. Equipping the Man in the Mirror January, February, March 2011 devotional. by Stephanie Lopez

Table of Contents January/February/March 2011

Featured Articles

q Fuel — Join Us for the “Acme Convention” aka MIM Summit by Brett Clemmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 q Fuel — Why Men Need Time Together by Dr. Patrick Morley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 q Fuel — MIM Summit Workshop and Speaker Spotlights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 q Fuel — Resource Catalog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Other Features

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q Famous Last Words by David Delk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 q Man in the Mirror Self-Paced Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 q Spotlight on DMMNA and Doug Haugen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 q Equipping Your Men’s Small Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 q How to Use This Devotional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 q A Man Drawing Men to Christ—Larry Malone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Devotions

q January 2011 Devotions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 q February 2011 Devotions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 q March 2011 Devotions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Be sure to check out special devotions adapted from Howard Dayton’s book, Your Money Counts that start on page 27. For more information on Compass, Howard Dayton’s financial ministry, go to www.compass1.org At the end of many of the devotionals you will find an abbreviation for a resource that expands on the devotional material. If you’d like more information about the Man in the Mirror Bible Study (MIMBS) go to www.maninthemirror.org/biblestudy/register.htm. :MIMBS 1— Doing Business God’s Way: Integrity :MIMBS 2— Doing Business God’s Way:Witnessing :MIMBS 3— Doing Businesss God’s Way: Manhood Like Gold :MIMBS 4— MIM Remix: Purpose :MIMBS 5— MIM Remix: Significance :MIMBS 6— Who Is this Man?

:MIMBS 7— The Easiest to Commit but Hardest to Detect Sin :MIMBS 8— First Miracle of Jesus :MIMBS 9— Marriage the Way God Intended :MIMBS 10— Who Controls the Script? :MIMBS 11— Finding Second Wind for God

Equipping the Man in the Mirror: January/February/March 2011, Vol. 6, No. 1 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, Ruth Ford, Stephanie Lopez Office: 180 Wilshire Blvd., Casselberry, Florida 32707 Phone: 800-929-2536 • Fax: 407-331-7839 • Website: www.maninthemirror.org

Copyright © 2011 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 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked The Message are taken from the The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All 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.

Wile E. Coyote Goes to the Acme Convention

Famous Last Words

by David Delk, President, Man in the Mirror . Late in the day on Tuesday, October 26, 2010, Jeffrey Landrigan was executed by lethal injection. The state of Arizona sentenced Landrigan to die for strangling a man in 1989 during an armed robbery. Landrigan’s last words? “Boomer Sooner,” the cheer for the University of Oklahoma. No offense to the Sooners out there. (By the time you read this I will have just completed training leaders in Oklahoma City.) But it is startling to see a man come to the end of his earthly life with only a football cheer on his lips.

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While most men would not be that blatant, the truth What’s more depressing is that the majority of men than saying a football cheer in America are in the exact same boat. Sentenced to when you are about to death for their sins, they are die? Having nothing more goofing around with golf, cars, their career, pornogthan a football cheer to say raphy, hunting, sports, and when you are still alive. technology. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, they are like kids who are happy making mud pies in the road because they can’t imagine a vacation at the beach. We’re passionate about discipling men because:

God deserves to receive the praise of these men. Our great God is right now being ignored by millions of men in America who were made to worship Him. Our king is too great to be treated as an afterthought.

These undiscipled men were made for something more. God offers a great adventure to men who will renounce the petty things of the world. We get to join Him in His work now and then live with Him forever.

The world needs what these men have to give. When we see millions of new men become disciples, all of their gifts and resources will be unleashed for the kingdom of God.

This is why Man in the Mirror’s vision is to help every church reach every man. Every Church. Every Man. To the glory of God. What’s more depressing than saying a football cheer when you are about to die? Having nothing more than a football cheer to say when you are still alive. Until every church disciples every man,

Adapted from The Weekly Briefing, Volume 354, by Brett Clemmer . Growing up, I loved watching the Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote cartoons. Of course, Wile E. tried every trick in the book to catch up to the speedy Road Runner, often with the use of a mail-order device from the Acme Corporation. While some believe that Acme simply stood for “A Company that Makes Everything,” it was really a clever use of irony. “Acme” means the highest point of achievement or development. In other words, it’s as good as it gets. Unfortunately, operator error consistently doomed the incompetent canine to epic failure even as Acme’s product worked flawlessly. What if Wile E. Coyote had someone to help him? What if he went to Acme’s annual convention and met other Acme customers who had successfully hunted and caught a roadrunner? Can you imagine the workshop titles? Slingshot Strategies on Uneven Terrain, or, Parachute Safety for Rocket Users. Men’s discipleship is the true Acme of the local church. Yet too often operator error dooms our efforts to spectacular failure. Most leaders are not as tireless as Wile E. Coyote. After a couple of “crash and burn” experiences, we often see leaders quietly remove themselves from the hunt. Maybe you’re feeling that way yourself right now, or you know someone who is. One of Wile’s greatest problems was a lack of fuel. Often, he would just get up to speed when the rocket tied to his roller skates (or his back) would sputter and die. He was out of fuel. As leaders, we need to pay attention to our own reserves, to make sure we have what it takes to finish the work we’re called to (see 2 Timothy 4:7). That’s why the Annual Summit is so important to us, and why you should come. The Summit brings together leaders who are successfully “catching the roadrunner.” They are making men’s discipleship work in their church, community, region or denomination. They are the “super-users,” using the Acme products to perform the Acme tasks, often with Acme results. Best of all, they are eager to share what they’ve learned with leaders who are as committed to men’s discipleship as they are. Leaders like you. This isn’t a cartoon. Our stakes aren’t scrawny fleet-footed birds. We can’t afford to lose our most enthusiastic leaders. If you want to learn from the experts, if you need encouragement as a disciple-maker, or if you have fellow leaders who need to learn, grow and be inspired, you can’t miss the Summit. It’s the Acme Convention of Men’s Discipleship. Looking forward to meeting you at FUEL: the 2011 Man in the Mirror “Acme” Summit!

: Why We Need To Spend Time Together by Dr. Patrick Morley . Let’s not kid ourselves. Men’s discipleship is a difficult calling. After decades of “information” the church is still resistant to men’s discipleship. Not everywhere, of course. But enough to make you wonder. I believe the answer is that a spiritual battle is raging in the cosmos over the souls of men. Ministry to men can be lonely and discouraging. Let’s face it. Magazines, newspapers, radio and TV stations are not exactly clamoring to interview us about the unglamorous trench work of ministry to men! Success takes a tough, determined leader with a flinty forehead willing to grab a shovel, get in the ditch, and keep digging long after everyone else gives up. Most of the leaders I started with have moved on. I don’t fault them. It’s not easy when you want more spiritual success for men than they want for themselves. And yet, here you are. What lures you to this conflicted world of ministry to men?

Hardly the First Difficult Calling We are hardly the first ones lured into a difficult calling. Not a week goes by that I don’t think about how God “tricked” Isaiah into a ministry doomed to fail. You remember the story. “In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord…” (Isaiah 6:1ff ). The glory of the Lord filled the temple with smoke. Isaiah got all excited and had “a moment” with God—a glorious, holy experience. Isaiah was fired up! Then the Lord asked, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah, now bursting to do something for God, squealed, “Here am I. Send me!” I’ve been there, and I know you have too. But then the Lord gave Isaiah his marching orders. The Lord told Isaiah to go and tell the people not to listen. “Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but 4 4

never perceiving.’ Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes….” A stunned Isaiah asked, “For how long, O Lord?” And God told him for a very long time. Frankly, most of the men we admire in the Bible had long dry spells. David dodging the spear of King Saul. Joseph, suffering as a brother sold into slavery. Daniel’s faithfulness that landed him in a lion’s den. And Abraham saw the promise fulfilled. Jeremiah bemoaned, “O LORD, you deceived me, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed” (Jeremiah 20:7). Peter was crucified upside down by his own choice, Paul’s hardships and trials are legendary, Sometimes we need a hug, and our Lord Himself was brutally but other times we need a murdered. Is it possible that God has “lured” you to this great cause because, like the great servants of old, He knows He can count on you?

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kick in the pants... Most of us probably need both—a kick in the pants and a hug!

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We Are In This Together When I was in business, I attended a resident executive education program. On the first day, during the welcome reception, I thought, There were men and women from their 30s to their 60s from every conceivable industry and country. It was like the university had intentionally put together the most heterogeneous group of people they could find. The only thing we had in common was that we were all the owners and presidents of private companies. Three days later I had completely changed my mind. I thought, Yes, the school had intentionally diversified the group. But when we started sharing our common problems, struggles, challenges, questions, and opportunities, I realized that I had more in common with those people than any other single business group. The same is true in men’s discipleship. We each come in our own unique “package.” We are young, old, black, white, brown, and yellow. We’re from all over the world and every theology. And yet “men’s discipleship leaders” are absolutely the most homogeneous group of servants we will ever be around. To realize that the problems, struggles, challenges, questions, and opportunities I face are exactly the same ones you face creates a common bond. “We are in this together.” And that is encouraging. continued on page 58

Summit Workshops Inspire and Equip . We’re excited about the lineup of workshops at the Annual Summit this year. Presenters are coming from as far away as Singapore to share their experiences and best practices. And of course, we’ll have several options to equip you as a leader to use the various tools available from Man in the Mirror effectively. We have four tracks for workshops this year: Fuel for… Pastors & Leaders, Churches, Innovation, Spiritual Growth. In addition, while all the workshops should be interesting to wives in attendance, there will be several dedicated to women’s interests. Here is just a sample of the workshops scheduled for the Summit:

 F or Laymen, From a Pastor: “How to Get My Buy-in for Men’s Discipleship” We often hear, “My pastor just doesn’t get men’s discipleship.” Actually, your pastor gets it quite well; it just may not be the most urgent item on his calendar. Instead of worrying if your pastor gets it, focus on “getting” your pastor – try to understand where he’s coming from and show him how discipling men helps meet the church’s agenda. Track: Fuel for Pastors & Leaders Facilitator: Rev. Pete Alwinson, pastor, church planter, MIM board member and faculty

 10 Keys to Maximizing Your Communication, Marketing, and Social Media Impact Healthy relationships require good communication. Ironically, in a time when technology has expanded our ability to connect with others, churches and ministries continue to struggle in mastering the discipline. This workshop takes us below the surface of popular methods in social media and marketing. Track: Fuel for Innovation Facilitator: Kevin McMillan, entrepreneur, marketing and communications consultant

continued on page 60

Man in the Mirror Self-Paced Training

Denominational Men’s Leader

Networking to Reach and Disciple Men

New Ideas to Transform Men and Churches We’ve trained a few thousand leaders in the last eight years, but we need to train 100,000 as soon as we can. At the 2010 Annual Summit in January, we announced several new offerings that we hope will accelerate the pace. It has been an exciting year to see those plans become reality. First up were the roll-out of the Essentials and Practicum courses. These are 1½ day training conferences comprising most of the teaching (Essentials) and most of the application exercises (Practicum). These shorter courses decrease the time and financial investment for the church leader, making the training available to a wider audience. We also announced that we would produce a Self-Paced version of the training. Earlier this year, we went into a studio setting and taught the No Man Left Behind material to a live class in a new format. Once again, we split the material into two courses, but this time, there is an equal amount of teaching and application in each course. Course One: Foundations introduces the No Man Left Behind Model and provides an in-depth examination of the principles successful churches are using to disciple men. Sessions include: How to Reach the Five Types of Men, A Man’s Spiritual Journey, The Man Code, Three Strands of Leadership, and more. Course Two: Methods & Tactics expands on the previous course, Foundations. In this course, leaders learn how to adapt what you’re already doing to be more effective; build and strengthen leaders; and identify gaps and overlaps in your discipleship programs. Course Two sessions include: Casting the Vision, Building Leaders, Reaching Men at the Heart Level, Creating Momentum, and more. Both courses have a facilitator’s package that includes eight teaching sessions on video, along with a comprehensive guide for conducting the course with a group of leaders, and extra materials for the exercises you’ll be completing. There’s also a student workbook for each course that provides exercises to help each participant transform the principles into a specific, customized plan for their church. A free session, along with handouts for the men and the associated facilitators’ guide pages, can be viewed at www.maninthemirror.org/ltc/dvdtraining.htm. For more information call Jim or Pam at (407) 472–2100. Ministry Consultants and Field Trainers around the country are available to assist you in facilitating the training, developing a ministry plan and/or implementing the No Man Left Behind concepts. We’re praying God continues to use these ideas to transform men and churches and bring revival to the world.

