?
What are some hindrances and things that make it difficult for you to let go of these things to follow Him?
How can you take steps today to let go of these things and follow Christ completely with all that you have to offer?
End of the Day Review
What steps did you take in your life today to let go of the things that have been holding you back from following Christ completely?
How can you maintain this to continue on following Him without picking those things back up?
January 23 2012
For You
Reading: Hebrews 12:2-3, 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Imagine you are with your band of brothers and while you’re talking with a few men, periodically, a different man comes up to you and says very excitedly, “He wants to see you.” Before you can ask, “Who”… He walks away, so you continue talking. Another comes up, “Can you believe it, He wants to see you?” “Who? Who wants to see me?”, you say, as he walks away. After a few more times, you become adamant, “Who wants to see me? And where is this person?” As soon as the words come out of your mouth, everyone in the entire place looks at you and begins to part the way. There at the end of the opening stands Jesus. He motions for you to come to Him. As you near Him, He motions for you to sit down, without saying a word. You look back at the other people who are now leaving to give the two of you some privacy. He pulls up a chair to sit down right in front of you. He sits down, looks you square in the eyes and says, “Hi,” with a gentle smile. Torn between excitement that it’s Jesus and a sickening feeling that you’re in trouble, you say “Hi” back. Then He calls you by name and says, “Do you know what I did?” Assuming He is talking about His sacrifice, you say, “Yes”. He then opens up His hands and lays them open in front of you and says, “No… do you know what I did?... Do you want to touch the scars?” You don’t really want to but you feel like you should. Then, He leans forward and looks at you until you are looking into His eyes and He gently says, “You… (he pauses and His smile grows as if He is thinking about it even more deeply) “You...,” He continues, “were worth it.” As that begins to sink in, He continues, “Every time that the whip hit my back, every time that my hand felt the vibration of the hammer hitting the nail, as I could feel the thorns digging into my skull, even the feeling of being forsaken by my Father… you were worth it… you were worth all of it.”
Men, today, let’s just fix our eyes on Him and let that sink in. You were His “joy set before Him.”
End of the Day Review
How did the realization that you were worth it to Him to make such a huge sacrifice affect your day?
How did it impact the way that you looked at Him or others today?
Reading: Hebrews 12:2-3, 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Imagine you are with your band of brothers and while you’re talking with a few men, periodically, a different man comes up to you and says very excitedly, “He wants to see you.” Before you can ask, “Who”… He walks away, so you continue talking. Another comes up, “Can you believe it, He wants to see you?” “Who? Who wants to see me?”, you say, as he walks away. After a few more times, you become adamant, “Who wants to see me? And where is this person?” As soon as the words come out of your mouth, everyone in the entire place looks at you and begins to part the way. There at the end of the opening stands Jesus. He motions for you to come to Him. As you near Him, He motions for you to sit down, without saying a word. You look back at the other people who are now leaving to give the two of you some privacy. He pulls up a chair to sit down right in front of you. He sits down, looks you square in the eyes and says, “Hi,” with a gentle smile. Torn between excitement that it’s Jesus and a sickening feeling that you’re in trouble, you say “Hi” back. Then He calls you by name and says, “Do you know what I did?” Assuming He is talking about His sacrifice, you say, “Yes”. He then opens up His hands and lays them open in front of you and says, “No… do you know what I did?... Do you want to touch the scars?” You don’t really want to but you feel like you should. Then, He leans forward and looks at you until you are looking into His eyes and He gently says, “You… (he pauses and His smile grows as if He is thinking about it even more deeply) “You...,” He continues, “were worth it.” As that begins to sink in, He continues, “Every time that the whip hit my back, every time that my hand felt the vibration of the hammer hitting the nail, as I could feel the thorns digging into my skull, even the feeling of being forsaken by my Father… you were worth it… you were worth all of it.”
Men, today, let’s just fix our eyes on Him and let that sink in. You were His “joy set before Him.”
End of the Day Review
How did the realization that you were worth it to Him to make such a huge sacrifice affect your day?
How did it impact the way that you looked at Him or others today?
Sunday, January 15, 2012
January 22 2012
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 111:1-4, 1Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. 2 Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. 3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
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 111:1-4, 1Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. 2 Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. 3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
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?
