Author Archives: Vince Miller

Called To Act, Devo, Lent Challenge

That Next Big Step

Posted on by Vince Miller
09
Apr
Day 27
lent-challenge-day-27

That Next Big Step

Scripture

Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death.—Mark 14:61-64

This is a moment that reveals exactly who Jesus was. While for a long time, he concealed this, he did this only because he knew that the revelation of deity would lead to his death. His confession is powerful if heard in light of Daniel 7:13-14.

In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.—Daniel 7:13-14.

Jesus is using the scriptures from this prophet of old, as evidence for who he is. The response is so blasphemous to the high priest that he tears his clothes. But the declaration and proclamation of Jesus are finally made. In light of Peter's denial in yesterday's devotional, we see a remarkable contrast. Jesus is a man of conviction. Sold out. Willing to die. Ready to sacrifice. His time has come. The torture of the cross could be on his mind, but even more, the truth must win out. It was not time to back down or hide; it was time to step out and to finish the final act of his life. He was not a martyr—he willingly died. He gave his life because he valued ours.

Today take a risk. Make a decision for Christ, one with consequence. Maybe consider living out the ministry he has called you to do. Stop putting off the calling and ministry for later, do it today. Maybe schedule a meeting to talk with someone about how they took the first step. Build a website and promote it. Gather a prayer team. Write a business plan. Invest some money. Take a small step that you cannot retrieve. And go all-in, living with conviction.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of ministry.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 5-minutes, about your need for godly conviction.
  • Tell: us in the comments below, one thing you need to do today to live out your calling and ministry.

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Called To Act, Devo, Lent Challenge

The Cost of Conviction

Posted on by Vince Miller
08
Apr
Day 26
lent-challenge-day-26

The Cost of Conviction

Scripture

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.—Luke 22:54-62

Today’s scripture draws on an abrupt contrast between two declarations of Peter. Peter’s earlier profession, a few chapters back, was rather bold. His declaration was, “You are the Christ, the son of God.” But here amidst the mild pressure of a servant girl he changes his conviction, “Woman, I do not know him.” It’s pretty amazing how within a short period of time his profession changes.

Some men might think how could he do this? And why the abrupt change?

When a profession has a relational cost we always evaluate it a little differently. While we may be willing to confess Christ before followers in the Christian community, it’s professing it in front of non-believers that puts us at risk. It’s here we evaluate. When the cost of the proclamation may put us at risk of being ostracized, passed over, fired, or in this case put to death, the real value of the declaration is honestly assessed. The greater the value, the more willing the profession, and the more willing the risk. In the case of Christ, he was willing to risk his life. But for Peter, he was still in the process of evaluating. He was in, but just not all-in. For him, Christ was not yet worth his very life. But, this one short-coming is not the entire story. There was more to come from this man who Jesus called “the rock” and his conviction would grow leaps and bound in the days to come.

I think we too are just like Peter—men of conviction in the making. We at times lack the confidence to boldly proclaim our faith, and thus at times fail to take a stand. But if we lack confidence we should seek it and ask for it. God wants us to grow in confidence in Him daily. While we may deny today, tomorrow is another day to take another step of faith.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of ministry.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 5-minutes, and God to grow your confidence to do his ministry.
  • Tell: us below, in the comments something you are willing to proudly profess to others about Christ.
  • Share: this with one other person you encounter today.

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Called To Act, Devo, Lent Challenge

A Right Response

Posted on by Vince Miller
07
Apr
Day 25
lent-challenge-day-25

A Right Response

Scripture

While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.—Luke 22:47-51

There are two striking interactions in this scripture.

The first is the interaction of Judas. Judas intends to betray Jesus with a customary greeting—a kiss. And Jesus confronts Judas headlong and essentially calls out publicly what he has tried to conceal privately. This betrayal had to sting, even though Jesus knew it was coming. And if you have ever been betrayed by someone you've trusted, then you know how this feels. If not, imagine investing selflessly in someone for a couple of years and then being betrayed for personal gain. The pain feels like you just got the emotional wind knocked out of you.

The other interaction is the violent act of Peter, who cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. I think that most of us, if we are honest, find this action protective and thus admirable. While, in this case, we witness a loyal disciple who is willing to fight for his master; this act of aggression is not what was needed. And thus, Jesus responds not with hostility but with compassion, love, and healing. One again, Jesus performs an unexpected miracle in a rather tense moment to change the mood of a rather challenging moment.

