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    Daily Wisdom for Men 2018 Devotional Collection
    Daily Wisdom for Men 2018 Devotional Collection
    Daily Wisdom for Men 2018 Devotional Collection
    Ebook552 pages8 hours

    Daily Wisdom for Men 2018 Devotional Collection

    By Compiled by Barbour Staff

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    About this ebook

    Start your day off right—every day of the year!

    Every day starts with the Daily Wisdom for Men collection and experience God's Word. Featuring a powerful devotional reading and scripture for every day of 2018, this volume provides inspiration and encouragement for daily life. Enhance your spiritual journey with these challenging readings—and come to understand the love and wisdom of your Creator.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBarbour Publishing
    Release dateOct 1, 2017
    ISBN9781683225195
    Daily Wisdom for Men 2018 Devotional Collection
    Author

    Compiled by Barbour Staff

    Barbour Publishing is a leading Christian book publisher offering bestselling books featuring exceptional value, biblical encouragement, and the highest quality. Barbour is the home of New York Times Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter along with well-known fiction authors Gilbert Morris, Olivia Newport, Michelle Griep and many others. If your interest is Christian Living or Bible Reference, you’ll find excellent titles by bestselling authors Josh McDowell, Jonathan McKee, Debora Coty, and Stephen M. Miller’s The Complete Guide to the Bible.   Barbour also publishes the top classic devotionals God Calling by A.J. Russell, and Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts. With inspirational Christian books available in all genres--fiction for adults and children, Bible Promise books, devotionals, Bibles, Bible reference, puzzle books, and gift books there's something for everyone to enjoy.  

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      Daily Wisdom for Men 2018 Devotional Collection - Compiled by Barbour Staff

      NIV).

      New Year’s Day

      MONDAY, JANUARY 1

      START WITH GOD

      Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.

      EXODUS 12:1–2 NKJV

      The Lord instituted the Passover (a seven-day celebration of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt) in March/April of every year, and it was to become Israel’s New Year. In his commentary on these verses, Matthew Henry writes, Note, it is good to begin the day, and begin the year, and especially to begin our lives, with God.

      You probably head into this new year with a number of resolutions in mind. You want to lose weight or get in better shape, read helpful books, tame your tongue, get out of debt, volunteer for good causes, or become more organized.

      All of these are worthy goals, but for the Christian, they should all flow from putting Christ first. You lose weight to honor God who dwells in the temple of your body. You read more to nourish your mind. You tame your tongue to be a better witness. You get out of debt so you can be free to invest in the kingdom. You volunteer because you want to show people the love of Christ.

      As you consider the changes you want to make this year, ask yourself how putting God first in each change will glorify Him. Take time to listen to the Lord and ponder His Word.

      TUESDAY, JANUARY 2

      TEACHING OBEDIENCE

      Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

      MATTHEW 28:19–20 NIV

      Christians are called to make disciples, to baptize them, and then teach them to obey everything Christ commanded His disciples. While the American evangelical church places a high priority on making converts, discipleship is less of a priority.

      In a study of 2,930 American Protestant churchgoers conducted by Lifeway, only 42% said they intentionally spend time with other believers in order to help them grow in their faith. The other 58% have a truncated view of the Great Commission, and ultimately, the Gospel. At the 2015 Turning America conference in Springfield, Missouri, David Barton, the president of WallBuilders, made the following observation, as reported by The Pathway newspaper.

      We’ve changed the way we looked at the Great Commission, Barton said. Rather than teaching everything He taught us, which would change the culture, we’re just going after ‘fire insurance.’

      If you aren’t already discipling somebody, you probably know men at work, school, or church who are baby Christians. Invite one of them out for coffee this week and ask to hear his story. Find out what he’s struggling with and offer to disciple him, either formally or informally, by walking him through the scriptures.

      WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3

      LOVING OTHER BELIEVERS

      We [Paul and Timothy] always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people.

      COLOSSIANS 1:3–4 NLT

      As God’s people, you are called to exhibit love for everyone, including your enemies, but you have a certain affinity for other believers—an instant bond, no matter how long you’ve known them. You’re united in Christ and that bond is thicker than blood.

      Paul wrote to the Colossian church that he wanted them to know how thankful he was for their reputation of loving all of God’s people. We can’t be certain how Paul and Timothy heard this information, although some commentators speculate that it was passed on by Epaphras (vs. 7). We also don’t know how they expressed this love, but it undoubtedly involved acts of kindness and mercy because love includes action, and you build a reputation for things you do consistently.

