Daily Devotion for Men
HonorBound Devotion: November 11, 2011
Read Genesis 4:3-7 – And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (NKJV)
Excellence – A Promise to Myself
Giving our best is a key way for us to honor God. In the tragic story of Cain and Abel, it seems Cain’s failure to do what he knew to do launched a series of events from which he would never fully recover. While there is much debate over why Cain’s sacrifice was unworthy, while Abel’s was acceptable to God, it seems evident that Cain knew to do something that he failed to do. He didn’t do what was right. God’s words are striking, “if you do not do well, sin lies at the door.” Is that true with every shortcut we take? If we fail to give our best, does God’s enemy stand ready to lure us into tragic choices? Some have said that doing what is right is its own reward. Certainly good choices bring good things to our lives, but never forget that settling for good when the best is clearly within reach can bring its own tragic road.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: November 10, 2011
Read 1 Samuel 22:13-15 – Then Saul said to him, “Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword, and have inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as it is this day?”
So Ahimelech answered the king and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, who goes at your bidding, and is honorable in your house? Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king impute anything to his servant, or to any in the house of my father. For your servant knew nothing of all this, little or much.” (NKJV)
Loyalty – A Promise to My God
Saul’s attitude toward David is creating chaos in the ranks. Many feel caught in the middle, unaware of the king’s animosity toward the one who has been his strongest general. Here, Ahimelech is compromised, not realizing that by helping David, he had angered the king. In a few verses Saul will have his demanded vengeance. While this story proves tragic for Ahimelech and the priests, it also underscores David’s integrity. Saul has unjustifiable evil intent toward David, but David has not responded in kind. His support of Saul has been unwavering, even though he cannot understand his master’s anger. Can you be faithful when you’re misunderstood and mistreated? Sometimes, we can even feel that God has been unfair to us. Can you remain faithful and speak well of your Master, even then? This is a true test of faithfulness.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: November 9, 2011
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 - Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (NKJV)
Self-Sacrifice – A Promise to Those I Love
Who are we living for? In this passage, Paul encourages the Corinthians to abandon the road of self-focus and choose to give themselves fully to God and to one another. Self-sacrifice is the principal definition of love in the Bible. We are at our best when we put others ahead of ourselves. That’s why the greatest commandments call us to love God and others—God designed us to achieve our best when we have others in focus. If we live selfishly, we may seem to gain things for ourselves, but at what price? Don’t we seem to lose contact with God amidst our possessions? How many men have lost their families in the pursuit of wealth and position? The evidence is clear. Only when we live for others do we find real life.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: November 8, 2011
Read Proverbs 30:11-13 - There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother. There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness. There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. (NKJV)
Purity – A Promise to My Family
Pride deceives. Sin makes you look foolish. Satan doesn’t warn you that the price of his path includes losing your ability to make sensible decisions. His is a road that steals your intelligence, causing what is down to seem up, and right to seem wrong. The inability to perceive our sin may well be sin’s gravest danger. We do not know the road we are on! Even if we have a wise friend who speaks to us in warning, we do not listen, refusing to believe we could be in danger. We must daily humble ourselves before the standard of righteousness to avoid deceiving ourselves. This is the only road to a righteous life. God has given us the Bible as a standard apart from ourselves so we can see clearly. We must align ourselves with the truth of the Bible or we will convince ourselves that we have no need for help.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: November 4, 2011
Read Proverbs 24:1-5 – Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking. Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength. (NKJV)
Excellence – A Promise to Myself
Careful what you wish for! Maybe other people seem to have more stuff or be riding high on life, but if they’ve built their foundation on sin’s instability a crash is coming, and you won’t want to be leaning on their foundation then. Wisdom builds a house, but keep in mind that it builds slowly. The best decisions usually cost us something in the immediate moment, but they have a way of producing over time. Unfortunately, many of us don’t want to wait for wisdom to yield its slow harvest. We want what looks attractive to us and we want it now. If the path of wisdom were fast and easy, the writer of these words would have no reason to offer them. But few people truly trust wisdom and stay on its path. So, He compels us not to abandon the road of wisdom, but trust it to bring a more excellent future—one that’s built on a foundation that will never crumble.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: November 3, 2011