We all experience days like this. Days filled with a mixture of emotions that demand a response. Sometimes our feelings carry us away, and we end up acting vengefully toward unsuspecting people. The pain that is buried deep inside tends to be directed at the wrong people the wrong way. Jesus shows us here that while the challenge presents itself, it is not impossible to hurdle. We need to keep our eyes fixed on the prize, the mission, and the end goal. We need to realize that along the way; we will encounter obstacles that will elicit some emotion. But don’t let your feelings detract you from the mission.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of accountability.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 5-minutes, and ask forgiveness for wrong responses to your emotions and ask for God's guidance.
  • Invite: a man for guidance on how to handle these emotional moments.
  • Share: below one man who you need to ask for advice in the area of your emotions.

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Called To Act, Devo, Lent Challenge

Watch & Pray

Posted on by Vince Miller
06
Apr
Day 24
lent-challenge-day-24

Watch & Pray

Scripture

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch." And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."—Mark 14:32-38

Devotional

These are the last moments of Jesus' earthly freedom before being handed over to the governing officials. It was the beginning of the end of the human mission of Jesus. They had just finished eating the supper, and now the weight of the world lay on Jesus' shoulders.

A cloud of final temptations overshadowed this moment. The betrayal of Judas was approaching as he was now missing from the group. Peter is headed into a foretold denial. An angry mob would soon approach to hunt him down. Disciples would soon scatter upon his arrest. And Jesus bore the weight of knowing all these burdens, including the anticipated physical suffering.

The only place to go would be to God in prayer—which is what Jesus does. He spends the next moments agonizing in prayer. He also gave Peter clear instructions on how to meet with the next moments by emploring him to intercessory prayer, and then Jesus modeled it for him. Yet Jesus soon returns to find them sleeping.

Fellas we need brothers we can count on in life. Those who can correct us and call us on the carpet in moments we need it. Men who can see ahead of us and the approaching temptations that will befall us. And often, these men are there; we don't willingly listen to them or seek accountability and wisdom from them.

If you want to turn a corner in your life, then invite men to speak truth to you. The truth you may need to hear that you may not want to hear. Invite it. Ask for it. Seek it out. Don't wait too long or temptation may befall you.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of accountability.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 5-minutes, that you will have the courage to invite accountability into your life.
  • Invite: a man to hold you accountable in regard to sin, discipline, or a challenge you are facing.
  • Tell: us below what you are seeking accountability for.

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Called To Act, Devo, Lent Challenge

Melded

Posted on by Vince Miller
05
Apr
Day 23
lent-challenge-day-23

Melded

Scripture

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”—John 17:1-5

Devotional

There is an old 20th-century word for blending together, its the word "meld." It means to mix, to blend, to combine two into one. This word is probably the combination of two better-known words; melting and welding.

When Jesus said, "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent," he was declaring that how we know God is through the life of himself. It's the bold proclamation he has kept hidden, that he now declares openly in prayer. You see to know Christ is to know God, and thus to know eternal life. Jesus' life is melded to God's—they function in a relationship and have since the beginning of time. To have our hearts melded with Christ means that we too have access to a relationship with God and have an intimate knowledge of this-—eternal life. We only know, therefore, through the knowing and the melding.

Today spend some time knowing God. There are three ways you can do this. First, by reading his Word. Second, by talking with him in prayer. Third, by doing both of the previous in community with other men. We have spent a lot of time over the previous 22 days understanding this. But if you are not in an ongoing community with other Christian men, you might be missing out on a powerful ongoing melding experience. Choose daily to seek out Christian brothers through whom you can know Christ, the Father, and eternal life more intimately.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of accountability.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 5-minutes, praying that God would make himself known to you through your relationships.
  • Tell: other men in the comments below, why brotherhood is important to you.

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Called To Act, Devo, Lent Challenge

All-in Denial

Posted on by Vince Miller
04
Apr
Day 22
lent-challenge-day-22

All-in Denial

Scripture

And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.—Mark 14:27-31

Devotional

In our Christian walk as men, most of us realize we have a lot in common with Peter. He speaks without fully thinking about what it is he is saying and makes bold, impulsive promises. Peter is a doer, and he likes to jump in headfirst—and I love it. I believe many men can identify with that. When you've tasted the grace, forgiveness, and mercy of Christ you want to jump in headlong.

