Daily Encouragement for Men

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Daily Encouragement FO R M E N

Daily Encouragement FO R M E N 3 6 5 P o w e r - Pa c k e d D e v o t i o n s

© 2018 by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Editorial assistance by Linda Hang and Elijah Adkins. ISBN 978-1-63609-499-1 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher. Reproduced text may not be used on the World Wide Web. Churches and other noncommercial interests may reproduce portions of this book without the express written permission of Barbour Publishing, provided that the text does not exceed 500 words and that the text is not material quoted from another publisher. When reproducing text from this book, include the following credit line: “From Daily Encouragement for Men, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.” All scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks.com Our mission is to inspire the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.

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In an increasingly challenging world, you need encouragement every day. Here is a year’s worth of inspiring devotions. Daily Encouragement for Men contains 365 readings, each based on the classic King James Version of scripture, covering a myriad of spiritual and practical aspects of life: • joy • giving • prayer • rejection • conversation • faith • sadness • your value in Christ • and much more These powerful contemporary devotions are accompanied by brief prayers to jump-start a conversation with your heavenly Father. What could be more encouraging than that?

Day 1

His Joy The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. ZEPHANIAH 3:17

Joy. What a powerful word! What connotations of satisfaction and gladness! You are usually joyful when something has pleased you. Maybe it’s an energizing workout, the chatter of a child, or simply a quiet, starry night that soothes your senses and refreshes your heart. Scripture tells us the Lord will rejoice over us with singing. Imagine that! The mighty warrior of the universe relishing His creation. And that creation is you. With our dirty faces and messy lives, it’s hard to imagine He could care for us at all. But it’s true. Our God saves and loves. Our God is truth and mercy. Take a deep breath and carve out some time to bask in the truth of the Bible. God loves you and He rejoices in you. You are the apple of His eye. Reach out your hand to Him this day, knowing He will lock His grip with yours and never let go. Father God, how we love You. We do not understand the depth and breadth of Your love for us, but we are ever so grateful. Amen.

Day 2

Rejected! The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. PSALM 118:22

When Jesus walked the earth, it wasn’t the common people who rejected Him—it was those who should have known better. The learned men of the day who had studied long and hard knew that Messiah was to come, but they were unwilling to accept the carpenter’s son from Galilee as the chosen one. But even though they rejected Him and masterminded His death on a cross, God’s holy plan could not be thwarted. Christ was, is, and always will be the one true Son of God. Those who reject Him build their faith with faulty materials. Only Christ is the true cornerstone of faith. Only upon that stone can true faith be built. Provide the foundation for my faith, O God, and help me construct a fortress impervious to all assaults. Protect me with Your love. Amen.

Day 3

Pray for Others I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. 1 TIMOTHY 2:1

After Moses received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai, he called the Israelites together and said to them, “The Lord talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, (I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount)” (Deuteronomy 5:4–5). Moses often was the intermediary between God and His people. He interceded on their behalf. Intercessory prayer is a divine act of love and service. It requires persistence, patience, and faith in God. Christians should intercede for family and friends, their country, government leaders, their pastors, the church, the poor, the sick, their community, their enemies, and especially for the unsaved. Wherever there is a need, Christians should pray. The Bible holds many examples of intercessory prayer. Look for them as you read the scriptures. Discover how God’s people prayed and notice the great changes those prayers made. Intercessory prayer is just as important today as it was in Moses’ time. It draws believers nearer to God and provides them with a powerful way to help others. Whom will you pray for today? Heavenly Father, guide me as I pray for others. Help me pray for them faithfully, patiently, and persistently. Amen.

Day 4

Give It All Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. MARK 10:21–22

It wasn’t the response the rich young ruler wanted to hear. Things usually went his way. His position and prestige afforded him that. But these straightforward, piercing words, blended with the love in Jesus’ eyes, troubled the man’s soul. It just was too much. He understood what was being asked of him—everything! The pain in his heart was reflected in his face and posture as he slumped away. The truth was that this ruler was not ready to relinquish his all for Jesus. What has Christ asked you to let go of? What are you clinging to? Most of us don’t have great wealth (we might wish for that kind of “problem”), but are we willing to give up what we do have to serve Him? Outwardly, we may look fine. But inwardly, are our motives pure? Do we have an “underground” thought life? Does anger bubble beneath our calm surface? Today let’s face the truth of who we are and give up those things that prevent us from wholeheartedly serving Jesus. Lord, show me what I must relinquish to You. Help me abandon everything to serve You freely and joyfully. Amen.

