1. The condition – Life is too short to lose sight of eternity. God redeemed the world through the atoning death of Christ on the cross. Salvation is free for the believer. Jesus was asked, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” In Luke 13:24, He explained the condition. Pray to be found faithful to enter His Kingdom.
2. A vital choice – “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25). The freedom of choice is precious and costly. Because of disobedience to God, man died spiritually. But Christ redeemed us, and now we can choose to surrender our self-life and live eternally.
3. The purpose of God – The Bible demonstrates how God is calling men back to Himself since the fall. Today He speaks to us through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who called His servants “to declare the whole purpose of God.” (Acts 20:27) Men, study God’s Word, submit to His will, and be the spiritual leader in your home.
4. Powerless – God intervened for His people in 2 Chron. 20:12, when they faced an overwhelming enemy and prayed, “For we are powerless before this great multitude…nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” The same Lord still reigns supreme and wants to honor your faith. Trust Him fully. He answers prayer.
5. Courageous – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9). If you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you have received His power to be a child of God. God is your father. Be strong, live courageously!
6. Pathways to progress – Oh God, I have encountered so many obstacles, and the futility of my human efforts has been very discouraging. But now, through Your supernatural power, these mountainous obstacles have become the pathways to progress for me. Thank you, Lord, for Your amazing grace! (Zech. 4:6-7)
7. Declaration of faith – Heavenly Father, as I face mountains of opposition, I need faith in God. Thankfully, because of my union with Christ, I can now live by the faith of the Son of God. So, I now exercise my faith in You. I believe You, Lord, therefore, I can thank You for the testing of my faith. (Mark 11:22-24)
8. Law-abiding citizens – Father God, Your commandments are no longer grievous because of my union with Christ. Now the Law-Giver has come to be the Law-Liver in me. I delight to do Your will. The beautiful thing is, I don’t even have to think about it. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for fulfilling the law through me! (Rom. 7:25)
9. What moves you – Oh Lord, previously I was motivated by all sorts of things, such as public opinion or a personal whim. But that resulted in much conflict and confusion. Therefore, I ask You to fill me with Your Spirit, so that I can have the right motivation. Cause me to move only as the Spirit moves me. (2 Cor. 12:15)
10. Can you hear Him – Dear Lord Jesus, I have been so busy listening to other voices that I have neglected Your voice. But now, I realize that You are the only one who has the Words of life. Therefore, cause me to hear and heed Your still small voice. Enable me to obey Your Spirit’s leading for Your name’s sake.” (John 16:12)
11. All nations – Entire people groups are still waiting to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Isa. 51:5) Pray that God will show you how He wants you to participate in fulfilling the Great Commission.
12. Ambassador – Only the Holy Spirit can reveal spiritual secrets to people and make them seek the Lord. But He wants to use ordinary people like you and me to be His ambassadors. Thank God that He still enables those He calls to bring hope and life to our world in need. (Isa. 61:1)
13. Useful tools – You can never serve God successfully in your own strength. However, if you are willing to humble yourself and to be used as a tool in His hands, miracles can happen. Pray that you will be a useful tool in the Lord’s almighty hands. (Matt. 14:16)
14. Follower – If you are a follower of Christ, you have allowed Him to lead you where He wants you to go. Remember that He will never leave you, nor forsake you. Pray that you will be able and willing to follow Him and to do whatever He wants you to do. (Acts 4:30)
15. Trust – “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord” (Jer. 17:7). To make life secure and as predictable as possible is a natural tendency and an essential part of our make-up as men. Nevertheless, we will only succeed when we trust the Lord first in everything. Pray to be ready to make this decision.
16. Understanding – Our worldview, education, and experience contribute to our understanding. If we are honest and humble, we will easily recognize our limitations and the importance of Prov. 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Learn to listen to the small voice of His Spirit.
17. Straight paths – “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:6). The solid foundation of God’s truth, justice and values is a guaranty against the deceit of amoral ideologies. Be ready to be surprised by His grace when you ask the Lord to straighten out what is crooked in your life.
18. Remember – More than 340 million Christians face persecution because of their faith (OD). “So, Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God” (Acts 12:5). Let’s not stop praying for our brothers and sisters who suffer for Christ. It’s our duty and privilege.
19. Believe – “But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed” (Acts 12:16). It is okay to be surprised when God answers our prayers. Believing is trusting God for the right answer to our prayers. Be at peace. God hears your prayers and answers according to His will. (1 John 5:14)
20. Be pure – The perversion of sexual purity was the immediate consequence of sin. (Gen. 3:7) The evil one wants to destroy the last barriers of shame and hurl society into complete sexual permissiveness. Be a man who resists temptation. Treat “the younger women as sisters, in all purity.” (1 Tim 5:2)
21. Be sharp – A godly man seeks wisdom and knowledge in order to make good choices. “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psa. 19:7). Spend time in the Bible; don’t just read or speak about it. It is God’s Word that has the promise to not return void. Your family and our society need clear directions.
22. Have integrity – Honesty, strong moral principles and uprightness are characteristics of integrity. Be like the righteousman who walks in his integrity and who blesses the generation after him. (Prov. 20:7) Pray for the Holy Spirit to enable you to reflect the qualities of Christ, who came to live in God’s children.
23. Work hard – “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – your poverty will come in like… an armed man” (Prov. 6:10,11). A fun-loving culture despises the stern work ethic of past generations. Pray for the right balance between your work and family time. Be a good steward. “Let all that you do be done in love.”
24. Put God first – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). The heart is the very center of our being. It’s where our values come from. The Bible says that from the heart flow the springs of life. Be wise and pray for the Lord to enable you to choose eternal priorities. Put Him first in everything.
25. Consider – In a fast pace society it takes a special effort to think through or to look at the total picture before making a decision. God wants us to make the best choices. Often problems, sickness, and other frustrations are His way to call our attention to what really matters. “In the day of adversity consider…” (Eccl. 7:14)
26. Wartimes – What an amazing comfort to know that there is never a place nor will there be a situation where God abandons His children. He is with you right now! Resist the urge to dictate your solutions. Be still and trust His heart and sovereignty. “Though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident” (Psa. 27:3).
27. The valley – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me” (Psa. 23:4). Because Christ paid the penalty of sin on the cross and conquered death through His resurrection, the believer can face even death and sorrow with hope. It’s the only rite of passage to eternal life.
28. Take courage – “In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In spite of all the effort to avoid the spread of Covid, over 400 million people got infected. In comparison, Jesus redeemed mankind from the terminal disease of sin. Everybody can be saved. Take courage, trust in Him.
29. Hope – “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:23). The Christian has every reason to live with joy, peace and hope. Be a man who allows God to fill him with His Spirit and bless your family and friends with your life.
30. God still calls – “And the Lord called to the man, and said to him, where are you” (Gen. 3:9)? Because God loves the sinner, He seeks us as He did the first man. Where are you, dear friend? The Lord Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. Have you answered His call? Allow Him to redeem you and become His disciple.
