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Day 27
Day 27 | Own It
ACTIVITY
Continue:
- P.A.C.T.—Pray | Ask | Confess | Thank
- P.A.S.S.—Pray Prior | Author's Intent | Stop when Convicted | Share
Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:
- Own It. It's not someone else's job to own your personal growth and the check-in—it's yours. Check-in 1-3 more times with the people you initially declared your goal with and give them an update.
PROVERBS 20
20 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;
those who anger him forfeit their lives.
3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 Sluggards do not plow in season;
so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
but one who has insight draws them out.
6 Many claim to have unfailing love,
but a faithful person who can find?
7 The righteous lead blameless lives;
blessed are their children after them.
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,
he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin”?
10 Differing weights and differing measures—
the Lord detests them both.
11 Even small children are known by their actions,
so is their conduct really pure and upright?
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
the Lord has made them both.
13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—
then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,
but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 If someone curses their father or mother,
their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance claimed too soon
will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”
Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.
23 The Lord detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales do not please him.
24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider one’s vows.
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;
he drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord
that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
through love his throne is made secure.
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
gray hair the splendor of the old.
30 Blows and wounds scrub away evil,
and beatings purge the inmost being.
TRANSCRIPT
Goal: Own It
- Ditch the bad beliefs and attitudes
- Determine one area where you want to grow
- Describe how life would be different
Then:
- Declare it – with at least one other person
- Own it – you own the responsibility for checking back in 1-3 times
Today we are going to focus on you initiating the check-in process. I think accountability gets complicated because everybody expects somebody else to do the work. What I’m asking you to do today is own the process of accountability. You start the check-in process and own it all the way through to the end. This is simply initiating a check-in with the people that you went public with and tell them what you learned about something you started, stopped, or want to continue in the process of your growth. And from here on out, I want you to own the process.
DEVO
The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
but a faithful man who can find?—Proverbs 20:5-6
At face value, men are often described as being straightforward. But the heart of a man is genuinely deep and challenging to understand. The heart is commonly perceived as the center of a man from which stems his motivation. This is different from a man's brain, which reacts to stimuli and responds accordingly as there is more complexity in the depths of a man's heart. This strange and unknown place is where the motive behind an action is birthed, something only known to an individual and God.
As men of God, we are indeed challenged by the words of Psalms 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Remind yourself today that God understands your heart better than you do. Seek God's perspective on your purposes, thoughts, and motivations, and you will find the grievous ways which are in you will be drawn out. Don't let a blindspot cloud your motive, rather be continually training yourself to ask God to reveal and lead your heart. In doing so, you will become a man of understanding.
DO THIS: Ask God to reveal the grievous in you.
PRAY THIS: God, reveal what in me is grievous to you. Clarify my motives and help me to know the deep waters of my heart. Align my heart with yours so that I may do your will.
Share That You Completed Today's Challenge
So many good verses today! But verse 24 resonates with me. “Man’s steps are ordained bt the Lord, How then can man understand his way?”
I find myself constantly wondering what my next step is, should I do this or that, when do I make this move, etc. It’s hard to remember that I don’t see the whole picture or know the right timing. Only God does. Without God’s guidance, how will we know where we’re going?
An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end. God, as I seek you, draw out the things in my heart that grieve you.
I like verse 15 “Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.” This instructs me to say only positive things, not negative, and truth to help others, and not criticize or belittle anyone. It is a good reminder of Thumper’s simple saying in Bambi, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all.”
I like the concept that I am holding myself accountable by sharing (i.e. bragging) with my accountability partner. It is like healthy bragging versus dreading the meeting. If I want it I need to claim it and move in that direction. Its not them dragging me along. So Joel I guess I will be updating you when we talk going forward.
(2/17/21) Proverbs 19:21 New Living Translation
“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
Every day I make great plans. Lately, however, the Lord’s purposes prevail.
How easily it is to commit the sin of false balances in our dealings. God help us.