Read Numbers 12:5-8 – Then the LORD came down in the pillar of cloud and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam. And they both went forward. Then He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, even plainly, and not in dark sayings; and he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” (NKJV)
Loyalty – A Promise to My God
You have to admire Moses’ connection to God. He knew God’s voice in such a way that he could lead an entire nation toward the future God was giving. Face-to-face sounds like an amazing relationship to have with the Creator, doesn’t it? Apparently, there was much in that relationship to admire, or even covet, because Aaron and Miriam want a piece of that action. But God didn’t establish that connection with Moses carelessly. Moses was faithful. Aaron and Miriam wanted a shortcut to the closeness Moses had discovered with God, but no such paths are available. Only through faithfulness can we arrive at a place where we truly know God in the deepest possible ways.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: November 2, 2011
Read 2 Timothy 2:7-10 – Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (NKJV)
Self-Sacrifice – A Promise to Those I Love
The Apostle Paul’s list of suffering is legendary. He went through amazing challenges, literally risking his life on numerous occasions, to bring the gospel to Jews and Gentiles throughout the Mediterranean region. His story would make an amazing mini-series that would keep viewers glued to the screen for every episode. But why? What possessed this man to face such hardships? Paul wasn’t looking to be a star or get people to admire him for his bruises. In these verses he tells us his core motive. First, he wanted to be faithful to the message he’d been given by his suffering Savior. Second, he sacrificed so that others might find what he had found. He faced such amazing opposition, knowing that his efforts could open Heaven to others—even people he had never met. That’s self-sacrifice in its finest form.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: November 1, 2011
Read Proverbs 22:8-11 – He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, and the rod of his anger will fail. He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease. He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend. (NKJV)
Purity – A Promise to My Family
Our ability to understand farming metaphors isn’t what it used to be. We live in a push button society where we often get what we want with little investment or effort. And such ease of access has probably taught us some bad habits. However, you still reap what you sow. If you put carrot seeds in the ground, you can still expect carrots to emerge after awhile. And even though we might wish for something else, you can still expect impure seeds to produce a negative crop. In this passage we’re reminded that seeds of purity grow too. They bring an attractive harvest that’s both bountiful and fun to be around. Even the king wants to be your friend!
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 31, 2011
Read James 5:17-18 – Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. (NKJV)
Prayer Partners
There are times that we get the idea that people who are powerful in prayer are members of an elite group. However, notice that the scripture says Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. He was just an ordinary man who served a Powerful God. Every man can be powerful in prayer because God is powerful. Elijah’s servant was with him when he was praying for rain. Elijah understood the power of partnership in prayer. While we all need our “alone” times in prayer, we also need those times when we pray with someone and they pray for us. Be a prayer partner to another man.
– Cecil Culbreth serves as the Arkansas District Secretary and Missions Director. He also leads Men’s Prayer Force in partnership with national Men’s Ministries.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 25, 2011
Read Proverbs 16:1-3 – The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established. (NKJV)
Purity – A Promise to My Family
This passage’s piece of wisdom warns us to not fool ourselves. Our natural human tendency is to justify our own behavior, creating shades of gray that we aren’t equally willing to draw for others. Truth is, it may be easier for us to lie to ourselves and get away with it than it is to lie to anyone else. That’s why we need a standard like the Bible to hold us accountable to truth. Without a standard to live by, one that we can’t alter to serve our purposes, we would bend back and forth between commitment and failure. With the Bible in hand, we have truth that can provide the standard we need to keep our lives on track. If we judge ourselves, we will cut corners for selfish benefit, but when we let God’s Word evaluate us, we have an accurate picture of who we are and where we are headed.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 24, 2011
Read James 5:16 – “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (NKJV)
Prayer Partners
As you read the Scripture, it is evident that Christianity is about community. We are to be a “one another” bunch—including men. There is tremendous value in men committing to pray for one another. Find a prayer partner and pray for that man and not just at church. You do not have to meet in person to pray for him, you could even pray for him over the phone. A prayer partner could also be your accountability partner. James tells us to confess your trespasses to one another. In the process of added prayer and accountability, both of you will grow in your relationship with Christ.