      How is your church viewed by other Christians who have never stepped foot inside one of your worship services? Do other believers see your church at local events, praying and serving alongside fellow believers? Does your church reach out to other churches in your city during their time of need? Does your church celebrate with other Christians? If not, what simple steps can you take to change that?

      THURSDAY, JANUARY 4

      MORNING MEETINGS WITH GOD

      My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

      PSALM 5:3 KJV

      When David penned these words, he was probably surrounded by his enemies (see vs. 6, 8)—perhaps during the reign of King Saul. No matter what the circumstances, David made a point to meet with God every morning. He was intentional in turning his face toward heaven and directing his voice toward God, being confident that the Lord would hear him.

      On this day, he reminded God about his character—how He didn’t take pleasure in wickedness (vs. 4). He also reminded God that the foolish would not stand before him (vs. 5). But David knew he wasn’t perfect either. David was resolute in communicating with God every morning, not because he was without blemish or fault, but because he knew God was merciful (vs. 7). So, he approached Him in the morning time with a healthy dose of fear, knowing he deserved judgment, but trusting in God’s mercy.

      What does your morning routine look like? Does it include approaching God, knowing He will hear you? Do you come before Him with a proper amount of reverent fear, no matter what the circumstances? Or do difficulties, business, or sloth keep you from meeting with Him? Even if you’re surrounded by enemies, God will hear you. You’re not alone.

      FRIDAY, JANUARY 5

      SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY

      Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

      PROVERBS 19:1 NKJV

      The man who walks in his integrity is satisfied at the end of the day. He’s done an honest day’s worth of work, treated people well, and comes home to a meal that no king would necessarily desire, but it fills his stomach and he’s thankful for it. He has nothing to be ashamed about. He’s put forth his best effort and tomorrow is another day.

      The man who is crooked, however, is foolish. He speaks lies and cuts corners to get ahead. He mistreats people for his own gain. He dines extravagantly and drives fancy vehicles. His conscience bothers him from time to time, but he rationalizes his actions, telling himself that everybody does wrong things. He covers up his sins and falls asleep scheming about the next day.

      Not surprisingly, the Hebrew word for integrity in today’s verse can be translated as prosperity. So, better is the poor who walks in his spiritual prosperity than the one who is perverse in his lips. That would seem to indicate a spiritual divide between the person who spends time tending to spiritual matters versus the person who spends time scheming to get ahead.

      Proverbs 19:1 doesn’t really speak about middle ground, nor about the middle class and its values. So ask yourself which side of the spectrum you’re currently cultivating.

      SATURDAY, JANUARY 6

      GOD’S REVELATION TO MAN

      Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.

      MATTHEW 2:1–2 NKJV

      Many Eastern Christians, as well as some Western believers, celebrate Epiphany today—a holiday which commemorates two events in the life of Jesus, both of which center around His divinity: the day the Wise Men visited the newborn king in Bethlehem and the day John the Baptist baptized Jesus.

      According to timeanddate.com, In some European countries, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, children dress as the three kings and visit houses. In their roles as the kings, or wise men, they sing about the [day of] Jesus’ birth and pay homage to the ‘king of kings.’ They are rewarded with praise and cookies.

      In Poland, Christians celebrate Three Kings Day with parades across the country. Some liturgical traditions in the West use specific prayers you can find online that would be a great addition to your family’s celebration this year.

      However you choose to celebrate, do so heralding the revelation of God to man, who stooped to our level by appearing in the flesh to save us. Contemplate that marvelous truth today.

      SUNDAY, JANUARY 7

      A VALUABLE EMPLOYEE

      Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations.

      PROVERBS 27:23–24 NKJV

      Shepherds need to be experts in the way their animals are bred, sheltered, fed, jugged (separated with their mother for a period after birth), mixed, weened, dewormed, and even how they play, if the shepherds want to make sure their animals thrive.

      Just as shepherds need to be diligent about the state of their flocks, the scriptures call you to know the ins and outs of your occupation. You ought to know all of your industry terms and their nuances. As you grow and immerse yourself in your occupation, you should develop knowledge about what will work and what won’t. This will make you a valuable asset to your employer, as well as give you some financial stability.

