Daily Devotion for Men

HonorBound Devotion: August 10, 2010

Tue, 08/24/2010 - 06:18

Building Character

Read Titus 2:6-8 – Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
 

Know When to Be Silent and When to Speak Up (Part 1)

A difficult task for a man is to be silent when he wants to speak out about something. Likewise, it is difficult to speak up when he wants to be silent. But a man with character knows that there are times for both silence and speech. Many times anything that comes up that we have an opinion on is a trigger for the mouth to release. There are times that a man just needs to listen and seek to understand what is being said and why it is being said. You can learn a lot by watching a person as he speaks. Sometimes the person talking has no real aim or intention. But the wrong word can make that which has no meaning become something ugly.
– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: August 9, 2010

Mon, 08/23/2010 - 05:27

Read 1 Chronicles 12: 39-40 – And they were there with David three days, eating and drinking, for their brethren had prepared for them. Moreover those who were near to them, from as far away as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, were bringing food on donkeys and camels, on mules and oxen — provisions of flour and cakes of figs and cakes of raisins, wine and oil and oxen and sheep abundantly, for there was joy in Israel.  (NKJV)

 

Fight Like a Man

 

The atmosphere was like a festival – there was joy and feasting. What was the reason for their joy? First, they were joyful because David, an obedient follower of the Lord, was being proclaimed king. Second, they were joyful because men from every tribe of Israel were taking their place of ministry and leadership. These men were using their unique gifts and skills to serve the Lord. There is security and joy when men take their rightful place of leadership and ministry. God has blessed you with unique gifts and skills. Fight like a man by using those gifts and skills to serve the Lord and those around you.

– 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.

 

 

HonorBound Devotion: August 6, 2010

Fri, 08/20/2010 - 06:08

Building Character

Read 2 Corinthians 10:15 – Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand.

 

Be Clear about Your Limits (Part 2)

When setting “budgets” for your time, resources and skills, you have to determine how much you have and how much you are willing to give away. Can you really afford to loan the car? Can you give that large donation this year? Can you really fix the plumbing without it costing twice what it costs to call a professional?

 

What about respecting those same limits for others? Does your spouse have enough time to do that added task you gave her? Do your children try harder than normal to please you? Have you pushed them beyond their limits? Do you expect more out of your pastor than you really should? He is a man of God, but he is still just a man.
– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: August 5, 2010

Thu, 08/19/2010 - 04:04

Building Character

 

Read 2 Corinthians 10:15 – Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand.

 

Be Clear about Your Limits (Part 1)
 
Do you really have a fair estimation of how far you can go? Truthfully, I wonder if any of us know our limitations. It is so easy to over-promise yourself to others and then get frustrated that you do not have enough time. Budgets help keep you within the boundaries of your finances. All of us need other type of “budgets” to help us be more realistic with our time, resources and skills.

 

When it comes to time, you and I both have the same amount. If you need more of it for one area, then something has to go. Too many times sleep is forfeited, which results in bad performance and poor health.

– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: August 4, 2010

Wed, 08/18/2010 - 05:12

Building Character

Read Deuteronomy 19:14 – Do not move your neighbor’s boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess.

Recognize and Respect Boundaries (Part 2)

 
Relationships are hurt and damaged when boundary lines are infringed upon. The same is true when we step across Biblical boundaries. If we could identify the things that the Bible teaches us to use as standards, our lives would be much easier. God doesn’t want us to not enjoy life – just the opposite! If your neighbor has a “No Trespassing” sign, you would warn your children to not violate that boundary. You are not trying to limit their experiences, but you know that on the other side there could be a danger that could cost them their life. How much more does our heavenly Father love us! A man of character has a holy fear of boundaries and makes his path far away from those temptations.
– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: August 3, 2010

Wed, 08/18/2010 - 05:12

Building Character

 

Read Deuteronomy 19:14 – Do not move your neighbor’s boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess.

  Recognize and Respect Boundaries (Part 1)
Someone said, “Your rights end where my nose begins”. We live in a country of equal rights. We hear it loudly from different groups of people across our country. We should give each man the same rights as the next man to work and provide for his family. But it is not the government’s responsibility or the courts’ role to provide that respect; it is each man’s responsibility to respect his brother’s rights. Yes, we have a system in place to correct those abuses in our culture. But if each of us would respect our brother’s boundaries they would not have to demand it from us.

– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

HonorBound Devotion: August 3, 2010

Tue, 08/17/2010 - 05:07

Building Character

Read Deuteronomy 19: 14 – Do not move your neighbor’s boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess.