– Cecil Culbreth serves as the Arkansas District Secretary and Missions Director. He also leads Men’s Prayer Force in partnership with national Men’s Ministries.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 21, 2011
Read Ecclesiastes 7:10-12 – Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this. Wisdom is good with an inheritance, and profitable to those who see the sun. For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. (NKJV)
Excellence – A Promise to Myself
The writer of Ecclesiastes is on a mission. He seeks answers to what is valuable in life. Though some find the book to be discouraging, the lessons are real because the writer is chasing the same things we chase. He concludes that winning these races offers very few lasting prizes. However, wisdom is the one pearl worth possessing. Many men will complain about today, find fault with the people around them, imagine they have answers to questions no one is asking them and judge a thing’s value by the money it can bring. But real wisdom is the greater treasure. Seek wisdom. Give your best to being your best. Live each day with a desire to grow stronger for tomorrow. Don’t let life teach you bitterness and frustration. Let it teach you to be stronger and wiser each day.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 20, 2011
Read 1 Samuel 26:21-24 – Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David. For I will harm you no more, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Indeed I have played the fool and erred exceedingly.” And David answered and said, “Here is the king’s spear. Let one of the young men come over and get it. May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. And indeed, as your life was valued much this day in my eyes, so let my life be valued much in the eyes of the LORD, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation.” (NKJV)
Loyalty – A Promise to My God
Saul has acted treacherously toward David, but the younger man hasn’t returned the evil intent. Instead, even when presented an opportunity to kill Saul, David has stepped away. His integrity proved victorious over his own self-will. David could have justified acting against Saul. The king had declared war on David, David had already been anointed as the next king and could have thought he would have to kill Saul to bring about God’s plan. There was no lack of excuses to act as most men would. However, David knew that God would repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness. David did what was right even when those around him chose otherwise. That faithfulness to make right choices is found in very few, but it is a trait worth building into our lives.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 19, 2011
Read Philippians 2:3-4 – Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (NKJV)
Self-Sacrifice – A Promise to Those I Love
The Church at Philippi seems to be the most stable and spiritually strong of the churches that received Paul’s writings. Though they had a few challenges, these people seemed to be living the pattern of Christ more effectively than the folks at Corinth, Galatia, or Colossae. So Paul’s admonition seems to be more an advanced encouragement—one that can continually challenge us too. To stop living for yourself isn’t as easy as it sounds. Every inclination of the human heart is toward self-focus and selfishness. We simply default to “what’s good for us” if we aren’t intentional in choosing differently. But love is shaped by self-sacrifice. Putting the needs of others first is the way that we find mutual benefit in our connections. Whether the relationships are family, friends or co-workers, Paul shows us that aiming our eyes at others’ needs brings the very best to those relationships and to our own lives as well.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 18, 2011
Read Proverbs 15:25-27 – The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but the words of the pure are pleasant. He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. (NKJV)
Purity – A Promise to My Family
Most of us know that purity is critical to our best relationships. If we are careless and allow impure thoughts and actions to fill our lives, we will destroy the most valuable relationships we possess. But there’s another reason to avoid impurity—God has determined to fight against those whose hearts are impure. As you read these verses, you see how God will act toward the evil motives of an impure heart. Even though those with wicked intent may seem to experience benefits from their choices, retribution will come. God will not allow such a heart to continue without exposing it and making things right.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 17, 2011
Read Matthew 6:16-18 – “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (NKJV)
The Man’s Model Prayer
We see in the scripture that prayer and fasting are often coupled together. Jesus had just finished teaching His disciples how to pray and immediately brings up fasting. Jesus wanted His disciples to know that when they fasted, they were not doing it to impress other people but doing it unto God. By the same token, when I pray, I don’t pray to impress other people, I pray to talk to God. He is my audience. It is a conversation between us. My focus should always be upon Him and not to impress others. When I understand that, I can “relax” in prayer knowing that my Heavenly Father understands what I am saying even if my words don’t always make sense. He knows what is in my heart and “hears” the prayer that flows from it.
