Devo, Lent

Affirmation

Day 5
ENGLISH
ENGLISH

He was still speaking when behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.—Matthew 17:5-8

Recently a well-respected man and I had coffee. As the discussion continued, there was a moment where he was very pointed with me about the ministry I have been leading over the past seven years. In a strong but gentle tone, he said, "I'm proud of you." Almost in disbelief, I replied to him inquisitively, "You're proud of me?" To which he replied, "Yes, you!" Still, in disbelief, I began to tear up in public. I reached for my eyes with my thumb and index finger working to dry the tears that welled in my eyes, but it was too hard to hold them back. I softly replied with a soft crack in my voice, "Thank you."

As I left the meeting, I reflected on why his words gripped me so powerfully. Was it the fact that my fatherlessness over the last two decades was aching to hear words like this from a father? Or was my respect for him so great that his approval just surprised me? Or was I having a down day and therefore more emotionally sensitive? Or was it merely the fact that I hear those words so rarely?

Well, I concluded it was all the above. And I have also concluded that those words are not only something we want to hear but need to hear. Notice that God extends these same words to his son, even though Jesus does not need them to fuel his performance — "Son, I love you, and I'm proud of you." As men, fathers, leaders, and husbands, we need to hear these words and extend them with power to others.

DO THIS:

This week we are focusing on the discipline of prayer.

  • Share: below, a person's first name that you need to affirm.
  • Pray: for 3-5-minutes, for this person.
  • Extra Credit: Send this person a text, email, or give them a call and tell them you are proud of them.
SPANISH
AFRIKAANS
DUTCH
CHINESE

⚡ Share That You Crushed Today's Challenge ⚡

lent-challenge-day-5 Vince Miller

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

526 thoughts on “Affirmation”

  7. Patrick says:

    I need to tell my oldest son Alex that I’m proud of him. He’s almost going off to college and I have been tough on him lately about grades and everything else when really he just needs to know the dad is proud of him.

    Reply
  20. Ed says:

    My nephew & “God son” Rob, who is recovering and turning his life around & renewing his relationship with his own dad.

    Reply
  46. Jesse Winger says:

    When I think about this it is really my eldest son that comes to mind. He is 6 years and needs to know he is valued.

    Reply
  55. Eliot Duncan says:

    Great reminder! I just texted my son and let him know how proud I am of him. He has come out of a difficult time and has shared his story to help encourage others!

    Reply
  62. Marquis says:

    Andre, I Have to Say despite the current situations and What You’re going through, I’m Proud of You!!! I Love You, even if others do or don’t, Will or won’t!

    Reply
  68. STEPHEN Donmoyer says:

    I’m proud of my sons in which they have grown in the ways they past year. My oldest completing goals through college as well as be successful in his job. My youngest son has been overcoming struggles with a separation involving 3 children. He has reflected true composure in very hard times.

    Reply
  96. Corey says:

    My wife and all 5 of my children! They have done so well with this last year and have grown spiritually even being out of church for a portion of the time!

    Reply
  99. Chad Husted says:

    my teenager Brandon. He’s such a great young man and I don’t tell him enough how much i love him and am proud of the man he is becoming.

    Reply
  112. Michael Mahony says:

    I am proud of my friend Bob who has overcome a dysfunctional family to become a great husband, father and friend.

    Reply
  138. Tom MacLeod says:

    My son Stephen has had a lot of hard hits in his life with jobs and relationships. He has steadfastly walked now for 7 years with these hardships

    Reply
  164. Kevin Magee says:

    After completing the exercise this morning, I immediately reached out to both of my children to tell them first, I love them and secondly, to tell them I am proud of them. Two things I should do more frequently. Thank you Lord for the reminder!

    2
    Reply
  175. Darren says:

    My dad. He has always given so much. It is important for him to know how much he is appreciated for all he has done for our family.

    1
    Reply
  187. Carl says:

    My Wife Chris. In a Pastors teaching I was in he stated “People do not understand the power of appreciation”. This is so true that we do not show appreciation enough.

    Reply
  188. Shawn says:

    I am proud of my wife Melissa and my daughters. They have brought so much joy to my life, even when things are not going well. Thank You Vince and Thank You God!

    Reply
  213. Candido Garcia III says:

    Father, continue to bless my Dad in which I am so proud and well pleased!
    Thank you, Jesus!

    Reply
  214. Benjamin says:

    Joshua, Jehovah is generous, Jehovah saves. You have a wonderful name that reminds us if the lord. Your personality creates laughter in all of us. You even joke about the unspeakable. You are brave, funny, and strong. Proud am I to be able to call you my strong brother.

    1
    Reply
  215. Denny says:

    Proud of all 5 of my adult children but my youngest has the biggest heart for the Lord I have ever seen. I will affirm Jason today.

    Reply
  219. Joshua Standfest says:

    Dad i’m proud of you and all the hard work you have done for this family and for brien and issabel even it may seem like the hardest thing ever at times i’m proud to call you my father

    1
    Reply
  222. Mark says:

    Phil, my brother. You have battled addictive behaviours for most of your life, thus far, and I see you really pressing into God for strength to overcome. I’m proud of you!

