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?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
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?
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