Day 5

A New Day O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble. ISAIAH 33:2

Some days start off wrong and finish worse. On these days we feel out of sorts, like an off-balanced tire, clumsy and inefficient. We say things we shouldn’t, using a voice that’s too angry or loud. Some days are full of failure, tinged by sin. Wouldn’t it be great to redo them? We have that opportunity. It’s called tomorrow. Lamentations 3:22–23 tells us that God’s mercy gives us a fresh canvas every twenty-four hours. Anger, grudges, irritation, and pain don’t have to carry over. No matter how stormy yesterday was, each new day starts fresh. And even if things begin to go wrong again, God is there for us first thing in the morning and every step of the way. With God, every day is a new beginning, a new chance to enjoy our lives. So let’s focus on the things that matter most: worshipping Him, listening to Him, and being in His presence. No matter what happened the day before, we have a fresh start to enjoy a deeper relationship with Him. A clean slate, every time the sun comes up! Before I get out of bed each morning, let me wholeheartedly say these words: “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Amen.

Day 6

When Bad Things Happen If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. PSALM 11:3–4

What does daily life look like when an earthquake rocks a third world country, killing hundreds of thousands and leaving an already desolate nation in ruins? When a tsunami sweeps away entire villages? When a hurricane flattens everything within a hundred-mile radius of the shore? Law and order collapse when natural disasters strike. The struggle for basic survival eclipses all else. But all too often, corrupt or inept governments are unable to meet the needs of their citizens during these times. Where is God when it hurts? Where is God in the midst of injustice? Does God care? These timeless questions never lose their relevance. The entire book of Job wrestles with these issues. The psalmist also picks up the lament, but he responds simply that God is still on the throne. We may never understand why bad things happen or why God seems to be silent. But we can know that even when things appear to be spiraling into chaos, our loving God is still in control. How will you trust Him today? Heavenly Father, I am always increasing my trust in You. When tragedy strikes, I learn to trust You without understanding. It is enough to know You are in control. Amen.

Day 7

Rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. PHILIPPIANS 4:4

Paul wrote these words from prison. Considering his circumstances, it doesn’t seem like he had much reason to rejoice. Yet he knew what many of us forget: when we have the Lord on our side, that’s the only reason we need. Paul didn’t say, “Rejoice in your circumstances.” He told us to rejoice in the Lord. When we’re feeling depressed, anxious, or hopeless, we can think of our Lord. We can remind ourselves how unique and beloved we are to God. In His heart, each of us is irreplaceable. Perhaps the reason we lose our joy sometimes is because we’ve entrusted it to the wrong things. If our joy is in our finances, jobs, or relationships, what happens when those things fall through? Our joy disappears. But when God is the source of our joy, we will never lose it. Circumstances may frustrate us and break our hearts, but God is able to supply all our needs. He is able to restore broken relationships. He can give us a new job or help us succeed at our current one. Through it all, we can rejoice, knowing that we are God’s and that He loves us. Dear Father, thank You for loving me. Help me make You the source of my joy. Amen.

Day 8

Staying Close And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God. LUKE 2:27–28

Simeon had been waiting a lifetime for the Messiah to come. God had promised him this would happen before he died, but as the years wore on, doubts probably began to seep in. But one day, the Holy Spirit told him to travel to the temple. Without questioning, Simeon went. Talk about dedication! Simeon’s commitment paid off. That day, God made sure that Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to that particular temple so the old man could see Him, hold Him, and declare His presence to all who would listen. If we want to catch God in the middle of His most exciting acts, we must stay close to the place He’s working. In Simeon’s day, that place was the temple. Today, it might be at church or in a ministry project. But when we put our own schedules first and disregard God’s work, we miss out on His most thrilling exploits. Like Simeon, we should do all we can to serve God and stay close to His work. Only then will we witness His amazing feats. Dear Father, show me where You are working and help me to stay close to You. Amen.

Day 9

Speak Light O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. PSALM 43:3

The tiny lighthouse sat out on the rocky shore, piercing the night with its steady beam. Its bellowing horn echoed over the sea, warning ships of the rocky perils ahead. Countless boats have strayed off course in dense fog, only to be steered from danger by the tiny lighthouse. True light, sent out through the clouds and darkness, can save lives. A voice speaking the truth of Christ has real power behind it—the power of salvation. Be proud of who you are and everything Christ has done for you. It doesn’t matter how big, strong, smart, or powerful you are. What matters is that you have the truth of Christ to share. . .and there is no greater force in all creation. May my light drive out all the darkness around me. Let me reflect Your divine light, Lord, clearing away the fog and leading others into the safety of Your love. Amen.

