Devotional For Men Blog
The Universal Language
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The wheels of the van slipped and slid as we drove up the steep unpaved road on Genero Mountain on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. We lost traction and lost our way among all the look alike shacks and shanties. It was poverty like I have never seen….. no water or electricity, no heat, running water or indoor plumbing. The roads were dusty and muddy and the mud didn’t come from rain or running water.
We pulled up in front of a small building about three quarters of the way up the mountain. It was not quite twenty feet square. The sides consisted of 4 X 4 plywood sheets held together with 1 X 2’s. The room was corrugated panels that were just laying there. We walked into a small courtyard where washing hung to dry and several adults were sitting around. These are Lima’s poorest of the poor, part of the underground economy. They work as they can, many selling vegetables and the like in the local markets. They pay no taxes and for some there is no official record of their existence. The government provides them with little or nothing and they are left to fend for themselves. Children are usually the greatest victims in this cycle of poverty. Neither the physical surroundings nor the people were a pretty sight, but as we entered the one room of the facility all of that changed.
Inside were about fifty children quietly sitting around a large table, patiently awaiting our arrival. As we entered they began to sing for us and then they prayed. These children depend on Bread of Life, a program run by the Bible society, for their literal daily bread. Bread of Life provides them with one meal a day and for many that is the only meal they get. Most come from single parent and broken homes. They have little or no medical and dental care and infection of the skin are rampant.
They are clean and well mannered and they know the Bible, because the program that feeds them with food, feeds them also with the Word of God. Tonight’s menu was a sandwich with a very sparse spread, watered down powdered milk with oatmeal and a granola bar. One girl put the granola in her pocket to take home to feed her mother. We helped pass out the food and then we got on their level. Beverley got down on the floor with them and I hoisted them one by one on my shoulders. They enjoyed having their picture taken and then seeing it on the digital screen.
They hugged on us for dear life and we hugged them back. We came there to love up on them, but they loved up on us. We didn’t speak the same language, but we didn’t have to, because love is a universal language. I started to cry and looked over at Beverley to see her tears openly flowing. A mother also cried as she thanked us, as representatives of the Bible society for providing the food for her four children that she couldn’t provide.
I said a prayer of thanks that I was able to provide for our children, but then realized that these children have something some rich kids don’t have … the love and Word of God in their heart because a Bible society cares enough to reach down to the poorest of the poor with the richness of God’s glory as revealed through His Word. Maybe these kids aren’t so poor after all.
Question: How has your service/ministry to others ended up changing you and your heart as much as it has helped and changed those you were ministering to?
About the Author: John Grant
The Greatness of God
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Please open your Bible and read: Psalm 139:1-18
God is infinite. It’s difficult for us with limited human minds to imagine exactly what that means, but it’s important to think about His greatness. His love is immeasurable. Likewise, He is boundless in righteousness, mercy, and justice. Time and space cannot contain Him.
Can we go anywhere that God is not? There may be times when we think we want to hide from Him, but thankfully, there’s nowhere we can go that is out of His reach.
The last thing we should want is to be separated from Him. As believers, we are forever connected to God because He is eternal. He calls Himself the “Alpha and Omega,” which means the beginning and the end. That is not to say the Lord started at some point in eternity past and ends somewhere in the future. Instead, it means that when time and space began, He started it. When it ends, He will still be there – He is the one “who is and who was and who is to come” (Revelation 1:8). This was a revolutionary concept for the crowd of Jews to whom Jesus announced, “Before Abraham was born, I am.” (John 8:58) They understood that He claimed to be eternal, saying He was one with Yahweh (the Lord’s name, which means “I am”) – and they attempted to kill Him for blasphemy. (v.59)
Not only is God infinite and eternal; He is also unchanging. (James 1:17) So much of what we believe is based upon this characteristic of God. We can trust in His promises because they never change, and we can trust in His love because it is an absolute certainty.
Question: What are some of the ways that God’s greatness is revealed through His Word?
About the Author: Charles Stanley
True Riches
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Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for May 13th, PM.
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2010.
“You art my portion, O Lord.” Psalm 119:57, KJV
Look at your possessions, all those who believe in Christ Jesus, and compare your portion with that give to your fellow men.