The Denominational Men’s Ministry Network of North America (DMMNA) will be holding its annual meeting in Orlando this January, just prior to the start of Man in the Mirror’s Annual Summit, Fuel. We’re honored to host this group of national leaders in the men’s movement, and to have their involvement in the Summit. We recently asked Doug Haugen, board member and currently serving as past president of DMMNA and the Executive Director of Lutheran Men in Mission, to introduce our readers to the organization. The Denominational Men’s Ministry Network of North America (DMMNA) exists to encourage and build up men’s leaders who are working within a denominational framework. We gather to pray for and encourage each other, discuss what we are seeing happening with men, share resources that are working the best for us and support each other in our own spiritual journeys. DMMNA has been around for over 60 years. Originally it was an organization for paid denominational men’s ministry staff. Over the years as denominational budgets have shrunk, many of those men’s ministry positions have, unfortunately, been eliminated. Now we welcome the officers of those denominational men’s organizations that do not have paid staff as well. Our network extends beyond North America, and includes our brother organization, the European Forum of Christian Men. As leaders within denominational frameworks, we share many of the same joys and issues. Although we work with some of the finest men in our denominations, many of us feel like “lone rangers” in that we are the point person for men’s ministry in the denomination. The network of the DMMNA provides us with support both personally and professionally. Please pray for the leaders in DMMNA. We need to be connected with other leaders and organizations like Man in the Mirror that are not only committed to the work of reaching and discipling men, but to holding each other up in prayer and maintaining our own walk with Christ. The current members of DMMNA serve men in thousands of churches, and include American Baptist Men’s Ministries, Disciples Men, Brotherhood of St. Andrew (Episcopal), Lutheran Men in Mission (ELCA), Men’s Network (Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod), Mennonite Men USA & Canada, Nazarene Men, Presbyterian Men, Salvation Army, United Church of Christ Men’s Ministries, United Methodist Men and others.

• Doug Haugen

Doug Haugen is the past president of Denominational Men’s Ministry Network of North America (DMMNNA), an ecumenical organization of denominational and para-church men’s ministry leaders. Doug and his wife Doris Benson Haugen, a counselor at Judson College in Elgin, IL, have two adult children, Derek and Dawn.

Equipping Your Men’s Small Group

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:

A New Bible College Founded by R.C. Sproul igonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies is now accepting applications for its first four- and two-year undergraduate degree programs. Founded by Dr. R.C. Sproul, this new school with academically rigorous scriptural study desires to offer young minds a deep, meaningful encounter with the Author of history, the Source of truth, and the Sustainer of our faith. ¶ For an advance glimpse of what to expect if you enroll, please plan to attend our 2011 Ligonier Academy Conference and preview weekend: History. Truth. Faith. — Pillars of Christian Orthodoxy Jan. 21–22, 2011, Sanford, Fla., featuring Stephen Nichols, R.C. Sproul, and Carl Trueman.

Regular application deadline Feb. 15. Classes begin Fall 2011 StudyAtLigonier.org 800-435-4343

rse daily. and prayed the ve 24 , 23 9: 13 alm ✔✔Memorized Ps who serve s to serve those ay w te re nc co ✔✔Planned some you this week. God to mber as he allows me p ou gr w llo fe a ✔✔Prayed for ter. refine his charac in the group to take part e th r fo s ay w o ✔✔Planned tw . Great Commission e if it reflects out finances to se ab e ud tit at ur yo ✔✔Examined God’s perspective. of your personal foundation or basis e th ed at alu Ev ✔ ✔ significance. struction and e on a road to de ar ho w le op pe r ernity. ✔✔Prayed fo are the path to et sh ho w e os th r gave praise fo k about pride passages that spea r fo le ib B e th ld’s view. ✔✔Searched that with the wor ed st ra nt co d an and humility ur children, ion with one of yo at br le ce ial ec sp ✔✔Planned a your wife. grandchildren or lly dedicated minutes a day tota 20 d en sp to ed tt ✔✔Commi to your wife. e that you can ’s work in your lif od G of s ie or st stimony. ✔✔Shared couragement or te en an as rs he ot h share wit God about how He t time to listen to ie qu me so e id as ✔✔Set ed. for your every ne wants to provide Continued on page 12

Small Group Guide continued from page 11

q 1/1-1/9: This week’s devotions give insight into the value of integrity in the small areas as well as the big areas of your life. Suggested Application Step (SAS): Memorize Psalm 139:23, 24 (NKJV) “Search me, O 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.” Meditate on this verse each morning this week.

q 2/14-2/20: These devotions focus on the two kinds of roads that people travel: the narrow path to eternity and the wide road to destruction. SAS: Have each person write down the name of at least one person on each path. Pray that God would use you to reach the person on the wide path. Pray that God would protect the person on the narrow path.

q 2/21-2/27: This week your men will look at power that pride

or humility can have in your life. SAS: Have the guys use their concordances or go to www.Biblegateway.com and search “pride” and “humility”. Discuss God’s view versus the world’s view of these two areas.

q 1/10-1/16: This week you will read about the importance of

your words and actions displaying the love of Christ to others. SAS: Think of ways to serve those who serve you this week. For instance, pray for your server at a restaurant (and leave a good tip), help the cleaning person empty the trash at work. Brainstorm as a group, and share your experiences with the group next week.

q 1/17-1/23: In this week of devotions you’ll learn about the refining process of becoming a man of God. SAS: Create a list together of the character traits of a godly man. Share which one(s) you struggle the most with and pray for each other this week in those areas. From last week, share your “serving those who serve you” experiences.

q 2/28-3/6: This week’s devotionals teach us about the first miracle of

Jesus’ earthly life—turning water into wine at a wedding celebration. SAS: Share with one another how God has used celebrations in your lives. Ask each man to plan a celebration with his wife, child or grandchild (a special night out, a party, a vacation or some other creative idea).

q 3/7- 3/13: These devotions address the importance God places on the relationship of marriage. SAS: Discuss how much time each of you spends with your wife on a daily basis. If you aren’t spending 20 minutes or 2% of your daily time with your spouse, are you willing to commit that time this week? How can we pray for one another in this endeavor?

q 1/24-1/30: Our devotional theme this week is about the universal purposes that God gives to all men. SAS: Discuss some ways for our group to get involved in fulfilling God’s Great Commission to build His kingdom. Decide on two ways that the group could minister to those who are in need of God’s love. Schedule the next steps.

q 3/14-3/20: This week you’ll see that God is the true author of the

story of our lives. SAS: Discuss what it means to allow God to tell His story through your lives. Think of one way that God has worked in your life that you could share with others as an encouragement or witness to others. Practice sharing these stories with each other.

q 3/21-3/27: These devotions help you focus on the fact that God is our

q 1/31-2/6: This week your men will gain spiritual insights regarding

everything and He provides our every need. SAS: Have you struggled with being a provider for your family and relying on God to meet your every need? Build some quiet time into your schedule this week and allow God to speak to you about His desire to meet your every need.

your finances. SAS: Take a good look at your personal budget this week. Ask yourself these questions: Am I putting my confidence in assets? Do my financial actions reflect a godly attitude towards money? Am I giving generously? Come back next week ready to share what you found out about your perspective on finances.

q 2/7-2/13: In this week’s devotions we’ll be reminded that God is our true

source of significance. SAS: Make two lists: ways men search for significance outside of Christ and ways men find significance in Christ. Take those lists home and spend time asking God to continue His work in you as you seek to find your significance in Him. From last week: Share some of your insights about your financial perspectives.

Use Equipping the Man in the Mirror for Your Small Group

•• Start with the group discussion questions at the end of each week of devotions. •• Use these two pages (12 and 13) to dig deeper with your small group. •• For more small group resources, look at the ad on page 6 for great books to read and study.

How to Use This Devotional

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

One-year Bible daily reading

Discussion/journal questions

Saturday, Sunday—January 1, 2 • The Law and the Prophets So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

Dr. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, once cited President Ronald Reagan as saying that America’s problems could be solved if people would just pay attention to the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule. I was curious about President Reagan’s comment, and I found the text of that speech, given to the National Religious Broadcasters Association on January 30, 1984. Here is what he said: Government bureaucracies spend billions for problems related to drugs, alcohol, and disease. How much of that money could we save, how much better off might Americans be, if all of us tried a little harder to live by the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule? I have been told that since the beginning of civilization, millions and millions of laws have been written . . . And yet, taken all together, all those millions and millions of laws have not improved on the Ten Commandments one bit. Could it be that simple? Yes, and here’s why: the Golden Rule and the Ten Commandments work together. The Golden Rule is like a picture of a desired building, and the Ten Commandments provide a specific blueprint for creating the structure. Don’t lie, steal, cheat, curse, covet, etc. Praise God for such a straightforward set of guidelines for living a life of integrity. MIMBS 1 Read through the Ten Commandments again (Exodus 20). Is there an area of your life you realize is not under God’s Lordship? What will you do about it?

Daily Reading: Genesis 1:1-4:26,Matthew 1:1-3:6, Psalm 1:1-2:12, Proverbs 1:1-9

Monday—January 3 • Nothing Else Matters The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Proverbs 11:3

Honor and reliability are crucial in all of life. Alan Simpson, senator from Wyoming from 1979 to 1997, said, “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.” At its most basic level, integrity is a one-to-oneto-one correlation between your Bible, your beliefs, and your behavior. In order to have integrity, you must behave biblically. But you can’t behave your way out of something that you believed your way into. First you have to believe that the Bible is true, and that it means what it says. That belief becomes the natural foundation for your behavior. The Bible’s standards for integrity are

actually simple. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) give us guidelines that we can apply to every area of our lives. Jesus took it another step when He said, “Treat other people the way you want them to treat you” (see Matthew 7:12). If we trust God’s Word and believe in its truth, we will seek to implement these principles in our lives; we will live with integrity. MIMBS 1 Rate yourself in these three areas: knowing what the Bible says, believing God and the truth of the Scripture, and acting in accordance with what the Bible says. Are any of these areas out of sync with the others? Share your thoughts with a few other men. Daily Reading: Genesis 5:1-7:24, Matthew 3:74:11, Psalm 3:1-8, Proverbs 1:10-19

Tuesday—January 4 • Search Me, O God Search me, O 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

I encourage you to take a personal inventory. Ask God to show you how your beliefs and behavior match up to what the Bible really says. A regular inventory can draw attention to “little things” before they grow into big issues. Several years ago I did something that was so stupid, I almost didn’t tell anyone about it. For years I had wanted a radar detector. I don’t get many tickets. I didn’t want a radar detector so I could drive faster—I just thought it would be “cool” to know where the police were. So I ordered one, and when it arrived, my wife said, “Are you out of your mind?” I knew immediately I needed to take advantage of the money back guarantee. Ordering a radar detector was not a

sin—it was an error in judgment. But it could have turned into a dishonesty problem if I had used it in the wrong way. Don’t surrender to false guilt just because you’ve done something stupid. But don’t let it lead you into sin, either. MIMBS 1 When did you last ask God to search you and point out anything that was offensive to Him? Is it time for another inventory? Take a minute and pray right now that God would show you areas where you are not in accordance with His will. Daily Reading: Genesis 8:1-10:32, Matthew 4:12-25, Psalm 4:1-8, Proverbs 1:20-23

Wednesday—January 5 • Integrity in “Little Things”

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. Luke 16:10 Years ago, I was walking down the hall in my real estate company one day when an office phone rang. I heard a manager instruct his assistant, “Tell him I’m not in.” I stopped dead in my tracks, because I realized how it would reflect on my company if a major customer heard that. Little things are really important. Do you regularly cut corners, shade the truth, or take advantage of situations? Check yourself, even if the issue seems tiny. Why? Because lying, cheating and stealing become easier with practice. Here are some more questions to help with your personal inventory: •• Does my business system depend on deception, even in the smallest areas? •• In order for me to be successful, does someone have to believe a lie?