And yes, Peter made a bold boast here. Yes, Peter followed his heart, and in a moment of emotional strength, he declared he was "all-in" without thinking through the implications. But read on. He wasn't the only guy to do this. They all said they were all-in. They blindly follow Peter as he leads the way. No further thought or discussion,

But yet the voice of accountability is there to offer some commonsensical advice. It's Jesus. With a voice of understanding, he declares, "I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."

We all need the voice of biblical reason. Here Jesus offers it free of charge. But we need it too. Sound biblical counsel that helps us to reason the implications of our decisions. So today, seek out a man who follows God, whose been in your shoes and get wisdom before making that big all-in decision.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of accountability.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 5-minutes, about the wisdom you need regarding that life decision you're about to make.
  • Call: a brother today and ask for his wisdom.
  • Tell: other men in the comments below, the kind of wisdom you need. They may just come to your aid.

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Blog, Devo

When You Have Lost Your Job

Posted on by Vince Miller
When-you-have-lost-your-job-a-blog-by-Vince-Miller2
03
Apr

When You Have Lost Your Job

When we have lost our job, we tend to go straight for strategies when this happens. I know I do. And what we need to do is run to God. We need to run to those rhythms where we can talk and hear from God. Prayer and scripture are those rhythms.

So let's see what scripture says, and then let's pray together today. First, God says this:

Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

And then Lamentations 3:22-24 says this, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore, I will hope in him.'"

I think both these verses provide a great understanding of how the Christian should respond during a job loss, and we know right now there are millions of people affected by what is happening in our country alone. But these verses teach us two vital things.

First | Daily reliance

I think that we love and even worship at times the feeling of long-term security. Don't we? We save. We predict. We plan. And we, at times, construct a reality of the future based on certain expectations in the present. And then one day, the carpet is pulled out from under us. And we take it personally because all our plans come tumbling down.

When this happens, our plans, visions, and hopes move from long-term enthusiasm to short-term survival. And everything shrinks. Our daily provision shrinks. Our plans shrink. Our needs shrink. While one thing becomes far more pronounced, it is our daily need to rely first upon only God—not our plans, and not our job.

This is what Matthew 6:34 and Lamentations 3:22-24 are getting after. They teach us that first, "today has trouble," and yet second, "God has mercy for today." And I love this, while I think we all hate it at the same time. And we hate it because we want to be in control of the future. Yet there is only one who does. And in seasons like this, when everything shrinks to daily reliance, he wants to drive us to trust Him with the future.

But there is a second and needed point these scriptures make; it's this:

Second | Worship only Him

I think where we have been as a country over my lifetime has driven most of us toward self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and selfishness. We are going to watch this change in this season. While millions are out of work today, we have no idea how the dominos of this event will continue to fall. And I wonder if God is trying to get our attention? As a country. As a world.

The end of our Lamentations verse says this, "'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore, I will hope in him.'" In him and nothing else. I just wonder if, in all of our self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and selfishness, we have been worshipping ourselves and even our ability to predict what's around the next corner—rather than really worshipping God. And when we lose our job (please hear this) we, experience often a deep form of attack on our identity and our ability to provide which attacks us. However, for the follower whose trust is in Him, we are not under attack at all because nothing will attack our God and win. With high confidence, we can move forward, one day at a time, tested yes, but in trust that we need not be anxious about anything. Because our God will provide for us, without fail, even when we have to rely on him one day at a time.

So if you are out there today and your job has been affected in any way, and you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray personally for you. I will add you to my prayer list. I will pray for you.

A Prayer for a Job

But right now, I am going to pray a prayer of hope for those who need a job. So if you need a job this one is for you:

God, you know the people out there today who are jobless and their specific needs. You know their desire for a job, for work that they want and need to do. You even know the next step in their career path. I pray that you would guide them as they continue on this search. May these people focus first on your will for their life, putting your desires and your plan above their own wishes and wants. Open doors to new opportunities that you desire for them and equip him with the skills, knowledge, and wisdom they need to take steps forward in this process. As these people craft resumes, write cover letters, submit applications, connect them with new companies and potential employers. Give them the words to speak and the courage to share who they truly are and what they can do. Give them confidence that can only come from you, and the character that goes with it—Amen.