Yes. Stay with it Rene! You are almost there! 👊🏼👊🏼
Verses 10 and 23 talk about being dishonest to others and even to ourselves, at least I think that is what they telling are me. How true is it for me to be honest not only to those around me but also to God. This teaching has taught me think more like that. These disciplines are an eye opener for me. I need to be more connected to God, through prayer, scripture reading, brotherhood, accountability and ministry. It will take work, but through the Holy Spirit, he will direct me.
Nice job Paul. Stay with it!!!👏👏👏
My accountability partner and I talk on the phone or in person about everyday, l really enjoy it and he definitely holds me accountable and l hold him
Louis, this is rockstar stuff ⚡️⚡️⚡️🌟🌟🌟
10 Differing weights and differing measures—
the Lord detests them both.
Unfortunately, I find myself judging or comparing myself to others. I may see people texting and driving and swerving and get upset by it. Only moments later realize I too am distracted by my phone or something unimportant.
I am usually good about declaring something out loud and then following through. My weakness is owning the responsibility of checking back in to make sure I am truly following through or just going through the motions. I rely too often on my accountability partner to call or ask how things are going instead of reaching out to him.
Love it! Own your path to growth and make the steps to getting it done. Working on communication with wife and kids.
Accountability does help you keep in check.
This chapter spoke of the true man inside us. God cuts through the act, the poker face, the “I’m fine” and sees you for who you are: frail, unfaithful, and selfish. Yet, He still pours our wisdom and knowledge, He still sacrifices a part of Him…He still loves! ??
It’s up to me to hold myself accountable, not my brother. Speak out and own it…amen!
Verse 24. Steps ARE directed by the Lord. Making daily progress is amazingly awsome. He just doesn’t want failures. =Wants us to succeed in every way!
Wait for the Lord our Father
Done
I just love my church family as we are on zoom every night, because of the covid19 epidemic. We pray every night and have learned alot.
21 An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.
This verse sums up the first half of “The Prodigal Son” parable in Luke 15. We are doing a study in our small group about the word “Christian”, a series of sermons by Andy Stanley, which I HIGHLY recommend to anyone who has not seen it, it will realign your perspective with Jesus by taking provable information from the Bible and a pastor’s insight to really unravel myths about believing in Jesus. The one we just watched, part 6/8 of this series, talks about the TWO prodigal sons, the one who STAYED and the one who STRAYED. Jesus was able to take a difficult topic, not DIRECTLY answer a question, gather people who would NEVER have otherwise gathered together, and get them to AGREE on the logical conclusion, while still explaining God to us mere mortals in a way we can begin to understand Him. My main takeaway was that God is not petty and wants us to be WITH Him more than He wants us to be LIKE Him. Sorry fellas, had to tree that squirrel thought before it got away.
I have FINALLY setup a meet with another brother in Christ and hope to try to make this a regular occurrence, but only God knows if that will happen or not. Thank you for your response to my comments yesterday Vince and may God take this experience to grow us all in our walk of faith. Amen.
I like this—”stayed” and “strayed” language. I had not heard that before. Stay with the challenge brother!
You should watch it, it’s a REALLY information sermon series.
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I used to lament about findingfriendslike this verse. Today I focus on BEING a friendli kin e this.
“Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?”
Proverbs 20:6 NLT
25. It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.
This has been a struggle for me. When someone asks me for something, I have a strong desire to want to help them, and so I frequently say “yes”, but I frequently forget that I have limited resources (time) and struggle to meet all the things I have said yes to.
24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
Fitness continues to be my goal. I shared my goal with Adam, now I gotta make sure I’m intentionally checking in
First of all guys, I believe you can achieve your weight loss goals. After my first day, I have not yet formed any new relationships, but will pursue my goal. Blessings to all of you !
Well I have cut my portion sizes down and had more salads and veggies , this is gonna be tough
You can do it Brother !
Checking in again tomorrow with my family. This is going to be challenging, but well worth it.
Stickk.com is an awesome tool for accountability. It makes you put your money where your mouth is…
Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
Own It!