January 21 2012
Bible Study #4
Book Bible Study
Book: Philippians
(try to read the entire book of Philippians in one sitting, its only around 3 pages, depending on which Bible you use)
Date of Writing: 59-60 A.D.
(Look online or another source book as to what was occurring during that time period.)
Who was the author (Philippians 1:1)?
From where was he writing (Philippians 1:13-14)?
Who were the recipients of the book?
What were some characteristics of recipients (ch 2)?
Why written?
What were the major problems identified in writing?
What solutions were given?
What was the central meaning in that day?
What is the central meaning of today?
Summarize the main theme:
What key words were used repeatedly?:
Book Bible Study
Book: Philippians
(try to read the entire book of Philippians in one sitting, its only around 3 pages, depending on which Bible you use)
Date of Writing: 59-60 A.D.
(Look online or another source book as to what was occurring during that time period.)
Who was the author (Philippians 1:1)?
From where was he writing (Philippians 1:13-14)?
Who were the recipients of the book?
What were some characteristics of recipients (ch 2)?
Why written?
What were the major problems identified in writing?
What solutions were given?
What was the central meaning in that day?
What is the central meaning of today?
Summarize the main theme:
What key words were used repeatedly?:
January 20 2012
See the Crowd
Reading: Matthew 9:36-38, 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
As we are to be imitators of Christ, how many times do we “see the crowds”? We fly past many people, almost every day but how often do we really see them? Now, let’s remember who Jesus was as He viewed these crowds. The people that He saw and had compassion on were the same people whose sins would be nailing Him to the cross. He could have very easily thought, “I’m already doing enough for these people. I don’t need to give anything more to them or be concerned any more about them. I’m going to be crucified for them. I think that’s plenty.” No, He had compassion on them. This is the creator of the universe. This is the Son of God. This is the King of Kings.
Can you see them? Can you see them as sheep without a shepherd? Can you see their needs… their real needs?
Challenge #1: Take time today, some real time, not simply a couple minutes, to see the crowds. Go to a location, purposefully, where there will be a larger group of people, and “see” them. Ask God to open your eyes and see them as He sees them.
What can you do to be a “worker in the field” today?
Challenge #2: Take time today get away to talk to God and ask Him to send workers into His harvest field.
REVIEW
What did you see today as you viewed the world through God’s eyes?
What work were you able to do in the “field” today?
Reading: Matthew 9:36-38, 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
As we are to be imitators of Christ, how many times do we “see the crowds”? We fly past many people, almost every day but how often do we really see them? Now, let’s remember who Jesus was as He viewed these crowds. The people that He saw and had compassion on were the same people whose sins would be nailing Him to the cross. He could have very easily thought, “I’m already doing enough for these people. I don’t need to give anything more to them or be concerned any more about them. I’m going to be crucified for them. I think that’s plenty.” No, He had compassion on them. This is the creator of the universe. This is the Son of God. This is the King of Kings.
Can you see them? Can you see them as sheep without a shepherd? Can you see their needs… their real needs?
Challenge #1: Take time today, some real time, not simply a couple minutes, to see the crowds. Go to a location, purposefully, where there will be a larger group of people, and “see” them. Ask God to open your eyes and see them as He sees them.
What can you do to be a “worker in the field” today?
Challenge #2: Take time today get away to talk to God and ask Him to send workers into His harvest field.
REVIEW
What did you see today as you viewed the world through God’s eyes?
What work were you able to do in the “field” today?
January 19 2012
Iron Sharpens Iron
Reading: Proverbs 27:17, As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Have you ever gone into your shed or garage after a long winter only to find that your best shears are rusted shut? As a man what do you do? Do you go buy a new pair? No! We pull out the WD40, clean them up and take the time to sharpen them so they are almost new again.
The same goes for us spiritually. We really can’t afford to place our walk with the Lord on the shelf and have no concern as to how it will play out. Our brothers in Christ are like the WD40 and the church is like our sharpening block. How many church services or Bible studies can you skip before you begin to become dull and Christ’s light in you begins to fade? Personally, I have found that before I skip a weekend I make sure that I’m confident that it will not matter. I convince myself that I will not be missing anything and just being gone one weekend won’t make that much of a difference. Unfortunately once I do (even though I’m sure I had a good excuse) my focus just isn’t quite right the rest of the week. It isn’t until the next weekend when I’m able to sit in that familiar seat at church surrounded by those that share the same love for God, that I feel “right” again. We need each other and the fellowship of other Christians to combat the world and its devices. United we stand, divided we fall and falling should never be a deliberate choice.
