Strong and Courageous E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017

Seitenzahl: 433

Beschreibung

A father's love imparts value into the heart of a child. Fathers have an incredibly important role. They represent God to younger generations, they model integrity in relationships, and they provide a foundation for wise decision-making and faith. Sometimes fathers might feel like they've got it all together, and sometimes their responsibilities can seem overly burdensome. Fathers need strengthening reminders of their calling every day. This 365-day devotional gives fresh encouragement to fathers. Time spent each day in God's presence meditating on his powerful Word can empower them to be men of character, strength, and leadership. After all, God the Father has more than enough resources at his disposal for those who seek to represent him in all they do. 

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC

Racine, Wisconsin, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

STRONG & COURAGEOUS: 365 DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR FATHERS

Copyright © 2017 BroadStreet Publishing Group

Written by Cesar Castillejos, Ken Castor, Chris Folkestad, Bryan Halferty, Steven McCready, John Mulholland, Phil Petersen, Tony Roos, Luke Trouten, Jared Van Voorst, and McYoung Yang. Compiled by Ken Castor.

ISBN-13: 978-1-4245-5475-1 (faux leather)

ISBN-13: 978-1-4245-5480-5 (e-book)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188, USA. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright © 2000; 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked MSG are from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLV are taken from the New Life Version, copyright © 1969 by Christian Literature International. Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NET are taken NET Bible® copyright ©1996–2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked CEB are taken from the Common English Bible, Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible. Scripture quotations s marked CEV are taken from the CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION copyright© 1995 by the American Bible Society. Used by permission. Scripture quotations s marked GNB are taken from the GOOD NEWS BIBLE © 1994 published by the Bible Societies/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd UK, Good News Bible© American Bible Society 1966, 1971, 1976, 1992. Used with permission. Scripture quotations marked GW are taken from the GOD’S WORD copyright © 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked ISV are taken from the Holy Bible: International Standard Version®. Copyright © 1996-forever by The ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked MEV are taken from the Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ASV are taken from the American Standard Version, public domain. Scripture quotations marked PHILLIPS are taken from the J. B. Phillips, The New Testament in Modern English, 1962 edition, published by HarperCollins.