– Cecil Culbreth serves as the Arkansas District Secretary and Missions Director. He also leads Men’s Prayer Force in partnership with national Men’s Ministries.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 14, 2011
Read 2 Samuel 11:11-17 – And Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” Then David said to Uriah, “Wait here today also, and tomorrow I will let you depart.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. Now when David called him, he ate and drank before him; and he made him drunk. And at evening he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house. In the morning it happened that David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. And he wrote in the letter, saying, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die.” So it was, while Joab besieged the city, that he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew there were valiant men. Then the men of the city came out and fought with Joab. And some of the people of the servants of David fell; and Uriah the Hittite died also. (NKJV)
Excellence – A Promise to Myself
When we read the list of David’s mighty men, the last name on the list leaps off the page—Uriah the Hittite. This is the man we know as Bathsheba’s husband—the same man that David sought to kill after having taken his wife for himself. It’s a terrible story! Uriah was a great man! Even with the king’s permission to return from battle to spend the night in his own home, Uriah won’t sidestep the commitments of his own heart. Never mind that David’s intent is evil, Uriah won’t accept any offer of perceived blessing when he knows to always do what is right. Uriah is a man of excellence, and he won’t let even his king’s “generosity” become an excuse to steer him from that path.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 13, 2011
Read Ezekiel 22:9-11 – “The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord GOD. (NKJV)
Loyalty – A Promise to My God
In the verses above, Ezekiel and God lament together the spiritual condition of God’s people, even that of the leaders. The leaders have proven corrupt, manipulating the people with phony statements from God and using their positions to serve their own lustful desires. Of course, these aren’t the first or the last spiritual leaders to prove themselves unworthy. When a leader’s wicked heart is revealed, many people throw up their hands in frustration, asking, “What’s the use?! Why bother living a righteous life if even the leaders are corrupt?” That’s when God says that he looked for a man to “stand in the gap.” A faithful man stands connected to God, even if those he depended on prove undependable. No individual’s choice alters the choice of the one who stands in the gap. Even a leader’s failure won’t stop the faithful man from serving the God who has given him life.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 12, 2011
Read Matthew 19:16-22 – Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother, and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (NKJV)
Self-Sacrifice – A Promise to Those I Love
The rich young ruler is one of the more challenging stories of the New Testament. We wonder what Jesus is really saying to him, and wonder even more what he might, in turn, say to us. Is selling off one’s possessions a requirement for all of us or can we escape such a command, assuming Jesus was simply trying to break the hold that possessions had on this guy’s heart? What can be known for sure is that this young man lived for himself. Though he claimed to have been careful with the commands he had known since childhood, his portfolio revealed a life given to things for himself. When asked to part with them, he chose his stuff over the promise of eternal life. Living for one’s self is always a short-term plan. Such a choice can never bring lasting meaning or satisfaction to life. To put myself first will require that I let go of nearly everything and everyone else. That’s the direction this young man walked when he turned away from Jesus that day.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
HonorBound Devotion: October 7, 2011
Read 2 Samuel 23:24-39 – Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heleb the son of Baanah (the Netophathite), Ittai the son of Ribai from Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai from the brooks of Gaash, Abi-Albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite (of the sons of Jashen), Jonathan, Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite (armorbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah), Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, and Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all. (NKJV)
Excellence – A Promise to Myself
Now you may be puzzled by the passage we chose for today, but amidst the unusual names on this roster of David’s mighty men you can find an important principle—excellence isn’t defined by who you are, but by who you decide to be. If you took time to research these names, you would discover that these men came from all over Israel, some from among non-Israelite families, and a few from towns that even the best scholars can’t locate. Yet behind each name is a story of greatness. These men had each distinguished themselves for their valor and self-sacrifice. Like these, you and I can choose the altitude of our lives. It doesn’t matter where you’ve come from. Your real story is in who you are choosing to become.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org
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