It is so easy to declare it, but so hard to overcome . Easy to think to ditch things, harder to actually let go. It’s not by my might or strength, it is by the Lord’s grace and love I will overcome.
I’m all in and I own it.
I’m trying to overcome OCG – obsessive compulsive grading. I graded much over students’ desks in class instead of collecting papers. I assigned online automatically graded work.
I have owned it and shared it.
I admit to you, my brothers in Christ, that I was not able to connect with another brother in Christ when we were first supposed to as our schedules did not line up and I did not have contact information for another brother that I could learn from. I am also behind by one more day on these challenges because I want to give them my full attention when I can, but not if I can’t. I don’t think it has to do with accountability, but the verse that stood out to me from proverbs 20 was verse 19: a gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. I think I am just going to get in touch with my small group leader, who is also kind of my unofficial mentor/older brother in Christ, and D.O. accountability with him.
own it. great word today.
Verse 4
I sometimes find it difficult to be patient and understand the season of life that I am in. It can get frustrating, but I believe there is another side of this dilemma that God is speaking to me today. When it is the right season to move forward and be active, I need to be ready and willing to do the work that God has in mind for me. Otherwise, I will find myself looking back at missed opportunities.
Today’s prayer time will focus on identifying what I need to be focused on doing during the current season of life.
This is a different way of thinking about accounyltability. I never thought of needing to own the goals.
No one is without sin. We all need ongoing cleansing moment by moment. We have a forgiving God but he expects us to be responsible.
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge a rare jewel.
If we spent as much energy seeking knowledge as we did gold, how much more useful to those around us would we be?
Wisdom from proverbs and accountability from our brothers!! I’m doing it!!
This is a tough one because trying to know ones heart is never easy. There are days it really surprises you by the actions that are less than Christ like, but at the same time, it reminds me of my weakness and how much I need Christ living in my heart.
I know He doesn’t reveal ever horrible thing in our hearts at one time, we couldn’t handle it. Not can we let our guard down thinking we are good people.
I now understand where Paul was content in boasting about his weakness, because Christ becomes stronger when we are humble and confess our weaknesses.
I am so grateful for His wonderful grace and that we have an advocate when we fail.
I also know when I get too busy to stray in the word, is when the temptations, failures and frustrations come.
I know the evil one attacks when you are hungry, tired or alone, so we need to maintain balance.
Thank you Lord Jesus, that I am yours and that you haven’t forgotten I am but dust!
Praise Him!
Verse 30 not only means in a physical sense, but also in a relational sense. That is why we need accountability- to keep each other sharp.
9 The glory of young men is their strength,
gray hair the splendor of the old.
this has nothing to do with my comment but it describes me to a “T”
Anyway, it is often easier to pass on the connection with another man than to tell him of my failures. I believe we do this often, pass on an email, a conversation, text, ect because its easier to say nothing than have to confess our failures. that is where growth and real relationships begin. They begin with trust and vulnerability between men. I had a conversation with a friend last night that made me realize I don’t look for God’s hand in everyday life. I have put God in a place where all I see is the big things and am blind to His action in the everyday “mundane” things of life. I won’t go into details but the conversation we had revolved around this phrase “God took out my cable tv” It’s not what you think.. It involved a lady coming over to my friend’s house to watch a sermon on Youtube. He knew he would be tempted to do things he knew were against God’s will but asked her over anyway….Until god took out his cable tv. How often does God work in the little things in life to keep us safe and we fail to recognize His handiwork?????
Have a blessed evening gents.
Verse 29b – “gray hair the splendor of the old.” As I have gotten older it is okay to have gray hair and wrinkles. It is not what you look like, but what is in your heart. Old age is something to be enjoyed , even if it comes with aches and pains.
Notable verses for me:
19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?
27 The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
Day 27: owning it…count me in the camp of people that depends on others in accountability! But when I think about the instances where it has worked for me (Bible in a year, this challenge), the common denominator is that I wasn’t waiting for anyone to ask me how I was doing. Sometimes that happens, but often I was simply reaching out with my thoughts to my accountability partner. I think there is something there I didn’t realize before.