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CONTENTS

Introduction

January

January 1: The Off Switch

January 2: Your Cross

January 3: Affirmation

January 4: Our Father

January 5: Hallowed Be

January 6: Your Will Be Done

January 7: Daily Bread

January 8: Forgive As …

January 9: Lead Us Not

January 10: Be One

January 11: Proof

January 12: Our Helper

January 13: One Body

January 14: Legacy

January 15: Set On

January 16: Heartbroken

January 17: Opposition

January 18: Christ in Me

January 19: Status Symbol

January 20: Freedom

January 21: Invitation

January 22: Evangelism

January 23: Qualifying

January 24: Challenge + Growth

January 25: Desiring God

January 26: Get Away

January 27: The Calling of Work

January 28: Hiding

January 29: Heal Me

January 30: Needing Jesus

January 31: Step Out in Faith

February

February 1: Commitment to the Journey

February 2: Humility

February 3: Open Up

February 4: Workers

February 5: Reset My Soul

February 6: Trained Ears

February 7: Strength

February 8: Guidance

February 9: Trust in the Lord

February 10: Use My Words

February 11: Surrender

February 12: Be My Light

February 13: No Longer Anxious

February 14: Love

February 15: Compassion

February 16: Life with Christ

February 17: Courage

February 18: Creativity

February 19: Preparation

February 20: Commitment

February 21: Presence in Storms

February 22: Just Believe

February 23: Like a Little Child

February 24: Servant Leadership

February 25: Grace

February 26: Sacrifice

February 27: Routines

February 28: Recognizing Christ’s Presence

March

March 1: Participating

March 2: Embracing Abundance

March 3: A New Commandment

March 4: To All People

March 5: Growth

March 6: The Gift of Grace

March 7: Purpose

March 8: How True Power Acts

March 9: Focus

March 10: Vision

March 11: Shepherding

March 12: Messengers of the Gospel

March 13: Cease Striving

March 14: Discipleship

March 15: Focus on Jesus

March 16: He Rejoices over Us

March 17: Modeling

March 18: Love Your Wife Well

March 19: Thankfulness

March 20: Self-Control

March 21: Justice

March 22: Listening

March 23: Prayer

March 24: Freedom in Christ

March 25: Confidence in God

March 26: Passion for the Gospel

March 27: Mentorship

March 28: Parent Leadership

March 29: Fatherhood

March 30: Building a Foundation

March 31: Motivation

April

April 1: Access to God

April 2: Effective Ministry

April 3: Faithfulness

April 4: Personal Devotion

April 5: Loving God

April 6: Service

April 7: Easter

April 8: Living up to Our Worth

April 9: Attitude

April 10: Godliness

April 11: Strength in Weakness

April 12: Thankfulness

April 13: God Is Greater

April 14: Leadership

April 15: Contentment

April 16: Grace and Forgiveness

April 17: Delight in God

April 18: God’s Will

April 19: Remove the Clutter

April 20: Generosity

April 21: Money

April 22: Providence

April 23: Persistent Prayer

April 24: The Kingdom of God

April 25: Possessions

April 26: Leading through Serving

April 27: Investment

April 28: A Life of Sacrifice

April 29: The Holy Spirit

April 30: Faith / Doubt

May

May 1: Comparison

May 2: Community

May 3: Shame

May 4: Trust

May 5: Transformation

May 6: A Strong Foundation

May 7: Fruit of the Spirit

May 8: Process

May 9: Attitude

May 10: Partnership

May 11: Bringing Peace

May 12: Doubt

May 13: Anger

May 14: Action

May 15: Love Deeply

May 16: Hospitality

May 17: Humility / Trust

May 18: Worldliness

May 19: Pain and Joy

May 20: Newness

May 21: Small Beginnings

May 22: Favorites

May 23: Listen

May 24: Total Love

May 25: Commit

May 26: Repeat

May 27: Put On

May 28: Write

May 29: Be Strong

May 30: Wonderfully Made

May 31: Gentleness

June

June 1: Act Justly

June 2: Mercy

June 3: Walking Humbly with God

June 4: Self-Sacrifice

June 5: The Most Important Lesson

June 6: Giving Good Gifts

June 7: Don’t Shrink

June 8: Honoring Parents

June 9: Hope

June 10: Courage (Father’s Day)

