01. Everybody – Some people tend to think that unless they can stand on a pulpit, or travel overseas as a missionary, there is not much they can do for the Lord. They couldn’t possibly be more wrong. Thank God that everybody can work in Gods vineyard, in one way or another. (Philippians 4:13)
02. All glory to God – Our heavenly Father often uses what we consider worthless or of little value. By doing this he demonstrates again, and again that He is behind whatever accomplishments we might have. Thank God today that he, in one way or another, will use you to give glory to His name. (Psalms 115:1)
03. A good master – Serving our Lord is not a burden. All he wants from you is that you are obedient to his word, and that you are available when he is giving you an opportunity to be his ambassador. (2 Timothy 4:2)
04. Darkness – More than 7000 ethnic groups, with nearly 3 billion people, are still living in a spiritual darkness. Nobody has so far told them about Jesus, the light of the world. Pray that God will show you how you can make a difference for one of these people groups. (Matthew 28:19)
05. Alive unto God – “Dear God, thank you for showing me that when Christ died upon the cross, I died with Him. Christ defeated Satan upon the cross. Therefore, upon receiving Christ, Satan—the source of sin—was removed from my life. Thank you that I can count myself to be dead to sin and alive unto God!”
(Romans 6:10-11)
06. The glory of the Cross – “Oh God, thank you that through the work of the cross the old person I was in Adam is dead and gone. I died with Christ, I am no longer of this world. Christ is the Source of my life. Therefore, the things of this world have no more hold over me. Praise God, I have been crucified with Christ.”
(Galatians 6:14)
07. Dead to the Flesh – “Dear God, I realize that because I gave myself to Christ, I now belong to Him. He changed me into a new creation with new desires. As a result of being crucified with Christ, I am no longer in the flesh; I am now in the Spirit. Holy Spirit, I trust you to guide my desires and control my appetites.” (Galatians 5:24)
08. Power for Living – “Oh Lord, thank you for reminding me through every fault and failure that my flesh is weak. My body is just an earthen vessel. In spite of all my talents and abilities, I am still powerless to live life—the abundant, victorious life. Lord Jesus, show me how to tap into this glorious treasure of Christ within me. (2 Corinthians 4:7)
09. Free indeed – “Lord Jesus, thank you for liberating me through your death upon the cross. You made me free in order that I might live free. Not only am I free from Satan’s dominion, but also, I am free to walk in newness of life. Therefore, cause me to live godly in Christ Jesus my Lord. Hallelujah, I am free indeed!” (Galatians 5:1)
10. Marriage Vow – Marriage is a covenant, before the Lord. An agreement that lasts a lifetime. “I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people” (Psalms 116:14). Pray that men keep their commitment to their wives, and in this way honor the Lord, their God!
11. Legacy – As fathers, may we say to our children, and to the men around us, what David said to Solomon: “Be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decreed and commands” (1Kings 2:2,3) “Lord, please raise up a generation of men faithful to your Word!”
12. Contrast – Culture has a numbing effect on people. Man’s spiritual life is numbed by the many offers and temptations. “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14). Hear the call! Ask the Lord for the living presence of Christ to be your light amid a dark world.
13. Alone – As a Christian man you will at times feel alone in your culture. It happened to Elijah when he faced the godless king. But God had thousands of others who had not bowed the knee to other gods. (1 Kings 19:18) Thank the Lord for the presence of His Spirit in you and for the men he raised today as his witnesses.
14. Without wavering – To lure to give in to temptation is very strong. So many are allowing marriages to break down, children’s education to take a back seat, to give up the fight against an addiction and sin… The Lord warns: “Be faithful, even to the point of death” (Revelation 2:10). Therefore man, never give up. It’s worth the fight!
15. Be brief – “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling… because your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:7-8). Let’s encourage each other in our prayer fellowship through our brief and pointed prayers.
16. Thanks and Praise – “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalms 103:2). Praise keeps our focus on God and Thanksgiving fills our heart with joy. Whatever the circumstances believe that the Lord is able to do more than you can even ask about. Honor Him with your trust.
17. Richly blessed – “He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Thank God for His indescribable gift and be ready to share it with others.
18. Sharing – “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). As we allow for God’s love to fill your hearts and minds, we start seeing others through His eyes. This way we will be able to fulfill the mandate to love others as ourselves and generously share his blessings.
19. Faithfulness – “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Because of God’s faithfulness to us, we are able in whatever the circumstances, to be faithful to our spouses and therefore bless the next generation.
20. Be a missionary – Thank God for the opportunity to participate in world missions. Some travel overseas as missionaries; others give and support mission organization; and everybody can pray that the kingdom of God will come and be a witness for Christ. (Matthew 6:9-10)
21. Opportunities – “Be wise…make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5) Pray that you will be aware of the opportunities God is giving you to bring other people closer to him and pray for courage to make the most out of any given opportunity to share the Gospel.
22. Pass it on – As a follower of Jesus you are promised eternal life together with Him. Give him thanks that you have now the Good News to live by and to pass it on to others. You are a pilgrim on the way home. Take every opportunity to invite others to join you on your way to heaven. (1 John 1:3)
23. Stay close – Jesus promised to give us living water. If you search for happiness elsewhere, you will one day find out that you have been drinking from broken cisterns that cannot hold water (Jeremiah 2:13). Pray that God will help you to always stay close and depend on Him.
24. No room – “Because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). Simply unbelievable! The creator of the universe decided to enter the world as a second-class citizen. Christ was born in midst of utter simplicity and anonymity. – “Lord, please help me to recognize and seek the values that really matter in your eyes.”
25. Godly terror – “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified” (Luke 2:9). The shepherds were first shocked by the glory of God, but after they found the savior, they spread the Good News. – “Lord, please teach me again the fear of God and then make me a messenger of your salvation.”
26. God ordained – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rest” (Luke 2:14). Scripture tells us that God’s plan of salvation was ordained from eternity. Today he invites everyone through his Holy Spirit to seek Him. – “Lord, please make me to a man who brings you glory and on whom your favor rests.”
27. Righteous and devout – “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simon, who was righteous and devout” (Luke 2:25). God includes men who are submitted to Him and who seek the concerns of God’s Kingdom first. – “Lord, please help me to discern what is right in your eyes and the will to do it.”
28. A sword for peace – “The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pass your soul” (Luke 2:35). God sent his Son to redeem the world from the power of Satan, sin, and death through his substitutionary death on the cross. Mary felt the excruciating pain of that sword in a unique way. – “Lord thank you for suffering and dying for me as well!”
29. The father’s house – “Didn’t you know that I had to be in my Father’s house” (Luke 2:49)? Jesus knew of his mission and while tempted in everything as we are, he sinned not. From early on he chose to fully submit to His Father. In the same way Christ’s disciples are asked to live for him (John 6:57) – “Lord, please make me to a man whose passion is to live for you!”
30. Balanced growth – “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). God established the process for growth in nature. He has a time and a way for everything. The result of balanced spiritual growth process is to love God and to love men. – “Lord, make me to a man through whom you can love my family and neighbors.”
31. Preparing the way – “A voice of one calling in the desert, prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him” (Luke 3:4). At His advent John the Baptist announced the Messiah. Today everyone who by faith accepts Jesus as his savior is called to proclaim the Gospel. – “Lord, please help me in the coming year to be a faithful witness for you!”