How can you give yourself opportunities to be sharpened by the Word of God and your Brothers in Christ today?
How will you act as the WD40 to other brothers today?
End of the Day Review
Were you able to be sharpened by the Word of God and your Brothers in Christ today, if so, how did that happen?
How were you able to act as the WD40 to your brothers in Christ today?
Reading: Proverbs 27:17, As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Have you ever gone into your shed or garage after a long winter only to find that your best shears are rusted shut? As a man what do you do? Do you go buy a new pair? No! We pull out the WD40, clean them up and take the time to sharpen them so they are almost new again.
The same goes for us spiritually. We really can’t afford to place our walk with the Lord on the shelf and have no concern as to how it will play out. Our brothers in Christ are like the WD40 and the church is like our sharpening block. How many church services or Bible studies can you skip before you begin to become dull and Christ’s light in you begins to fade? Personally, I have found that before I skip a weekend I make sure that I’m confident that it will not matter. I convince myself that I will not be missing anything and just being gone one weekend won’t make that much of a difference. Unfortunately once I do (even though I’m sure I had a good excuse) my focus just isn’t quite right the rest of the week. It isn’t until the next weekend when I’m able to sit in that familiar seat at church surrounded by those that share the same love for God, that I feel “right” again. We need each other and the fellowship of other Christians to combat the world and its devices. United we stand, divided we fall and falling should never be a deliberate choice.
How can you give yourself opportunities to be sharpened by the Word of God and your Brothers in Christ today?
How will you act as the WD40 to other brothers today?
End of the Day Review
Were you able to be sharpened by the Word of God and your Brothers in Christ today, if so, how did that happen?
How were you able to act as the WD40 to your brothers in Christ today?
January 18 2012
Good or Godly?
Reading: I Timothy 4:7b-8, “Train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” [NIV]
I use to be one of those people who always had a smile on my face. In fact, I would have people ask me if there was ever a time that I wasn’t smiling. Smiles and laughter are infectious. I loved and still love to make people smile. It is an amazing feeling to see someone who appears to be having a bad day and being able to walk away having seen a smile overtake their face. But, I reached a point when God began to convict me. Smiling isn’t bad and making people smile, of course, is not bad. But, the overwhelming message that God would not let me shake from my thoughts was… how long does a smile last? Everyone thinks you’re nice and a good person when you’re happy and cheer other’s up. Not everyone enjoys someone who talks about God. All of a sudden the smile that you wanted to put on someone’s face becomes and awkward glance and an overwhelming feeling of discomfort. Yet, God knew in His loving way of convicting me… if I were to be and act godly, He can create a joy in the other person that could last a lifetime, whereas the smile that I would try to share, may only last a moment.
We have all known individuals who are not Christians, yet they appear to be a really good person. What makes us different? Unfortunately, it appears, not much is different. Demonstrating godliness can simply be being good and including God. For example, making someone smile but, further, talking to them about the joy that the Lord has given you. Buying someone a coffee but, further, letting them know that God laid it on your heart to do. Ask them how their day is going but, further, asking how you can be praying for them. To be godly… you must include God. Let’s not strive to be good today… let’s strive to be godly, because, as Paul said, you have to train yourself to be godly.
How do you feel God is leading you to be godly today and how can you include Him in everything today?
End of the Day Review
Did you strive to be godly today, to include God? If so, how did you do that?
How did this change the normal routine of your day and the way that you went about things?
Reading: I Timothy 4:7b-8, “Train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” [NIV]
I use to be one of those people who always had a smile on my face. In fact, I would have people ask me if there was ever a time that I wasn’t smiling. Smiles and laughter are infectious. I loved and still love to make people smile. It is an amazing feeling to see someone who appears to be having a bad day and being able to walk away having seen a smile overtake their face. But, I reached a point when God began to convict me. Smiling isn’t bad and making people smile, of course, is not bad. But, the overwhelming message that God would not let me shake from my thoughts was… how long does a smile last? Everyone thinks you’re nice and a good person when you’re happy and cheer other’s up. Not everyone enjoys someone who talks about God. All of a sudden the smile that you wanted to put on someone’s face becomes and awkward glance and an overwhelming feeling of discomfort. Yet, God knew in His loving way of convicting me… if I were to be and act godly, He can create a joy in the other person that could last a lifetime, whereas the smile that I would try to share, may only last a moment.
