Equipping the Man in the Mirror October, November, December 2012 by Stephanie Lopez

Table of Contents October/November/December 2012

Featured Articles

q First Things First by David Delk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 q Men On Mission Together by Jeff and Brooks Kisiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 q JBM Spotlight: How To Have An All-Inclusive Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 q Area Directors Speak Out: Outreach and Holiday Traditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 q Five Questions for Roddey Roberts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 q The Gifts of Christmas adapted from Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus . . . . . 60

Resource Tools

q Equipping Your Men’s Small Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 q How to Use This Devotional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 q Resource Catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Devotions

q October 2012 Devotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 q November 2012 Devotions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 q December 2012 Devotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Special thanks to Pete Alwinson, Man in the Mirror Board Member, for guest writing the devotionals found on pages 34–36. Pete was the founding pastor of Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, Winter Springs, Florida, and now serves as Vice President of Leadership and Men’s Discipleship at Key Life Network. His passion is to leave no man left behind on the battlefield of life but to encourage all men to grow in Christ and in turn, reach other men. To get to know more about Pete’s ministry at Key Life, go to www.freedomsedge.org. Follow the One-Year Bible reading plan by reading the daily Scripture at the end of each devotion. To see the complete reading plan, go to www.oneyearbibleonline.com. At the end of many of the devotionals you will find an abbreviation for a resource that expands on the devotional material. For more information about the Man in the Mirror Bible Study (MIMBS) go to www.maninthemirror.org/archives/categories. :MIMBS 1— Doing Business God's Way: Witnessing :MIMBS 2—The "Me Filter"—David Delk :MIMBS 3—Enjoying God :MIMBS 4—Handling Money 10S—10 Secrets for the MIM: Chapter 7

:MIMBS 5—Doing Business God's Way: Prayer :MIMBS 6—Happy Men are Active in Church :MIMBS 7—Important Relationships :MIMBS 8—Man's Guide to the Bible :Mimbs 9—A Man's Guide to the Bible :MIMBS 10—An Irresistible Invitation

Equipping the Man in the Mirror: October/November/December 2012, Vol. 7, No. 4 Publisher: Man in the Mirror, Inc. • CEO: Patrick Morley • Executive Editors: David Delk and Brett Clemmer Publication Manager: Lucy Blair • Art Director: Cathleen Kwas • Writers: Lucy Blair and Ruth Ford Office: 180 Wilshire Blvd., Casselberry, Florida 32707 Phone: 800-929-2536 • Fax: 407-331-7839 • Web site: www.maninthemirror.org Copyright © 2012 by Patrick Morley and Man in the Mirror, Inc. All rights reserved. Subscription Information: One year—$25. Two years—$43. For reprint requests or bulk subscriptions call 407-472-2100 or send an email to EQMIM@maninthemirror.org and ask for reprint permissions. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2010 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. SAll rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. Scripture marked nkjv taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

A Prayer

from David Delk on behalf of our readers Dear Heavenly Father, We are so grateful for Your love. We recognize that Your goodness and grace is the foundation for everything in our lives. You are the only source of real life. We know deep down that all the substitutes we look to for joy, meaning, and purpose will never really satisfy. So we want to be reminded It’s not about today that real victory comes through our being good; surrender.

(

it’s about Jesus being God.

)

Every person who reads this magazine will face tremendous distractions today. We have urgent concerns, crises, and enormous challenges. We have our hobbies, interests, friends, and temptations. We live in a world that chooses to ignore you. And often we too allow busyness and noise to drown out Your voice. We admit that we regularly settle for the mediocrity of suburban, western, nice Christianity rather than complete abandonment of our hearts, minds, wills, and actions to You. You have said you are a jealous God—we confess we rarely take that seriously. We are double-minded men whose hearts have divided loyalties. But we come today in repentance and faith, asking that you renew us by Your Spirit from the inside out. Living in a world of lies, we know how desperate we are for the truth. Your word is truth; please let us hear your voice today. As we read, please bring conviction, challenge, encouragement, change, and hope. We want to be men who live for You. We want to be men who are the hands and feet of Jesus. We want to be men who reflect Your image and bring You glory. Our world desperately needs real men. We know that we cannot do this in our strength; we make the decision today that we won’t try. We know that it is not about our performance, but Your power. It’s not about our being good; it’s about Jesus being God. We know that it is not about our righteousness, but about You infusing us with the resurrection power of Jesus. So today we will walk in dependence and faith on Your Spirit and Your power. We want to experience the life of Christ. We look to You by faith to lead and guide. We will go where You want us to go. We will say what You want us to say. We will be what You want us to be. Make it so in our hearts and lives, for our joy, but even more so, for Your glory. In the strong and complete name of Jesus we pray, Amen

Men On a Mission Together

Every day has been filled with prayer walks around strategic areas of the city: neighborhoods, markets, temples, and the city gates. Intercession and worship were offered over Dwarka . . . standing in the gap for those in need of The Savior. We climbed the coastal lighthouse to pray over the city, and then concluded with acoustic worship on the rocks overlooking the Arabian Sea! From the depths of that city, creation has revealed His majesty!

Jeff “Coach K” Kisiah with Brooks Kisiah & the MVP Gang One of the goals of discipleship is to see men adopt a life focus on “God and Others.” That principle is illustrated throughout God’s Word and emphasized regularly in Man in the Mirror leadership training. We have implemented that in men’s discipleship efforts at our church through Men of Valor & Prayer (MVP). Short-term missions is a great way to help men with this upward and outward focus. At MVP, we have seen God use local, regional and international excursions in amazing ways to motivate men to serve Christ. After Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast, MVP took 15 trips with various groups of men to the stricken area. One man I knew in the church, Ellis, was going through some transitions when I recruited him to travel with us. His experience in Lakeshore, Mississippi would lead to an even greater global awareness mindset, prompting cross-cultural trips to Spain, Honduras and China. From those combined experiences, Ellis was led of God to take a bi-vocational path and launch a parachurch ministry based on Isaiah 6:8. SENDMEdia creates quality media tools to help reach and disciple unengaged and unreached people groups. Leaders need to teach/model the “God and Others” principle to their family members. My son, Brooks, had joined us previously on a trip to Mexico and on three of the fifteen Gulf Coast excursions. When we took a trip to Peru with members of the MVP gang, he served alongside us as well in an “apprenticeship” role. It was great to have my son mentored by Godly men of influence. In Jose Galvez, Peru, we used the Spanish edition of The Man in the Mirror with the men. We polled them on the challenges that they personally faced and they listed 12 of the 24 problems from The Man in the Mirror before we had even distributed a copy! We focused on these 12 areas of spiritual transformation. This outreach effort in Peru made such an impact on Brooks’ life that he eventually made two return trips. While reflecting on his return to Charlotte after Peru Trip #3, he made a very intriguing post on his Facebook page . . . ”Tomorrow I am due to go home . . . but I don’t belong there anymore . . . I belong somewhere else.” Upon his return, we began to research enrollment options with YWAM (Youth With A Mission). We chose the Discipleship Training School in Tyler, Texas. After completing the 12 weeks of initial training, his team participated in stateside outreach for several weeks, then traveled to India for one month. He shared personal reflections from his journal about that experience . . .

Later during our month-long stay, I had several days of great conversations with two guys (Sahir and Salman) in a cell phone store in Gujurat. The second night Sahir & I got into the topic of spirituality. He admitted that he felt guilty because he doesn’t go to the temple and pray as often as it says to in the Koran. He also said there is a lot of evil in the world. I continue to pray for both of my acquaintances in India that they may come to know the Truth. After returning from India, he entered YWAM’s School of Evangelism. This provided some opportunities in Chicago, Dallas and Houston, including places like “Church Under The Bridge,” designed as an outreach to homeless people. MVP mission trips coupled with Brooks’ YWAM mission experiences have reminded us to strive to see men gain that “God and Others” focus . . . In consulting with men’s discipleship leaders around the country, I am frequently asked about strategic ways to motivate men’s involvement with outreach. I would suggest multiple “entry points” to see men become fully engaged: • Local—determine the needs in your own community (city/county) • Regional—increase awareness of potential outreach (state/region) • International—investigate opportunities for cross-cultural experiences (global) Oftentimes, we recruit men to go straight from their comfort zone to the mission field and we skip over a crucial step. The fully-surrendered men will be willing to follow Christ to a faraway place. But many of our partially-surrendered men need an “appetizer.” Sleeping on army cots, drinking bottled water and the inability to flush toilet paper in the post-Katrina era were good examples of placing men outside of their “comfort zones” to prepare them for cross-cultural experiences. Let’s remain committed to reach men who “Need Christ.” As Bill Bright stated in his letter salutations, “Yours for fulfilling the Great Commission in this generation,” Coach K.

• Jeff Kisiah

Jeff Kisiah, a Man in the Mirror Board Member, is the Men’s Pastor at Harvest Community Church in Charlotte, NC and the Founder/Director of MVP. He and his wife, Candie, are proud parents to two grown children and loving grandparents to 2-year-old, Madison.

JBM Spotlight: How To Have An All-Inclusive Strategy

The article below is based on the Journey to Biblical Manhood (JBM) Leader’s Guide. JBM gives you a 5-step process, called “strides” to implement each of the Challenges with your men. Stride Two emphasizes the need to include all the men in your church, not just the ones who show up for your men’s activities. One important tool in this effort is the Faith & Life Objectives card. This card lists three specific goals for every man in the church to move towards during the challenge. There is one goal each for a man’s Head—what he will learn—his Heart—what he believes—and his Hands—what he will do in response. Read more about how using Faith & Life Objectives cards in each challenge helps to include more men in your discipleship efforts as you take men on the Journey to Biblical Manhood.

WHAT IS AN ALL-INCLUSIVE MINISTRY TO MEN? In any organized effort to disciple your men, there will always be men who won’t or can’t join a group or come to an event. The best promotional plan and content will still only draw a percentage of the men in your church.

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So what about all the men who are helping in other areas of the church—men parking cars, dropping their kids off at the youth group, serving as ushers, playing in the worship band, or leading a couples’ group? Are these men not a part of the church’s men’s ministry? The truth is that every interaction your church has with any man is ministry to men. The Journey to Biblical Manhood is built around this approach. The number of men in your men’s ministry is equal to the number of men in your church. We refer to this approach as an all-inclusive ministry to men.

HOW DO I HELP MEN WHO AREN’T PARTICIPATING IN THE MEN’S-ONLY GROUPS ENGAGE IN THE CHALLENGE?  For every challenge, there’s a corresponding Faith & Life Objectives card. This is to show men where you’re headed as a body, and to demonstrate that the challenge is bigger than an event or group study. It’s so important that EVERY man in the church receives one of these cards. If possible, have the pastor address the cards during a worship service and review with the men. Communicate these as often as you can.

BooksByTheBox.org

continued on page 59

The Area Directors Speak Out: Outreach and Holiday Traditions Our efforts to recruit, train and deploy 330 Area Directors have brought in over a thousand inquiries. God is building an incredible team, passionate about seeing men grow spiritually through the efforts of the local church. Learn more at areadirectors.org. We asked the Area Directors for some ideas on outreach and holiday traditions.

What is a creative, unique way that a church could meet the physical/ tangible needs of the community? Brooks Lindsey, East Metro Atlanta Coalition for Men’s Discipleship, GA Last year our church decided to gather up 10,000 pair of blue jeans to give to the homeless shelters in Atlanta. We included schools, churches and other organizations. We gathered over 15,000 pairs!!

Dave Armstrong, Greater Philadelphia North Coalition for Men's Discipleship, PA Our church has put together gift bags for teachers at an elementary school behind our church. We loaded it with all kinds of things that a teacher would want. We have also put the school on notice that we would be available to help out as needed. They took us up on an activity they were doing for parents. We provided lots of logistical help and extra hands.

Chris Rondeau, Western Upstate Coalition for Men’s Discipleship, SC We bring our children’s ministry to the city and hand out blankets to homeless people. We partner with the Department of Family Services in South Carolina. We also have over 20 foster kids in the church. On Tuesday night during visitations, our last stop is always to pray over the teachers and students in each of our Elementary schools.

Michael Luce, Central Louisiana Coalition for Men's Discipleship , LA Ask strong families to adopt a single mom and her kids. The church can provide and/or partner with outside ministries for both fun and service. Children without positive fathering are epidemic. James 1:27 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

What are some traditions that you have in your family for celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas? Pete LoPresto, Twin Tiers Coalition for Men’s Discipleship, NY We have a white tablecloth that goes on the table each Thanksgiving. After we have the traditional meal and clear back the dishes we bring out some markers. Every person writes what or whom they are they thankful for at that time. It has become a treasured keepsake, as we read comments from previous years of family and also friends who have graced our table.

Don Myers, West Tampa Bay Coalition For Men’s Discipleship, FL At Thanksgiving dinner, everyone says why they are thankful for the person to their left. We watch football, read the ads for black Friday, and of course take a nap! For Christmas: Chirstmas Eve Communion service, sharing the Christmas story, opening of gifts, dinner with the entire family.

Patrick Leupold, East Orlando Coalition for Men’s Discipleship, FL Thanksgiving: We work together as a family to create the meal: turkey, prime rib, mashed potatoes, gravy, and more. Individuals who don't have a family to spend time with are invited and welcomed into our household that entire day. Often times we have had 15-20 new "family" members join us this day! (Editors note: I am going to the Leupolds this year!)

Ron Crawford, South Central Pennsylvania Coalition for Men's Discipleship, PA Our family celebrates with a Jesse Tree Advent daily devotional during the four weeks of Advent. Each evening there is an ornament for the tree, each representing a symbol from the Old or New Testament tracing the heritage of Jesus Christ from Creation through His birth. We light an advent candle, sing, read Scripture, discuss, and pray.