When I ask for accountability, I am asking permission to repeatedly tell you about how I’m doing and giving you permission to respond accordingly. I love it when you ask me how I’m doing, but what I really need is permission to invade your time with what’s going on in my life and trust that you’ll respond in Christ-like love and wisdom.
This makes sense and puts it in a way I haven’t heard. While I have great men in my life who will encourage me and hold me accountable I cannot, should not forget who is at the heart of whatever it is (me). Thanks for allowing me to see I have to be at the heart of the solution…then others can remind me as needed.
This is good, and I love that focus of owning it!
V9 Who can say they have a pure heart? Honestly not me. But I feel the Spirit is continually at work purifying me. I am a work in progress and ready for the roller coaster.
My mentor and I used to have lunch every other week just to talk about stuff and visit. But like most things we slowly drifted apart as we are both “so busy”. Too busy to talk about Christ and our salvation or living a Godly life. What a slap to God’s face. I’m calling my mentor TODAY and we are going to fired up our lunch dates again. Forgive me Lord for being “too busy” to learn about the one who provides my very life.
Forgot to post yesterday, but fitness is also my goal, definitely need to lose some weight. It’s mostly around eating, rather than exercise, as I play hoops quite frequently. I know my bro will keep me in line if I proclaim it out, but I gotta own it too.
As a father I seem to remember the times I have failed my children more than the times I have handled things correctly. One of the things that is important to me is to apologize when I handle things wrong and not blame them for my reaction to something they have done. A couple weeks ago my children did say that I was very good at apologizing and not blaming them. At moments like that I realize that I am doing some things right as a dad. If you have children tell them often that you love them, gives them hugs and apologize when your wrong and you will have a life long good relationship with them.
Ready to own it.
Kurt is the name of my buddy in the Chicagoland area who is a financial advisor. I will speak with him this weekend and come up with a plan.
This is a tough challenge today. I’ve had accountability partners throughout my walk, but when I stumble, my initial reaction is to want to cut them off, so I can keep my sin hidden. Lord help me not do that, and find brothers who don’t judge but encourage me when I fall!
He made us and knows our thoughts and visions. Be a reflection oh him everyday
27 The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
In the context of accountability, the more I allow God’s Spirit to fill me the more likely I will be to become more like Him. Living in the Spirit versus living according to the flesh will bring about a purging of those things in my life that must go and replace it with the fruit of the Spirit that will take that place within me.
This works well, I have done accountability with other men and it does keep you in Check when you are tempted to sin.
18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
Accountability and advice. I/we really need to be there for each other.
I am owning my accountability by staying on course even when I am tired or not up to it.
v5 the purposes of a person’s heart is deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. This verse makes me think about my children and wife and those around me. What goes on in their hearts and minds I pray that the lord would give me insight so I can help to understand them better and be the husband and dad and person he wants me to be. Pray on brothers.
I had a small revelation this morning regarding accountability with what Vince said. I too often make a goal and then get frustrated when time goes by and my accountability partner hasn’t checked in to motivate me. I am realizing that I am not owning it. It is not their goal. I often let that frustration be the reason I stop working towards a goal. Thank God for his grace and correction! I pray now for the endurance to change this area of my heart.
I had a small revelation this morning regarding accountability with what Vince said. I too often make a goal and then get frustrated when time goes by and my accountability partner hasn’t checked in to motivate me. I am realizing that I am not owning it. It is not their goal. I often let that frustration be the reason I stop working towards a goal.
Thank God for his grace and correction! I pray now for the endurance to change this area of my heart.
Prov. 20:27
My spirit reflects my true values…that’s what inside of me and what God sees.
One value I want to have is the respect and prioritization of seeking wise counsel from God and his people. <Prov. 20:15, 18, 24)
I set a reminder to check in with Joe every Wednesday.