June 11: Encourage

June 12: Eat Meat

June 13: The Closest Fish

June 14: Discipline with Love

June 15: Divine Discipline

June 16: Stay Alert

June 17: Just One Generation

June 18: Washing Feet

June 19: Discernment

June 20: Physical Touch

June 21: Long-Term Plans

June 22: Happy

June 23: Well Done

June 24: Stand Strong

June 25: What You Wear

June 26: A Devoted Man of Prayer

June 27: Every Opportunity

June 28: Representative

June 29: Being Content

June 30: Trusting God to Supply

July

July 1: Priorities

July 2: Blessing

July 3: Changing Lives

July 4: Why We Work So Hard

July 5: Continue to Live

July 6: Don’t Get Caught

July 7: New Nature

July 8: Content

July 9: Witnesses

July 10: God-Breathed

July 11: Obedience

July 12: Doing Good

July 13: Adding Words

July 14: Pointing

July 15: Infinitely More

July 16: Bigger

July 17: Mercy through Mentorship

July 18: Nothing Without

July 19: Weary

July 20: Comfort

July 21: Worship the Splendor

July 22: Imitate

July 23: Fullness

July 24: Young Examples

July 25: Called Up

July 26: Safety in Numbers

July 27: Warning and Patience

July 28: Tell Them

July 29: Everything You Do

July 30: Rest

July 31: Know Your Flock

August

August 1: Stronger Together

August 2: It’s What’s Inside

August 3: Completely New

August 4: Stronghold

August 5: Working in You

August 6: Peace and Strength

August 7: Wisdom

August 8: Growing Good

August 9: Speaking Life

August 10: Chosen

August 11: Hope

August 12: Living out Dependence in Christ

August 13: Modeling the Father

August 14: Teach with Trajectory

August 15: Character

August 16: Identity

August 17: A Storehouse of Wealth

August 18: Grateful Hearts Produce a Firm Foundation

August 19: Respect

August 20: Reality of Sin, Supremacy of Christ

August 21: Love the Church

August 22: Transparency

August 23: Follow in His Footsteps

August 24: Love Your Children, Love Your Wife

August 25: Holiness

August 26: Grow in Maturity

August 27: Submit to Mentorship

August 28: Training for a Marathon

August 29: Search the Intentions of Your Heart

August 30: Thankfulness

August 31: Holiness through the True God

September

September 1: Marinate in the Word

September 2: Uniting Love

September 3: Anxiety Steals

September 4: Christ-Centered Aim

September 5: Disruptive Perversion

September 6: Love is a Person

September 7: The Righteousness of Christ

September 8: Manner of Life

September 9: Suffering

September 10: The Posture of Your Heart

September 11: More of Him

September 12: Costly Love

September 13: Endless Supply

September 14: Our Debt of Love

September 15: The Fuel of Love

September 16: Our Provider

September 17: Peace

September 18: The God Who Answers

September 19: Counting Our Blessings

September 20: Guidance

September 21: Compassion, Mercy, and Grace

September 22: Strong and Brave

September 23: Success

September 24: Victory

September 25: The Sight of Vision

September 26: Praise

September 27: Deliverance

September 28: Experience

September 29: Preparing for Blessing

September 30: Satisfaction / Marriage

October

October 1: Fear

October 2: The Lord’s Prayer

October 3: Family Worship

October 4: Visionary Prayer

October 5: Recreated

October 6: Walking in Love

October 7: Power

October 8: God’s Armor and Strength

October 9: Living by Faith

October 10: Faith in God’s Plan

October 11: Mentoring

October 12: Wisdom from Above

October 13: Steadfast

October 14: Family

October 15: Future

October 16: Showing God’s Love

October 17: Overcomers

October 18: Sacramental People

October 19: Fearless

October 20: Confidence

October 21: Dreaming Again

October 22: Laughing Again

October 23: Finding Hope Again

October 24: Letting God’s Light Shine In

October 25: Wandering Soul

October 26: Following for Others

October 27: In My Place

October 28: Generous with Identity

October 29: I Need More

October 30: Safe and Secure

October 31: Identity and Calling

November

November 1: Be Real

November 2: Be Passionate

November 3: Be Brave

November 4: Be Loyal

November 5: Be Undivided

November 6: Get Your Hands Dirty

November 7: Get Ready

November 8: Be Focused

November 9: Keep Going

November 10: The Word

November 11: The Main Thing

November 12: Don’t Follow the Crowd

November 13: Let’s Get the Job Done

November 14: Eyes on the Prize

November 15: Brotherhood

November 16: Everything You Need

November 17: The Amazing News

November 18: New Things

November 19: Welcome to the Family

November 20: Jesus, Messiah

November 21: Storytelling

November 22: Sent

November 23: Fear Not

November 24: Thanksgiving

November 25: Greed

November 26: Relationship Restoration

November 27: Faithfully Committed

November 28: Affirmation of Others

November 29: Worship

November 30: Access to the Throne

December

December 1: Penetrating to the Heart

December 2: Integrity

December 3: Sufficiency of God

December 4: Forgiveness

December 5: Called to Preach

December 6: Devotion to Jesus

December 7: Our Shelter and Strength

December 8: Longing for God

December 9: Time with God

December 10: Encouragement Matters

December 11: Salvation through Christ

December 12: Intercession

December 13: Equipping

December 14: Saved by Mercy

December 15: Rites of Passage

December 16: Rites of Passage

December 17: Bold Faith

December 18: Integrity

December 19: Forgiveness

December 20: Disciplines

December 21: Filled to Overflowing

December 22: God Is Faithful

December 23: Identity

December 24: A Much Bigger Story

December 25: This Child

December 26: Restoring Others

December 27: Pointing Out Jesus

December 28: Faith

December 29: Missions

December 30: Unity

December 31: God Is Near

INTRODUCTION

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:9 NLT

Fathers have an incredibly important role. They lead younger generations through turbulent waters, they model integrity in relationships, and they provide foundations for wise decision-making. There are times they might feel like they’ve got this father-business all figured out, and other times when they can feel unworthy of their generation-impacting responsibilities.

I know that my own life has been deeply impacted by my father. I still remember the day my dad stood up in church and shared that he had given his life to Jesus. I also remember watching him fighting for people who were sick, praying with families who were afraid, crying at the dinner table for a friend whose son had been injured, teaching me how to swing a golf club, quietly studying his Bible in his recliner, taking responsibility for his mistakes, supporting me in my good choices and catching me in my bad ones, letting me destroy his bare foot with my errant fastball, loving my mom, championing my brothers, and on and on I could go. Over the years, I’ve heard from many people the testimony I already knew: I have a good dad.

Much of what has made my father a good man is that over the years he has regularly set aside time for devotions. I learned from his example that time spent in God’s presence empowers fathers to be men of character, strength, and leadership. God himself, after all, is called Father. As the Lord’s Prayer begins in the old English style, God is “Our Father who art in heaven.” God is also called “Abba,” meaning our ever-personal Dad. God has a Son, Jesus, whom he loves. He also has children whom he has adopted as his own (like you and me). He runs with abandon toward his prodigal kids and provides for his family through the generations. In his everlasting power and conviction, God the Father has more than enough daily resources at his disposal for those ordained with the incredibly noble title of father.

This devotional book is meant to empower fathers to daily do the work they have been called to do. Each devotional offers a Bible verse, a devotional thought from some pastors near and dear to my heart, and a prayer meant to challenge, equip, and encourage dads to till the soil set before them. Every day for a year you could prayerfully read one page, be marked by its words, and strive to be the man God has called you to be for those he has entrusted to your care. Through this devotional book, may God our Father make you a strong and courageous father.

—DR. KEN CASTOR

Writer, pastor, professor, and, more importantly, father of three

JANUARY

JANUARY 1

THE OFF SWITCH

“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work.”