Have you ever caught yourself justifying a “small” breach of integrity? What would the consequences be if it was found out? Embarrassment? Broken relationship? Worse? Pray that God would make you trustworthy in the little things. Daily Reading: Genesis 11:1-13:4, Matthew 5:126, Psalm 5:1-12, Proverbs 1:24-28

Thursday—January 6 • What Do I Do When I Fail? Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. . . . Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:6, 10

William Penn said, “Right is right even if everyone else thinks it’s wrong. And wrong is wrong even if everyone else thinks it’s right.” If in the process of a personal evaluation, the Holy Spirit pricks your conscience for something you have done or are considering, then STOP. There’s a big difference between saying, “I don’t want to do that again,” and truly forsaking your sin. True repentance requires you to put away the sin. Stop doing it! And if someone else suffered because of your sin, consider whether restitution is necessary. The Japanese Samurai had a way of dealing with failure. They fell on their swords. In their culture, failure was terminal. God

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1–2

•• Do I pay fair wages and charge fair prices? It seems like almost every year someone I know ends up going to jail for a breach of integrity. Many men could avoid that heartache if they would submit to a regular personal inventory, and they would take care of integrity issues while they are still small. MIMBS 1

offers a better way—a way that leads to restoration. Invite God to come into your life and forgive your sin. But don’t stop there. Obedience is the key to maintaining your restoration. Ask Him to create within you a pure heart that wants to obey, and to renew a steadfast spirit that will pursue holiness, regardless of circumstances. MIMBS 1 Is there something in your life you feel the Holy Spirit “pricking your conscience” about? Are you ready to stop and repent? What is the difference between being sorry and truly repenting? Daily Reading: Genesis 13:5-15:21, Matthew 5:27-48, Psalm 6:1-10, Proverbs 1:29-33

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—January 7, 8, 9 • Stronger Together

Seabiscuit was a thoroughbred racehorse who overcame an inauspicious start to become a champion. The 2003 movie Seabiscuit shows a particular bit of dialogue between the horse’s owner, Charles Howard, and trainer John Smith. There was a problem with the horse, and Howard was considering getting rid of Seabiscuit. Smith said, “You don’t throw a whole life away just because it’s banged up a little bit.” Later in the movie, when the jockey was badly injured, Smith was going to dump the jockey. The horse’s owner repeated the trainer’s own words: “You don’t throw a whole life away just because it’s banged up a little bit.” Scripture tells us we shouldn’t turn our backs on a fallen brother. We shouldn’t throw away his life just because he has failed. Because we are brothers in Christ,

we work to restore one another. Today’s verses remind us that we all are susceptible to temptation. We are stronger when we stand together—when we “carry each other’s burdens.” And in doing so, we also fulfill the law of Christ. Pray this prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that the Bible clarifies moral issues for me. Help me to bring my beliefs and my behavior into alignment with what the Bible really says. Bring to my mind any area where I need to repent and experience restoration. Show me my next step. Surround me with true Christian brothers who will help me and hold me accountable, and let me bless them by doing the same for them. I ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen. MIMBS 1 “You don’t throw a whole life away just because it’s banged up a little bit.” Have you ever felt “thrown away” by other Christians because of a mistake you have made? Can you forgive your brothers and move on? Have you ever done the same to someone else? Can you repent and restore the relationship? Daily Reading: Genesis 16:1-22:24, Matthew 6:1-7:29, Psalm 7:1-9:12, Proverbs 2:1-22

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For January 1-9—Ask a few men to share a time when someone they know had a breach of integrity. (Please do not disclose names.) •• What were the consequences of that breach? •• Besides that person, who else did the breach affect? In what ways? •• What do you think leads a man to make a decision that goes against his own moral values? Looking for more guidance to life? Check out The Man’s Guide Series on page 30.

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Monday—January 10 • Acknowledging Jesus 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 (see Matthew 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 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 2 Name someone you know who is an effective witness for Jesus. What makes them effective? Daily Reading: Genesis 23:1-24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6

Tuesday—January 11 • 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 2 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: Genesis 24:5226:16, Matthew 8:18-34, Psalm 10:1-15, Proverbs 3:7-8

Wednesday—January 12 • All for God’s Glory

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. 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 2 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: Genesis 26:1727:46, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 10:16-18, Proverbs 3:9-10

Thursday—January 13 • Louder than Words They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. Titus 1:16

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 3:15). 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 2 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: Genesis 28:1-29:35, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 3:11-12

q Friday, Saturday, Sunday—January 14, 15, 16 • Sharing Your Faith 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, Chickfil-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 2 Are you prepared for the opportunity to share you faith in the workplace? Talk with some brothers about how to approach these opportunities. Daily Reading: Genesis 30:1-34:31,Matthew 10:1-11:30, Psalm 12:1-14:7, Proverbs 3:13-20

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For January 10-16—List 2-3 colleagues or neighbors that may need to hear about the love of God from you. •• Have those men been able to see or hear God’s love through your actions or words? •• How can you communicate the “Good News” of the gospel in ways those men will hear and understand? •• Commit to praying that God would give you an opportunity to share.

Monday—January 17 • The Worth of True Manhood The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3

A few years ago, Man in the Mirror President David Delk planned an awesome celebration for his oldest son’s 16th birthday. Among other things, David gave his son a one-ounce gold coin to symbolize his incredible value and to commemorate God’s investment in the young man. Similarly, gold can symbolize the worth of true biblical manhood. This week we’ll explore that theme. There are two ways a person learns that something is truly precious: by having it, and by not having it. With gold, some learn

its value by owning it and discovering all the ways it changes their situation. Others learn its value by not having it, and having to live without. The same is true with the influence of a godly man in your life. You may have had a godly example in your life—a father or grandfather, a coach, a teacher, a neighbor. Or you may understand the value because of what was missing in your life. Either way, you know that a man who biblically defines his purpose and his value is priceless. MIMBS 3 Who has had the greatest influence on your life? Was it a godly influence? What kind of role model are you prepared to be for the men around you? Daily Reading: Genesis 35:1-36:43, Matthew 12:1-21, Psalm 15:1-5, Proverbs 3:21-26

Tuesday—January 18 • Real Men are Rare Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13–14

Like other precious metals, gold is valuable, at least in part, because it is rare. Similarly, men who truly know Scripture and define themselves by biblical standards are vastly outnumbered by those who seek a broader road with fewer restrictions. But that makes them all the more valuable. In our culture, celebrity stories and political headlines usually reflect the antithesis of biblical standards. Yet, in that environment, a man who uses Scripture as a map for his life has tremendous opportunity to stand out in the crowd. I remember reading about an NFL linebacker who made headlines because he didn’t sleep around before

he was married, he courted his wife and married her, and then he made his family a top priority in his life. That was so extraordinary that it was covered more widely than his athletic exploits. A lifestyle that should be expected of any man was deemed worthy of a huge newspaper story. That kind of manhood is deemed valuable, partly because it is so rare. MIMBS 3 With some brothers, make a list of men who are public examples of godliness. How do these men set the example for you? Daily Reading: Genesis 37:1-38:30, Matthew 12:22-45, Psalm 16:1-11, Proverbs 3:27-32

Wednesday—January 19 • Letting God Shape Us

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter. Isaiah 64:8 Scripture repeatedly calls us to be malleable in God’s hands; for instance, clay in the hands of a potter. Other images also support that idea. For instance, gold is extremely malleable—some say it is the most malleable of all known metals. In fact, a single ounce of gold can be hammered to create a sheet that is about 400 times thinner than a human hair, covering about 300 square feet! The Bible indicates that real men—men who seek to define themselves and their

purpose biblically—will allow God to shape them. A true man is willing to adjust his agenda when it doesn’t correspond with God’s. Anyone who is seeking God’s plan for his life must be willing to be hammered out and shaped by God. Scripture challenges us not to let the world hammer us into its mold. Instead, we are to be transformed by letting God renew our minds and change us from the inside out (see Romans 12:2). MIMBS 3 How has God been trying to shape you? How have you been cooperating or resisting His efforts? Daily Reading: Genesis 39:1-41:16, Matthew 12:46-13:23, Psalm 17:1-15, Proverbs 3:33-35

Thursday —January 20 • Purified by Fire See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10

Silver and gold and other precious metals are purified by exposing them to intense heat. As the metal melts, the impurities rise to the surface and can be scooped away, so all that is left behind is the pure metal. That’s a picture of how God uses circumstances to purify us as well. James opened his letter to Christians by exhorting them, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” He explains that trials test our faith, making it pure. That enables us to persevere, so we grow into maturity (James 1:2–4). God uses the afflictions of this world to test and refine us, like a metalsmith uses

fire to purify metals. We all can choose how we will respond to difficulties. Will we become harder, more obstinate, more bitter, and angrier? Or will we allow the process to make us softer in God’s hands, so He can more easily mold us into the men He wants us to be? MIMBS 3 Have your difficult situations left you harder and more bitter, or softer and more easily molded by God? How? Daily Reading: Genesis 41:17-42:17, Matthew 13:24-46, Psalm 18:1-15, Proverbs 4:1-6

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—January 21, 22, 23 • Man of God For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life though the one man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17

Gold is malleable, but it also endures. It doesn’t react with many other substances— not even most acids. You can wear a gold ring and be fairly confident that, while it might wear over time, it will not be affected by any chemicals you might get on your hands. That’s another way that godly men are like gold. They persevere. These men are valuable, rare, malleable, tested by fire, and have the quality of endurance. When we finish a list like that, some of us invariably feel overwhelmed. But the simple reality is, the Bible establishes a standard that no human being can reach, apart from Christ. In Romans 5, Paul shows the contrast between Adam and Jesus Christ. When we try to transform ourselves,

we are living out Adam’s legacy. That’s the legacy that shaped many of us, because we were surrounded by people who did not understand what it meant to be a godly man. But Paul tells us that Adam’s legacy leads to death. By contrast, Jesus is the ultimate man. He is truly “golden.” He is more valuable than anything else. He’s the one-of-a-kind Son of God. He has been tested through the furnace of adversity. And, of course, He endured, even when it meant facing the cross. Jesus is the man you have never been, and through Him, you can become the man He wants you to be. That’s the promise and the hope of the gospel. If you’ll turn to Him, you can experience what it means to be a real man. MIMBS 3 Read Romans 5:19–21 with some brothers. What does Christ’s obedience bring to us? What does this ultimately result in? How have you seen Christ help you become a real man? Daily Reading: Genesis 42:18-47:31, Matthew 13:47-15:28, Psalm 18:16-19:14, Proverbs 4:7-19

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For January 17-23— Share some of the ways that God has been refining the members of the group. •• How would you describe the refining process—painful, fun, exciting, scary or ________? •• Have you had any examples in your life of men whose lives have been refined? •• How do you know that they have been or are in the process of refinement?

q Monday—January 24 • Universal Purpose and Individual Purpose

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:30–31 There are two things to keep in mind when trying to figure out your life’s purpose. We have a universal purpose and a personal life purpose. God calls all men to the same universal purposes: 1. The great commandment to love God with the totality of our being. 2. The new commandment to love one another, as Christ loved us. 3. The great commission to build Christ’s kingdom. 4. The cultural mandate to tend to our jobs, families and culture. Knowing our universal purposes is the foundation for eventually discovering our

particular life purpose. Each of us is unique. God will call each of us to different tasks and use us in diverse ways. With prayer and the Holy Spirit we can discern what that unique purpose is. This becomes our “marching orders” for the way we live our lives for Christ. MIMBS 4 How would you evaluate your life in each of these universal purposes? How far down the road are you in discovering your particular purpose? Share your thoughts with a few other men. Daily Reading: Genesis 48:1-49:33, Matthew 15:29-16:12, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 4:20-27

Tuesday—January 25 • What is Your Life Purpose?

