- Salvation-“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalms 34:4). King David experienced the Lord’s help and salvation. We too can count on our God always!
- Encouragement – “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame” (Psalms 34:5). When we take time to expose ourselves to God’s Word, our hearts will draw strength, and we will be encouraged. He will never let us be ashamed.
- Speaking-“Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongues from evil and your lips from speaking lies” (Psalms 34:12.13). Lord, help me to see people through your eyes and protect my speaking.
- Doing good – “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalms 34:14). Lord please help me not to be selfish, rather to use the gifts you have given me to do good. Make me into a man of peace who is concerned with the welfare of others.
- Heart-“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalms 34:18). Unfortunately, far too often the home has become a battleground. Marriages are on the brink of collapse. Man, be ready to do your part by allowing the Lord to bring healing into your family and relationships.
- Righteousness fulfilled by the Spirit – “Heavenly Father, You gave us the Law to instruct us in the best way to live. But Your righteous standard is beyond our ability. Therefore, You gave us the Holy Spirit to empower us for living. Cause me to live in total dependency upon Your Spirit so that Your righteous purposes can be fulfilled in me.” (Romans 8:4)
- Nothing’s too hard – “Father God, there are times when I get so frustrated. I admit that life is too hard for me. But you are the Lord God Almighty, and nothing is too hard for you. I trust you to take care of me. Since I have received you, you are now the strength of my life. Thank you for enabling me to live life-even through the hard times!” Jeremiah 32:27)
- The Source of Wisdom-“Oh Lord, previously I would pray for you to give me wisdom. But I realize you have done something much better. When I received Christ You gave me the Source of all wisdom. Since I have been united with Christ, He is now my wisdom. I trust You to cause me to exercise godly wisdom in all that I say and do.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)
- Pray about everything – “Dear Lord, in the past when problems occurred, I would get worried. But now I know to pray about everything. Cause me to turn my attention from the problems to You-the One who is pure and ovely, good and true. Thank You, Lord, for keeping my heart and mind from being troubled!” (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Mercy and Grace – “Father God, my sinful, shameful past continues to bother me. But You have shown mercy to me by forgiving and forgetting my sins. Therefore, all I have left are memories of my sinful past, which are a good reminger of Your mercy. I praise you that now I can come boldly to your throne of Grace.” (Hebrews 8:12)
- Members of His Body – “For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones” (Ephesians 5:30). Autoimmune is a disease in which the body attacks itself. The lack of love in the body of Christ and the unwillingness to forgive our brothers is like this disease. Be on your guard. Ask the Lord to grant you His humility and love.
- Bond of Peace – “Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). We live in a spiritual battleground. Disciples of Christ have been charged to carry the message of hope and salvation to our world in need. Mutual support and coordination are key. Be an encourager and peacemaker today.
- The new commandment -“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also should love one another”” John 13:34). To be loving and kind is not a choice, rather Christ’s commandment to his disciples. Man, examine yourself and be willing to obey, whatever the cost.
- The effective witness – “By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” John 13:35). Jesus is the personification of God’s love for the world. As Christ lives in us, His love will overflow into our marriages and families. Pray, to be a man who effectively witnesses the love of Christ in you.
- Time of judgment- “For it is time for the judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God” (1 Peter 4:17). Our God is holy and hates evil. He requires of His children obedience and holy living. Be ready to submit today to His Lordship.
- Assume – “Be an example to the believers in word, behavior, love, faith, and purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy is exhorted to take his stand and show how the Christian life should be. Lord, grant me the courage to be your witness and to always live in a way worthy of you despite cultural and political pressure
- God is sovereign -“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever” (Deuteronomy 29:29). Life is a mystery and so much more than we can fathom. The almighty God revealed Himself to us in history and through the Bible. Let’s be men who fear Him and obey His Word.
- God planned our salvation – “Do not weep! See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed” (Revelation 5:5), In the last book of the Bible, God allows us to get a glimpse of His eternal plan. It helps us understand why the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ was necessary. Be a man who adores God for such great salvation.
- God never lost control – “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15b). Our all-knowing God was not taken by surprise by Adam and Eve’s disobedience. He gave them free will, knowing that the tempter would trick them. Since Christ crushed the serpent’s head, we are free again to obey and invest our lives for Him.
- God is able – “Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man… he had in mind to divorce her quietly” (Matthew 1:19). Joseph thought that the pregnancy of Mary was shameful until God informed him that the Holy Spirit caused Mary to conceive as foretold in Isa 7:14. Be a man who believes that nothing is impossible with God.
- God meets us in our humility – “For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant” (Luke 1:48). Mary’s Magnificat expresses so well her heart attitude and surrender to God’s will. Amazing how everything that surrounds the coming of the Messiah is dressed in utter humility. Be a man who is humble and meek.
- God rules over history – “So Joseph went.. to Bethlehem, the town of David because he belonged to the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4). God used a Roman Caesar to fulfill his promise of the Messiah’s birthplace that He gave 700 years earlier through the prophet Micah. Be a man who trusts the Lord to rule our world today.
- No room in the inn -“Because there was no room in the inn” (Luke 2:7b). When the Son of God came into this world, he didn’t impose himself. “He was despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). May it never be said that there was no room in your heart for the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Open if he knocks at your door.
- The Ruler of Israel-“But you, Bethlehem Ephrata, though you are small… out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2), King Herod tried to eliminate the Messiah by killing the children in Bethlehem. Later Israel crucified him. But he will come back to rule the world. Man, accept Him as your ruler today.
- The Christ is born – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders” (Isaiah 9:6). Angles announced the birth of Christ the Savior to humble shepherds in Bethlehem’s fields. The Good News is still for men on whom his favor rests. Be one of them. Praise God for His
- Wise men still seek Him – “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). Despite the century-old promises of Scripture only a few were in tune with God’s Spirit when Jesus Christ was born. Ask the Lord to grant you spiritual understanding of the message of the Bible. Be a man who
- Despite my challenges – Life is not a stroll in the park. It can be extremely tough and painful. Just look at the devastation that war, natural catastrophes, and sickness can cause, Jesus said: “In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). Trust Him fully despite your challenges.
- Prince of Peace – Rejoice! The “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6b) has come! Soon He will eliminate “The god of this age” (Corinthians 4:4); “The ruler of the kingdom of the air (Ephesians 2:2); “The prince of this world” (John 12:31) Invite the Prince of Peace, to rule in your heart and life today,
- Burden bearers – “Carry each other’s burdens and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Christians are not exempt from the trials of life. But because they are part of God’s family they are equipped to love and care for each other. Man, make a difference! Be willing to serve and to alleviate the burden of others today.
- Wrong motives – “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives” (James 4:3). God has given us prayer to make our requests known to Him. He loves to give good gifts to his children. But He will not be fooled! He knows our motives and will not answer if we babble like pagans out of self-interest.
- Straining forward – “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me” (Philippians 3:13b). The year is gone. If you are at peace with God and men; close the books. Now focus on God’s priorities and trust Him to make you a blessing in the New Year.