—Exodus 20:9–10

Have you ever had a machine that was hard to turn off? Maybe there was a specific process of steps and patience needed before it could actually turn off. Maybe a switch was stuck, leaving it in the “on” position. Maybe something internally was broken, preventing anything from turning it off.

Often, this is an unfortunate picture of us. Stuck in the “on” position, we run until our circuits are fried or our batteries go dead. We tell ourselves (or our spouse) that after one more e-mail, we’ll be done for the night. We convince ourselves that this phone call is important enough to step away from the family “just for a bit.” We can’t turn off.

God gave the Israelites a mandatory off switch. It was called the Sabbath. This off switch was a way they honored God, as they remembered that the world’s problems and opportunities didn’t rest on their shoulders. But it didn’t only honor God; it was also good for them. They, unlike many of us, had a rhythm of rest and work, and a rest kept them from burning out. This week, consider taking some time to rest as a family. Do something that honors God and fills you and your family up.

God, the world doesn’t depend on me. You are in control. I don’t need to labor anxiously without rest. Help me to truly believe that this week, and to honor you through rest. Amen.

JANUARY 2

YOUR CROSS

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

—Matthew 16:24

Following Jesus is a path of great joy but also real sacrifice. Often when we hear the word sacrifice, we think of maybe a mission field or giving away a large amount of money. That’s all well and good and is sometimes what God is calling us to do. But more often, sacrifice looks like waking up at 3 a.m. to check on a sick child, taking time from your evening to gather the family and talk about what they enjoyed about the day, or praying with a son or daughter before school. These are the little sacrifices that, when practiced through the course of years, reap the greatest rewards. What might be your “cross” today? How can you take it up and, in so doing, follow Jesus?

Father, help me to be ready to sacrifice my time and energy for those closest to me. I desire that I might love like you love. Give me strength to do this. Amen.

JANUARY 3

AFFIRMATION

So Jacob took the food to his father. “My father?” he said. “Yes, my son,” Isaac answered. “Who are you—Esau or Jacob?”

—Genesis 27:18 NLT

Isaac had always preferred his older son, Esau, to his younger son, Jacob. After all, Esau could hunt and possessed other masculine attributes. Meanwhile, Jacob hung out at home and was also a little conniving while Esau was more simple. Isaac’s heart gravitated toward his older boy. Near the end of Isaac’s life, Jacob, in a crazy effort to take Esau’s inheritance, dressed up like his older brother and deceived his aging father. Jacob was a bit of a sneak, but can you imagine knowing that you’re second to your brother when it comes to Dad’s love? That’s hard to swallow.

Even though this situation is in some ways little far-fetched, experience reminds us how common it is. Many of us live with an affirmation vacancy, a place where we didn’t receive like we desired. Others of us may drift toward preferring one child over another, like Isaac. The trick is to remember that when we feel the need for love, or when we feel the gravitational pull of preference, we need to remember God, who gave his one and only Son so that we might be called his kids. That’s a love that can heal affirmation vacancies. That’s a love that provides an example of how to let our love spill out to all in our home.

Father, teach me your ways. Help me to love like you do! I want to know your love for myself and to pass it on to my family. Amen.

JANUARY 4

OUR FATHER

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father …’”

—Matthew 6:9

Throughout the Bible, we find many titles for God. We learn that God is creator and powerful, that he is sovereign and knows all. But in the New Testament, when Jesus is sharing how his followers should pray, he calls him, “Our Father.” Let that sink in. The infinite, sovereign creator God wants you to know him as “Dad.” Not only that, but Jesus speaks about God being the type of father who scans the horizon, looking for lost sons and daughters, and then runs to them when he sees even a hint of them (Luke 19). God is a father, and the Father’s love is intimate and protective and yearns to know and be known.

God, you are all-powerful, but you also desire intimacy. You want to be known as Dad. Help me to know you as a kind father today. Amen.

JANUARY 5

HALLOWED BE

“Hallowed be your name.”

—Matthew 6:9

When most people hear the word holy, they think “moral” or “religious.” That’s not exactly wrong, but it misses the rich biblical meaning. Holy really means “set apart” or “other.” A few theologians have suggested that when we see holy, we should think of “wholly other.” God is perfect; we’re not. God is all-powerful; we’re not. You get the idea. In the Old Testament, priests had to perform certain purity rituals to come near God. Why? Because God is holy and they weren’t. To approach God, they had to purify themselves, becoming holy.

It’s interesting that Jesus says we should call God “Father” but also know he is holy. Jesus wants us to hold these two important truths together. God is beyond, and God is near. God is powerful, and God is meek. God is a warrior, and God is loving. It’s as if Jesus, right at the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer, was inviting us into the beautiful mystery of who God is.

When you reflect on this, you may start to stagger. It may blow you away. And if it does, you’re on the right track.

Oh God, all-powerful and holy God, intimate and loving Father. Help me to be amazed by you. May I draw near to you today. Amen.