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 Having a life purpose helps me know why I exist. Anytime I find myself derailed, I come back to what my purpose is. It helps me find the will of God in whatever it is that is confusing and figure out what I need to do next. The only purpose for a Christian that is large enough to satisfy will be one that is linked to God. According to the Scriptures, God has a purpose for us. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” And in Philippians 2:13 we see this: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” He gives you the desire and power to do His good purpose. Is God really paying that much personal attention to each of us? Acts 17:26 says that

God “determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” He has sovereignly determined your beginning and your end and the exact place for you in life. “He is not far from each one of us” (v. 27). God the Father is very much involved in why you exist. MIMBS 4 How does it make you feel to know that God has a specific purpose for your life? How can you discern that purpose? Daily Reading: Genesis 50:1 - Exodus 2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 5:1-6

Wednesday—January 26 • God’s Ordained Purpose For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Charlie, a truck driver, was very sensitive to the desire to use his truck driving to witness to other truckers. I told him a story about a young man, who all his life dreamed of one day being a high school math teacher. As he started teaching math he quickly realized that two things were going on at his school: his students were coming to class with problems that math can’t solve and none of the Christian teachers knew each other. God formed the desire in him, as part of his purpose, to develop a mentoring

ministry to the kids and help the Christian teachers get to know each other. Although not a professional minister, this man was an ordained math teacher— ordained to minister to kids and teachers. I told this story to Charlie and said, “Charlie you are an ordained truck driver. God has a purpose for your life. You have been ordained to do what you do.” MIMBS 4 Do you feel ordained in your profession? How can you minister to others through your work? Daily Reading: Exodus 2:11-3:22, Matthew 17:10-27, Psalm 22:1-18, Proverbs 5:7-14

Thursday—January 27 • Assured in Your Calling But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed. 2 Timothy 4:17

I recently went through a spiritual crisis and I found I was not living contentedly or joyously in the present moment. I was always looking ahead to when things would be done to experience the joy. Often that time never comes and we are left continually waiting for that perfect moment to be happy. As Francis of Assisi was working in his garden one day, someone asked him, “Francis if you knew that Jesus Christ was going to come back tomorrow, what would you do?” He said, “I would finish hoeing.” He was so sure that he knew what God’s purpose was in his life. He was content in who he was. That was his real life, right

here, right now. He was doing what he was supposed to be doing. We should live our lives confident that what we are doing right now is in God’s purpose. With this perspective, we can be content where God has us, and experience joy in the moment. MIMBS 4 Do you have complete assurance that what you do is what you are supposed to be doing? Get with your group and share your life purpose statements, or come up with Bible verses that express your life’s purposes. Daily Reading: Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:120, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21

Friday, Saturday, Sunday —January 28, 29, 30 We Exist to Glorify God

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10–11 The Westminster Shorter Catechism (a teaching tool that asks and answers theological questions) is one of the great doctrinal statements that has ever been produced in the Christian church. The first question in the catechism is: What is the chief end of man? In modern language that means “what is the purpose of man?” The answer: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. No matter what your profession is—whether a plumber or truck driver, salesman or doctor—the tasks you complete are not a big enough purpose to keep you animated over the long haul. We need something more; we need something bigger to live for. Ultimately, we do what we do to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. I heard Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy speak about 1 Peter 4:10, one of the verses they built the business around. He said, “We

have the gift of selling chicken. We want to do as well as we can for the glory of God. Tonight we have 600 new recruits coming in for training. I am going to tell them about how we have the gift of selling chicken. That means that we treat our customers with kindness. We are selling chicken for the glory of God.” We will feel most alive, useful and significant when we are doing what God created us to do. This is one way we can bring glory to God. And the good news is, when we do what God wired us to do, we will enjoy it— and Him—as we do it. MIMBS 4 Are you certain of why you exist? How does your life reflect enjoying and glorifying Him? Discuss ways your life glorifies the Lord, and the ways that could use improvement. Daily Reading: Exodus 5:22-12:13, Matthew 18:21-20:28, Psalm 23:1-25:15, Proverbs 5:226:11

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For January 24-30—From the devotional for Monday, January 24, what are the universal purposes that God gives to all men? •• Do you see those purposes as the desires in your own life? •• Is there one of those purposes that seems more difficult for you to accomplish in your life? •• What gets in the way of fulfilling those purposes?

Monday—January 31 • More Important than Money Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth. Proverbs 17:24 NLT

Roger Morgan left his home in the Appalachian Mountains with the sole purpose of making a fortune. Money became his god, and he became worth millions. Then the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression reduced him to utter poverty. One day a friend found him on the Golden Gate Bridge staring down into the San Francisco Bay, and he suggested they move on. “Leave me alone,” Roger replied. “I’m trying to think. There is something more important than money, but I’ve forgotten what it is.” Roger, like many of us, lost perspective

in life. Wealth was fleeting. We’ve all tried to take control and looked for fulfillment or joy in our own might. It didn’t work for Roger and it won’t work for us. Our joy can only be found in God and His purpose for our lives. —Adapted from Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton Where have you looked for fulfillment apart from God? Was it money? Relationships? Status? What else? Do you believe you can find true happiness in Christ? Daily Reading: Exodus 12:14-13:16, Matthew 20:29-21:22, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 6:12-15

Tuesday—February 1 • Money Is Not Evil 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

Money itself is not evil, but it can be difficult to keep our pursuit of it in God’s perspective. The Bible does not condemn money, only a wrong attitude and the misuse of money. In the Old Testament, for instance, many of the godliest people were among the wealthiest people of the day. Job, Abraham and David were all wealthy, and yet they did not allow wealth to interfere with their relationship with the Lord. Nevertheless, Scripture warns that riches can destroy a spiritually fruitful life. Someone once observed, “For every 99

people who can be poor and remain close to Christ, only one can become wealthy and maintain a close fellowship with Him.” Perhaps it’s human nature to cling to the Lord when it’s obvious that only He can provide our needs. Too often, when a man becomes wealthy, he begins to take the Lord for granted because he no longer thinks he needs Him. —Adapted from Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton Almost everyone in America has enough money that we take our daily needs for granted. How might this keep you from truly depending on God? Daily Reading: Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19

Wednesday—February 2 • Poverty or Prosperity

q Friday, Saturday, Sunday—February 4, 5, 6 • A Rich Lifestyle

The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. Genesis 39:23 Some people say that you have to be poor to develop true faith. Others, that godly people always prosper financially. The Bible indicates, however, that it’s about faith, not a formula. Joseph was the classic example of a faithful person who experienced both prosperity and poverty. He was born into a prosperous family and then was thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He became a household slave in a wealthy Egyptian’s home. His master, Potiphar, promoted Joseph to run the household affairs. Later Joseph made the righteous decision not to commit adultery with Potiphar’s wife. Because of that decision, however, he was thrown into prison for years. In God’s

timing Joseph ultimately was elevated to the position of prime minister of Egypt. Like so many other biblical principles, there is no specific formula for prosperity. If there was, we’d concentrate on that instead of loving God. God asks us only to follow Him—through poverty or prosperity. —Adapted from Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton What do you need to believe to be faithful to God through poverty? What about through prosperity? Have you seen this in your life? Daily Reading: Exodus 15:19-17:7, Matthew 22:1-33, Psalm 27:1-6, Proverbs 6:20-26

Thursday—February 3 • True Wealth God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrew 11:40

The Lord’s perspective of prosperity is not the same as our culture’s. He evaluates true riches based on His spiritual value system. In Hebrews 11 the writer tells of people who triumphed miraculously by exercising their faith in the living God. But many of these godly people also experienced poverty, pain and death. This contrast is clearly seen in the Book of Revelation. The godly poor are rich in God’s sight: “I [the Lord] know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)” (Revelation 2:9 nas). Those who are wealthy yet do not enjoy a close relationship with Christ are not only poor, but spiritually blind: “You say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you

do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17, nas). True prosperity is not based on material possessions. True prosperity is gauged by how well we know Jesus Christ and by how closely we follow Him. —Adapted from Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton What percentage of people do you know who are materially well off but spiritually poor? Do you ever find yourself in the trap of pursuing worldly, rather than godly, riches?

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:18–19 Most of us define a rich person as a person who has more money than we do. But if we compare our living standards to the people who have lived throughout history, the majority of us are rich. Here are three ways we can maintain a godly attitude towards our finances. Do not be conceited. For several years, I drove two vehicles. The first was an old pickup truck that cost $100. It looked as if it cost $100! When I drove that truck, I was humble. My other vehicle was a well-preserved, secondhand automobile that was expensive when it was new. When I drove that car, I acted like a different person. I didn’t treat others quite as well. I was not as grateful. Wealth stimulates conceit. When you are rich, make a consistent effort to be humble before the Lord and other people. Put no confidence in your assets. We tend to trust in the seen rather than in the invisible living God. No wonder it is so easy for us to trust in our possessions. Wealth has so much power that it is easy to be fooled into thinking that money supplies our needs and offers security. This is why we

need to constantly remind ourselves to walk by faith rather than by sight. Give generously. One of the most effective antidotes for the potential disease of loving money is “setting the finish line.” Determine a maximum amount that you will accumulate. After you have reached your goal, give the rest to build God’s kingdom. Let your money be used for greater purposes. —Adapted from Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton Which of these three applications hits home the most with you? Why? Share your answers with some other men. Daily Reading: Exodus 19:16-25:40, Matthew 23:13-24:51, Psalm 28:1-30:12, Proverbs 7:1-27

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For January 31-February 6—Read aloud this definition of prosperity: “the condition of being successful or thriving; especially economic well-being” (Merriam-Webster). •• How do you define prosperity? Financial prosperity? Relational prosperity? Spiritual prosperity? •• Have you experienced times of prosperity and/or poverty in your life? What did you learn about God during those times?

Daily Reading: Exodus 17:8-19:15, Matthew 22:34-23:12, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 6:27-35 The Man in the Mirror Remix series is a great small group resource on page 30.

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The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

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any of those things with no moral compass. He can look “good” to his culture, and still be morally bankrupt. As we consider appropriate and inappropriate ways to satisfy our need for significance, it’s important to remember that God is more interested in what’s inside than what’s outside. MIMBS 5 Consider the ways you’ve been pursuing a sense of significance. Have you been more interested in what people can see, or in what God sees? Explain your answer. Daily Reading: Exodus 26:1-27:21, Matthew 25:1-30, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 8:1-11

Tuesday—February 8 • Significance in Wealth

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done, and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:10–11

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About 20 years ago, I decided I wanted a particular expensive gold watch. It showed my immaturity in this area. I wanted it because when I saw other men wearing that watch, I thought they looked successful. They seemed to have achieved a level of significance that I had not yet attained. My wife Patsy’s watch had broken. I bought her an expensive gold watch for her birthday. She loved it. But she didn’t know I was planning to buy the matching companion watch for myself. I did purchase that beautiful, costly watch. And then I realized the watch could not satisfy my need for

significance. Eventually I sold it. When you try to fulfill your need for significance through wealth, you risk tying your identity to something that will rot and rust. Like Solomon you will find that you are “chasing after the wind.” True significance comes through focusing on that which is eternal. MIMBS 5 What are some things apart from God that men tend to base their significance on? What does that look like? How has this impacted men you know? Daily Reading: Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:3126:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13

Wednesday—February 9 • Significance in Accomplishments But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. Philippians 3:7–8

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to race a sports car for a couple of seasons. One night, I took Patsy out for dinner, and I happened to be wearing a shirt that said Zotz Racing and a stylized ‘3’—my car number. The restaurant owner came to our table and inquired about the shirt. I explained that Zotz Racing managed my car. “You own a race car?” he inquired. “What is it?” I told him, and succumbing to the temptation, I bragged, “I won two championships last year with that car.” He replied, “So you own the car, but you don’t drive it, eh?” I was too deflated to correct him. Then

it hit me, I was looking for my significance to come from my accomplishments and others’ recognition of it. That was a good reminder that finding significance in anything temporal can only lead to disappointment. My accomplishments are “a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” MIMBS 5 Have you been disappointed because you finally achieved something you thought was important, and it was overlooked by another person? How hard is it to consider your own accomplishments as “a loss” compared to your relationship with Christ? Daily Reading: Exodus 29:1-30:10, Matthew 26:14-46, Psalm 31:19-24, Proverbs 8:14-26

Thursday—February 10 • Things Don’t Last He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Before I turned 30, Patsy and I took a vacation to the Bahamas. On the beach, I discovered a 10-story condominium called Xanadu, where Howard Hughes spent the last years of his life. In our culture, this man exemplifies someone who pursued his significance in temporal pleasure. I talked a maid into letting me into the man’s home. He had died about two years previously. I don’t know what I expected, but I certainly was shocked by what I found: threadbare furniture and cheap fixtures. The man lived in solitude for the last two decades of his life. He died a lonely man, betrayed by fame and fortune, and not finding the significance that all men desire.

Similarly, Solomon sought meaning in temporal pursuits. But when he came to the end of his quest, he knew that God has “set eternity in the hearts of men.” In other words, God wires us to invest in eternal things. If we settle for less, we aren’t investing in anything significant. MIMBS 5 Have you ever been shocked when you saw beneath the surface of another man’s life? Would someone be shocked to see beneath yours? Share your thoughts with a few other men. Daily Reading: Exodus 30:11-31:18, Matthew 26:47-68, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 8:27-32

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—February 11, 12, 13 Answering Two Defining Questions In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:11

During a battle scene in the movie Black Hawk Down, two soldiers go back to camp to restock their supplies. The younger soldier says to the senior soldier, “I can’t go back out there.” The senior replies, “You need to understand. What you do right now will make a difference.” In a similar way, what you do right now in your quest for significance will make a difference. In fact, it will make an eternal difference. I believe that a man’s strongest innate need is to be significant. Answering two defining questions will help him in that quest: •• Who am I? •• Why do I exist? The first question deals with meaning, and the second question deals with purpose. The first deals with relationship and the second with task. The first deals with being and the second with doing. God can help you

answer both questions. Ephesians 1:11 in The Message paraphrase says: “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living” (emphasis added). I guess you could say that, even before you really know who you are, you will have to know whose you are. True meaning and purpose are discovered only through relationship with Christ. Apart from Him, life has no meaning. MIMBS 5 How easy is it for you to move between finding your identity in Christ and in something else? What would it look like if you only looked to your relationship with Christ for your identity? Daily Reading: Exodus 32:1-36:38, Matthew 26:69-27:66, Psalm 33:134:10, Proverbs 8:33-9:8

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For February 7-13—From the devotional above, what are the two defining questions about your life in Christ? •• Consider this question, “Who am I?” •• Think about your answer to this question, “Why do I exist?” •• Spend a few minutes in prayer and ask God to show us the real answers to the questions.