      In so doing, you’ll set yourself apart from other employees who are simply punching a clock to earn a living. A few of them might also follow your example of diligence. Your boss will certainly take note, at least. But most importantly, you’ll be fulfilling your calling as set forth in Colossians 3:23–24 (NKJV): And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

      MONDAY, JANUARY 8

      PRESERVED FOR THE KINGDOM

      Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.

      PSALM 31:23 NIV

      In today’s verse, the psalmist, King David, explains the benefit of faithfulness to the Lord: He preserves you.

      But in what sense? Don’t bad things happen to faithful believers? Certainly, you know believers who have died in car accidents, suffered from cancer, or been victims of violence. While God does sometimes intervene in certain cases but not in others, the psalmist isn’t referring to the here and now as much as he is speaking of the eternal.

      Bible commentator John Gill makes this observation in his Exposition of the Entire Bible: [T]hese he not only preserves in a providential way, but he preserves them in a way of special grace; he keeps them … from the evil of sin; from a total and final falling away by it; from the evil of the world, so as not to be drawn off from Christ and his ways, either by its frowns or flatteries; and from the evil one, Satan, from being destroyed by him and his temptations; and these are preserved safe to the kingdom and glory of Christ …

      Spend some time this morning thanking God for preserving you, in spite of your unworthiness. And then set your mind and will on being faithful to Him.

      TUESDAY, JANUARY 9

      WHO WILL TRUST YOU?

      So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

      LUKE 16:11–12 NIV

      An NBC news report said federal inspector general agents caught at least 60 federal workers cheating on time sheets or skipping out of work without permission since 2012, costing taxpayers more than one million dollars over a three-year period.

      You’ve probably worked with people who took extended breaks, stole items from the company, or fudged reports to make themselves look better. Maybe you’ve even done it yourself. In Luke 16, Jesus addresses the ramifications, and they go far beyond an employee putting himself in jeopardy of termination. Jesus wants to know, Who will trust you with true riches if you can’t be trusted to faithfully perform worldly matters?

      True riches is a reference to the Gospel, or as some commentators call it, the riches of grace. A dishonest person, Christian or not, will never be trusted.

      If we make Christ our own, and the promises our own, and heaven our own, we have that which we may truly call our own, says Matthew Henry in his Commentary on the Whole Bible. But how can you expect God to trust you with these if you don’t serve Him with your worldly possessions, of which you are but a steward?

      WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10

      OPEN YOUR HOME

      God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

      1 PETER 4:10 NLT

      When Peter penned these words, the destruction of the Jewish temple and nation were at hand (1 Peter 4:7 NLT). With persecution imminent, Peter wanted believers to maintain their focus. He wanted them to be earnest and disciplined in their prayers, while loving one another, and opening their homes to one another (verses 7–9). Finally, they were to serve one another by using the spiritual gifts that God had given them.

      Are you concerned that the end of the American church and nation may be at hand? Are you angry about it—getting caught up in heated political exchanges, sometimes even with fellow believers? Is your bitterness poisoning your heart, affecting your attitude, and rendering you ineffective in your witness? Listen to Peter’s advice. Open your home to fellow believers. Pray with them. Study with them. Laugh with them. Weep with them. Serve them using your spiritual gifts.

      If you aren’t sure about your spiritual gifting, talk to a leader at church to help you identify it. And then begin to exercise it. You’ll notice a difference in your attitude as you minister to fellow saints. And you’ll make a greater impact for the kingdom of God as unbelievers see your love for other believers in action.

      THURSDAY, JANUARY 11

      DON’T WAIT

      Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.

      ECCLESIASTES 11:4 NLT

      If you’ve ever glanced at the annual edition of Farmers’ Almanac (not to be confused with Old Farmers’ Almanac, which also predicts weather), then you know how specific it gets regarding a prospective planting schedule.

      Based on predicted weather patterns, the almanac lists what it believes will be the best days for planting fall potatoes, turnips, onions, carrots, beets, leafy vegetables, peas, squash, corn, beans, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, cantaloupes, and more. It also lists days it foresees as barren—days that are best left for killing plant pests or doing chores around the farm.

      But do farmers actually use these almanacs to determine their planting schedule? A 2016 Country Living article about the topic cites a study that says just 18 percent of farmers use a farmer’s almanac when planning their crops. Apparently, many farmers believe the truth of today’s verse. If they wait for perfect weather, they’ll never plant.

      In the next two verses (vv. 5–6), Solomon says a person can’t understand the activity of God, and that it’s best to plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.

      The Christian life is one of diligence. It leaves no room for procrastination. What do you need to plant today?