Ronn Read, Northwest Chicagoland Coalition for Men’s Discipleship, IL We have many family traditions, now being passed on to a new generation: from everyone wearing candy stripe night shirts on Christmas Eve, to wearing 'popper' paper crowns at the Christmas Day meal. But our main tradition is that we go to a candlelight service, then come home, put on the candy stripes, and gather to read the Christmas story from Matthew and Luke.

Clark Miller, Miami Valley Coalition for Men’s Discipleship, OH When our kids were little, we would get a branch and drill 25 candle holes in it for the 25 days leading up to Christmas. Each night we would light a white candle, read another portion of the Christmas story from the Bible, sing a song and pray. On Christmas, we would light the 25th candle, red, to signify the important reason for the celebration. (One year one of our boys asked if it was a red candle because that's the color Jesus spoke in, in the Bible). It is interesting to see how that tradition is translated in various forms now to our grandchildren.

Five Questions for Roddey Roberts Man in the Mirror National Ministry Consultant

Equipping Your Men’s Small Group

•Describe • your professional life before you came to Man in the Mirror. I have been involved in church staff ministry--as pastor with responsibilities in youth ministry and church recreation and activities—and in business—in sales, sales management and as a business owner.

•What • are some highlights of your spiritual journey? My spiritual journey began as a high school athlete attending a Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp in Black Mountain, NC, where I professed Jesus as my Lord and Savior. The years I spent on church staff as Youth and Recreation Pastor certainly ranks in the top three. The opportunity to serve players and coaches as Chaplain for a local high school football program probably is the highlight of the journey so far.

•What • draws you to a ministry to men? In the years I spent as Chaplain for high school athletes and coaches I witnessed many lives negatively impacted by either a physically or emotionally absent father. It seemed like I was always dealing with the consequences and not the root problem. The potential for transforming the lives of men to be Godly husbands, fathers, church men and community leaders is a motivating factor for me to be involved in ministry to men.

•What • is the greatest impact that being discipled has had on your life or on the life of someone you have ministered to? The idea of using the words “I love you” in context of manly conversation was very difficult for me outside of my relationship with my son. Those words were modeled to me by Godly men in a way that they became more comfortable. I still remember the first time I put my arm around a sweaty, 6’ 4”, 260 pound defensive tackle’s shoulder pads as we walked off the practice field and said, “I want you to know that I am here for you and I love you.” Several days later that young man approached me and said he had never heard another man use those words and that it meant so much to him. Since then, I have had the freedom to use the words “I love you” in proper context with regards to ministry to men.

•What • is your prayer to God about being used as a National Ministry Consultant? My prayer would be that in the day to day business of performing my “job description” as National Ministry Consultant, pastors and men’s leaders would know my heart’s passion and urgency for ministry to men. It’s not about the training events, seminars, books and resources in themselves but the need for men to know Christ as Lord and Savior, so they can live transformed lives manifested in their relationship with God, family, church and community.

• Roddey Roberts

Man in the Mirror welcomed Roddey as a National Ministry Consultant earlier this year. Roddey and Pam, his wife of 38 years, live in Oveido, Florida. They are proud parents of two and loving grandparents to two.

Get all your men engaged in the regular study of God’s Word by using this magazine as a small group tool. At the end of each week’s devotions, you’ll see a box containing discussion questions and exercises. These can form the basis of your time together. These pages supplement those questions with additional steps. If you use this magazine with your men this quarter you will have:

ho needs to nd or colleague w ie fr a r fo ay pr ✔✔Committed to know God’s love. bs 3:5, 6. ditated on Prover me d an ed iz or ✔✔Mem and begin to hold area in your life, th ow gr a ed tifi ✔✔Iden table for it. each other accoun ancial in your personal fin ge an ch c ifi ec sp ✔✔Made a practices. with a share God’s love to g uin in nt co to ✔✔Committed . friend or colleague ur bucket of adventure on yo m ite e on e ut ec ✔✔Planned to ex list.

ritten version each Prayer and a rew ’s rd Lo e Th ed ✔✔Pray ing of the week. morning and even r him and talked brother, prayed fo a h it w ed ne a ✔✔Shared for a week. to him every day one who ificial love for some cr sa of t ac an ✔✔Committed e it. needs to experienc a pastor. God’s Word with of ce an rt po im e ✔✔Discussed th ho don’t the Scriptures w to ss ce ac t ge le ✔✔Helped peop e. currently have on calling . lp determine your he to se ci er ex ✔✔Used a simple party. ✔✔Had a Christmas Continued on page 12

Small Group Guide continued from page 11

q 10/1–1/7:

In this week’s devotions, you’ll focus in on what it means to share your faith and witness to others about God. SAS (Suggested Application Step): Ask each man to recall and share their first memories of hearing about God’s love. Make a list of all the ways that occurred (example: church, camp, mom or dad, VBS, etc.). Now think of one man in your life who needs to know of God’s love. Commit to pray for that man and ask God to reveal your part in that process.

q 10/8–10/14: These devotions teach you about the difference between

viewing life through a “Me Filter” and viewing life through a “God filter.” SAS: From several different versions or translations, read Proverbs 3:5, 6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take,” (nlt). Decide on one translation of the verse to memorize. Every morning of this next week, meditate on that verse.

q 10/15–10/21: In this week of devotions you’ll see what can occur when you allow God to change your heart and grow in your faith. SAS: Spend a few minutes discussing the outwards signs of change and growth in a person’s life. Then discuss how that change or growth can come about in someone (discipline, struggles, discipleship, etc.). Identify an area in your life you would like to see God bring about change or growth and make a group list. Check in with each other each week to see how you are doing in your growth areas. q 10/22–10/28: Our devotional theme this week is that God wants you to be faithful with all of the resources He has given to you. SAS: Think of a man who shows integrity with his finances, and another who doesn’t. How do you know? What is the reputation of each of those men? Identify a specific step you need to make to bring more integrity to the way you handle your own finances. q 10/29–11/4: This week your men will learn of the joy and priv-

ilege of sharing your faith with those who need a Savior. SAS: A month ago, you identified a man in your life who needs to know of God’s love. Share how God has given you opportunities to show God’s love to that man, including anxieties, missed opportunities and positive conversations. Pray as a group for each of the men you are trying to reach by name. Commit to each other that you will continue sharing Christ with those men.

q 11/5–11/11:

Pete Alwinson wrote these devotionals which remind you that God gave us the gift of life to enjoy and it is an adventure to embrace. SAS: On a white board or large piece of paper, list some items on the guys “bucket list” (things to do or see before you die). Is something hindering you from doing one thing on that list this year? What are those hindrances? (examples: fear, money, time, etc.) Begin to plan how you could check off one “bucket list” item this year.

q 11/12–11/18: This week you’ll look at the importance of praying about the big and little issues of life. SAS: Hand out a copy of “The Lord’s Prayer” (Google it if necessary). Ask everyone to rewrite it in their own words. Spend a few minutes sharing their versions. Every day of this next week, pray “The Lord’s Prayer” in the morning and your own rewritten prayer in the evening. Next week, we’ll share some of the things we learned as we prayed those prayers.

q 11/19–11/25: This week’s devotionals address the need to bear

the burdens of one another. SAS: Reread Galatians 6:1–5. What area of life do you try to carry on your own? Share your needs with a brother from the group. Commit to talking every day this week to encourage each other. Pray for each other daily. From last week, what did you learn from those prayers?

q 11/26–12/2: These devotions remind you that God’s love is a perfect love. SAS: Think of an act of service or sacrifice that most demonstrates perfect love. What makes that act an act of love? What motivates a person to serve or sacrifice in that way? As a group, think of a person that could use a specific act of God’s love and plan on helping that person as soon as possible. Update each other on the men you are praying to share Christ with. If possible, invite your senior or teaching pastor to join you for your next group. q 12/3–12/9: This week you’ll see that God’s Word is described in many

ways—alive, active, a sharp sword, a powerful weapon, a flawless record. SAS: Ask your guys to go to Biblegateway.com or from a concordance, look up “God’s Word” or “Word of God”. Read aloud some of the verses that describe the Bible. Discuss what you learned from these passages of scripture. If there, ask your pastor to share their view of the Word of God.

q 12/10–12/16: Our devotional theme for the week is the great purpose of both the Old Testament and New Testament as the entire Word of God. SAS: Contact a mission organization such as Wycliffe or Biblical and select a project to support. You can choose a people group without the Scriptures to pray for and support, or choose a ministry area, such as prison outreach, to purchase Bibles and distribute yourselves. q 12/17–12/23: These devotions help you focus on the calling that God has

given you. SAS: A “calling” is sometimes defined as the intersection between your gifts/skills, interests and experience. Have each person make a list for each area and present them to the group. Discuss what God might call you to based on your list, and how closely this aligns to what you are doing now.

q 12/24–12/31: The devotions from this week teach about the revolution that began with the birth of Christ. SAS: Have a Christmas party this week! Celebrate Christ’s birth!

How to Use This Devotional

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To make the most of Equipping the Man in the Mirror, we have dissected a devotional so you don’t miss any aspect of the magazine (see below).

Completion checkbox

Source material

Correlating Scripture

Discussion/ journal questions

One-year Bible daily reading

Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32–33 In Acts 1:8, just before He returned to heaven, Jesus gives a promise and a challenge: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” I think most Christians truly want to obey that mandate. We have a passion to be faithful to Jesus and to please Him. We want to be acknowledged by Jesus—not disowned (Matt. 10:33). But most of us experience anxiety, because we don’t know the possibilities and the limits to witnessing, particularly in the workplace. If you live in the U.S., then you should know that our First Amendment

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Get Started on the Journey with a Success That Matters Men’s Event Have you been thinking . . . There’s got to be more to life than this!

SESSION 1

SESSION 2

Finding the Purpose of Your Life

Finding Respect and Honor at Home

SESSION 3

SESSION 4

Finding a New Best Friend in Your Wife

Finding a Deeper Personal Relationship with God

Go to www.maninthemirror.org and click on the "Events for Your Men" icon. 14

Monday—October 1 • Acknowledging Jesus

guarantees the right to express your religious beliefs. This is a great country, and our freedom of religion and expression offers us a profound privilege. Nothing in our nation prohibits your right to express your faith in Christ. But keep in mind that some expressions are more effective than others. We’ll discuss that in upcoming devotionals. :MIMBS 1 Name someone you know who is an effective witness for Jesus. What makes them effective? Daily Reading: Isaiah 62:6-65:25, Philippians 2:19-3:3, Psalm 73:1-28, Proverbs 24:13-14

Tuesday— October 2 • Do Men Need Jesus? For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

It’s a mistake to get frustrated when we talk about Christ and the unbelieving people around us don’t “get it.” Many men in the marketplace don’t really feel a need for Jesus. At least they don’t need Him in the same way that they need gasoline, or a haircut, or a paycheck, or money for tolls on the highway. The apostle Paul told the Corinthian believers that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. We shouldn’t be surprised. When a man doesn’t feel a need for a savior, it’s difficult to convince him that he needs Christ. But there are moments in every man’s life when

he comes face-to-face with his need. We must be ready in those crisis moments to respond. Crisis moments include life events like divorce, the death of a loved one, loss of a job, bankruptcy, and health issues. The greatest possibilities for witnessing in the workplace usually occur when men are facing turning points, because that’s when men are most likely to realize their need. :MIMBS 1 Have you shared Christ with a man who didn’t get it? Why do you think that was? Who do you know that is experiencing a crisis? How will you respond? Daily Reading: Isaiah 66:124, Philippians 3:4-21, Psalm 74:1-23, Proverbs 24:15-16

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Wednesday— October 3 • All for God’s Glory

 Friday, Saturday, Sunday—October 5, 6, 7 • Sharing Your Faith

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God—even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31–33 When Paul says, “I try to please everybody in every way,” he isn’t encouraging believers to be people pleasers. He is saying that he tries not to offend people by the way he lives his life. This is part of our mandate to witness. We should speak and behave in a way that will turn people toward Jesus rather than away from Him. I remember violating this principle. I had an attorney friend who came to our Bible study. He had been through a divorce and had moved. I badgered him into praying a prayer to receive Christ. As soon as he said “Amen,” he said good-bye, and I haven’t seen him since.

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I think we can agree the apostle Paul was one of the most vocal witnesses in Church history. And his lifestyle supported his words. Yet he did not badger people. We have a right and responsibility to witness for Christ. Let’s show wisdom in how we do it. :MIMBS 1 Have you ever been badgered by someone over religious things? What emotions did that elicit? How can you learn from that experience to be a more effective witness for the gospel to those around you? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30, Philippians 4:1-23, Psalm 75:1-10, Proverbs 24:17-20

Thursday—October 4 • Louder than Words They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. Titus 1:16a

We’ve all heard that “actions speak louder than words,” and we’ve all known people whose behavior did not match their testimony. St. Francis of Assisi once advised, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.” Actions matter, so pursue loud actions and a quiet voice. Scripture says you need to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15b). But we also need to live in a way that

invites people’s questions and reinforces our credibility to answer them. The best witness often begins with an unspoken example. Excellence is valued in both the physical kingdom (business) and the spiritual kingdom. If you work hard and keep your life balanced, you are building your credibility among your superiors, your peers, and the people you serve. The best workers are the best witnesses. :MIMBS 1 Are there areas of your life that are visible to those around you that undermine your ability to “preach the gospel” with your actions alone? What is one thing you need to work on (for example, your language, punctuality, work product, loyalty, etc.)? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 2:31-4:18, Colossians 1:1-17, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs 24:21-22

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Philemon 6 I have great respect for Truett Cathy, Chick Fil-A founder. The company website shows that Cathy’s faith influenced his business choices. That includes his decision, way back in 1946, to close his business on Sundays. Cathy has often shared that his decision was as much practical as spiritual. It protected him from exhaustion. But that one simple decision is a strong corporate witness in the U.S. Not all of us have that kind of broadly advertised opportunity, but we all will find that our jobs give a platform for our testimony about Jesus. My friend Scott managed a music store. In that environment, he employed a lot of young men. He never said a lot about his beliefs, but he was always very careful in handling displeased or angry customers. “I’d try to treat that customer the way Jesus would have,” he explained. These young employees would approach

Scott after watching him in that situation, and they would say, “Wow. I was amazed at how you handled that.” That opened the door for Scott to relate with them and share his faith. Watch for opportunities in your workplace. Don’t bully or proselytize. Don’t misuse your employer’s time. Don’t discriminate on the basis of religion. Avoid every appearance of evil. But don’t shy away from God-given openings to share your faith. Sometimes it’s as simple as offering to pray with someone who is facing a difficult situation. Or, describing a similar situation in your own life and explaining how God met you. Whatever the circumstances, be alert for the opportunity, and be prepared to explain how your faith has changed your life. :MIMBS 1 Are you prepared for the opportunity to share your faith in the workplace? Talk with some brothers about how to approach these opportunities. Daily Reading: Jeremiah 4:199:26, Colossians 1:18-3:17, Psalm 77:1-78:55, Proverbs 24:23-27

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For October 1–7: Ask each man to answer these three questions about their faith walk. •• What event or circumstance led you to search out a relationship with God? •• Who answered some of your questions about a relationship with Him? •• Was there some change in your life that took place due to this decision?