What drive us seems to reflect how we live !! Are we first looking to God and his direction through his word !! Many things in this world will distract us but not when we keep our focus on the prize that God promised!! Good luck Gentlemen
“Do not love sleep”…ouch. That speaks to what I declared. I know a healthy amount of sleep is necessary, of course, but I need to re-evaluate how I approach my need for sleep and a more disciplined schedule.
Prov.20:27 The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
I need to keep the oil full in my lamp so I can see what our Lord wants to illuminate for me on His path. Seek His wisdom and His understanding to keep my lamp oil full.
Own it!
This is a major shift in how I used to think about accountability, but it makes so much sense.
Completed
Proverbs 22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.
Heard a term Sunday called “pre-forgiveness”. In that, we need to walk in it so when someone lashes out or does something that annoys or wrongs you, you don’t immediately lash back and retaliate as you never know what is happening in their life.
Based on Proverbs 20:22, it may be a way of life.
27 The human spirit is the lamp of the Lordthat sheds light on one’s inmost being.
Proverbs 20:27 | NIV
You can not hide what is inside. You can mask it for a while, but if it is not the light of the Lord it will grow dark.
Proverbs 20:3 – It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
I am blessed to work at a place where I am free to pray with my employees and I have been counselling some of them based on this verse. Similar to Brian’s comments regarding Pre-Forgiveness. It all starts with The Word.
Verse 1 convicted me today. Meeting with a brother tonight. Pray that our conversation glorifies God.
So, just to practice owning it; Yesterday I cut my meals portion sizes down some. But to be honest, although my appetite is still present, I currently have a nasty sinus/earache/very sore throat, going on right now and it hurts to swallow. I’ll gladly take prayer for healing. No cardio workout yet, for same reason.
You can do it Brother !
Proverbs 20:12 Ears that hear and eyes that see- the Lord has made them both.
This verse stopped me today as I’m thinking about accountability. If we go through life in isolation we’re shutting off what God has in store for us. Over and over in Proverbs it reminds us to “listen” and “see”. God uses accountability partners to open up our ears, eyes and hearts to things we can’t recognize on our own. Thanks brothers for helping me see things that I can’t!
Yes!
Completed!
I need accountability but I’m praying for my two sons to have other Christian brothers who walk with them and are close to Christ. It’s important no matter the age.
Proverbs20-7……..The righteous lead blameless lives; (Trying harder everyday to be a better man)
blessed are their children after them.
A just man lives his Christianity. He walks in his salvation every day. He walks uprightly before the Lord. People have great respect for him because they know that he walks uprightly before God.
I have felt a little behind in this challenge, because my meeting with a Christian brother was pushed out, but that happens today. I asked a man I respect to mentor me. I’m not sure of what exactly that looks like, but I’m excited. Looking for learning in the 5F areas and being accountable to a purpose and direction are a good place to start.
You’re not behind. I’m meeting with a brother tonight for the first time tonight,too. God’s timing is perfect. Praying for you.
God please keep guiding me on your path for my life, that I would be satisfied and excepting of your never ending love and grace !
I thought I had an idea of what I wanted to change but have been convicted in another area. Its funny, even when we are learning and are in Gods word, we think for ourselves. Im glad I am in Gods word many times during the day so I can better understand when He decides to send me in another direction!
V28 “Love and faithfulness keep a king safe”…
And the queen of the house happy! Sorry for the paraphrasing. 🙂
The heart of a man God knows, we cannot live a Godly life if our heart has the desires of this world in it.
Declare and own it. It is up to me to do I I set forth to do. 13b open your eyes and you will have plenty of bread.
This process has shown me how important it is to have a Christian brother that can & will hold me accountable yet not judge.
We need to understand what is truly in our hearts and bring out what is deep inside. To live a Christ-like life. To honor Him.
5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
but one who has insight draws them out.
My Bible translation says, “Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.”
I struggle to connect and communicate with other people on a deeper level. My conversations are often awkward, short and very surface-level. Lord give me your wisdom and help me to ask questions that help me to connect with others and know their hearts.