JANUARY 6

YOUR WILL BE DONE

“Your kingdom come, your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.”

—Matthew 6:10

In the ancient world, a kingdom was a place where the values and way of life that the king desired were put into practice. As you can imagine, this could be good or bad depending on the king. Jesus is the ultimate good King. Throughout the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), he heals the sick; includes the social, spiritual, and racial outcasts into his family; and ultimately makes a public spectacle of the world’s power by triumphing over it through death. The kingdom of Jesus is like no other.

As we align ourselves with this God who is both beyond and near, we must take up the cause of his kingdom. This can be hard. Within each of us is a little ruler that, left alone, would set up a kingdom that runs according to our basic desires and wants. As we learn to pray like Jesus, we must lay down our kingdoms and take up his kingdom mission. This doesn’t mean that everyone becomes a pastor. It doesn’t mean that we have to live at the church. It does mean that we, like Jesus, should have a heart for the outcast and vulnerable. It does mean we should familiarize ourselves with sacrifice. And it does mean that we should make Jesus our first allegiance—in all areas of life.

God, give me strength to live for your kingdom. Give me your power to love my family, my coworkers, and my neighbors. Help me to desire your kingdom! Amen.

JANUARY 7

DAILY BREAD

“Give us today our daily bread.”

—Matthew 6:11

God is not concerned only with your spiritual needs. He is interested and desires to be recognized in and through all things; after all, he is the one who made it all. Yep, that even means the food you eat.

Previous generations had a much more intimate relationship with their food. They often raised and slaughtered the meat they ate. They depended on the rain and the sun to be “enough.” While we can just pick up a loaf of bread, previous generations saw the wheat grow from the soil. So the prayer below might make more intuitive sense to a group of Jews or Christians from a few centuries ago. Still, when we pray for our “daily bread,” we recognize that God is God of every square inch of creation. We remember that he made it all and cares for all of us. And we then remember that everything, even a slice of toast in the morning, is a gift of grace.

God, thank you for the easily forgotten gifts: for food and friendship, family and employment. You are generous, and I thank you for being my provider. Amen.

JANUARY 8

FORGIVE AS …

“And forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors.”

—Matthew 6:12

Forgiveness is one of those words that sounds beautiful but is terribly hard to put into practice. Perhaps that’s the best description of it: a beautiful difficulty.

Forgiveness shows up as a beautiful difficulty when a grown woman finds the strength to forgive a mean stepfather and finds the freedom that forgiveness always brings. A beautiful difficulty takes place when a husband says, “I love you, and I forgive you,” to his wife who has just admitted to a moral struggle. This beautiful difficulty shows up when a business owner hugs an employee who has just been caught cutting corners.

However, the best picture of forgiveness as a beautiful difficulty is the cross. On the cross Jesus bore the difficult weight of our sin and offered the beautiful gift of divine forgiveness. When we understand that beautiful difficulty, our calls to forgiveness become a bit less difficult.

Oh God, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for the cross. Help me to remember that you forgave me—all of me—and I will remember to forgive those that have hurt or offended me. Amen.

JANUARY 9

LEAD US NOT

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

—Matthew 6:13

Jesus’ prayer concludes with a request to not be led into temptation. Sometimes when we’re struggling to overcome a temptation, we find ourselves more likely than ever to start focusing on it. The second a temptation is mentioned is the moment we can’t get it out of our head. Just say the words ice cream to someone who’s counting calories and you’ll know what I mean. The solution to overcoming temptation is to focus on something better than what is tempting us.

There’s a reason why Scripture speaks multiple times of fixing our eyes on Jesus. When our eyes are fixed on him, temptations become “strangely dim.” Why? Because our gaze is on something far better than the diversions our culture throws at us. Indeed, our gaze is on the one whom our hearts truly crave.

God, you are worthy of my complete focus. Help me to see you in your power and strength today. May I get a glimpse of you in your love. Then I will not slip into distractions. Amen.

JANUARY 10

BE ONE

“That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”

—John 17:21

A team will rise and fall based on how unified it is. It doesn’t matter if it’s a company, a platoon, a soccer team, or a marital relationship. Relational fracture in a team environment leads to failure. The 2004 United States Olympic basketball team is one example. Although they were the best players in the world, they fell short of gold. This happened because each person wanted to be the star; they weren’t unified. A team’s fracture leads to a team’s failure. It’s that simple.

Simple, sure, but hard to put into practice. The second you have any type of team, you have broken and rebellious human beings in the same environment, and there’s bound to be tension. Like porcupines cuddling in the cold, we often hurt each other as we seek connection.

But just as often as there is fracture, there is also the opposite—harmony. When two voices harmonize, a beautiful song can result. The same is true when lives merge in a team environment. This is why Jesus prays that his disciples (throughout all ages of the church) might be “one.” Jesus wants harmony, not fracture.