 Monday—October 8 • Viewing Life through a “Me Filter”

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There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 Before the digital age, you could put lens filters of various colors or effects on your camera to alter the picture. Now you can accomplish the same thing digitally. You can make your photo black-andwhite or sepia-toned so it looks like it’s from a different era. You can make certain colors more vivid than they are naturally. Similarly, each person has personal filters affecting his view of reality. Suppose someone carries a plate of fresh chocolate chip cookies into a crowded room. One person might immediately smile, remembering a loving grandmother treating him to a snack of freshly baked cookies. The next person might feel nauseated, because he once ate too many cookies and became sick.

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That’s a simple example of how our lenses affect our perception of an event. We all tend to interpret circumstances primarily by how we are affected—not so much by how others are affected. When we view life through that “me filter,” we can choose a way that seems right for us, but we risk not seeing life as it really is. —David Delk Describe a situation where you’ve seen two people interpret the same situation in very different ways. How would you explain the difference in the viewpoints? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 10:1-11:23, Colossians 3:18-4:18, Psalm 78:56-72, Proverbs 24:28-29

Tuesday—October 9 • Which Son Was Lost? Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.'" Luke 15:11–12

Most of us know Jesus’ story about a man with two sons. The younger boy spent his entire inheritance to support a wild lifestyle. Clearly, he interpreted life through a “me filter,” choosing what he thought would make him happy. It’s less obvious that the older brother, who stayed home and worked in the family business, also viewed life through a “me filter.” He had the same goal of personal fulfillment, but he believed a different lifestyle would achieve it. He expected to be happy if he “did all the right things.” Jesus said the younger son “came to his senses” and returned home (v. 17). His father welcomed and restored him, saying, “This son of mine was dead and is alive again” (v.24). But the older brother refused

to come to the party, choosing instead to wallow in his disillusionment. The younger son was restored, while the older son remained outside, relationally separated from his father and his brother, and totally missing the party. When we choose to continue viewing life through a “me filter,” we deliberately choose lost-ness and death over restoration and abundant life. —David Delk Read the entire story of “The Lost Son” in Luke 15:11–31. In verses 25–30, what statements reveal the older son’s “me filter”? Which brother do you identify more closely with, and why? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 12:1-14:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs 24:30-34

Wednesday—October 10 • Realizing Our True Need We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

Today’s scripture reminds us that we’ve all “turned to our own way.” This is equally true if you’ve wasted your life in the pursuit of pleasure, or if you’ve led an outwardly respectable lifestyle with the selfish desire to avoid the consequences of rocking the proverbial boat. As long as you think life is about you and you seek fulfillment by doing what you want—whether it is “good” stuff or “bad” stuff—eventually your choices will not pay off as you expected. You will end up in a personal prison, as your heart begins to die. In Jesus’ story of the Prodigal Son, the lost son finally “came to his senses” (Luke 15:17). He recognized that he could not

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choose his own way, and he wanted to change. That’s often an easier step for wild men than for good guys. Consequences make their need for rescue more apparent. But in reality, we all are doomed without Jesus. The starting place for restoration is in recognizing our true need and accepting the offer God gave when He laid our sins on Jesus at the cross. —David Delk Describe a time when your choices did not “pay off” in the way you expected. What was your response? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 14:11-16:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13, Psalm 80:1-19, Proverbs 25:1-5

Thursday—October 11 • Come Back to the Father Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23–24

C.S. Lewis once compared us to children who settle for making mud pies on a dirt road because we cannot imagine vacationing at the beach. We spend our time being nice, being good neighbors and workers, smiling, waving, saying please and thank you. We set our own agenda and settle for “good guy things,” rather than pushing for true meaning and fulfillment. What if we really did turn our hearts over to God? What if we gave up the need to control— even the need to be perceived as a good guy? What if we let God do something greater than we could imagine on our own? Like the Prodigal Son, we all need to

return to the Father, trusting Him to lovingly replace our “me filter” with His “God filter.” God loves us and wants to rescue us. He wants to change our focus, so we stop evaluating everything in terms of self— “how does this impact me?” Instead, we can let God lead us in the way of eternal life, teaching us to view circumstances in light of what they mean for Him and His glory. —David Delk Have you ever truly turned your heart over to God? How did your choice affect your life focus? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 16:16-18:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3, Psalm 81:1-16, Proverbs 25:6-8

 Friday, Saturday, Sunday—October 12, 13, 14 • Our Dog Bowman Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5–6 Our dog Bowman is a pretty unique mutt. He’s gigantic, he has long limbs, and he’s extremely active. We almost lost him when he was a puppy, because we were either going to kill him or give him away. If you’ve had puppies in your house, you’ll understand what I mean—he was always jumping and running, and every time he escaped through the front door, he ran from house to house, chasing cars and barking. By the time Bowman was about 16 months old, we had spent significant time training him. At that age, when Bowman was outside barking at a squirrel or something, we’d open the door and tell him to come inside. He’d look at us, and you could almost see what he was thinking. “Do I want to keep doing what I want? Or do I want to do what my master says?” It was fascinating, because it seemed like you really could see the tug-of-war going on inside of him. Every time we gave a command, he had to make a choice. More and more often, he would put aside what he wanted so he could do what we wanted.

Our desires eventually became his priority. Having a “God filter” simply means we see God’s desires as more important than our own. We all experience similar things in life—things like accidents or injuries or diseases or deaths or job losses. Our mental filters determine how we respond to both positive and negative situations. Will we lean on our own understanding? Or will we trust God enough to stop focusing on how our circumstances affect us, and start asking how they can bring glory to God? —David Delk Name one situation in your life that you’ve been seeing through a “me-filter.” Maybe it’s something in your marriage, your workplace, or something with a friend or neighbor or child. Are you willing to surrender that issue to God and to trust Him rather than leaning on your own understanding? If so, write a prayer expressing your desire to bring God glory in that situation. Daily Reading: Jeremiah 19:1-25:38, 1 Thessalonians 5:4- 2 Thessalonians 2:17, Psalm 82:1-84:12, Proverbs 25:9-15

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For October 8–14: Think of two different times when you have had a major life choice to make. •• What were the questions you asked yourself as you tried to make those decisions? •• Were those questions viewed through a “me filter”? What was the outcome of those decisions? (positive, negative, move, new job, etc.) •• After reading this week’s devotionals, would a different perspective besides the “me filter” have led to different outcomes?

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Monday —October 15 • Are You Growing? You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:3–4

Have you ever bumped into someone you haven’t seen for years? It’s fun when you see an old friend who is now doing wonderfully well. God has been working in their lives, through good times and bad. You can see their growth. Sometimes you run into old friends who really haven’t changed. They’re the same as they were 20 years ago. They’ve hit a plateau in their relationship with God, and they’ve been content to just stay there. And once in a while, you even find someone who has become angry and bitter because life turned out differently than he expected. What is the difference between the man who has grown, the one who has plateaued and the one who has become angry and bitter? Perhaps it comes down to who you trust the most. If I only trust myself, the best I can do is stop growing; or I might

even become bitter at my own failures. If I trust in God—firmly and resolutely—I can be confident that He will always be there to strengthen me, in spite of my circumstances. :MIMBS 3 If someone who was in your life 20 years ago ran into you today, what would they say about you? Have you plateaued in your relationship with God? What can you do to move forward? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 26:1-27:22, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18, Psalm 85:1-13, Proverbs 25:16

 Tuesday—October 16 • God’s Offer to You: An Abundant Life The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 The Bible describes God as your Creator. He ordained your days even before you were born. He knows you intimately. He knows when you sit and when you get up. He knows your thoughts—good, bad, and ugly. And He knows what you will say before it comes from your lips. He also loves you, and He invites you into relationship with Him. Some people view God as a “boss” who offers a contract demanding a certain level of performance. But in reality, God wants to relate with you as your loving Father. He wants you to accept His offer of abundant life. And He wants you to experience it “to the full.”

Because God is an infinite being, His supply of life is infinite. He reduced Himself to flesh and came to earth, so that we might comprehend Him. And in today’s Scripture passage He gives His reason for that: He opened the way for us to tap into the fullness of His life. A man’s ability to grasp that simple fact will affect how he looks at everything. :MIMBS 3 Talk with some guys in your small group or elsewhere about how you view God. As Boss? Friend? Father? How does that affect your relationship with Him? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 28:1-29:32, 1 Timothy 1:1-20, Psalm 86:1-17, Proverbs 25:17

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Wednesday—October 17 • Righteousness, Peace and Joy

 Friday, Saturday, Sunday—October 19, 20, 21 • Fulfilling the Law

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Romans 14:17–18 I remember when my daughter kept a list of the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:23. She’d say, “This week I’m going to work on love . . . ” Or “This week I’m going to work on joy . . . ” She came to a fresh understanding of the gospel when someone explained that you don’t have to work to get these things. You don’t receive them through correct behavior, or through adequate knowledge. They are the fruit—the natural result—of having Christ in your life. This passage mentions “righteousness, peace and joy.” They also are fruit that happens in the life of a believer who comes into true relationship with God. Men who don’t see God as a loving Father tend to believe they must earn His favor.

They try to collect the right knowledge or live by a certain code of behavior. Men who are able to rest in His Fatherly love are better able to accept the gifts He offers. They accept His righteousness, and they experience joy and peace that defy explanation. :MIMBS 3 List some Christian characteristics that you’ve tried to achieve by your own effort. Do those things fit into the category of “fruit,” which comes through long-term relationship with Christ? Discuss with a brother in Christ or your wife. Daily Reading: Jeremiah 30:1-31:26, 1 Timothy 2:1-15, Psalm 87:1-7, Proverbs 25:18-19

 Thursday—October 18 • Boundaries Offer Opportunity for Joy If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:10–11 James Dobson offers a famous illustration about a group of elementary aged children, joyously playing inside a fenced schoolyard. Some psychologists saw the fence as an artificial boundary, limiting the freedom these children needed if they were to flourish to their full potential. They took down the fence. Imagine their surprise when the children didn’t take advantage of the lack of limits. Instead, they huddled in a mass at the center of the playground. They quit playing, because they no longer knew where the boundaries were. Sometimes I get a mental picture of men in a similar

situation. We huddle in masses because we don’t know where the boundaries are. Augustine once said, “Love God and do what you want.” His comment underscores a simple truth. Relationship with God rewrites our desires, which in turn changes our behavior. According to today’s passage, the end result is joy, because of the tremendous freedom offered through recognizing our God-given boundaries. :MIMBS 3 This devotional says, “Relationship with God rewrites our desires, which in turn changes our behavior.” Do you agree or disagree? Why? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 31:27-32:44, 1 Timothy 3:1-16, Psalm 88:1-18, Proverbs 25:20-22

Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:10 Knowledge of God should lead to a relationship with Him. And as that relationship changes our attitudes, we will find that obeying God brings joy. Perhaps that is most obvious when we do something for another person that reflects God’s love in a tangible way. Loving people is an excellent way to demonstrate the relationship we have with our Father God. I often say that my wife Patsy is the “Mother Teresa” of our home. She has taught me an awful lot about what it means to fulfill God’s law through loving people. I remember when she and two other women were conducting a Bible club for about 20 innercity kids. As we neared Christmas, they decided to host a party for the children. They needed someone to serve pizza, so I went along. We pulled up at the apartment complex, and my wife got out of the car. Suddenly I saw a flock of kids waiting for her. They squealed as they ran up to

her. They wrapped their arms around her. I watched her hug them back and squeal with the same joy they had expressed in seeing her. For the next couple of hours I watched these kids come to her; she would chat with each one and hug them. Her mission was to let each child know she loved them, just the way they were. At the end of the evening I said to her and to the other women, “In the history of the world, this is something that will have made a difference.” Three middle-aged white women, going to an apartment complex on a weekly basis to meet with 20 elementary and middle school aged kids—and I was honored to be part of that. It showed me that loving others can be the most meaningful part of every day of our lives. :MIMBS 3 How does love fulfill God’s law? How can you show God’s love to other people this week in a tangible way? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 33:1-38:28, 1 Timothy 4:16:21, Psalm 89:1-52 Proverbs 25:23-28

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For October 15–21: Share some of the ways that you see growth or changes in your heart and life. •• Is that growth something that someone would notice or not? •• What has been the most difficult part of those changes? •• What has been the reward of that growth?