      FRIDAY, JANUARY 12

      SPEAK NO EVIL

      Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

      TITUS 3:1–2 NKJV

      Titus, who was converted to Christianity under Paul’s preaching (Titus 1:4), was of Greek descent (Galatians 2:3), and therefore was a Gentile by birth. He traveled with Paul on occasion (2 Corinthians 8:23; Galatians 2:1), and when they visited Crete, Paul decided to leave Titus there to appoint elders in every town (Titus 1:5).

      As Titus began to organize the church there, Paul wanted him to remind believers to be subject to rulers and to be peaceable, gentle, and humble toward all men. This was no easy task, given the history and culture of Crete. Adam Clarke makes the following observation in his Commentary on the Bible:

      This doctrine of obedience to the civil powers was highly necessary for the Cretans, who were reputed a people exceedingly jealous of their civil privileges, and ready to run into a state of insurrection when they suspected any attempt on the part of their rulers to infringe their liberties.

      How quick are you to consider running into a state of insurrection when you suspect rulers might be infringing on your liberties? Do Paul’s words in today’s verses convict you? How might obedience to civil authorities earn a hearing for the Gospel?

      SATURDAY, JANUARY 13

      HIDE THE WORD

      Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

      JAMES 1:21 NASB

      James, who was probably writing primarily to Jewish converts to Christianity who were dispersed abroad (James 1:1), wanted them to understand that their trials could produce lasting spiritual results because the testing of their faith would produce endurance (v. 3). He wanted them to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (v. 19).

      Building on that thought, he told them to put aside all filthiness and other forms of wickedness as they humbly received the Word of God. Putting off wickedness isn’t something you do in your flesh. The flesh cries out for wickedness. Instead, putting it off comes as you hear, read, meditate on, and submit to the Word of God. Receiving it in humility means not arguing with it or justifying your sin when the Word confronts it, but rather, recognizing the darkness of our hearts, confessing it, and repenting.

      You will never fully escape the pull of wickedness in this world, but the degree to which you struggle with it equates to the amount of time you spend interacting with and submitting to the Word of God. If the world’s pull is stronger than it should be in your life now, find more time to hide the Word in your heart so you won’t sin against God (see Psalm 119:11).

      SUNDAY, JANUARY 14

      FAMILY MANAGERS

      If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?

      1 TIMOTHY 3:5 NIV

      As Paul spelled out the qualifications for a bishop (or deacon) to Timothy, he included the qualification we find in today’s verse. A man must be able to manage his own family before he can take care of God’s church.

      Note that in 1 Timothy 3:1, Paul sets all of this up by saying, Whoever aspires to be an overseer. In other words, this office isn’t a calling, but an aspiration. Think about the setting for a moment. Who would actually aspire to become a bishop/deacon in the hostile environment the first-century church existed in? Persecution and death would have hung around every corner—especially for leaders. Yet, wanting to shepherd young converts is a work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within believers.

      As a man, you’re called to be a priest in your home. If you don’t desire to lovingly lead your family in devotions, prayer, spiritual discussions, and guidance—especially in a country that allows such religious freedom—then something is wrong. Yes, Paul’s words refer to aspiring bishops in the context of a church, but in a broader context, this should be the call for every Christian man, no matter what his position.

      Martin Luther King Jr. Day

      MONDAY, JANUARY 15

      GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY

      Then Peter opened his mouth and said: In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

      ACTS 10:34–35 NKJV

      On that fateful day in 1963 when the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about his dream, he couched it in biblical language, knowing that God shows no partiality. As the Author of all human life, how could He?

      I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, King said on that day, confident in the Lord’s return and certain that every person would see it.

      Racial tensions weren’t much different in King’s day than they were in Peter’s. When the first disciples walked the earth, Jews believed God would never bring Gentiles into the fold. Peter himself believed this until the Lord sent him a vision (Acts 10:9–15) and it changed his perspective. Immediately, the Lord sent Peter to preach the Gospel to Cornelius the centurion and his household. While doing so, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles (Acts 10:34–46).

      The scriptures call us to share the Gospel with people who are different from us. How quick are you to do so?

      TUESDAY, JANUARY 16

      ACCURATE WEIGHTS

      The LORD detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights.

      PROVERBS 11:1 NLT

      One of the ancient practices in commerce that scripture refers to often is the use of stones to keep fair and accurate measures.