    Reply
  231. Peter says:

    Hey men, I’m going to tell my dad im proud of him. Praying for each of you and im proud of you for doing this devotional with me at whatever pace you are moving at. Press onward Men of God!

    Reply
  235. Brad says:

    Sorry for another late entry but I will be caught up today. I have 3 names, Noah, Josiah, Micah. My boys you can be a handful for little boys but no matter how much I have to correct your behaviors I am proud of the people you are slowly becoming. I can see your love and passion when we are outside the home.

    Reply
  237. Charles says:

    I have a son in prison because of his behaviour. I believe its time for me to forgive him and let him know how much Iove him.

    Reply
  245. Chad Husted says:

    my teenage son Brandon. He’s such a good kid that I take him for granted sometimes. Since I starve for such affirmation, I bet he will be blessed to hear it from me more often. thanks for the idea. I’m on it!

    Reply
  249. Edgar Tolentino says:

    I would like to affirm my Sister in-law, Betsy Camara for sharing the good news with me 40 years ago.

    Reply
  258. Chad P. says:

    Thanks for sharing Vince, the blessing is something we need. The blessing of a father to his son is beautiful, and the blessing of God to his children is unto eternal life. It is the blessing that we receive that keeps us going today and motivates us to continue steadfast for tomorrow.

    Reply
  266. Gordon Schlegel says:

    The one person who needs affirmation the most is going in a direction that cannot be affirmed in any honest way.

    Reply
  268. Eddie Ackerman says:

    Jim, leader of Truth & Training (3rd and 4th graders) at AWANA in the local church. Despite not being able to meet in person for AT LEAST the next two weeks, he scheduled a live teleconference event in its stead. I was unable to attend tonight, but will try to attend next week.

    Reply
  277. Brian says:

    Jennifer, I’m proud of the wife and mother you are. The degree to which you give of yourself to ensure your family is taken care of is truly a blessing to see and a tangible glimpse of the Christ-like servant mindset we should all seek to model in our lives.

    Reply
  278. Nathan Riley says:

    Their is something about a when my stepdad would say something, expressing he was proud of me. A fathers love- how much more amazing is it to think about our Heavenly Father saying one day, well done, son.- This is something i have to remind myself of, storing up treasure where they belong, and cultivating a sense of gratitude in the Lord that results in ernest seeking His face each day, knowing that he loves me.

    1
    Reply
  282. Pete says:

    I’m proud of the Christian men Dan Brian and steve. That have brought me into their fold. They are straight forward and quick to action when I stray from the path. Thanks guys

    Reply
  285. Cory Bullock says:

    Davin Morris, He has helped me though so much and has been there for me constantly. He is challenged with hardships right now and I am proud of how he is handling himself. I am blessed to be surrounded by so many great men!

    Reply
  296. Eelco says:

    I find it really difficult to think about a person to affirm.
    So I will pray God to open my eyes to do this.

    Reply
  297. Doug says:

    I am so blessed to have had a father who said these words to me on many occasions, and I still make of point of saying them to my grown sons (as well as my daughter!). In fact, after reading this, I just FaceTimed my oldest son and told him that. The fact that my Lord and creator says them to me still amazes me.

    Reply
  299. Dave says:

    John…you are an amazing friend, father, and business partner. I’m proud of you and I love you brother.

    Dave

    Reply
  303. Ross Peterson says:

    I’m proud of Tim Krivikkis for taking his relatively new Christian faith and working compassion ministries in our community in the name of Jesus! I have a long list of other Community men I could add too!

    Reply
  311. Tim says:

    It’s hard to limit to one but I’ll single out Jonathon Haage. Jonathon we have seen you grow, always loving God, always respectful, but always challenging the individual to dig deeper, to love fuller, and to produce more/better fruit. Yes, Jonathon I’m proud of you!

    1
    Reply
  320. Chris Keeper says:

    Tony, I’m proud of you! Your a rock, steady, firm but loving, caring protecter of your family! I’m proud to call you my Brother!

    1
    Reply
  327. Charles says:

    Our earthly fathers do help mold us and most of us are guilty of not telling our family how much we love them. My dad is gone now, but if you have a family member that you have not said I love you to for awhile, today might be a good day. Don’t forget, God likes to hear that we love Him too.

    Reply
  328. Jacob Michael Lamen says:

    I’m proud of everyone in this challenge, stretching their minds to become better disciples of Christ to serve him and spread the good news.

    Reply
  329. T Gloe says:

    Thank you God the Father for Your Son. I will improve to give praise when it is due just like Your example to us.

    Reply
  334. Jake C says:

    My dad Mike. He never knew his father yet raised me and brother in a good Christian home. I’m a prodigal son who without the prayers of my mom and dad wouldn’t be where I am today with my walk with Christ

    Reply
  338. Tom Cullen says:

    I am proud of my son Thomas, I am proud of my wife Cyndi as hard as she works to keepto keep her RN’s safe and a head of all the illness out there I am proud of my daughter Katie mental illness is a battle I am proud of my G-baby Sammi

    Reply
  344. Jake says:

    I need to affirm my brother in Christ, Joel. Tell him I am proud of him for fighting sin so resiliently and obeying God’s Word. I will pray for him right now and see him this week to tell him that directly.