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Monday—October 22 • It’s Not Your Money

Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’” Luke 16:1–2 Jesus used the parable in Luke 16 to teach His disciples about the godly use of worldly wealth. It features a man who was hired to steward someone else’s resources. The owner in the parable represents God, and the manager represents anyone who claims to be His disciple. God gives money and other resources for us to manage, but the first thing we must understand is we don’t own the resources. God does. We just manage the financial resources entrusted to us. At some point, we will give an accounting for how faithfully we have stewarded God’s money. It’s important to understand that, when you use worldly wealth righteously, you don’t earn additional favor with God.

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Honesty and integrity are base-level expectations. This isn’t a box to check off your list so you can say, “I must be okay with God, because I am okay with money.” This is an elemental part of what it means to be a disciple. Absolute loyalty to Jesus Christ requires us to be faithful in our financial dealings. :MIMBS 4 How does it affect your handling of financial resources when you understand the money you manage doesn’t really belong to you, but it belongs to God? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 39:1-41:18, 2 Timothy 1:1-18, Psalm 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 26:1-2

He was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. 2 Corinthians 8:19–21

she could save money that way. My wife wisely told her, “It will always cost you more to have integrity.” The disciple’s priority is not in trying to make money and save money. Rather, the disciple’s priority is in showing absolute loyalty to Jesus by faithfully and honestly managing the resources entrusted to him. :MIMBS 4 Name one financial issue you deal with on a regular basis. How can you go overboard to insure your integrity in that situation? Are you already doing that? Why or why not? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 42:1-44:23, 2 Timothy 2:1-21, Psalm 92:1-93:5, Proverbs 26:3-5

Wednesday—October 24 • Be Generous I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Luke 16:9

Jesus’ parable recorded in Luke 16 describes a financial manager who is called to account for wasting his master’s money. He responds by slashing the amounts owed by his master’s debtors, in order to gain allies. The master commends the dishonest manager for being so shrewd. Then Jesus made the application. I don’t believe He was condoning the manager’s manipulative motivations, but He did tell His disciples to “use worldly wealth to gain friends.” Money is a necessary gift from God. It provides shelter, food, clothing, transportation, education, healthcare, and the ability to make friends, like the unfaithful steward was doing in Jesus’ story. But Jesus is explaining to His followers about

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Tuesday—October 23 • Insure Financial Integrity

Paul’s ministry had received a generous gift, and Paul described to the Corinthians how careful he was being with it. Paul’s action shows that a true disciple will “take pains to do what is right.” For a disciple, doing what’s right means he won’t cheat on his taxes or pad his expense accounts. He will carefully account for the resources entrusted to him. When my daughter went to college, she complained about being poor. Some girls in her sorority were putting quarters for the laundry machine into a nylon stocking. They’d push that into the slot and turn on the machine, and then they’d pull on the end of the nylon and extract their money from the washer or dryer. They suggested

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how a true disciple will go overboard to insure financial integrity. In context, our Lord’s first admonition is generosity. In fact, in Matthew 25, Jesus notes that when we generously do something to help another person, it’s as if we are doing it for Him (see Matthew 25:31–46). Generosity with others is one way we demonstrate our understanding that the money entrusted to us doesn’t really belong to us. It’s to be used for God’s purposes and His Kingdom. :MIMBS 4 How are you generous with the resources God has entrusted to you? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 44:24-47:7, 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 26:6-8

Thursday—October 25 • True Riches?

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? Luke 16:10–12 In today’s passage, Jesus simply asks, “If you can’t be trusted to handle money with integrity, why would God trust you with true riches?” In my opinion, true riches refers to all the things people think money will buy—like love, joy, peace, etc. Suppose you choose as a background for your computer screen a picture of an incredible sandy beach with azure water. Do you really want to live perpetually on that beach? Probably not. In reality, that beach is hot and sandy and sticky; there are bugs and other things you’d rather avoid. You don’t really want the beach. You want the feeling you get when you look at the picture.

It’s often the same with money and possessions. People think they want wealth, but they really want the true riches they think will come with money and possessions. In the end, they often find they don’t own their possessions, their possessions own them. Jesus admonishes disciples to demonstrate their faithfulness in handling money, trusting that God can also give the true riches they desire. :MIMBS 4 List three things that you would characterize as “true riches.” Have you linked those three things in your mind to money and possessions? Discuss your answer with some brothers. Daily Reading: Jeremiah 48:1-49:22, 2 Timothy 4:1-22, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 26:9-12

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Friday, Saturday, Sunday—October 26, 27, 28 The Necessity of Choosing Sides For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10

During the era of prohibition, a congressman from Mississippi was asked about his attitude toward whiskey. He replied, “Well, if you mean that demon drink that poisons the mind, pollutes the body, desecrates family life and enflames sinners, then I’m against it. But if you mean the elixir of Christmas cheer, the shield against a cold winter chill, or that taxable potion that puts needed funds into the public coffers to comfort little crippled children, then I’m for it. That’s my position, and I will not compromise.” We can laugh at the irony of this man who claimed he “would not compromise,” yet many of us live that same way when it comes to material possessions. Jesus clearly said you cannot serve both God and money. This is not a statement of improbability or implausibility. It’s a statement of impossibility. You have to choose sides. At one point, I made the error of adopting

as a life credo that money would solve my problems, and worldly success would make me happy. Then I became a Christian, and I thought I could just add Jesus to my formula. I expected to add all the benefits of God’s true riches to my expected benefits of worldly wealth. I had the right foundation in Jesus Christ, but I built on that foundation in the wrong way. I was still trusting that wealth would render true riches. It didn’t work; I wasn’t happy at all! Scripture clearly says God will take care of those who honor Him by making a priority of His will and His kingdom. We all must choose whom we will serve. :MIMBS 4 How do your financial habits reveal if you’ve chosen to serve God, or if you’ve chosen to serve money or status or success? Daily Reading: Jeremiah 49:23-52:34, Titus 1:13:15, Psalm 97:1-100:5, Proverbs 26:13-19

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For October 22–28: Ask someone to read the devotional “True Riches” from Thursday, October 25. •• What are some issues that you thought having money would solve? •• Have you ever said to yourself, “If I only had $ (fill in the amount), I would (fill in the blank)? •• What did you learn about true riches from this devotional?

Monday —October 29 • How to Find Happiness I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10, Nkjv

One of the ways God completes our happiness is by giving us the privilege of helping other men find theirs. And the first way to do that is by leading them to Jesus Christ. Some time ago a friend of mine was hired to consult with Dreamworks on their movie, “The Prince of Egypt.” His task was to comment on whether the movie was staying true to the Christian faith. The staff wanted to know exactly what makes a Christian. After my friend explained what it meant and how a person could become one, a puzzled employee asked, “You mean anyone can be a Christian?”

The good news about Jesus is the most hopeful story a man can hear. Yet many people only know Jesus through gross caricatures, unfair stereotypes and faulty spokesmen. That’s why you, as a “normal” person, can be such a valuable ambassador for Christ. You have the ability to catch men off guard as you present the truth of the gospel. 10S Talk to other men about their experiences sharing their faith. Focus on the joy and happiness they felt, as compared to other things that make them happy, such as careers and earthly relationships. Daily Reading: Lamentations 1:12:22, Philemon 1:1-25, Psalm 101:18, Proverbs 26:20

Tuesday —October 30 • Changing Your Story Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17, Nkjv

When former football superstar Deion Sanders played for the Atlanta Falcons, he returned a punt for a touchdown. Sanders bought Gucci watches for the entire punt return unit to show his appreciation for the crucial role they played in his success. Some time later Sanders became a follower of Jesus Christ. The story is told of the day when Sanders, as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, had again returned a punt for a touchdown. A teammate, who had coincidentally played with Sanders in Atlanta, remembered the watch incident and asked him, “Hey Deion, are you going to do it again?”

“No,” he said. “I’m going to buy everybody a NIV Bible.” Now why would Sanders give an answer like that? God changed his story. A man who experiences a great restaurant can’t wait to tell his friends about it. In a much greater way, a man who experiences Jesus Christ is eager to share Him with others. 10S Do the men you know regularly share their faith with other men? Talk about some of the reasons why they do, or why they do not. Daily Reading: Lamentations 3:1-66, Hebrews 1:1-14, Psalm 102:1-28, Proverbs 26:21-22

Wednesday —October 31 • Showing and Telling We loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:8

A few years ago, some friends of ours watched as a violent tornado ripped through their neighborhood, destroying just about everything in its path. One home was completely wiped out. Many others were battered. A Christian man who lived on their street decided to mobilize churches to offer help to the community. He went door-to-door, canvassing the neighborhood and taking inventory of the needs. Soon people began streaming into the area to bring relief. They brought meals, hauled away trash and provided child care. Everyone in the community was overwhelmed with gratitude. They saw just how good the story of the gospel can be.

The apostle Paul understood the importance of proclamation—“telling” the good story. But he also championed the idea of incarnation—“showing the story.” In a world saturated by words, people have begun to say, “First, show me. Then when I have come to trust you, you can tell me.” A man’s receptivity to what we “proclaim” will rarely exceed the authenticity of how we actually live. 10S Talk to the men in your group about what they can do to show the gospel to the people of your community. Daily Reading: Lamentations 4:1-5:22, Hebrews 2:1-18, Psalm 103:1-22, Proverbs 26:23

Thursday—November 1 • What Holds Us Back? Two are better than one . . . for if they fall, one will lift up his companion. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, Nkjv

One of the reasons men can be spiritually apathetic about their neighbors is this: we don’t care about people we don’t know. When you get to know someone personally, you begin to see past the thin veneer of the “everything is great” mentality—the lie men tell almost all of their acquaintances. You learn of the aches and pains, the disappointments and heartaches. You feel the sting of broken marriages or the anguish of a business failing. The life of Jesus demonstrates that our message is not merely proclamation, but also incarnation. Our spiritual interest in others will be in direct proportion to how

well we get to know them personally. Here’s an idea: don’t try first to be a better witness. Just be a better friend. Build deep, meaningful relationships with lost men. After you get to know them, love will compel you to share the difference Jesus makes. You’ll never be more interested in someone’s salvation than when you’re interested in them personally. 10S Are you willing to make a commitment to be a better friend to three lost men? If so, see the Reach Three strategy on page 6 of this issue. Daily Reading: Ezekiel 1:1-3:15, Hebrews 3:119, Psalm 104:1-23, Proverbs 26:24-26

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Friday/Saturday/Sunday —November 2, 3, 4 Men Who Witness More Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5

Most men have it in their hearts to do the right thing. Witnessing is one of those things. If you desire to share the gospel, here are a few suggestions that can motivate you to witness more often. Have Something To Give Men. If you have read a book that was meaningful to you, and it does a good job of explaining the Christian faith, why not adopt a ministry of giving that book to men in need? You might even consider selecting several different books for various needs and crises. Have Somewhere To Send Men. Most churches have men who regularly lead other men to Jesus Christ. They probably teach Bible studies, organize prayer breakfasts or lead small groups. Learn who these men are. Establish contact. Get to know them personally. Then, when you have a man who needs spiritual help, you will have a place to send him. Have Something To Say To Men. Most men are terrified to talk about their faith. Why? Because they lack confidence and experience. The best way to gain confidence and experience is to receive hands-on training about how to share your faith. Your

church may offer such a course. If not, find out who in your community does, or contact Evangelism Explosion International. Have a Plan To Reach Men. In the same way your business would flounder if you didn’t have a goal and a strategy, you will most likely not effectively witness without these two crucial ingredients. If you don’t adopt that plan, find one you can adopt and begin to implement it. The happiest men I’ve known have been witnessing Christians. They understand that Christianity is Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life. Everyone is invited to step inside the circle. Hindus and Buddhists, agnostics and atheists, Republicans and Democrats, Jews and Gentiles. We don’t have to “fix” men. All we have to do is teach them biblical principles, and the Holy Spirit will make the application come alive in them. 10S How many men have you been able to share your faith with in the last year? Is that enough? What will make next year different? Daily Reading: Ezekiel 3:16-11:25, Hebrews 4:1-6:20, Psalm 104:24-105:36, Proverbs 26:27- 27:2

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For October 29–November 4: What are the four suggestions on this page that might motivate you to witness more often? •• Which one of those suggestions motivates you the most? Why? •• What role do you play in witnessing to others and what role does the Holy Spirit play? •• How would you implement one of those suggestions that might help you to witness to more men?