We have all known individuals who are not Christians, yet they appear to be a really good person. What makes us different? Unfortunately, it appears, not much is different. Demonstrating godliness can simply be being good and including God. For example, making someone smile but, further, talking to them about the joy that the Lord has given you. Buying someone a coffee but, further, letting them know that God laid it on your heart to do. Ask them how their day is going but, further, asking how you can be praying for them. To be godly… you must include God. Let’s not strive to be good today… let’s strive to be godly, because, as Paul said, you have to train yourself to be godly.
How do you feel God is leading you to be godly today and how can you include Him in everything today?
End of the Day Review
Did you strive to be godly today, to include God? If so, how did you do that?
How did this change the normal routine of your day and the way that you went about things?
January 17 2012
Vapor
Reading: James 4:13-15, 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”
Okay, men, is it just me or did something magical happen when we hit 30 years old to cause the hour glass of time to go from a little trickle to an all out gush. When you’re a kid, time cannot move fast enough and now that I have kids, I’m constantly looking for the “pause” button. How did this happen? But, our lives are truly like a vapor. It is a blink and it’s gone. If you won a prize and the prize was the ability to fill a shopping cart at your favorite store (yes, you can use Cabella’s for the illustration) with as much as you can get within a 15 minutes period, what would you do? Would you treat this particular trip to the store like you might when you go with your wife to one of her favorite stores, shuffling your feet, rolling your eyes, creeping around the store at a snail’s pace wondering when the pain will end? I highly doubt it. I am sure that we would get as much value as we possibly could in the short time that we had. Men, this life is no different. The shopping spree prize would be pointless if you couldn’t take any of the things with you outside of the store. We have a brief time on this earth, why do we spend so much time on things that just plainly do not have value and we will not be able to take with us anyways?
How can you focus on things that have eternal value and spend your time doing those today? What are some of those things?
The challenge today is… it’s only today… but, keep track of everything that you spend time doing today; write down what you did as you are doing it and how much time you spent.
End of the Day Review
After reviewing the list of things that you spent time doing and how much time you spend doing them, how much time was spent of things that have eternal value?
How much time was spent on things that do not have eternal value?
What was the difference and what are your thoughts?
Reading: James 4:13-15, 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”
Okay, men, is it just me or did something magical happen when we hit 30 years old to cause the hour glass of time to go from a little trickle to an all out gush. When you’re a kid, time cannot move fast enough and now that I have kids, I’m constantly looking for the “pause” button. How did this happen? But, our lives are truly like a vapor. It is a blink and it’s gone. If you won a prize and the prize was the ability to fill a shopping cart at your favorite store (yes, you can use Cabella’s for the illustration) with as much as you can get within a 15 minutes period, what would you do? Would you treat this particular trip to the store like you might when you go with your wife to one of her favorite stores, shuffling your feet, rolling your eyes, creeping around the store at a snail’s pace wondering when the pain will end? I highly doubt it. I am sure that we would get as much value as we possibly could in the short time that we had. Men, this life is no different. The shopping spree prize would be pointless if you couldn’t take any of the things with you outside of the store. We have a brief time on this earth, why do we spend so much time on things that just plainly do not have value and we will not be able to take with us anyways?
How can you focus on things that have eternal value and spend your time doing those today? What are some of those things?
The challenge today is… it’s only today… but, keep track of everything that you spend time doing today; write down what you did as you are doing it and how much time you spent.
End of the Day Review
After reviewing the list of things that you spent time doing and how much time you spend doing them, how much time was spent of things that have eternal value?
How much time was spent on things that do not have eternal value?
What was the difference and what are your thoughts?