Recognize and Respect Boundaries (Part 1)

Someone said, “Your rights end where my nose begins”. We live in a country of equal rights. We hear it loudly from different groups of people across our country. We should give each man the same rights as the next man to work and provide for his family. But it is not the government’s responsibility or the courts’ role to provide that respect; it is each man’s responsibility to respect his brother’s rights. Yes, we have a system in place to correct those abuses in our culture. But if each of us would respect our brother’s boundaries they would not have to demand it from us.

– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: August 2, 2010

Mon, 08/16/2010 - 06:23

Read 1 Chronicles 12:36-37 – of Asher, those who could go out to war, able to keep battle formation, forty thousand; of the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, from the other side of the Jordan, one hundred and twenty thousand armed for battle with every kind of weapon of war.  (NKJV)

 

Fight Like a Man

 

The warriors from the tribe of Asher were famous for their battle formations.  They were organized, disciplined and not easily distracted.  All three of these elements are essential to “fighting” in prayer.  Be organized—that is keep a prayer list.  Be disciplined—make prayer a part of your daily life and routine.  Often when you pray you get distracted by thinking of other things you need to get done.  Keep a notepad handy and write those things down and then finish your prayer time.  You can “fight” in prayer like a 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.

 

HonorBound Devotion: July 30, 2010

Fri, 08/13/2010 - 05:08

Building Character

Read Matthew 6:31-33 – So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Know the Difference Between Need and Want

One day I received the advice, “Be careful of what you want! If you want it bad enough you might get it only to find out you really did not want it!” Look at your life and see what it is that you are looking for. Is it a better car with the best gadgets? Or could it be a home in the nicest neighborhood? A new wardrobe, or boat… you get what I mean. The bottomless pit of things we seek after keeps us on the trail where God isn’t! Sir, if you don’t get a handle on this truth you will wake up one day an old man still looking for something you really don’t need.
 
On the other hand, if you will seek after what you truly need you will be blessed with an abundance of the other things. If I could be so bold to say this: all we really need is Christ and His Kingdom. If you will help to establish His Kingdom in your life then He will establish your life in His Kingdom.
– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: July 29, 2010

Thu, 08/12/2010 - 06:05

Building Character

Read Genesis 2:2 – By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.

Know When to Work and When to Relax (Part 2) 

 

Go to work and give it all you’ve got while you are there! You can’t truly find pleasure by living on the golf course or at the beach. God made us to work to find happiness. Pleasure is fine in moderation but it is not the goal of life.

 

At the same time, you must know when to go to work and when to go home. Be able to work and rest at the right times in your life! The Lord gave us the example in Genesis 2. When the project was completed, He rested! When the week was completed, He rested. Before the next project was started, He rested!
– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: July 28, 2010

Wed, 08/11/2010 - 06:39

Building Character

Read Genesis 2:2 – By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.

Know When to Work and When to Relax (Part 1) 

We live in a very complex culture. But don’t worry, it is getting more so each day. We have so many tools with which to communicate, yet with all of these gadgets we feel more stressed and frustrated. Let me help you today! Take some time off! Turn off the smart phone! Shut down the e-book reader! Leave the laptop at the house and disconnect from it all! All of the technology you have that can make you more productive can also push you over the edge. Yes, it is ok to work hard and love your work! God made you that way. But the ax gets dull after so many days of constant swinging. You have to start swinging harder to get the same results. If you don’t stop and sharpen the ax either you or the ax is going to break!
 – David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: July 27, 2010

Tue, 08/10/2010 - 06:27

Building Character

Read Proverbs 12:1 – Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

Develop Self-Discipline

Men admire those who are disciplined. That is why we love sports so much. You don’t get to the top of your game sitting on the couch. Discipline is a necessity in every phase of life and business. If you cheat you will learn defeat!

None of us can be the best in everything we do, but all of us can be better at what we do. The wise man is the one who can discipline himself to be better at life and knows enough to accept his limitations. Oh yes, you have limitations! All of us have them, unfortunately. What is shameful is to excuse yourself from working hard, exercising, studying, or trying to be better because of those flaws. The question is do you have the courage to discipline yourself to become the person you could be?  If so, then give life your best shot! Then relax and let your life affect the world the way God meant for it to.
– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

HonorBound Devotion: July 26, 2010

Mon, 08/09/2010 - 05:07

Read 1 Chronicles 12: 31-32 – Of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were designated by name to come and make David king; of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command. (NKJV)

 

Fight Like a Man

 

The men of Issachar were men who understood the times and knew what to do. True warriors understand who the real enemy is and how to fight that enemy. As men who are fighting on behalf of our youth and children, we need to understand who the real enemy is and how to fight him. We need to keep up with what is happening in the lives of our kids. We need to understand the temptations they face. When we know what is happening to our kids we can be more specific in our prayers for them. Fight like a man by understanding the times.

– 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.