 Monday —November 5 • Born to be Wild, Forged to be Free! And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Genesis 1:31 In 1968 Steppenwolf recorded the song that defined an age and birthed heavy metal music. Born to Be Wild was an instant and timeless hit. A lot of guys crank it up when it comes on the radio. Some may feel guilty for liking that song but it taps deep into who we are as men. Fact is, you were born to be wild! Check out Psalm 51:5 and you’ll see that King David could only explain his sin trifecta—adultery/murder/cover up—in 2 Samuel 11-12 like this: “I’m a born sinner.” True enough, for you and me too. We are rebels from birth. But we were originally forged to be free. Freedom is better than wildness! Wildness always brings trouble, but we were created by our



Father to be perfect men living without any hindrances. It all went bad with the Fall of course, but what did Jesus accomplish on the cross? Freedom from wildness (sin) and freedom to be real men experiencing real life. That’s good for us to know and great for us to tell other people. Wildness brings death, freedom brings life. –Pete Alwinson Do you prefer being wild or being free? How about the guys you know, what do they prefer? How could your friends benefit from knowing that Jesus could set them free from wildness? Daily Reading: Ezekiel 12:1-14:11, Hebrews 7:1-17, Psalm 105:37-45, Proverbs 27:3

Tuesday —November 6 • Defining Life For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:4-5

Your view of life affects how you think, what you do and don‘t do, what ticks you off; it impacts every one of your key relationships, especially with God. So what is your definition of life? Because we were forged to be free, and everything God created is good, here’s a definition of life to consider: Life is a gift to enjoy and an adventure to embrace. Many Christian men follow Christ out of a boring sense of duty. They’re bored, and frankly, they’re boring! Others follow Jesus out of fear. Or in a dogged self-salvation project. That’s no way to live. Life from the beginning, and in Christ, is a gift and an adventure. Since Adam and Eve’s rebellion, the joy and the adventure are more difficult for sure. But Jesus said: “I am with you always, even

to the end of the age.” God has broken into history repeatedly since the Fall, and profoundly in Christ, to reveal His universal rule, holiness and mercy. His plans for life still stand. Enjoy life and embrace it as an adventure as you follow Christ! –Pete Alwinson How could the above definition of life change your view of God? How can it impact how you influence your wife and children? Daily Reading: Ezekiel 14:12-16:41, Hebrews 7:18-28, Psalm 106:1-12, Proverbs 27:4-6

 Wednesday —November 7 • What the Bible is All About In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . In him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:1, 4 “Read your Bible!” How many times have you heard that from your pastor or Bible teacher? Millions. Me too. Said it myself for years. We men do need to read the Bible, but we first need to know why the Bible is so important to read. What’s it all about anyway? It is good to have a simple, biblical and motivating grip on the purpose of the Bible. If we have that grip, or are gripped by the Bible’s purpose, we might read it more. Catch this: the Bible is about explaining and restoring true life! Like no other book it tells us how we got here, how life got messed up, and how God reveals His incredible greatness by continually breaking in to show His rule and give us hope by calling His people

closer to Him, which is true life. Explaining and restoring life. That’s the central focus that ties the Book together. Life’s greatest gift and biggest adventure is God Himself. And we find Him tucked into the gold stocked repository of the Bible. If you find God, you find a gift and adventure without equal. –Pete Alwinson Do you like treasure hunting? Why not view the Bible as the great adventure hunt to find and meet the God who loves you and can make your life way better? How might your view of the Bible change your outreach to others? Daily Reading: Ezekiel 16:42-17:24, Hebrews 8:1-13, Psalm 106:13-31, Proverbs 27:7-9

 Thursday —November 8 • Adventures in Manhood and Marriage Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Once you adopt the view that life is a gift to enjoy and an adventure to embrace, everything changes. Instead of being insecure about my failings as a man, in Christ I am totally accepted, forgiven and free as the Father’s son to face my inadequacies and dive head on into the adventure of figuring out and growing in biblical manhood. Because of Jesus, you can enjoy being a man and by His power can be the man that Christ—not culture—desires. What a gift to be a man, what an adventure to explore true manhood! Marriage is also designed to be a great joy and a great adventure. It’s because of Jesus that marriage can be transformed from duty to a joy and adventure where a man learns how to listen, love and lead his wife well, even if it means at times he will fail or face disagreement. After all, a real man is a spiritual leader, and leaders do what is right and good for those they lead, not always what is

popular. Enjoy and embrace the adventure as you explore and develop your manhood and marriage! –Pete Alwinson

If you became more and more a Biblical man, what impact might that have on your nonChristian friends? Would viewing your marriage as a joyful adventure draw you back to fighting for your wife’s heart? Daily Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-19:14, Hebrews 9:1-10, Psalm 106:32-48, Proverbs 27:10

Friday/Saturday/Sunday —November 9, 10, 11 Dad Adventures and Major Impact But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

A few days from now I will get up at 4 AM and drive to a trail head in Colorado. By sunrise, we will start climbing up a “14’er”: a 14,000+ foot mountain. I’ve done three of them (out of Colorado’s 54), so I know what to expect. It’s a demanding challenge, an exhilarating adventure for Floridians used to sea level to fight through much thinner air to the top of a stunning mountain. It’s one of the ultimate adventures for me; I can’t get enough. All of our earthly adventures as men are but illustrations of the infinitely (yes I said, “infinitely”) greater adventure of enjoying and serving God, allowing Him to build our manhood and marriage and being granted the tear-choking honor of building children and impacting our world with the gospel. Coming from a broken home, I love being a dad, stepping into the chaos of unformed lives and begging the Lord to help me love and develop them well. I’m crucial as a dad to the entire future of my children. Hunter (4) and Riley (3) just left our house. My wife is teaching them to swim. Riley mimics everything her brother

Hunter does. Everything. When Hunter’s dad Creston comes home, Hunter’s eyes are like saucers as he takes in and then mimics his dad. There is hardly a rival for the joy of developing children. Dad adventures! At some point a man’s adventure has to go outside himself (manhood exploration) and his family to others. As one thinker put it: “Spreading the gospel without words is like trying to feed the hungry without food.” Men, step forward into the great adventure! Build your children! Speak the gospel to your friends. You will be doing them a favor, and some will love you for it. Risk it! –Pete Alwinson Ask yourself: As a dad, what do I want to do differently in my family than I grew up with? What cycle do I want to end? What new patterns do I want to lead our family to? Discuss with some brothers how Jesus has changed your view of life and given you new direction in manhood, marriage, fathering and impact? Daily Reading: Ezekiel 20:1-23:49, Hebrews 9:11-10:39, Psalm 107:1-109:31, Proverbs 27:11-13

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For November 5–11: For a moment, consider someone who has lived or is living life on the wild side. •• What defines the wild life they live? Is there a part of that life that you desire? If so, what is it? •• What is the difference between a wild life and a free life? •• What adventurous life is God calling you to live?

Monday —November 12 • Praying on All Occasions And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

My business includes speaking in various venues. I recall a particularly packed schedule. Friday morning I led a Bible study. Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning I spoke in another state. I flew back home to speak Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in other venues, then back to the Bible study on Friday. I prayed, “Lord, please protect me from getting sick during those days.” I finished the engagements and was feeling super. Then I went to breakfast with a ministry leader and noticed my throat getting scratchy. I thought, “What a knuckle head! Why didn’t I just pray that I wouldn’t get sick for a whole year?” And yet, I wasn’t miserable, because I was rejoicing that God had so clearly answered my prayer. Wanting to be successful in our work is

a healthy part of life. When we see disasters and famines, or we know people whose circumstances are worse than ours, we might feel guilty about praying for success. Scripture invites us to pray for those who suffer. But it also says we should pray on all occasions, including when we truly need and desire to succeed. :MIMBS 5 Have you been neglecting to pray for something, because you felt it wasn’t important enough? How will you correct that? Daily Reading: Ezekiel 24:1-26:21, Hebrews 11:1-16, Psalm 110:1-7, Proverbs 27:14

Tuesday—November 13 • Praying for Success of a Specific Idea The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” . . . And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. Nehemiah 2:4–5, 8

Nehemiah, who held a government position with access to the king of Persia, heard an unsettling report from his homeland. Jerusalem’s walls were broken down, and her people were disgraced. Immediately Nehemiah wept and fasted and prayed, concluding his petition like this: “Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man" (Nehemiah 1:11). You can see from today's featured scripture that, indeed, God answered his prayer. Nehemiah reminds us that the God who gives visions also will fulfill those visions. Usually He does that through men who pray in humble dependence on His power and

might. If God has given you an idea, you definitely can pray for its success. Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China, once explained that most Christians estimate difficulties in light of their own resources, so they attempt very little, and they often fail in the things they do attempt. By contrast, he said, “All of God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God, because they reckoned on His being with them.” :MIMBS 5 What has God given you a vision for? Have you asked Him to bless it? Daily Reading: Ezekiel 27:1-28:26, Hebrews 11:17-31, Psalm 111:1-10, Proverbs 27:15-16

Wednesday—November 14 • Praying for Success

Abraham . . . said to the senior servant in his household, “ . . . I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.” Genesis 24:1–4 The servant commissioned in today’s passage did fulfill his responsibility. When he got to his master’s homeland, he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham” (Genesis 24:12). God honored that prayer and granted success. Perhaps you have a specific task: a project, a sale, starting a new business. God invites you to pray about anything, including success in your given task. In fact, not praying for success would seem to dishonor the God who invites you to ask. Norm Miller, principal owner of Interstate Batteries, told me he started praying that God would multiply his company’s marketing expenditures. A few weeks later, a

couple in Wisconsin drove their car into a lake. Paul Harvey reported on national radio the next morning that, when the wrecker pulled the car out, the headlights and wipers were still working. He announced the car had an Interstate Battery. All of a sudden, the brand rocketed onto the national scene. I see a link with Norm’s prayer asking God to multiply his advertising dollars. :MIMBS 5 What are some specific needs or tasks in your work that you need to pray for? Share these with some brothers and pray for each other. Daily Reading: Ezekiel 29:1-30:26, Hebrews 11:32-12:13, Psalm 112:1-10, Proverbs 27:17

q Thursday—November 15 • Praying Against a Specific Threat Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.” 2 Samuel 5:17–19 When David faced a threat, his first reaction was prayer. Most of us have faced or will face some sort of hazard. Like David, our response should be prayer. Pray when you don’t know what to do, but pray also when you think you already know how to proceed. You want to be familiar with talking with the Lord, so you know what it’s like when He answers. The Bible says we should pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). I know two businessmen in my hometown who are very good friends. They talk on the phone several times a day. I’ve heard them chat, and I’ve noticed a familiarity and affection in their conversation. I’m pretty good friends with both of them, but I only talk

with them once a week or so. My relationship with them is very different than the relationship they have with each other. It’s the same with Jesus. If you only talk every now and then, you won’t have the same relationship you could have if you’re chatting throughout the day. As you talk to Jesus about things foremost in your mind, you’ll find your relationship growing deeper. :MIMBS 5

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—November 16, 17, 18 Ask, Seek, Knock Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7–8

When you have an idea, or you’re facing a difficult task, do you rely on your own experience and determination? In some sense, when it comes to business, I know what to do. But I’ve learned to pray about everything, especially when I think I already know the answer. If I refuse to pray, I dishonor the One who invites me to ask. Norm Miller, principal owner of Interstate Batteries, told me his business was seeking to establish its brand. He and his staff decided to host a convention in Hawaii. He explained, “We wrote down all we thought was important, everything we wanted God to do, and we began meeting every morning at nine. We prayed through that list for 18 months.” The people who attended the convention said the feeling was different from other similar events. One woman said, “I go to 15 conventions a year, and I’ve never been to anything like this.” Someone came up with the term

“Interstate Family,” and it stuck. I believe that was a direct result of Norm Miller and his staff investing time and energy in prayer. I challenge you to make a “Norm List.” Name the areas where you want to see success. Then make a daily appointment with God to pray over your list. Commit to continue praying, even as your list evolves in keeping with your changing responsibilities. As you develop this discipline of prayer, expect it to be a conversation in which God will answer you. Your relationship with God will grow more and more precious, and you’ll find that prayer actually is the most powerful and efficient investment of time. :MIMBS 5 Make a “Norm List” of areas in your work that you need to pray for. If appropriate, invite one or two coworkers to join you daily or weekly to pray about these things. Daily Reading: Ezekiel 33:1-38:23, Hebrews 13:1-25, James 1:1-2:17, Psalm 115:1-117:2, Proverbs 27:21-28:1

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For November 12–18: Ask each man to describe their prayer life in one word (examples: daily, strong, nonexistent, meals, etc.).

Describe a time when you faced some sort of danger or hazard. What was your first response when you recognized the threat?

•• What does it mean to Ask?

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 31:1-32:32, Hebrews 12:14-29, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 27:18-20

•• What does it mean to Knock?

•• What does it mean to Seek?

Monday—November 19 • Stick with the Group

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 A few years ago four couples from the same church saw their marriages fall apart. The husband’s addiction to pornography was a common thread. Some of the men had affairs. Some visited strip clubs. Two of the couples eventually divorced. But two of them miraculously achieved full restoration. What made the difference? The couples that split had always stayed on the fringe of church. They sat in the back. They never plugged in. They had no one to spur them on because they wouldn’t let anyone into their inner circle. Conversely, the couples that made it were

active participants. They were involved in a small group for couples, and the two husbands were members of a small group for men. All four of these men had sexual issues or addictions. And all were hard-hearted as a result. But two of them had surrounded themselves with people who cared enough to hold them accountable. As a result, their marriages have not only survived, but thrived. This is proof positive that men need small groups, and that the Christian life can’t be lived from the back pew. MIMBS 6 Are there men in your church who you could invite to join a small group? How can you encourage the reluctant ones to participate? Daily Reading: Ezekiel 39:1-40:27, James 2:183:18, Psalm 118:1-18, Proverbs 28:2

Tuesday—November 20 • Loners Always Lose Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Two men of equal strength decided to begin a weight training program. At their initial workout, each had a maximum bench press of 165 pounds. Three months later, the first could bench 250, while the second still hovered around the 200-pound mark. The difference? The first man had a partner. Someone to encourage him. To challenge him. To spur him on. Not just during the workout, but during the week. They called each other. They held each other accountable. They even developed a list of goals. The result was two men who were much stronger than they would have been otherwise. Our salvation was never meant to be worked out alone. We need a partner or a group of partners. Men who will help lift our burdens. Trusted brothers who will

help us build spiritual muscle. Pat McMillan, a consultant for various Christian ministries, conducted a survey. He asked 2,500 faithful Promise Keepers how they had managed to keep their promises. Here’s the overwhelming response: “My wife and my church-based small group.” Make no mistake. In Christianity, loners always lose. It only takes one man to make a promise. But sometimes it takes three or four to help keep them. MIMBS 6 How have friends helped you keep your promises? Share your story with another man this week to encourage him about the importance of accountability. Daily Reading: Ezekiel 40:28-41:26, James 4:117, Psalm 118:19-29, Proverbs 28:3-5

Wednesday—November 21 • Stay Together Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can pick him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

Spiritually happy men are members of a small group. That’s not a universal truth, but it is a trend–one that’s proven itself time and again in the lives of Christian men. What does a good small group look like? How can you make the most of yours? For starters, encourage one another. Challenge one another to read the Bible consistently, and to pray with your wives and families. In terms of resources, use whatever you like: books. DVDs. the Bible. The important thing is not the method, but the meeting. Simply put, the Holy Spirit has more options to help us when we’re members of a small group. Alone we can only do so much. Together we can do so much more.