January 16 2012
He Notices
Reading: Matthew 10:29-31, 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
What do you spend time noticing throughout the day, the sport’s section of the paper, the internet, the stock market, emails you received, the list of things you have to get done, your family? What turns your head and makes you take note? Most of us take great care and notice in our hair and the way that we look. Let’s face it, some of us are pretty vein in our appearance. But, even the most vein amongst us, I am sure, have never taken the time to count every single hair on your head. I may take that back considering some of our less densely populated heads of hair; but, imagine how tedious and seemingly pointless it would be. But, that is the exact point that is stressed by Jesus in these three verses. God cares about you, even with the tedious and seemingly pointless. How many of you have seen a penny on the ground in the past year? How valuable was that to you? Were you quick to scoop it up and tuck it away, excited about the financial turning point that this penny would make in your life? But, a bird that is worth less than a penny is valuable to the One who owns more wealth than the entire world could provide. He notices you and He’s noticing you today?
What tedious and seemingly pointless things are you going through today?
Challenge #1: Every menial task that you are doing today, live in the remembrance that God notices and cares.
Challenge #2: If God cares that much about the small things about you, he also does about others, take time to care about the menial things in those around you. If God, who oversees the entire universe, cares about those things, so can you today.
REVIEW
How did living in the remembrance that God is noticing you and the little things in your day affect your day?
How were you able to take time to care about the small things in other people’s day?
Reading: Matthew 10:29-31, 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
What do you spend time noticing throughout the day, the sport’s section of the paper, the internet, the stock market, emails you received, the list of things you have to get done, your family? What turns your head and makes you take note? Most of us take great care and notice in our hair and the way that we look. Let’s face it, some of us are pretty vein in our appearance. But, even the most vein amongst us, I am sure, have never taken the time to count every single hair on your head. I may take that back considering some of our less densely populated heads of hair; but, imagine how tedious and seemingly pointless it would be. But, that is the exact point that is stressed by Jesus in these three verses. God cares about you, even with the tedious and seemingly pointless. How many of you have seen a penny on the ground in the past year? How valuable was that to you? Were you quick to scoop it up and tuck it away, excited about the financial turning point that this penny would make in your life? But, a bird that is worth less than a penny is valuable to the One who owns more wealth than the entire world could provide. He notices you and He’s noticing you today?
What tedious and seemingly pointless things are you going through today?
Challenge #1: Every menial task that you are doing today, live in the remembrance that God notices and cares.
Challenge #2: If God cares that much about the small things about you, he also does about others, take time to care about the menial things in those around you. If God, who oversees the entire universe, cares about those things, so can you today.
REVIEW
How did living in the remembrance that God is noticing you and the little things in your day affect your day?
How were you able to take time to care about the small things in other people’s day?
Sunday, January 8, 2012
January 15 2012
CELEBRATION!
Reading: Psalm 112:1-3, 1Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. 2 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
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 112:1-3, 1Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. 2 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
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?
January 14 2012
Search Me!
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, it is that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find a place in your house and let everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground; a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you to have a visual as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for your sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24, 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Okay, men, it is that time to focus on yourself, again. The devotionals are focusing on doing, performing, thinking and so on; but, today, is a fine tuned look at yourself.
Find a place in your house and let everyone in the house know that you cannot be disturbed. Find something that you can lay on the ground; a towel, a chalk drawn circle, or anything that will help you to have a visual as you focus on yourself. Don’t just let this be something you do quickly and in passing. Take some quality time and actually schedule it into your day.
While in the circle or on your towel or whatever you have chosen to use, pray what David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” Beg God to reveal your sin to you. Beg Him to help you fix everything inside that circle. Don’t let anything in your thoughts or prayers be about other people. Don’t let anyone be your excuse for your sin or anything else that God reveals to you. Focus solely on yourself and the sin, temptation, struggles and repairs that need to occur in you and you alone. Then repent to God for those sins revealed and, then, present yourself to Him.
Write down key points that God revealed to you to keep yourself aware:
REVIEW
How did God speak to you?
What did you do with the things that God revealed to you?
What did you do with those things today?
January 13 2012
A Good Name
Reading: Proverbs 22:1, A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
What do you think of when I say the names… Clint Eastwood… OJ Simpson… Abraham Lincoln… Lee Harvey Oswald… Billy Graham… Bill Gates. It’s amazing the power of a name. The principle in this verse is becoming more and more estranged from where the world is continuing to head. People don’t care what you think of them as long as they are able to get their riches. Today, it doesn’t seem to matter how you get your riches, just as long as you get them. But, just remember, in the context of this verse, that you bear the name of Jesus Christ. It is not simply your name with which you are constantly developing a reputation.