Some of have their riches in the field. They are rich in land, and their harvests yield them a golden increase. But what good are harvests compared with your God, who is the God of harvests? Of what use are bursting barns full of grain compared with Him, who is the expert caretaker, and feeds you with the bread of heaven?
Some have their riches in the city. Their wealth is abundant, and flows to them in constant streams, until they become overloaded with gold. But what good is gold compared with your God? You couldn’t live on it. Your spiritual life could not be sustained by it. Can you buy relief from a troubled conscience; can gold allay its pangs? Apply riches to a desponding heart, and see if it could satisfy a solitary groan, or lessen even a single grief. But you have God, and in Him you have more than gold or riches ever could buy.
Some have their riches in that which most men love – applause and fame. But ask yourself, isn’t your God more to you than that? What if great crows cheered their applause to you, would this prepare you to pass the Jordan, or help you in prospect of judgment? No, there are griefs in life which wealth cannot alleviate. There is the deep need of a dying hour, for which no riches can provide. But when you have God for your portion, you have more than all else put together. In Him every need is met, whether in life or in death.
With God you are rich indeed, for He will supply your need, comfort your heart, assuage your grief, guide your steps, be with you in the dark valley, and then take you home, to enjoy Him as your portion forever.
“I have enough,” said Esau, and this is the best thing a worldly man can say. But Jacob replies, “I have all things,” which is a height too lofty for souls absent from their Savior, but not for you, who know Him in whom every need is met.
Questions: Have you been comparing yourself with others lately? How is this kind of comparison ultimately unfruitful?
About the Author: Charles Spurgeon
Share His Treasures
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“For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts, and tells us that we really are God’s children. And since we are His children, we will share His treasures – for all God gives to His Son Jesus is now ours too. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering” Romans 8:16, 17
You may cringe, as I do, at the thought of suffering for Jesus. As He reminds us in Mark 10, anything we ever give up for Him will be given to us a hundred times over, with persecution. Quite frankly, I have never relished the thought of being persecuted. Yet, again and again, in my own experience I have known the reality of that supernatural presence of God, that peace that passes all understanding, during times of suffering and persecution.
Our Lord Himself, knowing that He was on His way to the cross, spoke of peace, love and joy more than at any other time in His ministry. The apostle Paul knew all kinds of suffering. He was in prison frequently; he was beaten, and he finally died as a martyr for his faith. Yet, even while in prison, he wrote of joy and peace – “Count it all joy,” he said. “Rejoice ever more.”
Philippians 3:10 records the desire of his heart: “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death” (KJV). Apart from the fellowship of His sufferings, Paul knew that he would never mature and become like the Lord Jesus Christ. “Adversity is the touchstone of character.”
All men suffer; however, the disobedient Christians and the unbelievers suffer far more than the obedient, Spirit-filled Christians, because most of the problems of life are self- imposed and when they suffer, they suffer alone, for they are on their own. But the Spirit-filled, obedient, faithful servant of God always knows the reality of God’s faithfulness.
Bible Reading: Romans 8:18-23
Today’s Action Point: Since it is my desire to be conformed to the image of Christ, to share His glory and His treasure. I will gladly share His suffering, knowing that He will be with me, ministering to me, caring for me, enveloping me with His love and peace. And I will share this word of encouragement with others who may not understand the faithfulness of God.
Questions: What comes to mind when you read the word “persecution”? Have you ever faced persecution? How did you handle it?
About the Author: Dr. Bill Bright
The Flip Side of Worrying
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“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27
As I was I was leaving my parents house, my mom told me she was worried about me taking the bus back to my apartment. Then, continuing that chain of thought, she said that if I were driving instead, she would worry about me driving. I asked her if she would feel more at ease if I stayed in my room all day, never traveling for any reason. She paused for a moment before she responded: She said that if I did that, she would be worried that I wasn’t going out and meeting people!
None of us are immune from the effects of worrying. Excessive worry can prevent us from becoming the kind of people that God desires us to become. Especially in times of stress, or when we feel helpless to control the situations we find ourselves in, worries can creep into our minds. We know that this is unproductive, as the apostle Paul tells us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) But that’s easier said than done! How can we avoid worrying all the time like Jesus and Paul have admonished us?