Monday—February 14 • The Only Foundation For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11

There’s a joke about two men who met in a jail cell. One was dressed and groomed extremely well, so the other one asked, “What are you doing in here?” The sophisticated man replied, “I had a place on the Riviera, luxury cars, and lots of beautiful women around me all the time. I was living the kind of life that J. Thomas Riley had become accustomed to . . . until J. Thomas Riley reported his credit cards missing.” Sometimes men are so committed to accumulating wealth that they will do just about anything to get it. We build a life on something that seems solid, but is shaky at best. And worse, it seems to work for awhile. Many men see life as futile, but it’s not because they didn’t get what they wanted. It’s because they did get it all, and they’re still in bondage. You see, planning your life is a bit like building your dream house. You buy property and purchase the materials.

Whether you’re building a house or a life, your foundation is crucial. A faulty base affects the whole structure. A life that is built on any foundation other than Jesus Christ is futile. In the end, it will not yield a sense of satisfaction. MIMBS 6

If you evaluated your behavior the last few weeks, what would you conclude was your overarching goal? How does that reveal the foundation on which you are actually building your life? Daily Reading: Exodus 37:1-38:31, Matthew 28:1-20, Psalm 34:11-22, Proverbs 9:9-10

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Luke 8:24, 25

Wednesday—February 16 • Who Did Jesus Claim to Be? For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16–18

My Bible contains 34,450 words spoken by Jesus. If you get a version that marks Jesus’ words in red ink, you probably could read them all in a few hours. It all boils down to the fact that He claimed to be God’s only Son, sent to save everyone who will trust Him. Jesus basically said there are two roads. A lot of people choose the wide road, but it leads to destruction. Then, He said, there is another road. It has a small gate and a narrow path, and only a few people find it, but it leads to eternal life. (See Matthew 7:13–14.) He said, “I am the gate,” and, “I am the way” (John 14:6). Jesus didn’t look much like a Savior that

we would invent. He had no money, no influential family, no political power, no organization, no army, and no friends in high places. He spoke to only a few thousand people in his lifetime, and He died a criminal’s death. Yet today over a billion people call Him Lord. Frankly, I can see only one reason for Jesus’ current influence. His claims are true. MIMBS 6 Jesus described two roads. Which one are you on? Pray for a man you know that is on the wide road today. Daily Reading: Leviticus 1:1-3:17, Mark 1:292:12, Psalm 35:17-28, Proverbs 9:13-18

q Thursday—February 17 • Jesus’ Resurrection Changed Everything

Tuesday—February 15 • Who is Jesus?

Life holds lots of questions. You have to discern which ones are important, and which are superficial. For the important ones, the consequences can be significant if you give the wrong answer. When you are building the foundation for your life, you really want to respond to a few questions correctly. You need to start with this crucial question: Who is Jesus? Scripture is full of stories like we find in Luke 8, where Jesus’ words or actions caused people to wonder about His identity. Their ability to accept the principles of His kingdom was largely based on who they thought

Jesus was. Matthew 16 reveals that Peter (and we assume the other disciples) recognized Him as the Son of God. Jesus said we cannot come to that assumption on our own, but only as God reveals it to us. Your own answer to that question will determine the strength of your foundation. That, in turn, influences the health and meaning of everything else in your life. MIMBS 6 In 50 words or less, how would you answer someone who asked, “Who is Jesus?” Daily Reading: Exodus 39:1-40:38, Mark 1:1-28, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 9:11-12

After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 In His lifetime on earth, people said all kinds of things about Jesus. At one point His family questioned His sanity. The people He grew up with wanted to push Him off a cliff. Some thought He was demon possessed. Others wanted to stone Him, and His disciples ended up deserting Him. By any worldly standard, Jesus was a loser when He died. So why didn’t His message simply die with Him? Jesus’ resurrection changed everything. The apostle Paul wrote, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the

Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, emphasis added). Paul went on to write, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (v. 17). Then he adds, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (v. 20). Jesus’ death and His glorious resurrection offer a foundation that will not crumble, even when you face life’s most difficult situations. MIMBS 6 Talk with some brothers about what Christ’s resurrection means. Why does Christianity fall apart if Jesus was a “good teacher,” but never really rose from the dead? Daily Reading: Leviticus 4:1-5:19, Mark 2:133:6, Psalm 36:1-12, Proverbs 10:1-2

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—February 18, 19, 20 Foolishness vs. Power 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

If you are not a Christian, it is not okay to tell your Christian friend, “I’m happy you found something that works for you.” If Jesus is not who He claimed to be, then He is either the most pitiful, deluded man who ever drew breath, or He is the most wickedly clever, deranged madman who ever lived. If you are right and your friend is wrong, then your friend has foolishly pledged his allegiance to either a madman or a demon. If your friend truly has pledged allegiance to an imposter, then he has committed himself to the foolish laboring of returning kindness to those who mistreat him, loving those who hate him, putting others before himself, seeking the best for all men, and giving to the poor. Go get him, now—because he is about to throw his life away on a hoax.

But what if your friend is right? Then you are an utter fool not to join him by dropping to your knees and asking Jesus to teach you His ways. In 1 Corinthians 1, the apostle Paul reminds us that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. But to those of us who know Jesus really did live up to everything He claimed, the death and resurrection of Jesus provide the foundation we need to live in a way that ultimately brings rest and satisfaction. MIMBS 6 Do you consider the message of the cross to be foolishness? Or can you say with assurance that it is the foundation on which you are building your life? Explain your answer. Daily Reading: Leviticus 6:1-10:20, Mark 3:7-5:20, Psalm 37:1-40, Proverbs 10:3-7

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For February 14-20—On a large piece of paper or white board make two headings: Wide Road and Narrow Path. •• List what this week’s devotions had to say about each heading. •• Now list actions that you believe fit under each category. •• Discuss why one path is narrow and one path is wide.

Monday—February 21 • Quiet or Loud Pride Follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. Proverbs 6:3 NLT

C. S. Lewis is an author whose work has spanned generations. He had a great way with words and he proved to be an authority on the nature of man and our relationship with God. Lewis hit the nail on the head on the subject of pride when he said, “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man.” We have all had those moments when we have thought, At least I’m better than that guy or I’m glad to have a better car than that or thankfully my marriage isn’t that bad. It is human nature to want to be better than the next guy. But that aspect of

human nature keeps us caught up in our own accomplishments. When we believe we have succeeded on our own or our lives are better off than others or we have attained some spiritual level that others have not, the sin of pride separates us from God. Pride can be an overt, outward sin or a subtle, quiet sin. But no matter its volume, sin always keeps us from God. MIMBS 7 Have you faced the issue of pride in your life? In what areas? What has God taught you in those areas? Daily Reading: Leviticus 11:1-12:8, Mark 5:2143, Psalm 38:1-22, Proverbs 10:8-9

Tuesday—February 22 • Younger and Stronger Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 NLT

One day I was kidding around with one of my colleagues who happens to be about 20 years my junior. I suggested that we have an arm wrestling match. He said, “Okay. You are left-handed; do you want to go left or right?” I thought I was better or stronger than him and chose to wrestle righthanded. In a quick, but titanic struggle, he won. We switched to left hands and I claimed the quick victory. The truth is I really wanted to win that contest. I wanted to win so badly that I actually injured my shoulder. Why would someone choose to injure themselves over an arm wrestling

championship? What makes a 55-year-old man take on a 35-year-old man in a silly act of power or strength? It was simply an act of pride. Pride makes us act out to prove that we are not aging, we are not weak, or we are not less than something or someone. God reminds us that He came for the poor, the weak and those that truly need Him. Pride stands in the way of letting God truly be God in our lives. MIMBS 7 Have you ever acted out and later realized that the true motivation was pride? How does pride limit God’s work in our life? Daily Reading: Leviticus 13:1-59, Mark 6:1-29, Psalm 39:1-13, Proverbs 10:10

Wednesday—February 23 • The Rise and Fall of Pride First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. Proverbs 16:18 The Message

The president of a company usually gets to that position for good reason. He’s made good decisions, he is a leader, he has vision and he gets things done. Those are great characteristics. Countries, organizations and companies need those kinds of leaders. How easily those characteristics can turn or shift into traps of pride. We’ve all seen how great athletes, good pastors or high-powered executives start believing their own hype. They don’t want to be told they’re wrong, that there may be a better way or they are difficult to live with. We regularly read in the news that many have lost marriages, scammed their company or lived a secret life. Their belief that they

knew best or were better than others led to destruction. God wants to use all of our characteristics for His glory. That’s what we were all created for. Don’t let your puffed up thoughts of yourself stand in the way of being used in great and mighty ways by Him. MIMBS 7 When you heard of the fall of a famous leader, athlete, or pastor, what was your reaction? How can you pray for those who have had a public fall? Daily Reading: Leviticus 14:1-57, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 40:1-10, Proverbs 10:11-12

Thursday—February 24 • Reluctant Leaders Moses answered God, “But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11 The Message

When Moses was called to lead the people of Israel, he wasn’t keen on the idea. He offered up some legitimate reasons why it would be hard for him to be their leader. He was reluctant to see himself as the leader of God’s chosen people. Moses was a Hebrew slave, he stuttered, and he had murdered a man. God must have made a mistake. There must have been someone better for the job. Surely he was not good enough. Some might say that Moses had a lack of pride or selfesteem. He offered some good excuses. He did not have a great

leadership resume. He could have let his belief in his own incompetence keep him from the challenge. He could have paralyzed himself by thinking he was inadequate. Instead, he chose to trust that God would enable him to lead. Out of obedience, Moses took on the momentous occupation of leading the people of Israel to the Promised Land. Pride, or the lack of it, was the root of his hesitancy. Whether we think we’re too good or not good enough, God can’t use us until we’re willing to see how He can work through us. MIMBS 7 Has God called you to do something that you’ve been reluctant to do? How does Moses’ story help you in that endeavor? Daily Reading: Leviticus 15:1-16:28, Mark 7:123, Psalm 40:11-17, Proverbs 10:13-14

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—February 25, 26, 27 Humble Reinvention

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:16 NLT Recently a television news channel in Denver merged with another company and the newscasters had to “reinterview” for their jobs. Most described the process as humiliating. The news business is based on ratings and is constantly looking for bigger, better and younger. The lead anchor, Ernie Bjorkman, had been a respected member of the community for over 25 years. He had a fulfilling television career, made a six-figure income, attended all the best social events and enjoyed a wonderful lifestyle. Ernie gained a lot of media attention in the midst of this upheaval. As he aged, Bjorkman knew that an end to his journalism career was inevitable. So, instead of waiting for the boom to be lowered he had begun to reinvent himself three years earlier. He started thinking of other jobs he’d like to pursue. As an animal lover, Bjorkman started veterinarian technician classes. He looked forward to a new job and new challenges. He would trade his suit and tie for a lab coat, TV cameras for dogs and cats and six figures for a $35,000 annual income. Newspapers and television were now contacting Ernie about his personal story. Bjorkman could have “reinterviewed” or

gone to a smaller town with a smaller TV market or he could have become angry and bitter. He did none of those things. He saw what was coming, became proactive and made the best choices for himself. So, why all the attention? Simple answer: Ernie didn’t let pride get in his way. He was definitely taking a “step down” on the success meter and in income. But he displayed a genuine enthusiasm for the next step and an authentic appreciation for his journalism career. His pride wasn’t a hurdle and he gave us all a great lesson. We all have choices to make and sometimes those choices require us to humble ourselves, step outside our comfort zone and embrace something new. MIMBS 7 Discuss “pride” with some guys this week. How has pride influenced your lives? How do you need to pray for each other and the issue of pride? Daily Reading: Leviticus 16:29-22:16, Mark 7:24-9:29, Psalm 41:1-43:5, Proverbs 10:15-18

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For February 21-27—Ask someone to read aloud the devotion above. •• How could pride have gotten in Ernie’s way to a new life? What would have been the outcome? •• How would you have reacted to Ernie’s transition? Would you have tried to hold on to your job, salary and prestige? Would you have embraced your new life?