As we reviewed the list of well known people and had thoughts and impressions of those individuals, what would people think of the name, Jesus Christ, if it were based on your reputation?
Write out a list of things that you would like people to think of when they think of your name:
Challenge: Value wearing the name of Jesus today and the impression you are leaving with others, in your demonstration of His name in your life.
Challenge: Review the list that you wrote above with the mindset of what you can do to demonstrate these attributes today to everyone, not just the people whom you care what they think, even those you may never see again.
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate wearing the name of Jesus today?
How did you live out the attributes that you would like people to think of when they think of your name?
Reading: Proverbs 22:1, A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
What do you think of when I say the names… Clint Eastwood… OJ Simpson… Abraham Lincoln… Lee Harvey Oswald… Billy Graham… Bill Gates. It’s amazing the power of a name. The principle in this verse is becoming more and more estranged from where the world is continuing to head. People don’t care what you think of them as long as they are able to get their riches. Today, it doesn’t seem to matter how you get your riches, just as long as you get them. But, just remember, in the context of this verse, that you bear the name of Jesus Christ. It is not simply your name with which you are constantly developing a reputation.
As we reviewed the list of well known people and had thoughts and impressions of those individuals, what would people think of the name, Jesus Christ, if it were based on your reputation?
Write out a list of things that you would like people to think of when they think of your name:
Challenge: Value wearing the name of Jesus today and the impression you are leaving with others, in your demonstration of His name in your life.
Challenge: Review the list that you wrote above with the mindset of what you can do to demonstrate these attributes today to everyone, not just the people whom you care what they think, even those you may never see again.
REVIEW
How were you able to demonstrate wearing the name of Jesus today?
How did you live out the attributes that you would like people to think of when they think of your name?
January 12 2012
Enough is Enough
Reading: 1Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
At what point in our lives do we say “wow…what was I thinking”? Is it looking at our hair and clothes in old high school photos? Is it watching the video online of the thing you did in college? What things have made you think “what was I thinking”?
Of all the truly embarrassing moments in our lives, in how many of them are we ashamed to call ourselves Christian?
It’s time to be honest. If you were on a game show and hooked to a lie detector where would you place God amongst things such as possessions, drinking with friends, flirting with the opposite sex, money and other “joys” of this world? Would you deny any knowledge of God if someone offered you a million dollars to do so? I would hope your answer is no. We are Christians. Not elite in the way that we consider ourselves better than anyone else, but elite in the fact that we have the knowledge and ability to spread the Word of God. It’s never really easy being a Christian, but I don’t think it’s necessarily supposed to be. I am a Christian man and I will fight for my God. I will fight for my brothers. I will wield the double edge sword known as the Word of God. I have spent enough time living the life of a pagan. Now I will live the life God intended for me.
How can you separate yourself from the things of this world today?
How can you take a hold of your sword, the Word of God, today and use it?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to separate yourself from the things of this world today?
How were you able to take a hold of the Word of God and use it in your life today?
Reading: 1Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
At what point in our lives do we say “wow…what was I thinking”? Is it looking at our hair and clothes in old high school photos? Is it watching the video online of the thing you did in college? What things have made you think “what was I thinking”?
Of all the truly embarrassing moments in our lives, in how many of them are we ashamed to call ourselves Christian?
It’s time to be honest. If you were on a game show and hooked to a lie detector where would you place God amongst things such as possessions, drinking with friends, flirting with the opposite sex, money and other “joys” of this world? Would you deny any knowledge of God if someone offered you a million dollars to do so? I would hope your answer is no. We are Christians. Not elite in the way that we consider ourselves better than anyone else, but elite in the fact that we have the knowledge and ability to spread the Word of God. It’s never really easy being a Christian, but I don’t think it’s necessarily supposed to be. I am a Christian man and I will fight for my God. I will fight for my brothers. I will wield the double edge sword known as the Word of God. I have spent enough time living the life of a pagan. Now I will live the life God intended for me.
How can you separate yourself from the things of this world today?