Perhaps it’s time to consider the flip side of worrying. Rick Warren, in his popular book The Purpose Driven Life, explains that: “When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that’s called worry. When you think about God’s Word over and over in your mind, that’s meditation. If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate!”
Meditation in this case isn’t some esoteric exercise practiced by monks living off in the hilltops or some kind of new-age mysticism. Instead, Christian meditation, rather than being an emptying of the mind, is instead a filling of our minds. This kind of meditation is focused thinking which directs us to God’s good and precious truth.
After Moses died, Joshua became his successor. Part of the advice God gave him as the new leader of the Israelites was: “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” (Joshua 1:8) This advice applies to us equally well today.
So the next time you feel worry creeping into your mind, chase it away by:
1) Remembering God’s promises
2) Turning our worries into meditation on His word and prayer.
“May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.” Psalm 104:34
Questions: What has been causing you to worry lately? How can you give these up these worries to God?
About the Author: Darren Hewer
Just Getting Along?
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“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10
The Bible doesn’t tell us “one anothers” to just get along with one another. Even the worst of enemies can bury their differences for a short time when it’s beneficial for meeting a mutual goal.
But God, sending a note through our big brother, Paul, calls us to a higher standard than just getting along: “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” (Philippians 2:1-2)
Our testimonies are validated by how we get along with other believers – that is, how we get along with one another in our congregations, our small groups, our choir rehearsals, our deacon/elder meetings, not to mention our families. Jesus says, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
Yet, love doesn’t look much like love when it’s accompanied by arguments and disputes and constant fighting. My spiritual mentor, Steve Pettit, notes this is perhaps the hardest aspect of authentic Christian fellowship – because conflicts arise every time people are thrown together. Even a man and a woman who vow to love one another until “death do us part” can’t always see eye-to-eye.
It’s understandable, then, when a group of people who have nothing in common, except for the Jesus-life inside them, find it difficult to agree with one another all the time, perhaps even difficult to agree even one time.
What does this mean?
- Take your disputes to Jesus. We may have differing opinions, but on this one thing we must agree: Jesus is the head and his opinions are the only ones that matter (James 4:7). As we submit to Jesus, he will wash away our divisions and disputes with love that flows from the fountain of God.
- Agree to agree with Jesus. Has God brought to mind someone with whom you need to work out some differences? Instead of trying to make the other person agree with you, agree with God and submit to what God tells you to do. If God so leads, tell those on the other side of a conflict or dispute that you are willing to submit to the will of Jesus and encourage them to do the same.
Question: Have you “disagreed” with Jesus lately, or with a close friend with whom you should try to reconcile?
About this Author: Jon Walker
What You Do
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What will your hands be busy with today? Do you feel grateful for the tasks at hand? Is there joy in doing what’s on your list today?
Many of us just hurry from one thing to the next. Delays frustrate us and people who aren’t directly related to our tasks can annoy us with their interruptions.
Pause in your thoughts for this one moment. Thank God for the work ahead of you today in spite of what you would rather be doing.
You will be amazed at the change in your outlook as you focus on being thankful.
You are where you are today… that’s a reality. You can make choices to change that reality. The first choice is to choose a grateful attitude. It will widen the road you are on and bring a perspective that will lighten your step.
The prayer of the Psalmist is a good prayer to echo today, “Establish the work of my hands, O Lord, establish the work of my hands.” (Psalm 90:17)
Heavenly Father, Right now I want to offer the work of my hands to You today. Help me to have a grateful attitude as I do what is in front of me today. May I give these tasks to You as my offering. I do them in Your name. Amen.
Inspired by “The Rest of God” Chapter 1 by Mark Buchanan
Question: What will your hands be busy with today?
About this Author: Gail Rodgers
Where to Go When in Need
When you are in need and would like someone to talk to, sometimes it helps to talk to a third party who isn’t directly involved in your struggles. If you’d like to talk to someone today, contact an online mentor.
Please open your Bible and read Hebrews 4:13-16
Whenever situations in our lives become so burdensome that we can’t go on alone, where do we go? The world waves many temptations in our faces, hoping we would select them over the only place we need to go: the throne of God.
A.W. Tozer writes, “We cannot think rightly of God until we begin to think of Him as always being there, and there first.” God desires to bear our burdens and give us the help that we need. He is there and should be our first option in times of trials and tribulations.