Vince-Miller-Bio-Pic-2019

Vince Miller is an author and speaker to men around the world on topics that include manhood, masculinity, fatherhood, mentorship, and leadership. He has authored 18 different books for men and is hosted on major video platforms like RightNow Media and Faithlife TV. He hosts a weekly podcast, writes weekly articles, and provides daily thoughts from God's Word all just for men. He is a 27-year ministry veteran and the founder of Resolute a Men's Ministry Platform that provides bible studies aimed at building better men found at www.beresolute.org. See his latest study Men & Marriage: Overcoming 6 Unspoken Tensions.

Called To Act, Devo, Lent Challenge

A Covenant

Posted on by Vince Miller
03
Apr
Day 21
lent-challenge-day-21

A Covenant

Scripture

And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, "Is it I?" He said to them, "It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.—Mark 14:17-26

Devotional

This is a great moment in Christian history. It's an old covenant that is combining with a new covenant. But it's the background of this moment that gives this extraordinary meaning.

While this meal is often referred to as the Last Supper, it was not originally called initially. Instead, Jesus and the disciples made arrangements to celebrate the Passover meal (which was a Jewish dinner that commemorates the Exodus from Egypt).

For those that don't know, this Passover meal commemorated a night in Hebrew history just before being released from years of captivity in Egypt. God commanded that the blood of unblemished lambs was to be spread on the doorposts of homes so that the Angel of Death would see it and pass-over the house, not harming the firstborn males who resided within. This commemorative meal was a celebration of God's salvation in the past and future. While the men thought they were celebrating a past meal, they were celebrating two: the Passover, and Jesus' Last Supper. The Last Supper was a celebration of spiritual freedom from sin. A passing over of death, through the sacrifice of the perfect Lamb of God, who is about to be sacrificed for the sins of all mankind.

This night in history, Jesus appended a meal that was celebrated for 1200 years giving it universal meaning for all followers—it's a new covenant. The covenant that God made with the Hebrews 1200 years prior had rich meaning. But this was only a shadow of the salvation God would provide for all people in all time. And Jesus and his men celebrate this with a simple meal.

Today eat, but as you do remember. Remember Christ and his work and this new covenant—one made with the flesh and blood promise of God, not man. It's a covenant that will never end.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of brotherhood.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 5-minutes, and give thanks to God.
  • Eat: and each time you do today, give thanks to God for the new covenant. If you have time, take a Christian brother out for a special lunch today, or this week.

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Called To Act, Devo, Lent Challenge

Prayer’s Power

Posted on by Vince Miller
02
Apr
Day 20
lent-challenge-day-20

Prayer's Power

Scripture

As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered." And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."—Mark 11:20-25

Devotional

A couple of days ago, we discovered that Jesus cursed this little unfruitful tree. But today, we discover why he did it.

It was a lesson in faith, belief, and the power of prayer.

I think most men, most of the time, doubt God will do something we ask of him. We hesitate to ask because we hesitate to believe, and thus nothing happens. I have often wondered if this natural world and the "nature" of physical, material, and natural solutions prevents us from seeing the spiritual reality that surrounds us each day. Jesus has a heightened sense of this spiritual reality and turns this fig tree into a teachable moment for his men. He is imploring his men to look beyond the physical—to see the spiritual in these moments and the ones to come.

We will only see supernatural things if we surround ourselves with people who believe that God will do the supernatural. The natural world we see is only part of our reality. There is a power present to us that can and will move mountains, but we have to acknowledge the spiritual reality and ask with spiritual confidence. One thing that makes this easier is a Christian brother reminding us of this and reinforcing the nature of it.

Today increase your awareness of the spiritual reality that is at work around you. When you see it, say something, and then ask God to do something great. This may come in subtle forms, so keep watch.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of brotherhood.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 5-minutes, for increased spiritual awareness.
  • Look: for God and his working today. If you see something come back and say something in the comments below!

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Called To Act, Devo, Lent Challenge

Stand Against

Posted on by Vince Miller
01
Apr
Day 19
lent-challenge-day-19

Stand Against

Scripture

And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. And when evening came they went out of the city.—Mark 11:15-19

Devotional

As Jesus enters the temple, he does not do so with joy and excitement; but rage. It's one of those rare times we see Jesus provoked by injustice. He observes that men are preying on the religious needs of God-fearing men and women and their requirements to bring penance to God. And it's not unbelievers taking advantage of God's people, it's people from their own race and religious beliefs consciously and maliciously preying on the need for sacrifice. They were using a religious practice to pad their pockets. And I bet they concluded that this was fine through years of self-justification. Justifying their actions based on other people's needs, without any consideration of God.