Day 1 0

Meat or Mush? Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 2 JOHN 9

Have you had to contend with “smorgasbord Christianity”? Suddenly, your minister leaves, and as your congregation seeks a new leader, a succession of preachers fills the pulpit week after week. And every week, you’re being fed a different kind of spiritual food. Don’t relax and figure you’re on a spiritual vacation. This is the time to listen very carefully. You have no idea where these people come from theologically, and it might be easy to be led astray by a deep, mellow voice or empty but high-sounding words. Spiritual ideas abound, but not all are sound. Sometimes, it’s easy to assume you’re getting good meat when you’re actually being served mushy, rotten vegetables. How can you tell meat from mush? Compare the message to Christ’s words. Is the preacher avoiding the Bible’s tough commands, preaching unbiblical sermons, or appealing to non-Christian ideas? If so, beware. Jesus gave us strong doctrines and good teaching to lead us into His truth. Faithful expositors cling to His Word. They offer meat and milk but no rotten teachings. Eat well! Keep me aware of Your truth, Lord. I want to live on it, not mush. Amen.

Day 1 1

Encouraging Words Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. EPHESIANS 4:29

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This old saying just isn’t true, however. Words can—and do—hurt. Ask anyone who was bullied as a child. Discouraging, shaming words stay with a person for years or even decades. As we spend less time talking and more time texting and giving status updates, let’s also be aware that whatever we “say” online stays online—for good. (We can delete things, but others may have captured screen shots or printed our words.) That Facebook rant about a friend or political party? It’s out there. That post belittling a coworker? It’s out there. That nasty, angry comment on a blog? It’s out there. As Ephesians 4:29 says, the words we choose are important . . .especially as the world becomes increasingly uninterested in the things of God. The way we talk, both online and off, can either attract people to Jesus or turn them away. Today, think about the language and tone you use while speaking. Are your word choices helpful? Are your phrases kind? Is your tone sarcastic? Cynical? Bitter? Ask God to help you think before you speak (or post!). Father, may everything I say be helpful, kind, and encouraging to others. Thank You for forgiving me when I mess up, Lord. Amen.

Day 1 2

Knowing Who You Are in Christ Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference. ROMANS 3:22

Sometimes, we measure our value by what job or talents we have. But this should never be. Who you are is more than a name. More than a face. More than the work you do. You are uniquely created, a true one of a kind. You are God’s kid. His loved, cherished, and blessed child. The Bible says you are a new creation. A royal priesthood. A holy nation. The righteousness of God. A holy temple. A member of the body. A citizen of heaven. Saved by faith. Raised up by Him. The aroma of Christ. Filled with heavenly gifts. Delivered from the domain of darkness. Capable of doing all things through Him who strengthens you. On and on the descriptions go. Wow! When you read all of those things, you begin to see yourself as God sees you. You’re not just another person. You’re a son of the one true King, and He delights in you! Today, take a close look in the mirror. Don’t just aimlessly stare at your reflection—look with God’s perspective. Start seeing yourself with His eyes today. Lord, I needed this reminder that I’m everything You say I am. First and foremost, I’m Yours! So help me never to put myself down. Give me Your eyes to see myself the way You see me. Amen.

Day 1 3

Unlock the Door The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. EPHESIANS 1:18

Math is a language all its own. Unfortunately, many students struggle to learn that language. Sometimes, they never truly understand it but retain just enough to make it through required courses. In many cases it takes a person fluent in math to help them break past that language barrier. The same is true for your spiritual life. God’s ways are not the ways of this world. Often, His ways resemble a new language. Prayer can unlock the door to understanding God’s Word and His design for your life. As you spend time with God praying for understanding of His Word, His truth will speak to you in a brand new way. The Holy Spirit will help you unlock the secrets of His purpose and plan for your life. Discovering God’s plan can be exciting, as long as you’re willing to open the door to a new adventure with Him. Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bible. Help me read it with understanding and come to know You in a whole new way. Amen.