Thursday—November 22 •

When men are active in a small group, their marriages are better; their level of Christian joy is greater. And when temptation comes—as it always does—they are better able to resist because they’ve locked arms with their brothers: men who pick them up when they fall, or sometimes keep them from falling altogether. “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NIV 1984). MIMBS 6 What are your goals for your group? In what ways are you challenging men to stay accountable to one another? Daily Readings: Ezekiel 42:1-43:27, James 5:120, Psalm 119:1-16, Proverbs 28:6-7

Are You a Light to Others?

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 A pastor went to visit a man who had not been to church in a long while. It was a cold night, so the two men sat down in front of the fire. The pastor didn’t say anything for a long time. He just watched the flames. Finally, he got up, moved a log from the fire to the hearth, and sat back down. The man was a little puzzled at this point, not to mention highly uncomfortable. After a few minutes, the fire on the log went out and it started to cool. The pastor, still not having said a word, picked up the log and put it back in the fire. Immediately, it began to burn brightly again.

“Well, I need to go now, so goodnight,” said the pastor. “Thank you,” said the other. “I appreciate the message, and I’ll be in church on Sunday.” Loners will always grow cold. If you know men like that, perhaps now is the season for you, as a leader of men, to pick them up and put them back in the fire. MIMBS 6 Who are the men in your church who fit this description? (Make a list of two or three right now.) Begin praying and ask God to give you an opportunity to help them get back on the fire. Daily Reading: Ezekiel 44:145:12, 1 Peter 1:1-12, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 28:8-10

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—November 23, 24, 25 Get to Know Your Men

The Student Instinct: The student loves truth. Bible study forms the core of his worship style, so the preaching of the Word is preeminent. Happiness is found in a church that emphasizes the preaching and teaching of Scriptural truth. The Relational Instinct: This person finds God most present when people are bonded together in fellowship, worship and mutual support. This person is torn where there is conflict, and lifted high when the walls come down. Not all men will fit neatly into a single group. But most have one major and one secondary instinct that is fairly recognizable. The key for you is to take time to get to know your men. Build relationships with them so you can help lead them in ways that offer them the best possibility for spiritual growth. MIMBS 6 For each instinct, note one or two men’s initials that might fit in that category. How can you share what you’ve learned with them in a way that will help them grow in their own walk with Christ? Daily Reading: Ezekiel 45:13-48:35, Daniel 1:1-2:23, 1 Peter 1:13-4:6, Psalm 119:33-80, Proverbs 28:11-14

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For November 19–25: Read aloud Galatians 6:1–5 in several easy-to-read versions or translations (New Living Translations, New King James Version, etc.). •• What does it mean to bear one another’s burdens? •• Is that something we have done for one another in this group? •• What are some tangible ways to help bear the burdens of others?

Monday—November 26 • A Man’s Primal Need

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing . . . Hebrews 10:24–25 As a leader of men, you’ve been charged with the responsibility of helping them become all they can be in Christ. And part of that task involves challenging them to be active members of the local church. How can you help? Get to know your men individually, and then point them to a church that fits their personality. The following six instincts, as defined by Gordon MacDonald, can help you help them. The Aesthetic Instinct: This person tends to be overwhelmed by the majesty of God. He is happiest in environments where there is duty, order, tradition and artistic integrity. The Experiential Instinct: This kind of man likes to feel the presence of God, and is inclined to respond with a full range of emotions, including clapping, singing, prayer, weeping and laughing. The Activist Instinct: The activist sees everything through the lens of service. He feels closest to God when making a tangible contribution to the local body. The Contemplative Instinct: A contemplative personality cherishes the inner life. He opens up to God in the quiet of his own soul, and he is continually impressed by the mystery of God.

Traditional wisdom tells us that men simply don’t do relationships well. Yet when I really talk to men, from teens to senior citizens, I find their primal need is relationship. To prove that, all you have to do is talk to any young soldier serving overseas. I can pretty much guarantee, what’s really important to him is his personal connections with people, and particularly that one special relationship with a soul mate. I’d describe a man’s most basic primal need like this: a powerful desire to nurture and be

nurtured, just the way we are, and have someone we can take care of. Even men who don’t marry tend to express this need. But relationships are messy. If they weren’t, the Bible could be about 80 percent shorter. Jesus said our most important relationship is vertical with God. The second most important issue in Scripture is your horizontal relationships with other people. Being in right relationship with people proves that you are His disciple. :MIMBS 7 Re-read today’s Scripture. In your own words, explain how being in right relationship with people proves that you are Jesus’ disciple. Daily Reading: Daniel 2:24-3:30, 1 Peter 4:75:14, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 28:15-16

Tuesday—November 27 • Love Like Jesus Does A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35

The essence of Scripture is love, because it is foundational to God’s character and it is the greatest evidence of His priority in our lives. Jesus told His disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you” (John 15:9). It’s hard even to grasp the infinite devotion that exists in the godhead. Jesus extends that same level of love to His disciples, and He expects us to pass that on to those around us. The ability to receive love from God and extend that same love to other people is the primary characteristic that distinguishes His disciples from the world around them. Truly, that can seem like an overwhelming prospect. How on earth can we accomplish

perfect love? Well, the good news is that our mistakes are not fatal. Love is a skill that can be learned and improved upon. None of us will love perfectly, but we can consistently be moving in the right direction. We can prayerfully ask God to reveal His love, to enable us to accept His love, and to help us apply it to others. :MIMBS 7 Do you feel like God has loved you? What are some examples? How can you use that knowledge to improve your ability to show love to people around you? Daily Reading: Daniel 4:1-37, 2 Peter 1:1-21, Psalm 119:97-112, Proverbs 28:17-18

Wednesday—November 28 • Really Loving a Woman

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Ephesians 5:25-28 When my daughter Jen was middle-school aged, she had a fight with a neighborhood child. She was upset and crying, and I said, “Let’s sit down and talk about it.” I asked her to give me the facts. She was about halfway through her story when I said, “I think I have it. Just do this, and everything will be fine.” Then she really started crying! She looked at me and said, “Oh, Dad. From now on when I’m crying, would you please not say anything logical?” Jen was only 12, yet already her response showed that men and women really are wired differently. We can think we are

showing love to a woman, and then discover she received an entirely different message. Over many years of ministry, I’ve discovered that marriage problems are bigger hurdles to men than all other problems combined. I encourage men to make investments into their wives’ emotional bank accounts. One of those investments comes when we spend time really listening, taking time to understand not just circumstances, but the feelings attached to them as well. :MIMBS 7 How can you improve your listening skills with the important people in your life? Daily Reading: Daniel 5:1-31, 2 Peter 2:1-22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 28:19-20

Thursday—November 29 • Setting Boundaries for Work There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build . . . Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

When we live according to God’s wisdom, we find He has provided time for all kinds of activities. But usually we must discipline ourselves to make scheduling choices. In our culture, that often means we must set boundaries, so work time doesn’t bleed over into the time for other things. My natural tendency is to compartmentalize my family when I’m at work, without compartmentalizing my work when I am at home. When I became aware of this, I decided I would work a certain number of hours and then stop, no matter what. I decided I would not work past 6 p.m., and I also kept weekends free. And I refused to take work home with me. Those were my boundaries, and I did

not violate them. When I got home, I was home. My wife and kids had my attention. But that only happened because I chose to make it happen. I encourage men to write your work appointments in pencil and family commitments in pen. Recognize that time spent with your family is received as an investment of love. :MIMBS 7 What scheduling changes would help you set boundaries for your work, so you can be more available for your family? Daily Reading: Daniel 6:1-28, 2 Peter 3:1-18, Psalm 119:129-152, Proverbs 28:21-22

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—November 30 and December 1, 2 Training Our Children Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9

Scripture admonishes parents to be intentional about teaching life lessons to help our children continue in the faith. For instance, Patsy and I encouraged our children to develop a habit of daily Bible reading. We actually paid our kids to read Scripture. We called a family meeting and announced, “If you will read the Bible for 25 days in any given month, we’ll give you the money to buy a CD.” I thought I detected a yawn, so I added, “And if you will read 25 days per month for 10 of 12 months, we’ll give you an additional 250 dollars.” We wanted to keep this grace-based rather than performance-based, so we set up an honor system. We asked each child to keep a calendar, marking the days they read for at least five minutes. Was it bribery? Maybe. But all during high school, our kids did devotions, even though their friends didn’t. We also did family devotions three or four mornings per week during the school year. We established a time of 15 minutes, and

we set a clock where everyone could see it, because everyone thought I would go too long. We would look at a situation in the newspaper, or in the neighborhood, or in our family or at school. We’d apply a verse to the chosen situation, and then we’d pray for someone besides ourselves. It was very rewarding when one of the teachers at my kids’ school said she’d really like to be present for our family devotions. “Your daughter is always talking about them,” the teacher told my wife. “She’s all excited.” That surprised us, because while we were doing it, the kids’ eyes were half shut, and they didn’t seem terribly interested. We persisted, and in the process, we built something into their lives that proved to be very powerful. :MIMBS 7 List three ways you can teach Godly life lessons to your children, grandchildren, or other children in your sphere of influence. Daily Reading: Daniel 7:111:1, 1 John 1:1-3:6, Psalm 119:153-121:8, Proverbs 28:23-28

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For November 26–December 2: On a white board or large piece of paper, list words that would describe perfect love. •• Can perfect love be attained by humans? Why or why not? •• If not, what is the sense of trying? •• In what ways can you show your spouse, children and family more of God’s perfect love?

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Monday—December 3 • God’s Autobiography

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All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 Throughout Scripture authors of various books describe the Bible as being perfect, flawless and true. Even the risen Christ, appearing to His 11 remaining disciples while they hid behind locked doors, attested to the veracity of Scripture. He told His followers, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44). The next verse says Jesus “opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures,” explaining how His death and resurrection were prophesied in the Old Testament, and what that meant for the future of these 11 followers. The Bible outlines God’s autobiography

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and the story of His creation. It includes man’s fall, and God’s gracious plan to redeem and perfect us. The Bible was organically assembled to say exactly what God wanted to say, exactly the way He wanted to say it. And God’s purpose in providing this record was to train and equip us to live in fellowship with Him and with other disciples, and to serve in His Kingdom. :MIMBS 8 What do you think about the Bible? If it is “exactly what God wanted to say, exactly the way He wanted to say it,” how does that affect the way we understand Scripture? Daily Reading: Daniel 11:2-35, 1 John 3:7-24, Psalm 122:1-9, Proverbs 29:1

Tuesday—December 4 • God’s Word Endures Forever

The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. Isaiah 40:7–8 If Jesus had waited till the 21st century to come to earth, we could have used copy machines or scanners to make exact replicas of original manuscripts that make up our Bible. Instead, our Scripture was written over a lengthy period ending about 2000 years ago. It was recorded and copied in a time when people would write on parchment from animal skins, or on sheets of papyrus. Every written version had to be copied by hand. It would not be uncommon for a whole group of scribes to work together under a supervisor to create a complete copy of the Bible. In that environment, obviously there were some minor errors in spelling or word choice. And, of course, in the Bible’s original languages, there

was no punctuation at all. So translators have had to determine how to punctuate the Bible. Despite all that, there is tremendous agreement among scholars as to the overall consistency and veracity of our Scripture. Isaiah told us that God’s Word endures forever. He spoke it to people who recorded it. Certainly, He is able to protect it as well. :MIMBS 8 God prompted the prophet Isaiah to note that His Word will endure forever. It’s eternal. How does that increase your confidence in basing your life choices on the principles recorded in Scripture? Daily Reading: Daniel 11:36-12:13, 1 John 4:1-21, Psalm 123:1-4,Proverbs 29:2-4

Wednesday—December 5 • Authentication

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him. Mark 16:9–10 Mark 16:9–20 is one of the most difficult passages to deal with in terms of accurate translation. Bibles note that the most reliable manuscripts do not include this portion. We don’t really know why that’s true. We do understand that the gospel seems to end too abruptly without this portion. We also know that many early church fathers agreed that it should be included in the Canon of Scripture. The Bible is the world’s most scrutinized and authenticated piece of literature. Thousands of manuscripts were used to translate our Bible. Everyone knows about the potential errors—punctuation marks, dropped or misspelled words, and even this portion that is not included in some manuscripts. No one is trying to hide these

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Thursday—December 6 •

issues—some scholars spend years studying them. One scholar summarized his research like this: “Is there objective proof from the surviving manuscripts of Scripture that these 66 books have been transmitted to us with such a high degree of accuracy as to assure us that the information contained in the originals is perfectly preserved? The answer is an unqualified yes.” :MIMBS 8 Have you ever thought about how wellscrutinized the Bible is? How would you answer someone who said we can’t really know that it is accurately translated from the original texts? Discuss this with some brothers. Daily Reading: Hosea 1:1-3:5, 1 John 5:1-21, Psalm 124:1-8, Proverbs 29:5-8

Sovereign Over Scripture

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 The manuscripts used for Bible translation are copies rather than original documents actually written by the biblical authors. The simple reality is that God could have preserved the manuscripts in question, and He chose not to. In Isaiah 55:8–9, God says His ways are higher than our ways. And in the passage from Deuteronomy above, God says He chooses to keep some things secret. But the things He reveals are for the purpose of life application. He expects us to follow His directives and to pass them on to future generations. Even the little copyist errors in manuscripts used for translation are subject to the providence of our sovereign God. He knew they would be there, and He chose to

allow them. He decided to cause Scripture to come together organically, in an age when human errors would naturally be part of the process. We can’t explain His purpose, but we can trust that He really did ordain the Bible we have. :MIMBS 8 In Isaiah 55:11–12, God says the word that comes from His mouth “will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Explain how that passage underscores the truth that the development of our Bible, over several centuries, has been subject to God’s sovereignty. Daily Reading: Hosea 4:1-5:15, 2 John 1:1-13, Psalm 125:1-5, Proverbs 29:9-11

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Friday, Saturday, Sunday—December 7, 8, 9 God’s Word Penetrates

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 A couple of years ago, I hired a guy to trim the trees around my house. As it turned out, he was living in a halfway house. He was a wonderful Christian guy, but he had a background in drugs. He said, “I’d like to tell you my story.” And so I listened. He said he was out sowing his wild oats, but he became more and more discontented and anxious. Finally he cried out, saying, “God, I don’t love You. I’m not going to pretend I do. But if You really are there, I need to know that.” This guy had grown up in the church, and the Lord gradually brought back memories of being with other believers. He brought to mind the things he had learned from the Bible when he was a child. This young man

was converted to Christ through the power of God’s Word. I challenge you to be willing to share your testimony with others. But when you do, you’d be smart to include actual verses from the Bible in your witnessing. The Bible tells us God’s Word is alive and active. It’s sharper than a two-edged sword. It’s a powerful weapon for setting people free, because in the Bible, we have an authentic and even flawless record of exactly what the sovereign Lord of the universe wants to say. Because we can trust with deep confidence that we have God’s very words, we can live our lives in power and faith. We can rest in the authority of God’s Word, applying it to our actions and decisions, to the work we do, and to our relationships. Indeed, we can apply Scripture to every facet of our lives. :MIMBS 8 What verse or Scripture portion best fits your testimony? Daily Reading: Hosea 6:1-14:9, Joel 1:1-3:21, 3 John 1:1-14, Jude 1:1-25, Revelation 1:1-20, Psalm 126:1-128:6, Proverbs 29:12-18

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For December 3–9: The Word of God is referred to as a “light,” a “sword,” the “law” and other descriptions. How would you describe the Bible? •• Why did God give us the Bible? •• Why is the Bible read or quoted at so many occasions—weddings, graduations, inaugurations, funerals, etc.? •• How has His Word been helpful in your life?