When men stand up for injustice, great things happen. And I think God's man should stand up for injustice. But Jesus could confidently stand up for injustice because his character and heart were pure.

Often men will see moments of injustice and do nothing and say nothing, maybe because we lack confidence or the purity of character and heart. But for men to speak up and act out we must begin with doing some business within ourselves. To build godly confidence, we must be willing to address our issues together as men and brothers and drive out the sin from our own lives first. Before we come hard against others, we must go hard at ourselves and sin that lies hidden within us.

Today go hard against the injustice that lies within you—not others. Take a stand and prevent issues from entering the threshold of your temple. Prevent the justification of your action by taking a stand and addressing sin. And as you have victory, stand against these injustices and sins on behalf of other men who need your help as well.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of brotherhood.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 5-minutes, about one sin that has defeated you in the past and that you have also had victory over in your life by God's strength.
  • Share: below, how God has helped you.
  • Extra Credit: if there is a man you need to reach out to for help that has had victory over a sin that you need to come hard against—then reach out to him today.

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Called To Act, Devo, Lent Challenge

The Cliffhanger

Posted on by Vince Miller
31
Mar
Day 18
lent-challenge-day-18

The Cliffhanger

Scripture

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.—Mark 11:12-14

Devotional

This is one of those moments Jesus men were following along, and I bet they were wondering what in the living world he is talking about?

Some of us know that Jesus spent most days in Jerusalem during this last week, but that he spent his evenings in Bethany, a village just a short walk outside of town. As they headed into the city, Jesus is hungry and comes across this lone tree. It was not the season; therefore, there was no product on it, only leaves. Talk about an unlucky tree.

Well, there was soon to be a lesson to follow later, and the lesson is different than you think. But these men were left with a bit of a cliff hanger wondering what the lesson was. And it is perplexing that no one asks? And I am going to leave you hanging too.

But for now notice this: a great man, who is a great mentor sometimes does not give immediate answers to all of life's questions, he presents teachable moments that make men think, ponder, reflect, and consider the impact of decisions made today and well into the future.

Today consider one man whose life and teaching either positively (or negatively) impacted your life. Reflect on who this man was, his character, and the action he took. And then choose to make one decision today that positively impacts the men in your life. Be thoughtful but act with urgency; there is no guarantee that tomorrow may come.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of brotherhood.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 5-minutes, about the impact of your character and life on others.
  • Share: in the comments below, one action you are going to take to leave an impact on other men
  • Do: it. Take action where you need to take action.

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Called To Act, Devo, Lent Challenge

The Bond of Brothers

Posted on by Vince Miller
30
Mar
Day 17
lent-challenge-day-17

The Bond of Brothers

Scripture

And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.—John 12:23-26

Devotional

I think it is safe to say that death ranks high on our list of fears. But often it's not our death that we fear, but the loss of someone important to us—a parent, a friend, and perhaps the most unthinkable, the death of a child. Death is emotionally painful and even more physically irreversible.

In today's scripture, Jesus is telling his closest brothers, a little cryptically, I might add that he is going to die. I am sure this is not great news to them. But there is good news in it too—the potential to bear much fruit. The brothers who had left everything to follow him, and who had come to know and love him as their teacher and mentor, were now faced with this horrific prediction. As was his tendency, Jesus offers them a metaphor that helps them to see and have confidence in the bigger picture. He describes how the death of a seed, and it's fall to the earth, is necessary to bring new life and much fruit. While this comparison was accurate, it's hard to imagine that it brought much comfort to the guys in that present moment.

What I love about this text is the realization that we need brothers to lean on when the present and the future looks bleak. We need godly men to lean on. Men who are anchored in the truth. Men who seek and speak the will of God in those terrifying moments when all hope appears to be lost. Jesus was that man for these men. And while we prefer to lean on human ingenuity and rest in our logic when the going gets tough, this not the best choice.

Today, while we are doing this challenge with men and learning to lean on one another and God, we know there are times we have done life alone. Maybe today you need to reach out to some man who is? A young man or older man, who is navigating the challenges of life without a godly voice of hope from other men. Tap them on the shoulder or better yet invite them to join the challenge with you! Be a seed of hope to another man today, as he may be waiting for a man like you.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of brotherhood.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 3-5 minutes, for a man you know who needs a Christian brother in his life.
  • Share: below, how other Christian men have been beneficial to you.
  • Invite: the man you have prayed for, a beverage or a meal.

⚡Share That You Completed Today's Challenge ⚡

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