God, today I pray for all the relationships in my life. I pray that I would be—through your work—a harmonizing voice, a team player, and a loving partner. Help me with this, God, because by myself, I slip up and make it about me. Amen.

JANUARY 11

PROOF

“May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

—John 17:21

The proof is in the pudding the old adage says, meaning the only thing that really matters is if something works. You get it, right? In the end, the advertising and sale price mean nothing if the product falls apart right when you open it.

Jesus continues to pray for unity, suggesting that when the church is unified, the world will believe. The proof of the church is in the unity here, we might say. That means that when it comes to unity, there is something on the line: our spiritual integrity and our testimony to a world that needs to know God’s love.

God, help me to radiate your love so the world will know your love. May my home and workplace to be a picture of unity so the world will know your power and love! Amen.

JANUARY 12

OUR HELPER

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.”

—John 17:22

Have you ever been asked to do something, maybe a particular job at work or an essay in a class, without the proper resources or training to accomplish the goal? If so, what was the result? More often than not, it’s suboptimal. When it comes to Christian unity, Jesus has thankfully not left us underresourced!

In the above verse, Jesus describes Christian unity as a reachable goal. Not because we’re really talented or incredibly friendly. Nope. From Jesus’ perspective, Christian unity is possible because he’s given us his glory, which is God’s very presence in the life of his believers. The presence of God in the followers of Christ brings real and lasting Christian unity.

In a way, this is encouraging. Jesus hasn’t left us to figure it out. He’s given us a helper, his Holy Spirit. But, in another way, this means we have to work at it. Unity doesn’t come naturally; we have to yield to others and the Holy Spirit. We have to lay down our agendas. If we really want the unity that Christ has prayed we would experience, we have to keep in step with the Spirit, saying daily, “Not my will, but yours.”

God, I confess I need you. Specifically, I need your Holy Spirit in my life. I want to see you work. I want to grow as a man. For that I need your presence. Please give me your strength today. Amen.

JANUARY 13

ONE BODY

In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

—Romans 12:5

A bicycle has many parts. The handlebars help us turn corners or keep the bike straight while cruising downhill. The gears can shift with a touch of the fingers, helping us climb hills. The pedals that connect to the gears move the chain and the rear wheel. And the brakes let us stop when the light turns red. If we took one of these parts away, the bike wouldn’t work or would be dangerous to ride.

Now think of your family, your church, or even your workplace. There are those who are gifted with administration; they can organize and create systems. There are gregarious extroverts, always making new connections. Some have a kind and warm presence, the type that make you feel safe. Cautious and conservative personalities help us play it safe and not wade recklessly into new waters. Pioneers balance the cautious voices and challenge us to have faith and get out of the boat, even when it’s uncomfortable. Creative types imagine beautiful God-honoring creations that inspire us to be in awe of God. Then there are the straight shooters who can look you in the eye and tell you what you need to hear. If you took away one type of person from your family, church, or workplace, the difference would be noticeable. Things would probably get off track.

God, help me to recognize and honor the diversity you have placed in my home, church, and workplace. Amen.

JANUARY 14

LEGACY

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”

—John 17:20

What do you think of when you hear the word legacy? Do you think about money? Or some family values passed down through generations?

Jesus prayed the ultimate “legacy” prayer as the cross got closer. In that prayer he didn’t just pray for himself, though he was in the midst of crisis. He didn’t even pray just for his friends and followers, though they would soon face crisis. Toward the end of Jesus’ earthly life, he prayed for us. That is amazing. You. Me. The person in your small group who always shows up late. Everyone. Jesus, in one of his last moments on earth, thought about us.

What would it look like for you to think two or three generations beyond you? How might that affect your parenting? When you think about that, you start getting a vision for leaving a legacy, and you’re closer having to the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

God, give me a vision for my family that is bigger than me. I pray for a vision for my family that is even bigger than my kids. I pray for a God-sized vision for my family. Help me to think about the legacy I am passing down. I desire it to be one that honors you. Please give me strength. Amen.

JANUARY 15

SET ON

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

—Psalm 84:5

What is your heart set on? One way to tell is to think about what you spend your time thinking about. Another could be to consider where you spend your money or time. The psalmist says that the blessed have set their hearts on a journey. The word pilgrimage means a pursuit after something that has real meaning—something that is spiritually significant. So it’s bigger than the next raise or a new house. The man who has set his heart on pilgrimage is pursuing something that is bigger than himself. The man who has set his heart on pilgrimage knows his weaknesses and moral deficiencies, and is seeking to grow in those areas. The man who has set his heart on pilgrimage is pursuing Jesus. It is that man who is truly blessed.

Father, I want my heart focus to be on you. I don’t want to settle for lesser things or smaller goals. I want your plans to be my plans. So I surrender. You will be my life journey’s destination. Amen.