Day 1 4

One Big Family But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? MATTHEW 12:48

Jesus’ family had heard of the crowds of people looking for healings, so they were understandably worried. But when someone announced their arrival, Jesus seemed to deny them with this question. Harsh! Was He having a bad day? Part of the importance we place on family comes from our fear of strangers, but each “stranger” is beloved by God. Jesus wasn’t excluding His mother and brothers—He was expanding the definition of family. He went on to say, “Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother” (verse 50). That’s a pretty wide net to cast—but it goes further. Even those who haven’t done the will of the Father can join the family if they repent. Does the idea of a universal family sound too much like “flower power” to you? Well, even though the “summer of love” generation grasped the concept of loving humanity, they sometimes put more faith in sex and drugs than in God. The idea of a family in which we are all God’s children is like G. K. Chesterton’s description of Christianity. It “has not been tried and found wanting, it has been found difficult and not tried.” A true family of Christ is still possible. It begins when we lay aside fear and extend a hand. I am honored to be a member of Your family, God. Allow me to see beyond my own family and to reach out in love to all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.

Day 1 5

Foolproof Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. PROVERBS 26:4–5

Skeptics love to point out supposed contradictions in the Bible. Well, if ever one existed, here it is. A closer reading, however, reveals that there’s no contradiction after all. Solomon gave these two contrasting pieces of advice, deliberately stating one right after the other, to make it clear that we are to respond differently in different circumstances. Solomon later pointed out, “To every thing there is a season,” and, “A wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment” (Ecclesiastes 3:1; 8:5). The type of answer you give a fool (the word here means a “self-confident person”) depends on how absorbed in his ego he is, what the circumstances are, and who might be listening. God may lead you to give him a serious answer (in contrast to his proud chatter) or a humorous, foolish answer (to show him how foolishly he’s talking). For a full-blown fool, however, it’s best to bite your tongue and refrain from saying anything at all (Proverbs 23:9). No matter what you say, it won’t persuade him. Dear God, when I don’t know how to respond to a foolish opinion, either give me the proper answer or lead me to keep still. Amen.

Day 1 6

Choose Life The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. JOHN 10:10

Too often, it seems as if the negatives of life outweigh the positives. The bills are piling up. Your friends and family need your time and attention. So does your boss. You’re exhausted and lacking mental focus. Life begins to cave in around you. It’s just too much! God’s Word, though, exposes the lie (and the liar) behind these defeating thoughts. We have an enemy who delights in our believing such negative things. He wants only destruction for our souls. But Jesus came to give us life! We only have to choose it—an act of the will blended with faith. God is always a gentleman—He’s not going to force His life on us. But when we rely on Him alone, He’ll enable us to not only survive but thrive in our daily routine. Each day, let’s make a conscious decision to take hold of what Christ offers us—life, to the fullest. Loving Lord, help me daily choose You and the life You want to give me. Give me eyes of faith to trust that You will enable me to thrive. Amen.

Day 1 7

Shining Light Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. MATTHEW 5:14

Jesus’ disciples knew all about darkness. Centuries before electricity was harnessed to provide light, people made do with fires and oil lamps. When the sun went down, darkness ruled. So when Jesus compared His followers to the light of the world, the image resonated loud and clear. Light that overtakes the darkness—light to illuminate the way to the Savior. What an amazing concept! Jesus tells us modern followers to be light too, boldly and unashamedly flooding the darkness that surrounds us. How? First, by living the life God calls us to—not sinless, just forgiven. Second, by sprinkling our conversations with evidence of our faith. Did something good happen? Share your story with others and give God the credit. When someone asks about the peace that’s evident in you, share the joy of Jesus. Shining as a light of the world doesn’t mean being a Bible thumper or bashing others over the head with religion. It’s about living out a genuine faith that allows Christ’s light to break through our everyday lives. With that goal in mind, shine! Jesus, You are my true light. Even when my own light starts to flicker, please shine through me as I seek to follow You. I know I won’t be perfect, but I also know that Your grace has me covered. Amen.

Day 1 8

Togetherness Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall. NEHEMIAH 3:8

When Nehemiah started rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he used all sorts of people. The perfume makers and goldsmiths may have supplied the means, or they may actually have put stone upon stone. Beside these artisans were merchants and rulers of districts. Men of different tribes worked side by side. Some repaired areas they had a personal interest in. Shallum repaired a section with his daughters. Priests and temple servants labored. Some were less than diligent; others were zealous. Nehemiah called all believers to do the Lord’s work. And working together, they rebuilt the city walls in an amazing fifty-two days! The fact that enemies surrounded them on all sides may have been a further incentive. Faith is in a similar position today. We only have one enemy, but we make him stronger when we treat our brothers and sisters as Satan’s reinforcements. By allowing politics and opinions to divide us, we only weaken the city of God. Make faith in Christ the common denominator, and we’ll build a wall big enough to hold all His people—only Satan will be left out. Heavenly Father, help me unite with my fellow believers. When we band together, nothing can destroy our love and devotion toward You. Amen.