Monday—February 28 • Jesus’ First Miracle

This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galillee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. John 2:11 I heard about a policeman who saw a man driving erratically and pulled him over. “Have you been drinking?” he asked the driver. “Oh, no sir,” the man replied. “I’m just tired.” The policeman noted that the man was a priest, and then he saw an empty wine bottle on the floor. He asked, “If you’re telling me the truth, then what used to be in that bottle?” The priest said, “Just water.” The policeman asked for the bottle and he sniffed it. “No,” he said. “It was wine.” The priest looked startled, turned his eyes to heaven and said, “Wow, God! You did it again!”

Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding (see John 2:1–11). In some ways, the magnitude of Jesus’ other miracles—healings, dominion over natural phenomena, deliverance from demonic powers—may make this one appear trivial. Yet Scripture says this first miracle revealed Jesus’ glory and gave His disciples reason for faith. Jesus’ miracles give evidence of His identity as God’s Son. MIMBS 8 Why do you think witnessing Jesus’ first miracle helped His disciples to put their faith in Him? Daily Reading: Leviticus 22:17-23:44, Mark 9:30-10:12, Psalm 44:1-8, Proverbs 10:19

Tuesday—March 1 • What is a Miracle? Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. John 2:7–9a

C.S. Lewis defined a miracle as an interference with nature by supernatural power. We see that in a big way in the changing of water into wine. Most of us have lifted a six-gallon can of gasoline. A can that is full of fuel will weigh about 36 pounds. And water is considerably heavier than gasoline. So when Jesus told these servants to fill six jars, each holding 20-30 gallons, He was giving them a sizeable task. If Jesus wanted to change water into wine, why didn’t He just do a little bit? Obviously they needed more wine, because this was a

big party. But I think also, such a massive display of power supported the authenticity of Jesus’ identity. The large amount of water becoming wine, coupled with the servants and the master of the banquet serving as witnesses, would hinder anyone who wanted to discredit the miracle. Christianity is a faith-based religion. If you don’t believe that Jesus is God incarnate, God dwelling among us, then you can’t really be a Christian. Miracles provide evidence to support our faith. MIMBS 8 List the primary thing you believe about Jesus. How do His miracles, as recorded in Scripture, support that belief? Daily Reading: Leviticus 24:1-25:46, Mark 10:13-31, Psalm 44:9-26, Proverbs 10:20-21

Wednesday—March 2 • Symbolizing God’s Blessing Let the light of our face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. Psalm 4:6–7

On the surface, it seems like Jesus’ first miracle—turning water into wine—was really not all that important. With so many other urgent problems to take care of, why would Jesus even bother with this request? We’ve already discussed how this event caused His disciples to respond in faith. But it’s also important to note that, in the Hebraic culture of biblical times, wine symbolized God’s blessing and abundance. You can see the hint of that in today’s Scripture passage. In that context, when the wine disappeared, it could be interpreted that God’s blessing had disappeared as well. It’s interesting that Jesus’ very first miracle focused on a symbol of God’s blessing.

Eventually Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Some versions say “abundant life.” This first miracle says the same thing, but in symbolic language. By changing water into wine at a wedding, Jesus literally communicated that He had come to bless people and give them joy. That’s still true. The only reason Jesus came was to bless us with abundant life. MIMBS 8 How are you responding to Jesus, in light of the fact that He wants to bless you and give you joy? Daily Reading: Leviticus 25:47-27:13, Mark 10:32-52, Psalm 45:1-17, Proverbs 10:22

Thursday—March 3 •

Holy Marriage

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Revelation 19:7 Jesus’ public ministry began with a miracle performed at a wedding. He decided to give the first proof of His deity at a marriage ceremony. We know from watching our own politicians that the settings they choose for speeches and events are incredibly symbolic. News reporters sometimes will discuss the significance of the setting almost as much as they will discuss the content of the speech itself. Jesus was single. He never married, yet He underscored the dignity and sanctity of marriage by performing His first miracle at a wedding. And in today’s verse we see the wedding imagery at the end of Scripture,

revealing the celebration that will occur in heaven to honor the relationship Jesus (the Lamb) has with His followers (the bride). In today’s culture, no institution is under greater assault than marriage. The setting of Jesus’ first miracle calls His followers to refuse to give in to societal standards. Instead, this event demonstrates that marriage is a precious relationship, holy and sanctified to reflect God’s blessing to the world. MIMBS 8 Does the way you are living in your marriage reflect more of the world’s view or God’s view? Explain your answer. Daily Reading: Leviticus 27:14– Numbers 1:54, Mark 11:1-26, Psalm 46:1-11, Proverbs 10:23

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—March 4, 5, 6 A Spirit of Celebration

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. Matthew 19:5

The cheerful heart has a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15 Throughout the Old Testament, God established various annual feasts and celebrations for the Israelite people. Then, in the New Testament, the Gospels note that Jesus celebrated those very same feasts. But He also performed His first miracle at a celebratory event—a wedding. Jesus turned water into wine to cover a shortage in supplies (see John 2). In doing this, He endorsed the whole concept of joyous celebration for believers. Many years ago, Andrew Carnegie said, “The older I get, the less I listen to what people say. I just watch what they do.” The record of Jesus’ first miracle is only 11 verses long, and records only four sentences from Jesus. Yet He communicated volumes by His actions. His miracle supported His claims of divinity. Beyond that, He salvaged the host family’s reputation, thereby communicating kindness and love.

As noted yesterday, He underscored the importance of marriage. And He also communicated that, while He would call His followers to a life set apart from the world, His Kingdom would be primarily characterized by joy rather than sorrow. Several years ago I attended the dedication of a new building at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. I remember telling David Delk, “I needed this.” Celebration is important, because it provides balance for life’s daily trivialities, absurdities, banalities and cynicisms. It gives perspective. Two thousand years ago, Jesus endorsed this same spirit of celebration when He attended a wedding and turned water into wine. MIMBS 8 What is the connection between celebration and joy in your life? When was the last time you stopped to really celebrate an important blessing God has given? Daily Reading: Numbers 2:1-7:89, Mark 11:27-13:13, Psalm 47:1-49:20, Proverbs 10:24-28

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For February 28—March 6—Read about the miracle where Jesus turned water into wine in John 2:1-11 aloud. •• Why do you think Jesus chose this as His first miracle? What does this miracle tell you about Jesus? •• What impact did the miracle have on the bride and groom? On the wedding guests? On the disciples? •• Has Jesus ever done something this unexpected in your life?

Monday—March 7 • Two Become One

When my mother was dying of cancer, I began to talk to my parents about where my father would live when my mother passed away. I asked him, “Dad, where do you want to live?” “I don’t care,” he answered. I pressed, “We should really make an informed decision on this, so you must have some preference.” No response. Then my mom said, “Honey, this is an important thing and we need to give it a proper amount of discussion and thought. Where do you want to live?” Finally, he looked at my mom and said, “I really don’t care; I just want to be with you.”

Tuesday—March 8 •

When we are married we become one flesh; we have this spiritual and physical union with our wife and we call this oneness or one flesh. It is a miracle. There is nothing on earth quite like marriage, is there? It is a phenomenal kind of relationship. MIMBS 9 If you are married, do you feel like you and your wife are one? If not, is this something you are looking forward to? What would be the signs that a husband and wife are functioning as one? Daily Reading: Numbers 8:1-9:23, Mark 13:14-37, Psalm 50:1-23, Proverbs 10:29-30

Attentive Husband

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25 Thomas Carlyle was a great Scottish essayist, who wrote on heroes and hero worship. Carlyle married his secretary, Jane Welsh and she became gravely ill. Carlyle, so devoted to his work, didn’t seem to notice how ill Jane had become. Jane passed away and at her funeral there was a throng of people to celebrate her life. After the funeral Carlyle went up to her room and found her diary. He turned to a page and read these words: I waited all day to hear his footsteps in the hall, but now it is late and I don’t think he will come today. He threw down the diary and fled from the house. His friends found him at Jane’s graveside, where he was sobbing

uncontrollably, covered in mud with tears rolling down his face. He was screaming, “If only I had known!” Sometimes we get so involved in our work, our schedules or our hobbies that we lose sight of the important relationships in our life. The marriage relationship needs our time, attention and care, before it is too late. MIMBS 9 Take your wife to lunch or dinner this week and try to really listen to her. What did you learn about her from your time with her? Daily Reading: Numbers 10:1-11:23, Mark 14:121, Psalm 51:1-19, Proverbs 10:31-32

Wednesday—March 9 • No “I” in Team

q Friday, Saturday, Sunday – March 11, 12, 13 • Love, True Love

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” Ephesians 5:31 NLT Monday morning sports shows can be quite revealing about a team’s cohesiveness. At the press conference, a quarterback may turn the attention away from his great play and focus on the offensive line that protects him. Or an angry team member may blame his team or coach for the team’s loss. Those press conferences often reveal the true reasons for a win or loss. If you’ve ever played a team sport you know how vital it is to be supportive of each other and to focus on what’s important to the team as a whole. As the saying goes: “There is no ‘I’ in team.” Good marriages require unity too. Our

desire should be to love each other, encourage each other and want the best for each other. Like Jesus was one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, that’s the goal of the marriage relationship as well. As marriage partners, our love should reflect His love. MIMBS 9 If you are married, do you think of you and your spouse as a team? How does this play out? If you are single, what might be the attributes of a good “team mate” you would seek for a mate? Daily Reading: Numbers 11:24-13:33, Mark 14:22-52, Psalm 52:1-9, Proverbs 11:1-3

Thursday—March 10 • Time Matters Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT

Marriages go through many different phases: The ‘honeymoon stage,’ where all your thoughts, time and energy go into this new relationship. The ‘building the career phase,’ which requires much of your effort to go to clients or projects. Throw small children into this phase and it becomes quite full. After 12-15 years of marriage and the busyness of mid-life, couples need to carve out time for each other. As ‘empty-nesters,’ you have to adjust to being just the two of you again. Some

couples love their time together and others struggle to be together all of the time. As we age, we begin to address caretaking and difficult decisions. Marriage is an organism that constantly changes. You have to pay attention as you go through these phases, or you might be caught off guard by the changes in your relationship. Investing time now will help you adjust as things change. MIMBS 9 What are some ways to invest in a marriage that prepare you for the next phase? Daily Reading: Numbers 14:1-15:16, Mark 14:53-72, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 11:4

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT In our world we see and hear about love everywhere. Movies, television, music, magazines and billboards give us pictures of love. Many messages about love are confusing and often misguided or wrong. There are three kinds of love in this world: Agape Love—Moral love The Good Samaritan serves as an example of agape love. The Good Samaritan didn’t know the man by the side of the road; they were not friends. He stopped to help because the man needed help and it was the right thing to do. Agape love motivates us to give to the bell-ringer at Christmas or send food or clothing to Haiti. Phileo love —Friendship love Simon Peter and Jesus had a conversation regarding phileo love in John 21:17, A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Eros love—Physical love This love is reserved for the relationship of marriage. God created eros love exclusively for a man and woman in marriage. The intimacy of physical love deepens a relationship like nothing else can do. Physical love is an important component in allowing true unity to happen. God created sex for a man and woman to become one. We know the special relationship of marriage is complicated. It involves communication, teamwork and intimacy and we can’t accomplish all of that on our own. We need God to be at the center of our marriage. Our unity, as husband and wife, relies on the love that only God can give us. MIMBS 9 How would you rate your marriage relationship on a scale of 1-10? Talk to your wife about areas of your marriage that might need work. Pray together and ask God’s help in those areas and give Him praise for your marriage. Daily Reading: Numbers 15:17-20:29, Mark 15:1-16:20, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 54:1-56:13, Proverbs 11:5-8

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For March 7-13—Share with the group about what stage of marriage you and your wife are in right now. •• Discuss the hurdles you face due to your stage of marriage. •• Ask others to share how they’ve handled those hurdles. •• Discuss some of the highlights of this stage of marriage and end the group with a time of praise for the marriages represented in the group.

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F ind the right gift for your father, son, colleague, pastor, neighbor or friend on page 31.