 

HonorBound Devotion: July 23, 2010

Fri, 08/06/2010 - 04:56

Building Character

Read Joshua 24:14-16 – Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Then the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!

 

Recognize Your Choices and Live Wisely (Part 2)

 

The biggest question is what will you choose? Many consider not making a choice or a commitment to be the safe way to live. Not choosing is in itself a choice with the gravest dangers. The people that I know who are the happiest are the ones who have clearly weighed in on the side of Christ. Those who have not clearly chosen Him stand in two categories; those who deny Him and those who are in denial!

Where are you today in your walk of life? Do you know who you are serving? Why not take a few minutes today and choose something that really makes a difference?
– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: July 22, 2010

Thu, 08/05/2010 - 06:20

Building Character

Read Joshua 24:14-16 – Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Then the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!

 

Recognize Your Choices and Live Wisely (Part 1)

Each of us was born into this world neither choosing to be born, nor choosing our parents. But since the time our brains began to reason in our adolescent years we have had choices to make. You and I can choose our life and its direction. Yes, there are a lot of things that come down our path over which we have no control. But nothing that comes into our lives can shape us if we don’t choose for it to do so. You can choose to allow other people’s rude behavior to either make you bitter or better. You can choose not to take the sexual advances offered to you. You can choose to serve the Lord and leave the world’s buffet table behind.
 – David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: July 21, 2010

Wed, 08/04/2010 - 05:26

Building Character

 

Read Philippians 4:11 – I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Identify Your Strengths, But Know Your Weaknesses (Part 3)

In what are you weak? It is those things that you fear the most! But you should not feed your fear; rather fight it with effort and faith in God! Your weakness could be something that you are drawn to that you should be avoiding. Find ways to guard yourself by not getting close to the edge. Stay in the middle of the road away from the cliff of temptation. Being a man of character is not to deny those fears or temptations. It is to face the truth about yourself and to build the safeguards in your life to protect you.
 – David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: July 20, 2010

Tue, 08/03/2010 - 04:15

Building Character

 

Read Philippians 4:11 – I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Identify Your Strengths, But Know Your Weaknesses (Part 2)

 

In what are you strong? It is in those things that come easy to you! The things that cause you to wonder why everyone else has difficulty doing those things. God gave you gifts and it is okay that you have them. Those same strengths are the things that God can use to build character in your life. It could also be the thing that the enemy uses to destroy your character. A man of character will not allow his strengths to blind him to his limits.
 – David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: July 19, 2010

Mon, 08/02/2010 - 06:31

Read 1 Chronicles 12:28-31 – Zadok, a young man, a valiant warrior, and from his father's house twenty-two captains; of the sons of Benjamin, relatives of Saul, three thousand (until then the greatest part of them had remained loyal to the house of Saul); of the sons of Ephraim twenty thousand eight hundred, mighty men of valor, famous men throughout their father's house; of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were designated by name to come and make David king.  (NKJV)

 

Fight Like A Man

 

These valiant, mighty warriors were men on a mission.  Their goal was to make David king.  They were ready to fight in order to accomplish that goal.  They understood that David had already been chosen and anointed by God to be the king of Israel.  Men today need the same drive and passion to see God work not only in their lives but in the lives of those around them.  Be a man on a mission.  The goal is to influence others, especially those younger than we are, to live for God.  Fight in prayer so that your mission can be accomplished.

– 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.

 

HonorBound Devotion: July 16, 2010

Fri, 07/30/2010 - 06:18

Building Character

Read Philippians 4:11 – I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Identify Your Strengths, But Know Your Weaknesses (Part 1)

A man who is building character must come to terms with both his strengths and his weaknesses. Too often the strength of a man is usually the weakness of the man. How many men have fallen because their strength blinded them to the pitfalls around them? Paul said, “I have learned to be content in whatsoever state I am in.” This wasn’t to deny or ignore difficulties in his life. It was the calm acceptance of knowing who he was and who Christ was in Him!

– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.

 

HonorBound Devotion: July 15, 2010

Thu, 07/29/2010 - 06:52

Building Character

Read Matthew 5:37 – Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
 

Be Honest and True to Your Word

The only thing that you have that is of real value is your name. Your name is what people know about you and believe about you. Your name is what will last when you are gone. If you are going to build character, you need to be true to your word. If you make a verbal commitment, follow through with that word. Sometimes that may mean you take a loss financially. At other times it may mean you attend a function that you really wish you didn’t have to attend. Each commitment kept is like a deposit in the bank. The more you invest, the larger your account will grow. When one begins to slip on his word it gets easier and easier to let it happen. You are the guardian of your word. If you want to build the character of a man of God, then keep your word and build your name by doing it!
– David Raley serves as the Field Representative for Light for the Lost.