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Monday—December 10 • God’s Consistency God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change . . . Psalm 55:19

Some say the Old Testament reveals an angry God, while the New Testament reveals a loving God. Careful reading of Scripture will reveal that there is one God revealed in both Testaments. The Old Testament says God doesn’t change. And the New Testament says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The Bible’s main characters are consistent. So reading only the New Testament is kind of like coming into a movie when it’s about two-thirds finished. And reading only the Old Testament is like starting a great book, and then discovering the last 25 percent of the pages are missing.

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Tuesday—December 11 •

The Bible provides a cohesive picture of God’s character. Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple defined conversion as giving as much of yourself as you can to as much of God as you can understand. If you haven’t learned yet how to plumb the depths of Scripture, don’t give up. Take what you do understand and apply it to your life. As you continue studying, you’ll find different areas of Scripture connecting in a way that will make your applications deeper and richer. :MIMBS 9 From your knowledge of the Bible, describe a story from the Old Testament that reveals God’s love. Describe a story from the New Testament that reveals God’s anger. Daily Reading: Amos 1:1-3:15, Revelation 2:117, Psalm 129:1-8, Proverbs 29:19-20

The Common Thread

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John 4:25–26 When we gather for dinners or for other meetings, conversation often revolves around a reality TV contest, or a recent headline about a sports celebrity. In firstcentury Israel, conversation probably would have revolved around the Messiah. John 4 records Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman, who reveals that she is very much aware of the expectation of a coming Messiah, or Savior. In fact, there is a Hebrew prayer that says, “I believe with a fervent heart that the messiah will come, and although his coming is delayed, I will still wait patiently for his speedy appearance.” This Messiah is the common thread of Scripture. The Old Testament looks

forward to His appearing, while the New Testament records His life, death and resurrection here on earth. The Old and New Testaments are like two pieces of a treasure map. Neither is complete without the other. Both present the same message from different perspectives. Anticipation in the Old Testament yields to fulfillment in the New, as the Christ of prophecy becomes the Christ of history. :MIMBS 9 Have you ever considered that the Old and New Testaments are both about Jesus the Messiah? How does that change the way you look at the Old Testament? Daily Reading: Amos 4:1-6:14, Revelation 2:183:6, Psalm 130:1-8, Proverbs 29:21-22

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Wednesday—December 12 • New Testament

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The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. Luke 16:16 Today’s scripture shows the hinge between the Old and New Testaments. Jesus referred to the Old Testament, which was preached until John the Baptist heralded the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus didn’t mean we should stop studying the Old Testament. He did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (see Matthew 5:17–18). The Old Testament established a system of repetitive sacrifices, pointing toward the one huge sacrifice of God’s Son dying on a cross for the sins of the world—and everything changed. Suddenly the doors were thrown open for the inclusion of people of every ethnic group. The Holy Spirit was given as a gift to everyone who believes in Jesus. A renewed commandment of love for God and people became the overarching principle for God’s Kingdom. And Jesus’ followers were commissioned to take

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the Good News of this Kingdom to the whole world. The New Testament does not stand opposed to the Law and the Prophets, but rather, it fulfills the requirements of the Old Testament in a way that fallen humanity could never achieve:MIMBS 9 Have you seen a person’s life changed by Jesus? What did that look like? Can you see how that mirrors the changes that his life, death and resurrection brought to the whole world? Discuss this with some brothers. Daily Reading: Amos 7:1-9:15, Revelation 3:722, Psalm 131:1-3, Proverbs 29:23

Thursday—December 13 • Purpose of the Law? It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. Luke 16:17

Our Bible is divided into two “Testaments” (covenants), but that doesn’t mean it is two different books about one subject. In essence, it’s one consistent book with two parts, both of which show God’s character and His desires for us as His children. Jesus said He did not come to abolish the Law (the Old Testament), but rather. He came to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17–18). So if the law has already been fulfilled, then what is its purpose in our New Testament world? The apostle Paul explained that the Law remains in full force and effect, but its purpose is to lead us to Jesus. Romans 7:7 tells us that, apart from the Law, we wouldn’t even know what sin is. We would not

recognize our need for salvation through Jesus Christ. And Galatians 3:24 adds that “ the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith." The Law is a teacher, holding up a standard that leads us to the reality of our need for a Savior. :MIMBS 9

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—December 14, 15, 16 Read God’s Word He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:44–45

Suppose you have a looming deadline for a project, and suddenly you have an issue with your computer. Your IT person has already left for the day, and you can’t reach him by phone. The seconds are ticking away. Your computer simply won’t cooperate, and you don’t know how to fix it. If you’re like me, a situation like that probably would make you feel pretty powerless. The Bible is God’s owner’s manual for all of life. If we don’t read God’s Word with the purpose of understanding and applying it, we will feel powerless in the midst of life’s challenges. The Bible reveals who Jesus is and challenges us to live in relationship with Him and follow His example. It helps us make daily decisions in accordance with God’s plan and purpose for our own lives, and it also leads us to look beyond ourselves, to make God’s plan our priority. But

how can we do that without reading and understanding the Scriptures? Robert Murray M’Cheyne, a minister in the Church of Scotland in the 1800s, once said, “When you are reading a book in a dark room, and come to a difficult part, you take it to a window to get more light. So take your Bibles to Christ.” If we really believe that the Bible is all about Him, then surely we can ask Him to open our minds so we can understand His Word. :MIMBS 9 What portion of Scripture have you read recently that you did not understand? Take some time to ask God to open your mind to receive His wisdom. Then read that portion again. Has God given you new insights? Take a few moments to jot them down. Daily Reading: Jonah 1:1-4-11, Micah 1:1-7:20, Revelation 5:1-7:17, Psalm 133:1-135:21, Proverbs 29:26-30:6

For Your Small Group

How does the Law help you see the sin in your own life? How does Jesus save you from that sin? Do you have anything you need to confess and ask forgiveness for today?

❏❏ For December 10–16: Reread the devotional on page 49, “The Common Thread.”

Daily Reading: Obadiah 1:1-21, Revelation 4:111, Psalm 132:1-18, Proverbs 29:24-25

•• Why is it important to have the “whole picture” of the Messiah?

•• What is the common thread between the Old Testament and New Testament? •• How did the Old Testament talk about the Messiah? And the New Testament?

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Monday—December 17 • Awestruck

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For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. Luke 5:9, nlt Imagine you are a realtor. Things have been slow; you’ve not sold a house in months. One day someone pulls you aside and says: “Tonight, once it’s dark, I want you to have an open house and I will send some buyers so you’ll be able to sell a few houses.” You would think he was insane! But what if you ended up with a line of people down the street trying to buy houses? What if you sold a dozen houses during that one night?

This is what happened to Peter and the other disciples. In Luke 5, they let down their nets and—against all odds—stumbled upon the catch of their lives: so many fish the boat nearly sank! Peter was awestruck in that moment, recognizing he was in the presence of true power. When you find yourself in the presence of true power, it stuns you and renders you immobile. Whether you’ve witnessed something extraordinary, such as Peter did, or if God manifests His power in a different way, hold on to these moments of awe—they are the most precious of your life. :MIMBS 10 Have you ever been in the presence of true power, such as a powerful politician? If so, how did it make you feel? How does this connect to the power of God? Daily Reading: Nahum 1:1-3:19, Revelation 8:113, Psalm 136:1-26, Proverbs 30:7-9

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Tuesday—December 18 •

Presence of Holiness

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" Luke 5:8 When Jesus tells the disciples to let down their nets, they catch more fish than they could have imagined. In this, He gives them a small glimpse of His awesome power, and they are astonished. Peter, a disciple who ordinarily wanted to be nearer to Jesus, reacts by falling to his knees and pleading, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” When the overwhelming presence of God actually manifested to him, he didn’t feel longing or loving thoughts; he felt terror, fear and shame. Theologian R.C. Sproul, in The Holiness of God (1985), describes Peter as feeling “desperately uncomfortable” like all men before him who had come into the presence of God’s holiness. When Isaiah encountered God’s presence,

he reacted similarly (Isaiah 6). “He saw the holiness of God,” writes Sproul. “For the first time in his life Isaiah really understood who God was. In that same instant, for the first time Isaiah really understood who Isaiah was” (p. 37). When we truly experience God’s holiness, we become aware of our own sinfulness and desperate need for Him. :MIMBS 10 Have you experienced an encounter with God that has shaken you? What were you thinking and feeling at the time? What emotions and thoughts were present afterward? Daily Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-3:19, Revelation 9:1-21, Psalm 137:1-9, Proverbs 30:10

Wednesday—December 19 • In Between Times of Awe Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." Luke 5:5

Every day 87-year-old Dot talks to her friend Ellen on the phone. One morning, Ellen said, “Dot, today I would like to not talk about our health problems.” Without missing a beat, Dot replied, “What will we talk about then?” Like Dot and Ellen, sometimes we find ourselves in a rut. Emotionally, we’re dry; spiritually, we’re stagnant. Peter might have been feeling this way that day on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. He’s washing his net after a long, unfruitful night of fishing. After Jesus finishes preaching to the crowd from Peter’s boat, He tells him to let the nets down into deep water. Imagine you’re Peter, discouraged and tired from last night’s failure. All you want to do is rest and try again tonight with a

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fresh attitude. Then a teacher tells you, the fisherman, how to fish—like a homeowner telling the plumber how to fix the sink. Your rut deepens and awe is the furthest feeling from your mind. But how did Peter respond? He did as Jesus asked. In obedience, he let the nets down, even though he had no reason to believe it would change his situation. And there was a great catch of fish. :MIMBS 10 Have you ever felt like God was asking you to do something unreasonable? Looking back, could it have been He was trying to get you out of a rut? What might He want you to do today? Share your ideas with a group. Daily Reading: Zephaniah 1:1-3:20, Revelation 10:1-11, Psalm 138:1-8, Proverbs 30:11-14

Thursday—December 20 • The Ultimate Strategy Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." Luke 5:10b

Awestruck after a huge catch, Peter falls at Jesus’ feet and declares his own sinfulness (Luke 5:8). He begs a holy Jesus to give him space so he can breathe again. But Jesus came to do more than catch fish and more than start a family of disciples. He had a mission to save the lost and a strategy that relied on Peter. Left on his knees, away from Jesus and in his shame, Peter would be no good to Him. So Jesus didn’t leave him there. Instead, He told him, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” In that simple direction, He revealed His strategy

for saving the world: to invest in men who will invest in other men. In The Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul writes, “There is a pattern here, a pattern repeated in history. God appears, people quake in terror, God forgives and heals, God sends. From brokenness to mission is the human pattern” (p. 39-40). :MIMBS 10 Have you ever thought that brokenness could lead to mission? How have you seen that in your life or the lives of those you know? Daily Reading: Haggai 1:1-2:23, Revelation 11:1-19, Psalm 139:1-24, Proverbs 30:15-16

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—December 21, 22, 23 The Irresistible Calling

Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough. Matthew 13:33, nlt

So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:11 Often the things we pursue don’t end up being what we thought they’d be: the promotion at work, the new car, the romantic relationship, etc. You acquire those things only to realize you need something more. Simmering in the background of every man’s life is the pressing desire to make a difference—to do something worthwhile with his life. Can you imagine the excitement that Peter must have experienced when Jesus invited him to follow Him? Many causes claim they can change the world, but it became obvious that Jesus had the power to actually do it! There, on a boat weighed down with fish, Peter was asked to become a part of a movement, and he and the disciples left everything to follow. What made the invitation so irresistible that these men would leave everything, set aside the plans they’d made for their lives, and walk away from all that was comfortable? For one, they had just experienced the presence and power of God. Peter especially, in a state of awe, recognized that something extraordinary was taking place. Perhaps they knew that they were on the cusp of the greatest movement of all time. Communism was a movement that swept the world quickly; in less than 70

years, almost a third of the entire population of the world had become Communist. Still, the movement has nearly faded out after less than a century. To contrast, Jesus’ movement has lasted more than 2,000 years and is still spreading! The movement of Jesus has lasted because God still speaks and calls. He has made Himself known to you and led you, like Peter, to drop to your knees in humility and awe. Confronted by real power and called to a cause, the disciples responded. We need to do the same today. :MIMBS 10 Think about your life. Are you waiting to be irresistibly called to the movement of Christ? Are you waiting to experience awe in His presence? If you have already, are you hesitant to join the movement or are you following Him? Daily Reading: Zechariah 1:1-5:11, Revelation 12:1-14:20, Psalm 140:1-142:7, Proverbs 30:17-23

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For December 17–23 If someone asked you, “What is your calling in life?” What would your answer be? •• What was the calling of Moses? Daniel? Jonah? John the Baptist? Paul? Peter? •• How did each of those people respond? •• How have you responded to your calling?