Monday—March 14 • A Way that Seems Right

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 I heard about a couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and their 50th birthdays with one big event. Sometime during the party, a genie appeared, saying he would grant each partner one wish. The wife said, “I’ve always wanted to travel around the world.” And, poof—the tickets were in her hand. Then, the genie looked at the husband, and he said, “To tell you the truth, I’ve always wanted to know what it would be like to be married to a woman 30 years younger than me.” And, poof—the guy was 80 years old. That story hopefully made you smile, maybe even laugh. But it carries a kernel

of truth. We have to be very careful when we are trying to write the script for our lives. We can think we’re pursuing things that will make us happy, and in the end, we find we’ve wasted a lot of energy with very little reward. God’s Word assures us that we can trust Him to write the script for our lives, knowing He’ll do a better job than we would. MIMBS 10 Explain how today’s verse relates to the idea of writing your own script for your life. Daily Reading: Numbers 21:1-22:20, Luke 1:2656, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 11:9-11

Tuesday—March 15 • Three Options for Living Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5–6

Everyone has three options for how possessions? I don’t see how I can they will plan their lives. The give up this little world that I first option is a “me” have built, so I can move fully system, which leads into God’s system.” This man to making “my plans” wanted to live God’s way, for “my life.” Then there m but he found himself e t s y S is God’s system, which “Me” in bondage, because he m e leads to allowing Him to wanted to write his own t s y ”S “God set our course. But many script. He wanted to conm of us live between the two trol his own destiny and Syste “We” extremes in a “we” system, dictate his plan for his life. where we mingle some of But he was miserable in God’s planning and some of a wilderness of his own our own. We try to live in this making. MIMBS 10 “in-between” system, just like the Israelites who left Egypt but Which of the three options wandered in the wilderness for listed in this devotional has 40 years before they reached the characterized your life? What Promised Land. evidence can you give to support your answer? I remember talking to a man who was Share your thoughts with some other men. still trying to live in that in-between place. Daily Reading: Numbers 22:21-23:30, Luke He said, “How would I cope without my 1:57-80, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 11:12-13

Wednesday—March 16 Getting from the Wilderness to the Promised Land Moses said to the Lord, “. . . You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways.” Exodus 33:12–13

Before I married Patsy, I bought her a little dirt bike and taught her to ride. I don’t think she ever got out of first gear, but she would putt around with a big smile on her face. About two weeks after we got married, I said, “Let’s go riding.” She replied, “I have a lot of work today. Why don’t you go by yourself?” I discovered my assumptions about Patsy’s love for motorcycles had been incorrect, to say the least. It can be that way with God, too. When Moses truly came face-to-face with Him (Exodus 33), he realized he was trying to fit God into his preexisting categories. He had underestimated God. He wasn’t sure what the new script for their relationship was supposed to be. So he said, “If I have found

favor in your eyes, teach me Your ways.” That is the secret of getting from the wilderness to the Promised Land. You come to a surrender point in your life where you say, “Lord, I’ve known that You love me, but I’ve been trying to write my own script. That was a mistake. Please teach me Your ways.” MIMBS 10 Have you ever asked God to teach you His ways? Have you turned over the script writing responsibilities for your life to Him? If you have, describe the process. If you haven’t, explain what would lead you to make that choice. Daily Reading: Numbers 24:1-25:18, Luke 2:135, Psalm 59:1-17, Proverbs 11:14

Thursday—March 17 • So I May Know You Teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Exodus 33:13

Sometimes we resist total surrender to God, because we think we must alter our behavior in order to be acceptable to God. Yet Moses didn’t mention his behavior when he asked God to reveal His ways. He simply said, “Teach me your ways so I may know you.” When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, the choice to leave Egypt had already been made. This wasn’t about leaving Egypt. It was about moving into the Promised Land. Similarly, when we allow God to script our lives, it’s not about leaving our sin, but it’s about moving on so we really know Christ. When we bring ourselves fully into the presence of the holy and glorious God, the things that distract

us or displease Him suddenly become less interesting. As we spend time with Him, He writes His desires on our hearts, and so He changes us from the inside to the outside. God’s script may include some lifestyle changes, but they don’t happen simply through managing our behavior. They happen naturally as God changes our hearts. MIMBS 10 Describe the difference between trying to manage your behavior vs. lifestyle changes happening naturally as God changes your heart. Daily Reading: Numbers 26:1-51, Luke 2:36-52, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 11:15

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—March 18, 19, 20 Resting in God’s Presence

Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” And the Lord said, “I will cause all of my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” Exodus 33:18–19 When we submit and ask God to teach us His ways, He begins by showing us who He is. Notice in today’s passage how much of His character He chose to reveal to Moses. He showed His glory, His goodness, His sovereignty, His mercy and His compassion. Earlier in this chapter, God also promised His presence to accompany Moses. And He says, because of His presence, Moses will have rest. So, are you experiencing that rest and peace? Most of our culture—even our Christian culture—shows evidence of restlessness and dissatisfaction. St. Augustine noted, “My heart will be restless until I find my rest in Thee.” That rest comes from the confident assurance that God truly is working out all things for your good (see Romans 8:28). Rest comes from knowing the balance of

God’s power and His mercy, His greatness and His goodness. And frankly, the process that leads us to a place of rest requires time to unlearn old thought processes and allow God to reprogram our minds, so we can accept His thoughts. If you are at a place where you’re willing to move another step away from your own system for living, and another step closer to God’s, then pray with me: Lord, if I have found favor in Your eyes, then I am at the point of surrender. I want You to write the script for my life. I’m asking You to teach me Your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen. MIMBS 10 Respond to this quote from St. Augustine: “My heart will be restless until I find my rest in Thee.” Do you think that is an accurate assessment? Would you say you have found that place of rest, or are you still waiting for it? Daily Reading: Numbers 26:52-31:54, Luke 3:14:30, Psalm 61:1-63:11, Proverbs 11:16-21

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For March 14-20—How would you categorize the “script” of your life? Comedy? Tragedy? Action/Adventure? Drama? •• Are you living the life you want to live or the life God wants to give you? •• Are you making your own choices and decisions or are you asking God to lead and guide you? •• Are you in a continual struggle with God over who is in control?

Monday—March 21 • Dealing with Sin Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4 NLT

One day President Calvin Coolidge went to church without his wife. When he came home she asked, “Was the sermon good?” “Yes,” he said. “Well, what was the sermon about?” He said, “Sin.” She said, “Well, what did the minister say?” His answer, “He was against it.” We all know that sin is not good. We are quick to condemn those involved in socially unacceptable sins such as murder or stealing. We seem shocked by the way people act or sin as we watch the news or read the newspaper. It’s easy to categorize those in prison or jail as sinners. The sins of the heart are much more difficult to identify and deal with. We can live with pride or jealousy for years. Our lives

can be filled with worry because of a lack of trust in God. Our goals of success, fame or fortune can put God in second place in our lives. Church pews are filled with folks living with sin in their lives. God wants us to deal with our outward sin or hidden sin in order to have a closer relationship with Him. He wants nothing to stand between Him and His children. MIMBS 11 Do you have sin you’ve been unwilling to deal with? What stands in the way of recognizing and repenting of that sin? Daily Reading: Numbers 32:1-33:39, Luke 4:315:11, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 11:22

Tuesday—March 22 • He is Our Everything We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all you’ve got— that’s what we’re depending on. Psalm 33:20 The Message

In the 1990s, we were in the midst of the longest economic expansion in our nation’s history. It was an intoxicating time and many people made the most of their newfound wealth. High-end cars, big homes, luxurious boats, and exotic vacations abounded! At the same time, the Surgeon General of America declared suicide to be an epidemic in our nation. At the time, suicide was the eighth leading cause of death. In one year, half of a million people were treated and released in emergency rooms for attempted suicide. How do these two things match up? There was incredible prosperity and yet suicide was at epidemic levels. It shatters the idea that money will make you happy. What makes your life worthwhile? If

it’s not things or money, what is it? The Psalmist reminds us that God is everything we need. Whether we have things and money or we are unemployed and hungry, we cannot meet our own needs. God is our everything; He alone can meet our needs. Are you depending on Him to meet your needs? MIMBS 11 What does it mean to depend on God to meet your needs? Talk to some other guys to see how they answer this question. Daily Reading: Numbers 33:4035:34, Luke 5:12-28, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 11:23

Wednesday—March 23 •

Life Can Be Meaningless

Then I took a good look at everything I’d done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing. Ecclesiastes 2:11 The Message Solomon was a truly unique individual. He was born into a very influential family. He became the leader of his country and the commander in chief of the army. He was a great merchant, a scientist, a writer, a poet, and the greatest builder of his time. We are told that he amassed a great fortune. Solomon is a man who went after every conceivable avenue of finding comfort and meaning in worldly pursuits. From the verse above we see that, after all of his earthly pursuits, Solomon came to the conclusion that apart from God life has no meaning. The talents, wealth, fame, fortune and success proved to hold no meaning for King Solomon. God knows that if we can find any trace

of meaning in any of those pursuits, we will take it. So God, in His grace, has removed the possibility of finding a trace of meaning in any worldly pursuit apart from Him. He will allow us to pursue wealth or success. We can seek to meet our own needs or satisfy our own desires. In the end, it will all be meaningless without Him. MIMBS 11 Have you used your time and talents for earthly gains? Is it really empty? How does meaning come from allowing God to use your gifts and abilities for His purposes? Daily Reading: Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46, Luke 5:29-6:11, Psalm 66:1-20, Proverbs 11:24-26

Thursday—March 24 • The Blessing of Futility I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. Ecclesiastes 2:1 NLT

Have you or your wife ever complained about doing the laundry? You get all the laundry out of the hamper, wash it, dry it, and fold it. Then, before you can get it all put away, miraculously dirty clothes appear in the hamper again. It seems unfair and makes the whole process seem rather futile. Futility is defined as “a lack of effectiveness or success or a lack of purpose or meaning.” It usually indicates a negative or disappointing experience. Futility can be used for good as well. Futility is the grace of God by which He is

sovereignly drawing you to Himself of your own free will. He allows your life to be so miserable that, of your own free will, you will choose Him. Like Solomon tried to do, we try to tackle life on our own, but He won’t let us. He loves us so much and wants so much for us that He allows us to try and fail on our own, in order for us to see our need for Him. He loves you so much that He will never let you get comfortable in the world. MIMBS 11 Has God ever shown you the futility of your efforts? How have you reacted to that revelation? Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29, Luke 6:12-38, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 11:27

Friday, Saturday, Sunday—March 25, 26, 27 Your Time and Attention Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2 NLT

As Christians, we have a unique role to play in this life. We live on the earth and we are a part of the human race. We are born, we mature, and we die. We are children, adolescents, adults and seniors. We marry, have children and then grandchildren. We are just like everyone else and yet, as Christians, God tells us to be “in” but not “of ” the world. What does that mean? As we go through our day-to-day lives, our focus needs to be on God’s greater plan. Yes, many of our actions are identical to our neighbors, but truly we are citizens of heaven and our lives should reflect that. Think about Jesus’ short 33 years on earth. He came into the world and grew up just like many of His peers. He learned a trade from His earthly father and probably looked like many other carpenters in His time. Yet Jesus’ entire purpose was not to make a life here on earth, but instead to allow His life to count for eternity. Jesus’ life fulfilled

prophecy, He spread the good news of the gospel, created a new law of love and grace, died on the cross, and rose from the grave. Jesus did not come to earth to be a part of what was going on here on earth. He did not try to be a part of the religious rulers; in fact, He broke their rules to show them the law of grace. He spoke to people, like the woman at the well, whom other people shunned or ignored. He even broke the laws of science by healing the sick, giving sight to the blind and raising the dead to life. As we follow Jesus’ example, our earthly life needs to have heavenly purposes. MIMBS 11 How is your life making a heavenly impact? In what area of your life do you need to allow God to show you more of His purposes? Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-8:20, Luke 6:39-8:3, Psalm 68:1-69:18, Proverbs 11:28– 12:1

For Your Small Group

❏❏ For March 21-27—Read this version of Psalm 33:20: “We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all You’ve got— that’s what we’re depending on” The Message. •• Have you experienced your heart brimming with joy? If so, please share that experience with the group. •• What would it look like to depend on God for everything you need? Why don’t we always do that? •• Pray for each other this week that you would become more dependent on Him.

Monday—March 28 • Short Term vs. Long Term

The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. Proverbs 10:28 NLT For a number of years, I suffered with painful feet and legs. One day I heard about some expensive shoes that could help me. I bought a pair, put them on and walked around the house. To my chagrin, the new shoes were not comfortable. I called the salesman to complain. He had an interesting reply, “Americans equate fit with comfort. Europeans equate fit with long-term structural support. So here’s what should happen. When you put the shoes on initially they are not going to feel as comfortable as your other shoes. But at the end of the day, your feet are going to feel a lot better because they have the right long-term structure support.” He suggested I keep trying them.