      Deuteronomy 25:13–14 (NKJV) says, ‘You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a heavy and a light. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small.’ Hosea 12:7 (NKJV) says, ‘A cunning Canaanite! Deceitful scales are in his hand; he loves to oppress.’ And Proverbs 16:11, as well as Proverbs 20:10, addresses this issue of unbalanced scales and using unjust weights.

      Today, it would be the equivalent of going to the supermarket and purchasing two pounds of roast beef. You watch the butcher put the meat on the scale, see that it’s two pounds, and thank him. But when the person after you places the same order, the butcher switches the scales and places much more meat on the (clearly unjust) scale for the same price you paid.

      You would be understandably upset over such a thing. The Lord also detests such business practices. He’s just and therefore is on the side of those who are treated unjustly. As you head to your workplace today or slide into your home office chair, consider all your business practices. Are they fair and just?

      WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17

      PEACEFUL HOUSEHOLDS

      If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.

      MATTHEW 10:13 NKJV

      When Jesus sent out His twelve apostles, He told them to inquire about those who were worthy (receptive to the Gospel) and to stay with those households (Matthew 10:11–12). Then He told them to let their peace come upon those families.

      The Greek word for peace here means by implication prosperity, peace, quietness, rest. The disciples were to seek such peace as they entered a house (Luke 10:5), praying with the occupants, offering instruction, and when they left, leaving a spoken blessing behind. Ultimately, they were seeking to offer peace between those who were receptive and God Himself, through the death of Christ on the cross. But their hosts got a healthy dose of the practical implications of the faith by interacting with the disciples in their homes.

      Offering a place for strangers to stay was the custom in the first century, but not so much today, so how can you apply this teaching? You can still inquire about people’s receptivity to the Gospel by talking to them in supermarkets, baseball games, and over the backyard fence. And you can also meet receptive people in public places like coffee shops. You might even get invited into their homes to speak peace over their families.

      THURSDAY, JANUARY 18

      BE COURAGEOUS AND OBEDIENT

      Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.

      JOSHUA 1:7 NASB

      As Israel stood on the edge of the Promised Land, God spoke the words in today’s verse to Joshua. Every place Joshua and the Israelites stepped inside the Promised Land would be theirs (v. 3), and no man would be able to stand before Israel because God was with them (v. 5). But His promise was conditional. They were to be strong and courageous, acting according to the Law, so that they’d find success.

      Sadly, Israel didn’t always follow this instruction, and it cost them dearly. They started off strong, conquering Jericho (Joshua 6). But they stumbled in Ai after Achan sinned against the Lord (Joshua 7), and it cost thirty-six men their lives (Joshua 7:5). They went on to have several more victories and then divided the land among the tribes. After the death of Joshua, the next generation didn’t know God and began to serve false gods, forsaking the Lord. He then brought judgment on them (Judges 2:11–15) and let them suffer numerous defeats.

      Courage must always be tied to obedience to God. Does this describe your walk with Christ? Have you ever exhibited courage without regard for obedience?

      FRIDAY, JANUARY 19

      THIRSTING FOR GOD

      You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.

      PSALM 63:1 NIV

      Physical thirst is tangible. Your throat is dry. Your muscles begin to cramp. In extreme cases, confusion or hallucinations will set in. No matter how severe the case, nobody needs to tell you that you’re thirsty. You instinctively know all the signs.

      You also know all the signs of thirst for the good things of this world. You know the longing to finally watch a movie you’ve been waiting to see. You know how it feels to thirst for the presence of a spouse. You know the thirst you feel to hit a physical fitness goal when you’re getting close.

      But do you know the signs of spiritual thirst? David did. His whole being longed for God. Bible commentator John Gill suggests that spiritual longing will include a deep desire for the Bible, for worship, for church ordinances, for communion, for greater knowledge of Him, and for more grace from Him.

      If you aren’t thirsty for such things, something is lacking. When David penned the words of today’s verse, he was in the wilderness of Judah. Even in such extreme circumstances, he knew and experienced all of the signs of spiritual thirst. If you don’t experience this, engage with God and He will slake your thirst today.

      SATURDAY, JANUARY 20

      YOUR HELP

      I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there?

      My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

      PSALM 121:1–2 NLT

      In the Old Testament, the Hebrews were accustomed to facing Jerusalem—which was built on a mountain—whenever they prayed (see Daniel 6:10). The temple had been built there on Mount Moriah. Judea itself was mountainous. The ark of

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