November 22

One Thing


But remember the root command: Love one another.

John 15:17 (The Message)


I am still soaking it in. I am still digesting the results of a thirty-four question survey we gave to our men at church. We asked them what was important to them as men interested in following Christ and growing together in Him. Some of their answers surprised me, but I'm beginning to see the light.

Though there were a few disconnects, at the root level, they embraced Christ’s command. When asked what the top priority for men’s ministry should be, they responded with “building relationships” which, is exactly what Christ did. We also asked, if they could only do one thing with the men of the church, what would it be. The questionnaire gave them a long list of options. Would they want a Bible study, or prayer, or food and fellowship? The list ran on, but the majority picked out one thing, and their response reminded me of our Lord Himself. Overwhelmingly, they said, I would like to “help someone in great need.”

Love, it seems, reaches out. Love is action. This week our men reminded me of Christ's great command: “Let us love one another.”


Lord, help us find a way to take action, to show love, to build relationships that bear fruit. Amen.

November 21

His Reach


Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel—“God is with us.”

Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)


I am with you always….

Matthew 28:20b (NLT)


Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.

Isaiah 55:6 (NLT)


The Christ-follower’s faith is not a struggle to find God, but recognizing the reality that God found us. God came near.

There’s a wonderful picture of this. It is Michelangelo’s painting on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. I’m sure you’ve seen it. It shows God’s outstretched arm and Adam reaching back. Their fingers almost touch—but not quite. That’s where God is. He is so close. He is nearer than we know. He waits for us to close that tiny gap, and that’s exactly what our faith does. It brings us into His very presence—His touch upon us.

What better time to seek His presence, to acknowledge His pursuit of us, than now—as we consider how far He reached to deliver His greatest gift: Immanuel—God with us.


Father, may this Christmas be filled with the wonder and awe of You touching our lives. Amen.

November 20

Making Moves


It’s not fanciful for me to think this way about you. My prayers and hopes have deep roots in reality.

Philippians 1:7a (The Message)


Well, it finally happened. My 16-year old son Ryan finally beat his dad at chess. Now, I’ve got my excuses, sure. Like when I left the room for five minutes and my 8-year old son Alex made two moves for me! But I can’t complain—he took Ryan’s knight! I could say it was late, and I was a little sloppy, but let’s face it—Ryan is a good chess player.

We’ve been playing a lot over this last month, and I have to confess, he has made great progress. And even though I am extremely competitive, it warmed my heart to see his broad smile when he finally achieved what he wanted most—victory!

Enjoying his progress, watching him work through so many losses, seeing him learn and grow, and realizing his excitement, gives me a sense of my Heavenly Father’s joy for us as we make our moves for Him.

I am proud of my son for winning, but I have greater hopes and dreams for him—the reality of winning the greater contest, the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1).


Father, help Ryan, help each of my children, run this race well! Amen.

November 19

Facing Challenges, Finding Solutions


But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. … So the twelve called a meeting of all believers. … This idea pleased the whole group….

Acts 6:1, 2, 5 (NLT)


Let’s face it: churches have problems. The early church was no exception. People were people, and it became necessary for the Apostles to take action. They did. They called a meeting for all and talked the issue through to a good and viable solution. This is how we solve problems. The Apostles have given us a great example.

Christian leadership, to be effective, requires listening, being aware, investing time in others and directly facing issues. The Apostles didn’t pussyfoot—and neither should we. They took action and the results brought peace and harmony. Now, just because we follow their example and take action doesn’t guarantee the same exact results, but still, they gave us an example—a pretty good example indeed.


Father, help me lead in this way: to listen, to know, to speak and, when possible, to build consensus. May You bless Your work in good ways. Amen.

November 18

Finding Opportunity


For to me, living means opportunities for Christ….

Philippians 1:21 (TLB)


Bill Hybels, founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, starts everyday, first thing, on his knees. Specifically, he prays God will use him. He prays for opportunities.

What a great example. While most of us aren’t the lead guy for an association of six huge, spirit-filled and moving-out congregations, we can still be used by God in great ways … as He gives us opportunity that is. And that is just what He wants to do—He wants to glorify Himself through us in great ways! The Apostle Paul desired it for himself, but Paul also clues us in—this is God’s purpose for us too (Ephesians 2:10).

This is God’s will, but it will not happen until He has control. It will not happen until we hook up with Him and ask for help.

Serious Christ-followers come to God each day. Certainly, Jesus set the example as He would get away to a private place to be with His Heavenly Father—long before daybreak. So great was His need for the Father, He sometimes prayed the entire night! All through history, from generation to generation, Christ-followers have joined in this pursuit of opportunity. During the difficult days of the Reformation, Martin Luther, himself a great prayer warrior said, “The less I pray, the harder it gets; the more I pray, the better it goes.”

Hmmm…. I think he had something there!

It’s time to follow suit.


Father, let me rise in Your presence and seek Your will. Provide me opportunities to use the gifts, the circumstances, and all the things You bring my way to bring You glory. Amen.