JANUARY 16

HEARTBROKEN

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”

—Nehemiah 1:4

Have you ever experienced something in your life that upset you deeply? Typically we see these experiences as negative, and they often are. But they also have the power to propel us toward action. A quick survey of history shows that the men who have affected the world most positively have been moved to action by some grave need, something that broke their heart.

Nehemiah is one example. When he heard about the destruction of his hometown, his heart broke and that led him to return to his hometown and work for its restoration. He surveyed the problem and got an understanding of what needed to be done. He gathered people to help restore the broken walls and structures. He persevered through challenges when people mocked his efforts. All of this happened because his heart broke when he heard some news.

So what gets close to breaking your heart right now? Is it a family you know that is in need? Is it neighborhood kids who need a good male influence? Is it for people to know the loving kindness of God? When you’re able to answer those questions, you may, like Nehemiah, be sent into action.

Father, help me to have a heart that breaks for the things that break your heart. Help me then know what to do. Amen.

JANUARY 17

OPPOSITION

Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

—Nehemiah 4:3

What do you do in the face of opposition? It’s easy to let opposition push us into a sense of defeat. Other times it’s easy to lash out, launching a counterattack at the person who opposes us. Perhaps hardest of all is to persevere, pressing through the opposition.

You may remember that Nehemiah’s heart had broken when he heard the news of his hometown lying in ruins. He went home and sought its restoration. But not too long into that process, he met opposition. He didn’t spout back insults or sink into defeat. Instead he found strength to persevere. His secret to this is found in prayer—the first thing he did when the critics raised their voices.

When you’re seeking to make a positive impact, you will encounter opposition. The opposition comes internally as you experience self-doubt and find yourself distracted. The opposition comes externally as you hear the voices of critics and questioners. Whether the opposition is internal or external, the path of perseverance begins with prayer. It’s when we pray that we are reminded by God of the urgency of what we’re doing and find the strength to keep at it.

God, help me to persevere. Remind me of the urgency of caring for my children. Remind me of the importance of showing your love in my neighborhood. Remind me of how the stakes are high. Amen.

JANUARY 18

CHRIST IN ME

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

—Galatians 2:20

How does it feel when you can’t find your wallet? You may lose sleep or be late for work as you look under every couch cushion. If you have to drive somewhere, no doubt you feel a little jittery. Your wallet says something about who you are. In a way, it holds your identity.

But the question of identity is bigger than what’s in your wallet. “Who am I?” is a question we ask in a variety of ways—and often these identity questions manifest around the topic of achievement. Many of us define ourselves by what we have done or what we weren’t able to do. Deriving identity from achievement often sends us into crisis as we realize our limitations and weaknesses.

Paul gives us a different way to derive our identity. In the above passage, he says that the very core of who we are is connected with Jesus Christ. He provides our identity. And because of that, we are accepted despite our achievements (or lack of them). We are given an identity that cannot be lost because of Christ’s achievement on our behalf.

Father, remind me that I am in Christ. Help me to remember that, in the end, that is what defines me. Give me the clarity of mind to remember that he is ultimately my identity. Amen.

JANUARY 19

STATUS SYMBOL

Here is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

—Galatians 3:28

One of the first questions we tend to ask someone we just meet is, “What is it that you do?” By “do,” we mean what they do for work. The answer to the question, whether we admit it or not, determines what we think of them. If they reply, “I’m a doctor,” our respect quotient goes up and we may even feel a bit insecure. It’s easy for this harmless question to slip into a search for status. When someone has more education or a better job, we become insecure about our status. If someone has a wider network, we’re left wondering about our status.

Paul, writing to the Galatians, dismantles the major status symbols and positions of his day. For him, a slave is on the same level as a free person. A Jew is on the same level as a Gentile. A woman is on the same level as a man. No one is above and no one is below. This is the case because before Christ we all were in a desperate situation, and in Christ we have been given more than we could ask or imagine. For Paul, the ultimate status symbol is not a new car or a great job, but the cross.

God, help me to believe that the only thing I need for significance is you. Keep me from insecurity and pride. Remind me of who I am in you. Amen.

JANUARY 20

FREEDOM

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. … You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

—Galatians 5:1, 13

It probably wouldn’t take you long to think of a movie or book where the plot is all about the pursuit of freedom. We love stories of people being freed from captivity or oppressive situations. For Americans it’s woven into our cultural DNA with phrases like “home of the free” and others like it. Interestingly, the Bible is on the same page. Paul challenged the Galatians because they made their faith all about rule adherence. Paul wanted them to know that true faith means freedom from a religion strictly focused on rules and regulations.