I wore them as I spoke at a weekend conference and was flabbergasted! Such relief—the shoes were wonderful! We all tend to abandon long-term goals for short-term relief. But God asks us to consider a life of long-term thinking by serving Him now for eternal victories, hiding His Word in our heart today in order to anchor ourselves through the good times and bad, and sacrificing our many “wants” to help meet someone else’s “needs.” MIMBS 11 Think of a time when you chose to sacrifice for a long-term goal. What did it take to fulfill it? How did God work? Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 9:110:22, Luke 8:4-21, Psalm 69:1936, Proverbs 12:2-3

Tuesday—March 29 • How Comfortable are You? Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 NLT

If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you know it involves change and isn’t easy. If your wife has been urging you to get in shape, you know how hard it is to stop watching the game and go to the gym. We all develop lifestyles that become comfortable. We get up at the same time every day, travel the same route to work, and eat at the same restaurants. You may have even noticed that we choose a church that offers music we like to sing and many of us tend to sit in the same section of the sanctuary every Sunday morning. What do our habits or ways of life do for us? They make us comfortable and lead us to believe we have some sort of control

over life. Don’t believe it? Try to make a change in your daily routine or travel overseas to see how attached we are to our own lifestyles. God wants us to lean on Him and trust Him with our days and our lives. He asks us to allow Him to lead us and guide us so that we don’t become passive or routine about our walk with Him. MIMBS 11 What part of your day would be the most difficult for you to change or give up? What does that say about that habit? Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32, Luke 8:22-39, Psalm 70:1-5, Proverbs 12:4

Wednesday—March 30 • Your Time and Attention God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:26 NLT

We’ve all heard the saying “Can’t see the forest for the trees.” We use it when we see someone is caught up in the little details of a project and they lose sight of the bigger picture. God loves you and me with an everlasting love. He has an eternal purpose for our lives that is so much greater than our myopic view. The details of our circumstances can easily steal our focus. We get caught up in bills, mortgages, daycare, bosses or employees. We worry about water heaters, spark plugs, school clothes, workouts and football games. Our daily schedules, deadlines, meetings and free time can take up every thought. We lose

sight of the greater purposes of God. We all have work, family, church and other responsibilities that have priority in our lives. These are all good things and need our attention. But God wants to work in us and through us in all of the areas of our lives to fulfill His eternal purposes. MIMBS 11 Have you asked God to show you His purposes in your everyday life? Are you willing to do that? Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23, Luke 8:40-9:6, Psalm 71:1-24, Proverbs 12:5-7

Thursday—March 31 • Refueled by the Lord

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT If you are a young man at the start of your career or family, it seems that life is full to the brim. You face long hours, sleepless nights, and little ones that need your attention. If you have teenagers in your home—the chaos, noise and schedules seem difficult to tame. As an empty nester with kids in college, the financial pressures are overwhelming. Retired men face health issues, a new view of your time and worth, and grandparenting. Dr. Richard A. Swenson wrote a book called Margin. “Margin,” the author explains is, “the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits.” Swenson suggests that technology and

progress have eliminated our margin creating stress, overload and complexity. Without margins built into our lives, we face burnout. We also isolate ourselves from God. Our hectic schedules don’t allow time for Him—time to be with Him and listen to Him. Whatever stage of life we are in, the margins of life allow God to refuel our souls through fellowship, time in His word, prayer and service. MIMBS 11 Are you building margins into your life? Make an effort tomorrow to build margin for being quiet and still. Make note of what you learn. Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20, Luke 9:7-27, Psalm 72:120, Proverbs 12:8-9

A Man Drawing Men to Christ Larry Malone

Larry Malone flew bombers off of aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War. His life has been one mission after another, and he’s about to finish up one of the most important and impactful missions of his life. After 13 years of service as the director of men’s ministry of the General Commission on United Methodist Men, Larry Malone retired on December 31, 2010. The popular speaker and leader will continue to serve as president of the men’s affiliate of the World Methodist Council and a leader in the Stop Hunger Now effort to eliminate starvation and hunger in every nation. “Larry Malone is probably one of the most ‘out of the box’ men’s ministry leaders in the U.S.,” said Gil Hanke, top staff executive of the Nashville-based commission. “He has great vision and creativity. Perhaps his greatest contribution to the commission has been his leadership of the development of men’s ministry specialists and his dynamic presentations at hundreds of retreats and workshops.”

GCUMM Larry was hired in 1997 as the first director of men’s ministry for the then year-old General Commission on United Methodist Men (UM Men). He was a last-minute candidate after being told about the posiI have always understood tion while leading a men’s my position is a gift from retreat.

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Larry called Dr. Joe Harris, wise steward in this ministry the commission’s top executo and through men. tive at the time, to talk about —Larry Malone the job. “Larry had the enthusiasm, passion, focus and commitment to men’s ministry that came across loud and clear even from a phone interview,” said Harris. “When he came to the interview it was clear to the committee that he was the kind of leader we needed for the present and future of men’s ministry in the UMC.”

“At 49 years of age my career as a human resources executive and a management consultant was going well in Atlanta,” said Malone, “but the conversation with Dr. Joe Harris changed everything. When I was selected for the new position it seemed I had been given a gift from God instead of earning a position through effort, qualifications or talent.”

Currently serving as the director of communications for the Oklahoma Conference and assistant to the bishop, Dr. Harris says the committee’s decision to hire Malone has proven to be correct. “Under his direction UM Men has become more than a membership organization, becoming very much a ministry among men,” said Harris. “Larry always brought encouragement to men’s groups around the country (and now the world). He has laid a solid foundation for helping men to draw younger, more diverse men to UM Men and his heart for mission has touched men worldwide.” Rev. David Adams, who succeeded Harris in the position as top executive of the Nashville agency, had equally high praise for Larry. “There is no one I know who has given more of himself to the ministry of Jesus Christ through men. His love, devotion and passion to make a difference in the lives of men is his life’s mission.” Under Larry’s watchful eye and vast energy, the ministry to and through men in the United Methodist Church has grown steadily over the last 13 years. Man in the Mirror has been proud to partner with United Methodist Men for over a decade, first through our common membership in the National Coalition of Ministries to Men (NCMM). David Adams credits Larry with the General Commission receiving the 2007 Men’s Ministry of the Year Award from NCMM. UM Men and Man in the Mirror began working together on training and equipping leaders in the UMC in 2003. Over the last eight years, United Methodist Churches have sent more leaders through the No Man Left Behind training than any other denomination. United Methodist Our partnership continued as UM Men develMen and Man in the Mirr or—working oped the Men’s Ministry Specialist program. together to train and equip leaders. At Larry’s invitation, Man in the Mirror provides support and training to leaders who are stepping up throughout the United Methodist Church to be a resource and coach to churches around the country who want to disciple every man in their church.

Larry’s legacy in the men’s movement is assured, but he remains humble. “More than anything else, I have always understood my position is a gift from God and I needed to be a wise steward in this ministry to and through men,” said Malone. “I have been immeasurably blessed to be a man who got to live his calling and passion within and beyond the UMC. I know that this great honor has been for my good, and I pray it has been to the glory of Jesus Christ.” We are grateful to Larry for his obedience to God’s calling on his life, sad to see him moving on to the next chapter that God has prepared for him, and honored to call him our friend, mentor and inspiration. Thank you to Gil Hanke, General Secretary of the General Commission on United Methodist Men, for contributing to this article.

Why Men Need to Spend Time Together continued from page 5

Do You Need a Kick in the Pants or a Hug? Sometimes we need a hug, but other times we need a kick in the pants. You already know this, but serving God is expensive. People you thought were your friends drop you because they think you’ve become a fanatic or a Jesus freak (you have, of course, but more on that in some future article). The math is simple: He demands everything you’ve got in return for everything He has to offer. Not a bad deal, but painful in the beginning.

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So we need to spend time together because sometimes Whatever you do, just we need a kick in the pants: don’t try to do this alone. “Suck it up. We are not our own. We have been bought with a That’s daring the devil. price. We’re in His army now. We have been crucified with Christ and we no longer live. To live is Christ, to die is gain. His Word is in our hearts like a burning fire!” Other times we need a hug: “I love you, brother. How can I pray for you? What is bringing you joy? How is your walk with God? How are you really doing? You’re not in this alone. Or at least you don’t have to be. In fact, it’s doubtful you can survive on your own.” Most of us probably need both—a kick in the pants and a hug! But there is much more to encouragement than being brothers together in common cause.

Knowledge Is Power There’s a wonderful story about an assembly line at a factory which shut down because an important piece of machinery broke. After several hours, the foreman and his crew still couldn’t figure out what went wrong, so they called in a consultant. An hour later he arrived, walked around the machine several times, paused, and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Then he picked up a hammer, confidently walked over to the machine, tapped it once, and the machine sputtered to life. The machine strained and groaned to gain rpm’s. Finally, the conveyor’s belts began to turn again, and the crew let out a cheer.

On his way out, the consultant left a bill for $1,000. When the foreman saw it, he hit the ceiling and demanded an itemized invoice. A couple of days later the expanded invoice arrived:

For tapping the machine: $1 For knowing where to tap: $999

I’ll tell you what’s discouraging. It’s having the passion to do something for God, but not knowing where to tap. Knowledge is power. For lack of knowing where to tap, legions of men have grown weary of men’s discipleship and given up.

Many of these failed leaders thought their enthusiasm and good instincts would carry the day. But as important as enthusiasm is—and it’s very important, we’ve found it to be a poor indicator of ministry success. Enthusiasm needs to be tempered with determination, and good instincts need to be honed by good training. All great performers—athletes, entrepreneurs, first responders, musicians, soldiers, you name it—are students of their trade.

Being Together Is All About Fuel Being together is fuel. Like a runner needs energy. Like an entrepreneur needs ideas. Like a soul needs worship. Like a man needs brothers. Like a leader needs strategies. Like a discipler needs knowledge. Like a soldier needs skills. Whether you need a hug, a kick in the pants, or don’t know where to tap, we have been crafted in such a way that these needs are best met by spending time together. How’s that going to happen, you ask? There are many ways, but the most important thing is that you actually do something. Join yourself with other men in this cause of discipling men. You can join us at Fuel: The 2011 Man in the Mirror Summit. You can go bowling with other leaders in your church. You can become part of the National Coalition of Ministries to Men. Or you could start a fellowship and accountability group with leaders in your area. Whatever you do, just don’t try to do this alone. That’s daring the devil. • Dr. patrick morley

After building one of Florida’s 100 largest privately held companies, in 1991 Dr. Patrick Morley founded Man in the Mirror, a non-profit organization to help men find meaning and purpose in life. Dr. Morley is the bestselling author of 18 books including The Man in the Mirror, No Man Left Behind, Pastoring Men, and A Man’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines.

Summit Workshops continued from page 7

 The Journey to Biblical Manhood Come and get a detailed introduction to the newest tool from Man in the Mirror. JBM provides men’s leaders with a framework to organize and implement a comprehensive men’s discipleship process. Organize your efforts into 12 modules for your men, set specific faith and life objectives, and select your curriculum—or use your own! For all of you who have been saying, “We get the concepts of No Man Left Behind, now tell us how to implement it.” Track: Fuel for Churches Facilitator: David Delk, president of Man in the Mirror

 Kingdom Class Skills for Public Speaking This public speaking program borrows from one of the world’s best public speaking programs—Executive Presentation Skills. GE has used this program for 17 years to train their top leaders. In one hour we will teach three very powerful skills that allow the speaker to connect to the head, touch the heart and gain involvement of your small group or larger audience. Track: Fuel for Pastors & Leaders Facilitator: Mike Griffin, owner of SE Asia franchise for AchieveGlobal; Founder of Equipping Leaders for Asia

Other workshops planned include: · · · · ·

Seven—A Strategy to Get One Million New Men Reading Their Bibles Regularly The Marriage Prayer Challenge No Man Left Behind “201”: Continuing Lessons on Implementing the Model Reaching Younger Men Church-Wide Social Networks

Additional workshop facilitators joining us include: · · · · ·

Howard Dayton, Compass—Finances God’s Way Jeff “Coach K” Kisiah, pastor and men’s ministry coach Scott Winter, The City by Zondervan Dave Wertheim, Man in the Mirror Field Trainer And more!

We pray these workshops will help you learn, grow and be inspired!

Man in the Mirror’s 2011 Annual Summit will be the gathering place for the movers and shakers in men’s discipleship. Don’t miss this tremendous event! Register today at www.mimsummit.org

Man in the Mirror would like to thank all the sponsors of:

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