How can you take a hold of your sword, the Word of God, today and use it?
End of the Day Review
How were you able to separate yourself from the things of this world today?
How were you able to take a hold of the Word of God and use it in your life today?
January 11 2012
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, heck no he knows he can do it. Don't misunderstand me I'm not counseling fool hearty acts. I'm just pointing out that 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 you 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 then? Well they didn't go to school, at least not as we do today. There was no social guidelines on what someone needed to learn to be a success. 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 the first time the young Son of Mary 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", "that he was never going to amount to anything if he keeps turning out work like that"? 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 one 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 at work. But instead look at our failures as ways God may be teaching us how He wants us to succeed, not how the world wants us. What "failures" have you had in your life that may have just been mistakes that under God's apprenticeship program are ways He may be using to showing you His ways? If you fail at one thing does it really mean you are a "total failure"?
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: 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, heck no he knows he can do it. Don't misunderstand me I'm not counseling fool hearty acts. I'm just pointing out that 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 you 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 then? Well they didn't go to school, at least not as we do today. There was no social guidelines on what someone needed to learn to be a success. 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 the first time the young Son of Mary 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", "that he was never going to amount to anything if he keeps turning out work like that"? 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 one 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 at work. But instead look at our failures as ways God may be teaching us how He wants us to succeed, not how the world wants us. What "failures" have you had in your life that may have just been mistakes that under God's apprenticeship program are ways He may be using to showing you His ways? If you fail at one thing does it really mean you are a "total failure"?
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?
January 10 2012
You Can Still Win
Reading: Proverbs 24:16, “16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.”
The competitors were getting ready to start the 600 meter dash at the 2008 Big 10 Track Championship. They took their marks, the gun fired and they were off and running. It would be 3 times around the 200 meter track. The first two laps yielded obvious first and second place runners in a dead heat. As they were coming up on their final lap, the favored runner was just starting to take the lead… but… suddenly, the crowd let out a gasp as the leader tripped on the shoe of the second place runner and tumbled to the ground. All 3 of the other runners jump clear from falling without missing a stride. In an instant, the runner jumped up and started running again. It would be a near impossibility, to start running from falling down with only 200 meters left to go in a race that has already been at a sprinter’s pace. The announcers begin discussing the new leaders of the race… and, midsentence makes a surprising discovery that the runner that had fallen was moving up closer and closer to the 3rd place runner… then, the crowd began to get louder and louder as they realize that it may be possible to catch the first two runners. The announcers become more and more animated as the runner who fell is now nearing the front of the pack… the entire place erupts in cheers as the runner crosses the line first. What an amazing come back!
The amazing thing about that runner is… they did not stop for one second to think about whether to get up… or whether to continue the race… and, men, the beauty of running our race with Christ… even when we fall, we can still win… not just finish… but WIN! Praise the Lord!!!
Men, what has tripped you up? What has caused you to fall?
Are you ready to jump back up and get into the race?
How can you do that today or make sure that, if you do fall today, to jump back up and keep running the race for Christ?
End of the Day Review
Were you able to get back up and get back in the race today?
How were you able to accomplish that and keep running?
Did you feel like you won today?
Reading: Proverbs 24:16, “16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.”
The competitors were getting ready to start the 600 meter dash at the 2008 Big 10 Track Championship. They took their marks, the gun fired and they were off and running. It would be 3 times around the 200 meter track. The first two laps yielded obvious first and second place runners in a dead heat. As they were coming up on their final lap, the favored runner was just starting to take the lead… but… suddenly, the crowd let out a gasp as the leader tripped on the shoe of the second place runner and tumbled to the ground. All 3 of the other runners jump clear from falling without missing a stride. In an instant, the runner jumped up and started running again. It would be a near impossibility, to start running from falling down with only 200 meters left to go in a race that has already been at a sprinter’s pace. The announcers begin discussing the new leaders of the race… and, midsentence makes a surprising discovery that the runner that had fallen was moving up closer and closer to the 3rd place runner… then, the crowd began to get louder and louder as they realize that it may be possible to catch the first two runners. The announcers become more and more animated as the runner who fell is now nearing the front of the pack… the entire place erupts in cheers as the runner crosses the line first. What an amazing come back!