Monday—December 24 • Hope for a Sinful World

Some of you are familiar with Malcolm Gladwell’s book, The Tipping Point. In that book he demonstrates that social change often follows the patterns of an epidemic. There will be a place where a group of people take on a new idea, new clothing or behavior, and as that begins to catch on with other people it spreads and spreads and spreads. Much like the way a virus would spread. In Matthew 13, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to the spread of, in this case not a virus, but yeast through dough.

What Jesus said here, is that the Kingdom of God is like the yeast, an agent that multiplies and spreads throughout the ‘dough.’ The birth of Christ started something that could be likened to an epidemic. Christmas was really the beginning of a revolution. If you think about what the world was like before Jesus came, it was a world of darkness and sin and despair. Jesus breaks in and begins a new dawn and new era. He brings hope into a sinful world. Describe what life was like before Christ’s birth. What changes came about because of His coming to earth as a baby in Bethlehem? Daily Reading: Zechariah 6:1-7:14, Revelation 15:1-8, Psalm 143:1-12, Proverbs 30:24-28

Tuesday—December 25 • The Revolution Begins For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21, nlt

God could have sent Jesus as a conquering king or some glorious person. But He didn’t . . . He became a baby. He became flesh, like one of us so He could be accepted. He did this so we would understand and receive Him, take Him in and have Him live among us. He lived with us and was a part of us. In 2 Corinthians 5 it says that He who knew no sin was made to be sin on our behalf. Here is Jesus, the perfect man. Yet He takes on the sin of humanity to absorb it on our behalf; to be one of us, to dwell among us, to live for us and to die for us. Jesus infects a sinful world with a cure for the disease—the only cure for the disease. He began a revolution in that manger.

The start of the kingdom of God becomes a reality on earth. John the Baptist would later go on to say that the kingdom of God has come. It is among you. What did John mean? He meant that eternity had broken into a sinful world. Real power for living had broken into a sinful world. Wherever Jesus went there was a bubble of the kingdom of God. People were healed, lepers cleansed, blind men saw, and the dead were raised to life. He was starting a revolution. Why was it so important that Christ came to earth as a baby? What does that mean to you? Daily Reading: Zechariah 8:1-23, Revelation 16:1-21, Psalm 144:1-15, Proverbs 30:29-31

Wednesday—December 26 • Changing Directions

q Friday, Saturday, Sunday—December 28, 29, 30 • A New Destiny

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36, nlt This revolution that Jesus started hits at the very key part of who we are as men. One thing that happens when we have this revolution in our lives is we realize that Jesus’ incarnation gives us a new direction. How many of you like being lost? Is that a fun experience? Looking at your watch, trying to get your cell phone to work, hoping someone will pick up and tell you how to get there? It’s no fun to be lost. The reality is that without Jesus, every man is lost. I don’t mean that in just a spiritual sense but in the literal as well. We do not know the direction we should go. We see this all around us every day. We see guys hurdling toward different goals and dreams that they think will satisfy. It doesn’t ever seem to really work. We are directionless without Christ. But the Scriptures teach us that all of us

like sheep have gone astray. That each one of us turns to our own ways. Our only hope of being found is in Christ. Our only hope of success and satisfaction is by following Him and doing His will. When Christ was born in Bethlehem, He changed the direction of many lives. The focus of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men’s lives changed forever. He changes lives today. How has your life changed since you came to know the Savior? Is there someone in your life that needs Jesus’ new direction? Ask God to show you how you might be able to share Christ’s love with that person during this Christmas season. Daily Reading: Zechariah 9:1-17, Revelation 17:1-18, Psalm 145:1-21, Proverbs 30:32

Thursday—December 27 • The Power of Christmas For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37, nlt

Along with direction, Christ gives us a new power. One of the things that is really tough for men is to be powerless. What happens when you have a problem? You want to fix it. That is the American way: I have a problem . . . I can fix it. And yet all of us deal with something in our lives that we just can’t fix. We fool ourselves into thinking we can fix things or control situations in our lives. Situations like job loss, cancer, divorce, and death remind us that we are powerless. No man wants to be a slave or to believe that your life is determined by the will of someone else and that you can’t do anything on your own. The reality is that many people look at Christianity that way. Ironically it is the opposite. Without the power of Christ and the revolution He

brought in our lives, we are slaves to our own desires. We are slaves to our inadequacies, our fears and our insecurities. The power of Christ comes and gives us a new life where we don’t have to be afraid anymore. We have a hope now that is different that allows us to see real life change. Change from the inside out. Christ’s birth brought us life-changing power. In what area of life are you feeling powerless? Is there something in your life that you need to surrender to Christ to know the power only He can give? Daily Reading: Zechariah 10:1-11:17, Revelation 18:1-24, Psalm 146:1-10, Proverbs 30:33

It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches. Matthew 13:32, nlt Most of us, when we are honest, have a hard time figuring out why we are going through the motions of every day. Jobs. Exercise. Relationships. Yardwork. The money is good and a nice house is better than a dump. I guess that is what it is all about. But that doesn’t satisfy a man’s heart. We were made for so much more than that. We were made to join Christ in the Revolution. He promises that we have a part in that, and one day we will be with Him forever. He talks about it in the Book of John. All the Father has given me will come to me and no one will be able to take them out of my Father’s hands. We have a secure destiny. We have a place that we know we are headed if we join this revolution of Christ. That is one of the things our hearts long for as men. You may be at the end of your rope and you think about all this Merry Christmas stuff and you feel like saying Bah Humbug. There is hope to be found in the revolution, there is hope to be found in what Christ began at Christmas.

Jesus talks about how the kingdom of God starts small but becomes a plant so big that birds can build their nests in it. The idea is that what He began in that manger in Bethlehem was going to spread and grow and spread and grow and spread and grow. Almost like the yeast or almost like an infection. Infection of the kingdom of God in little tiny cells in little tiny bubbles that begin to grow and multiply and transfer, time and time again. Our role is to join that revolution. We are carriers of the kingdom of God in a sinful world. A man’s heart’s desire is to be a participant in the revolution. We carry this hope to our families, our workplace, our neighbors and our world. How has the revolution of Christmas affected your life? How is Christ using you to bring hope to others? Daily Reading: Zechariah 12:1-14:21, Malachi 1:1-2:17, Revelation 19:1-21:27, Psalm 147:1149:9, Proverbs 31:1-24

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For December 24–31: On YouTube.com, find this video “Josh Groban-O Holy Night- (WITH LYRICS)” and play it for the group. •• What do the words “long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth” mean? •• What about these words, “Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother and in His name all oppression shall cease”? •• Can you describe the revolution that began with the birth of our Saviour?

Monday—December 31 • Gift of Love For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16, Nkjv

Why did Jesus come to earth? He came to fulfill prophecy, He came to do the will of His Father, He came to seek and save the lost. Christ came to give abundant life. He came to give His life. He came for you and for me. Christmas is a season set apart for family, food, fun and gifts. We give gifts to those we love and care about. We receive gifts from those who want to show us how much we mean to them. This season should remind us of the greatest gift ever given. In a lowly manger in Bethlehem, the Father sent His only Son to give us eternal life. When was the last time you really meditated on that gift? Are you even able to comprehend that a Father gave His only Son so that you could live?

That is one incredible Christmas gift! As you opened that new sweater or power tool; as you watched your wife put on that new watch; as your child or grandchild received that new bike or played the newest video game, I hope you considered that gift of love. The greatest gift ever given came in the form of a swaddled baby in a stable. He is the one who shows you and me love like we have never known! Can you put into words what you feel for your family? Can you put into words how much God loves you and how much you love Him? Daily Reading: Malachi 3:1-4:6, Revelation 22:1-21, Psalm 150:1-6, Proverbs 31:25-31

A proven event to reach your men’s hearts that includes: A complete planning manual for your leaders, based on our experience in more than 1,000 events

A clear Gospel presentation (1/3 of men attending commit or recommit their lives to Christ)

Promotional materials, including graphics, bulletins, posters and more

Six-week follow-up group curriculum (more than 2/3 men join groups)

Christianity is not about behavior modiﬁcation; it’s about heart transformation. Use this event to kick off Challenge Two in The Journey: The Gospel Contact National Ministry Consultant Roddey Roberts at 407-472-2110 or RoddeyRoberts@maninthemirror.org.

JBM Spotlight: How To Have An All-Inclusive Strategy—continued from page 7

 Support other leaders in their ongoing ministries and groups and ask for their support as well. Ask other ministry leaders to incorporate the Faith & Life Objectives (F&LO) in their areas of influence. For example, you might ask the worship leader or choir director to discuss the F&LO with the men, or the head usher to connect what the ushers are doing to the F&LO through prayer.

See what ongoing ministries you can funnel men into who don’t attend the men’s-only groups. Is there a couples’ group or a Sunday school class that would be a good place for men? Or would a short-term mission trip or new members’ class be a good step? Your ultimate goal is not to get every man into your groups, but rather to provide every man with his right next step in his discipleship process. See Process Five for more information about how to connect men to ongoing ministries and groups. There also might be ways for you to serve other ministries through the challenge content itself. Allow the church to see how what you’re doing with the men impacts your whole church; this will help you avoid stepping on toes or leaving other leaders feeling threatened or minimized. You might plan a service project for the men to wash and detail the cars of the single moms in the church. Or you might have the men help those in your seniors’ ministry with home repairs. Be creative! How can the men meet the needs of those in the church through what they’re learning in The Journey? On the website, we provide communication templates for you to use in your correspondence with other leaders; visit www. maninthemirror.org/JBM.

 For every challenge,

Use Your “Hands”

we suggest projects and Challenge every married man to plan a date night for his wife and give her a activities that enable hand-written letter about what he cherishes about her. Have guys share their men to put what they’re plans with each other! learning into action. Plan a one-day, “Test Your Manhood” service project—be creative and make it (Look for the Use Your a fun day with barbeque lunch or a bonfire afterward. Build a house with Habitat “Hands” boxes in each for Humanity, paint and fix up the home of a widow in the church, wash the cars of single moms, do yardwork for the seniors, or anything else that brings the men section.) Open these together to actively serve the community. service projects and activities to EVERY man Have the pastor email all the men, using excerpts from the free article “Hindrances to Transformation” or “Seven Tips to Develop Your Own Bible Reading in the church, and incorPlan” (links can be found under Challenge 1 at www.maninthemirror.org/JBM). porate the F&LO into Invite every man in the church to schedule daily time in God’s Word. To build the agenda—whether camaraderie, add in a team aspect to the challenge—the Early Birds vs. the Night it be through discussion Owls! Have guys in both categories keep each other accountable. or prayer. Use these opportunities to call men to the vision of the challenge, not just the task or event.

 When you plan any project, event, or activity involving the men in the church—whether it be a community basketball game or a monthly breakfast— add value and impact by including a testimony. Arrange ahead of time for a man to share what God is doing in his life in relation to the challenge’s F&LO.

Take your men on the Journey to Biblical Manhood! For more information , go to journeytobiblicalmanhood.org.

The only way to do that is take down the shield, become vulnerable, and let one of the verbal blows land. It hurts, but it’s the only way. It’s a costly act of redemption for the relationship. And it works because we are created in the image of the One who gave the ultimate expression of this part of his own nature at Christmas. In the gift of Christmas, the unassailable, omnipotent God became a baby, giving us the ultimate example of letting our defenses down. C. S. Lewis put it like this, Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable. There is no way to have a real relationship without becoming vulnerable to hurt. And Christmas tells us that God became breakable and fragile. God became someone we could hurt. Why? To get us back. And if you believe this and take it into your life, you’re blessed. As you take in the truth of what he did for you-how loved you are-you’ll be able to let down your defenses in your own relationships with other people. You won’t always need to guard your honor. You’ll be able to let the barriers down. You’ll be able to move into intimate relationships with other people. Published by Crossway, Wheaton, IL. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Available at booksythebox.org

David Delk Pastor Bob Coy Dr. Tony Evans Dr. Patrick Morley

Why would a person do that? Because in the midst of all the yelling and all the hostility, one person decides that despite how distorted the other person has become because of anger, he wants the other person back. He wants the relationship to be restored.

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One person drops defenses. The relationship starts to come back because one person is willing to say, “Yeah, it’s me. I am to blame here.” One person makes himself or herself vulnerable, and the relationship is restored. In fact, it often becomes deeper and more intimate than it was before.

Connect with Leaders Who Share the Passion to Reach and Disciple Men

“No, it’s your fault.” “No, it’s you.” “No, it isn’t. It’s you.” “Okay, it’s me.”

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What’s happening? The relationship is falling apart because neither side will take the blame, budge an inch, or make any concessions . . .

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“You’re to blame!” “No, it’s your fault!” “No, it’s you.” “No, it isn’t. It’s you.”

February 28 – March 2, 2013

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus edited by Nancy Guthrie is a compilation of 22 devotions for Christmas. It’s available from the Man in the Mirror for you and/or your church to give to visitors and friends during the Christmas season. Below is a excerpt from the The Gifts of Christmas, by Tim Keller.

Excerpted from Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

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