Culturally, we love the idea of being freed from others’ approval, rule-based religion, or self-criticism, and understandably so. But there is more to freedom than escaping something. In Galatians 5:1, Paul speaks about being freed from the law, but then in verse 13 he says that we have been freed for a purpose. True freedom means that we have been freed from the religious rules and regulations through Christ’s work on the cross and that we are freed for the purpose of loving God and the world. Both are essential elements of true freedom.

Father, remind me that I am free from the law. Remind me that I am freed for a purpose—to love. Amen.

JANUARY 21

INVITATION

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.

—Revelation 7:9

Whether it’s your child’s birthday or a dinner party for family or friends from work, one of the important questions for all gatherings is, “How many people should we invite?” It may not be a popular or easy decision, but in the end, certain people are on the guest list and others aren’t. This process can cause anxiety on the part of those extending the invitations and sometimes cause frustration for those not invited. Still, it’s all part of the process.

When John, the author of Revelation, got a glimpse of heaven, he saw people from all continents, people groups, and economic backgrounds right next to each other. Jesus’ invitation to his never-ending party isn’t limited; it’s open to all. Everyone is invited. While our earthly party invitations have understandable limits, what would it look like for us to live knowing that all have been invited to the heavenly banquet?

God, help me to include, not exclude. Help me to welcome, not shun. And help me to still love those who may exclude me. For all this I need your strength. Amen.

JANUARY 22

EVANGELISM

Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.

—Colossians 4:3 NLT

Evangelism is one word that those inside and outside the church dislike equally. It can bring anxiety as some feel obligated but not equipped—or nervous about what the person they’re talking to might say. Others feel they’re being pushy and worry about coming off as rude or “more holy than.”

Some of this anxiety exists because we haven’t always had great examples. It’s easy to think of the guy on the sidewalk shouting cringe-worthy comments. In contrast to that caricature, Paul asks the Colossian church to pray “that God may open to us a door … to declare the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3 ESV). Paul’s method of evangelism was praying for open doors, not barging through them.

That isn’t to excuse us from doing the work of evangelism. Everyone who has heard the good news of the gospel is called to pass it on. And every day there are open doors. Evangelism requires patience and watchful prayer. It involves being in relationship with those who don’t know Christ. It takes being in a friendship long enough to see God crack open the door of a person’s heart. It means saying something simple like, “You know, I’ve been wondering, how can I pray for you?”

God, give me eyes to see the open doors for your gospel! Amen.

JANUARY 23

QUALIFYING

“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

—Exodus 3:10–11

Have you ever felt ill-equipped to perform a duty? Perhaps you experienced it during a tense conversation with your spouse. Maybe it was your first day at a new position. Or perhaps it was while walking out of the hospital with your first child. Whether you’re experiencing it now or see it coming in the future, the question, “Am I really up to the task?” is one that haunts many men. It was the fear that plagued Moses’ mind as God called him to lead the Israelites to freedom. And, in a way, Moses’ concern wasn’t unfounded. He wasn’t completely up to the task. He apparently stuttered (Exodus 4:10), he had skipped town after killing someone in an angry outburst (Exodus 2:12), and his resume didn’t fit the role. But God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called.

Take some time to survey your life. Where do you have an inkling of insecurity? Is it in your role as a father? Or possibly at work? Wherever it is, know that God is there with you, and as you seek him out, he will guide your steps.

God, I confess I doubt your ability to use me. Help me to trust you. Help me to believe that you want to use me. Amen.

JANUARY 24

CHALLENGE + GROWTH

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

—1 Peter 1:7

Lift weights and you’ll find yourself sore. Decide to run a 10K race and you’ll have to push through pain. Work on your marriage and you’ll have to have tough conversations about those easily overlooked growth areas. Buy a house and you’ll have to be disciplined and ruthless in saving for a down payment. As much as we’d like to have maturity come easy, it seems that challenge and growth are inseparable.

The people Peter was writing to (exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia) didn’t have much money, and their neighbors and coworkers were slandering them for their faith. Even more, these exiles most likely didn’t have social status and therefore had no real opportunities for advancement. All of that together created a challenging situation. But Peter says that what they did have in one another and in Christ was of greater worth than gold. Not only that, but this hidden wealth became more pure and strong in opposition. Again we find that challenge and growth are inseparable.

God, help me to welcome challenges. Give me eyes to see what you’re doing in me in times of difficulty. Give me faith to believe that what I have in you is of greater worth than gold. Amen.

JANUARY 25

DESIRING GOD

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.

—1 Peter 1:8

No doubt you bring a picture of your wife and kids when on an extended business trip. You may even pull out your phone and scroll through a couple of pictures before the plane takes off or during a quick gas stop. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, the old adage goes.

The recipients of Peter’s first letter never had the chance to meet Jesus face-to-face, but when they heard about him through the missionary efforts of the early church, something changed in them. They found themselves loving Jesus and being filled with joy as they anticipated an eternity with him.