The amazing thing about that runner is… they did not stop for one second to think about whether to get up… or whether to continue the race… and, men, the beauty of running our race with Christ… even when we fall, we can still win… not just finish… but WIN! Praise the Lord!!!
Men, what has tripped you up? What has caused you to fall?
Are you ready to jump back up and get into the race?
How can you do that today or make sure that, if you do fall today, to jump back up and keep running the race for Christ?
End of the Day Review
Were you able to get back up and get back in the race today?
How were you able to accomplish that and keep running?
Did you feel like you won today?
January 9 2012
The Cookie Jar
Reading: Colossians 4:6, 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
John 13:35 – “35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Men, I have a confession, I use to sneak a lot of cookies after coming home from school when I was a kid. I know and understand now why mother’s wisely put cookies in a glass cookie jar… because it is very difficult to get a cookie without someone knowing about it. Over time, though, I mastered the art of opening our glass cookie jar. I would have to, first, gently wrap my fingers around the glass knob on top of the lid… and without moving it at all side to side… quickly lift the lid straight up as fast as I could. Aaaaahhhh… no sound… now, nothing is in my way of the fresh homemade chocolate chip cookies. Then, the task of putting the lid back down on the glass jar. I would put my fingers on either side, between the jar and the lid, and slowly let the skin of my fingers slide out while holding the side of the jar to deaden the sound. Once again, a cookie nab without getting caught. Now, I went through all of that not to teach you how to steal cookies. Rather, how much of all that effort do you think that I would go through if there weren’t chocolate chips in those cookies or, if I got into the jar and realized that my mom had put carrots or broccoli in it? Yeah… I would not be telling you of my mastery of breaking into the jar. Men, if there is no sweetness in our churches, if there’s no sweetness coming from our mouths as Christians, how do we expect the world to want to come to church or want what we have? What Paul and Jesus are saying in these passages is… we should actually be mostly chocolate chips with a splash of cookie. Let’s practice today being FULL of grace with some salt seasoning. By the way, the salt of the truth is essential. It’s the perfect blend of cookie and chocolate.
How can you prepare yourself to be full of grace today? (if you wait until a situation, it is too difficult to be ready to give grace, prepare ahead of time)
Love is infectious, how can you demonstrate love to one of your brothers today?
End of the Day Review
Were you able to be full of grace today, with some salt seasoning, if so, how were you able to demonstrate that?
What results were you able to see, if not in others, possibly in yourself?
Reading: Colossians 4:6, 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
John 13:35 – “35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Men, I have a confession, I use to sneak a lot of cookies after coming home from school when I was a kid. I know and understand now why mother’s wisely put cookies in a glass cookie jar… because it is very difficult to get a cookie without someone knowing about it. Over time, though, I mastered the art of opening our glass cookie jar. I would have to, first, gently wrap my fingers around the glass knob on top of the lid… and without moving it at all side to side… quickly lift the lid straight up as fast as I could. Aaaaahhhh… no sound… now, nothing is in my way of the fresh homemade chocolate chip cookies. Then, the task of putting the lid back down on the glass jar. I would put my fingers on either side, between the jar and the lid, and slowly let the skin of my fingers slide out while holding the side of the jar to deaden the sound. Once again, a cookie nab without getting caught. Now, I went through all of that not to teach you how to steal cookies. Rather, how much of all that effort do you think that I would go through if there weren’t chocolate chips in those cookies or, if I got into the jar and realized that my mom had put carrots or broccoli in it? Yeah… I would not be telling you of my mastery of breaking into the jar. Men, if there is no sweetness in our churches, if there’s no sweetness coming from our mouths as Christians, how do we expect the world to want to come to church or want what we have? What Paul and Jesus are saying in these passages is… we should actually be mostly chocolate chips with a splash of cookie. Let’s practice today being FULL of grace with some salt seasoning. By the way, the salt of the truth is essential. It’s the perfect blend of cookie and chocolate.
How can you prepare yourself to be full of grace today? (if you wait until a situation, it is too difficult to be ready to give grace, prepare ahead of time)
Love is infectious, how can you demonstrate love to one of your brothers today?
End of the Day Review
Were you able to be full of grace today, with some salt seasoning, if so, how were you able to demonstrate that?
What results were you able to see, if not in others, possibly in yourself?
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