But why God? Why should we go to Him first and only?
Whenever we are struggling, we want someone who can relate to our circumstances. We want someone who knows us. We want someone who can give us assurance.
When Jesus came to earth as a man, He went through all the same trials and tribulations in life we go through. We also discover that God knows us better than anyone else. (v. 13) Our lives are “laid bare” before Him.
So, if God suits the profile of the person we desire to relate to us, why turn to anyone else? He desires for us to draw near to Him “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (v. 16). God has given us access to His throne of grace so we would go to Him. Why would we go anywhere else? Where else can we go to have our every need met?
Question: Where do you go when you’re in need? Feel free to contact us.
About this Author: Charles Stanley
The Right Priorities
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“Constantly remind the people about these laws, and you yourself must think about them every day and every night so that you will be sure to obey all of them. For only then will you succeed” Joshua 1:8
Jim was a driven man. He loved his wife and his four children. But the thing that consumed almost every waking thought was, “How can I be a greater success? How can I earn the praise of men?”
Through neglect his family began to disintegrate, and he came to me for counsel. His wife was interested in another man; he was alienated from his children. Three were involved in drugs and one had attempted suicide twice.
“Where have I gone wrong?” Jim asked.
I reminded him of the Scripture, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
According to Scripture, a man’s priorities are first, to love God with all his heart, his soul and his mind, and then to love his neighbor as himself. Since his closest neighbors are his wife and children, his second priority is his wife. A good marriage takes the Ephesians 5:25 kind of love. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church,” a sacrificial, giving love.
The third priority is his children. He must show love to them, not by giving them things, but by giving them himself, spending time with them, letting them know they are far more important to him than his business.
A man must love his wife and children unconditionally as God loves him – not when, if, or because they are good and deserve to be loved.
And the fourth priority I discussed with Jim was his business. A man’s business must be dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jim surrendered his life to Christ. After almost three years of implementing the Bible’s priorities, Jim’s family again was united in the love of Christ, and God had given Jim and his wife a new-found love for Himself and for each other.
The law of God is clear: When we disobey Him, he disciplines us as a loving father and mother discipline their child, and when we obey Him, He will bless us.
Bible Reading: James 2:1-8
Today’s Action Point: I will seek to please the Lord in all that I do, knowing that I will experience His blessings when I obey Him, and His discipline when I disobey Him.
Question: Are there any areas of your life where you need to trust God more? How can you begin to do so?
About this Author: Bill Bright
Praying for our Leaders
Whether you need prayer personally as a leader or you know someone who does, please feel free to contact us anytime and we will be glad to pray with you!
Let’s pray for …
… our leaders who know and love God that they might have wisdom and understanding.
… our sons and daughters are currently engaged in active combat.
… those returning injured, for the families of those who do not return, for the scars and hurts that you cannot see ie. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
… the families of those returning as they try to knit themselves together again.
… the mighty protection of the Lord over our troops during operations.
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1).
When was the last time you prayed for your government’s leaders? I was reminded again today that this is one of God’s commands to us. He made it a high priority. A friend of mine called to tell me that he had read Dr. Bill Bright’s book on prayer and fasting and had begun to fast on Mondays. What really encouraged me is that he responded to God’s call to be an intercessor.
Intercessory prayer has become a priority for him. When his wife had an aneurysm and was told she would always be an invalid, my friend began to intercede for his wife. God heard his cry and she recovered. But, unlike so many of us, my friend now intercedes for many people. Often when our personal prayers are answered, we stop interceding. But not this dear friend.
He spends one to two hours every morning and thirty minutes at night praying and interceding for others. He prays daily for sixteen government leaders and for the Supreme Court judges. I read a quote a while ago that said that if we prayed as much as we criticize, the world would be a different place. I believe that! May God let my actions make it real in my prayer life.
For help on “How to Pray” visit Breakthrough Prayer
Dear Father, forgive us for so often focusing our prayers on “me and mine.”. We should also be interceding for our leaders. Make us effective intercessors. Amen
Question: How can we pray faithfully and effectively for our leaders?
About this Author: Katherine Kehler
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Do you crave destiny? (Part 2)
Destiny? Is this really me? Was I really born for great things?
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