    Reply
  349. Kenneth McClatchey says:

    Never having an encouraging word from my father, I fully understand the emotional impact these words spoken in love and truth can strengthen and affirm us all.
    Thank you Father God and Lord Jesus for that affirmation.

    Reply
  358. Dal Atwal says:

    Words are strong, they carry rich emotions for me also. Like when you read the Biblical record verses carry a sense of truth, and weight that GOD is there for us, if you allow HIM to mold you from inside to the outside.

    Reply
  364. Michael says:

    I strive to marvel at how encouraging words can be. It’s easy to focus on the negative, but through God, I can praise and encourage the positive in others and build up instead of tear down.

    1
    Reply
  365. Danny says:

    this is a great CTA! I actually struggled w/ this after my mother passed away when I was 26 (I am 44 now)… the majority of what I did was to make her proud and I got the reaffirmation up into that point..: so I get the need to give affirmation and also receive it from time to time. Thanks for this reminder and biblical truth.

    Reply
  366. Dave Benson says:

    Brennan

    Once we realize the level of love and admiration the Father has for us, it will be natural to express it to others in our life.

    Reply
  370. Pastor Mark says:

    I am grateful to Vince for his courage in sharing this experience and being open about his feelings!

    And I’m proud of all of the men of Community Church who have been doing this 30 Day Lent Challenge to grow in their faith!

    1
    Reply
  373. John says:

    Tom. Sequestered at home I feel more connected with my brothers in faith sharing our relationship with Jesus, thanks Vince for your efforts.

    Reply
  376. Bryan F Doyle says:

    I’m proud of Jim, Larry, Dave, Richard, Eric, and Gary. I’m proud of you for the support you have shown as I took over leadership of men’s group. It was a bit scary for me, but I’m proud of you showing up every week, participating, and supporting me. You are a group of exceptional men!

    Reply
  384. David Steinquist says:

    Affirmation and compliments are extremely hard for me to receive. I really do not like recogntion of any kind and i do know why. I need to rest in the fact that God affirms me daily.

    Reply
    • Jeff says:

      I seldom miss an opportunity to tell our three sons that I love them and very proud of them.
      I don’t know what it does for them but it does wonders for me.
      My own father has passed away years ago. I didn’t hear those words from him. But I loved him and respected him anyway and told him that. Words are so powerful. I want to build up rather than tear down with my words.

      Reply
  388. Lewis Thompson says:

    Well, I have two men that I’m going to mention that I need to tell them that I’m proud of them. Lewis and Brandon.

    Reply
  395. Mark Roehl says:

    In keeping with “Men in Black” character names. Agents J, B, and A. These are 3 guys that I respect and appreciate.

    Reply
  397. Stephen says:

    Prescott, you’re doing an amazing job, I’m proud of how you are handling everything you have going on, and I’m proud to call you my friend.

    1
    Reply
    • Prescott Conley says:

      Stephen, I am truly blessed to have a friend such as yourself. I appreciate you and I’m proud of you as well for you growth and strength in your life especially as of late.

      Reply
  398. Bryce says:

    Eric- I’m proud of the Godly and passionate person you’ve become during your journey. It’s amazing to see God’s work 1st hand and to witness how families and friends transform right before my eyes. Keep the faith and perseverance.

    1
    Reply
  407. Troy Theye says:

    My good friend Todd from my new church in Orlando. He always knows when I am hurting. He prays for me continuously. We have crossed paths several times unintentionally and that makes makes me proud with his effort in the word of God, his Godly intentions always, and his continuous effort in being a man of God.
    “And Yes Vince I am proud of you as well, as a leader in the whole of Resolute……..I have been “ALL IN” since day one when I was introduced and couldn’t do Life without it….or you. Trying to keep this intensity going in Florida that came from Minnesota.
    God Bless and Thank you!

    Reply
  412. Dan says:

    I’m proud of my dad. Over the last year I’ve heard him speak about trusting God more in the middle of difficult circumstances-especially for a guy, I’ve heard him singing to God on his free time, he has led me in prayer any times when we’ve connected, and my mom has expressed her pride in his leadership on several occasions in private to me. I’m so grateful for his example of trusting God and leading his family!

    Reply
  417. Jim says:

    A couple of days ago I shared my greatest challenge was how to parent my teenage son, Luke. I need to remember in the midst of my frustrations with him, that I am also proud of how far he has come in overcoming his own challenges.

    Reply
    • Ray says:

      I have had a similar situation with my son who is now 29. One of the things that I have done for over 18 years is sign every text, card or letter with- Love dad. Matt 3:17. It was my way of affirming him and speaking what is not as though it is. God has brought him an awful long way. Keep the faith.

      Reply