Prayer Request

Men, one of our brothers is scheduled for a job interview tomorrow (16 Jul 13) at 10am.  Please lift him and all other men who are in need of employment.  I will be reading the following scriptures during his scheduled interview time.

Psalm 37:3-8

 ³ Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. ⁴ Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. ⁵ Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. ⁶ He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. ⁷ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. ⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.

Proverbs 3:3-6

³ Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, ⁴ And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 16:1-3

¹ The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. ² All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. ³ Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.

3 John 1:2

² Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

 

Rejoice In HIS Blessings

Bro Marvin

Day 8 - Integrity (Psalm 34:4-7)

I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.  They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.
(Psalm 34:4-7)

 

 

Many times our greatest fear is failure.  If you think back, most of the things you never tried to do was because you didn't want to fail.  I have never met a man who was afraid of trying hard, but I have spoken with hundreds of men who are afraid of failing.  They are afraid of failing themselves, their family, and GOD.

 

Remember this, "Failure is a stepping stone to success, not a sitting room for hopelessness".  Don't magnify your fear to the size of impossibility when Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:26 that "... with GOD all things are possible."

 

This quote says it best, “Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But Fear is a choice.”

 

Men, it is time for you to Face Your Fear(s).  A Christian man of integrity has not been given the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7)

Men, don't ask GOD to lead you to a safe place; ask HIM to lead you to the right place!  It is very seldom these two places are in the same location!

Day 7 - Integrity (Colossians 1:15-16)

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

(Colossians 1:15-16)

Day 7 focuses on purpose!  Have you asked GOD what your purpose is?  I find it beneficial to live a life of integrity when I feel a sense of purpose.  When you start to understand GOD has a purpose for you . . . man!  Notice I did not say when you know what your purpose is, but as soon as you realize GOD has a purpose for you, things will began to change.  You will wake up every morning knowing that GOD has something for you to do "This Day!"  I have learned that the only thing I need to know about my purpose is "This Day!"  Therefore my prayer always includes, "... Dear GOD, whatever you have for me This Day ..." 

Here is the bottom line, GOD created you and everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible for a reason.  Think about it . . . if GOD has a purpose for the very dust of the ground, don't you think HE has a purpose for you, whom was created by the dust of the ground!

This Day, may be the first day that you recognize that GOD has a purpose for you, so walk a Purposeful Life of Integrity!

Here is how GOD gave me the desire to fulfill my given purpose each day.

A man was walking a long road and he felt he was not achieving anything, nor could he feel a sense of purpose in this world.  So he shouted to the heavens, "GOD, what is my purpose!"  As he continued to walk, he kept asking GOD to let him see his purpose.  Was he going to heal someone with the touch of his hand or save a life?  Maybe he was going to lead 5,000 souls to Christ in one sermon!  At this point, it didn't matter to the man.  What every his great purpose in life was, he wanted it to start now!

GOD finally spoke to the man's heart and told him to pick up a small piece of paper, but the man continued to walk and petition to GOD what his grand purpose was.  The very next day, GOD told the man to pick up the small piece of paper, and again the man ignored the command because, he didn't want to deal with the scraps, he wanted to know what his great purpose was.  Day after day, GOD told the man to pick up the small piece of paper, and the man continued to refuse.  As always, GOD did not give-up, so the man was going to give-in!  The man finally pick up the small piece of paper, then GOD continued to command him to pick up the other scraps of paper.  Before long, the man realized that once he picked up the pieces a page was created.  The more pieces, the more pages, until he had a chapter!  The more pieces, the more pages, the more chapters, the more volumes.  The man soon realized that it was the small things that lead to the great things.  He realized that he had to fulfill every purpose given by GOD.  You can't just walk around waiting for the grand purpose! You must fulfill every purpose GOD has for you each day!  That man in this story is me!  It wasn't until I realize GOD's purpose for me is in every moment of the day, and not just for one moment of a life, I began to enJOY not knowing my full purpose.  I am blessed to know that HE has a purpose for me!

Dear GOD,

I know You woke me up with a purpose!  It may be to smile, hug, or give a kind word.  It may be to save a life.  Whatever it is that You have for me This Day, please let me fulfill the purpose You have created me for.  It is in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen!

Day 6 - Integrity (Proverbs 4:23-27)

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:23-27

 

The condition of your Integrity is determined by the direction of your thoughts.  If your thoughts are pleasing to GOD, then your integrity will be of good standing.  It is often said that the words from an angry mouth today, were the thoughts of a hateful heart yesterday!

 

Your thoughts must focus on GOD!  With all your thoughts and actions, ask this question, "What is my motive . . . what is GOD's intent"  If both of them line up together, then you know that you are headed in the right direction.  However, when they do not line up together, then you know that your motive is wrong.  When that happens, you should pray for GOD to re-focus you. 

 

You must focus your thoughts, prayers, and energy on GOD and His Son.

Day 5 - Integrity (Proverbs 21:1)

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Proverbs 21:1

 

 

Christian man, you are a leader!  It can be in your home, on your job, at your church and even at school for some of our younger men.  Now, don't think you have to actually hold the highest position on your job or at your church to be considered a leader.  Every man that follows the way of the Lord is a leader.  Give GOD your heart and HE will make you a great leader!

 

Leadership is the art of influencing others to do willingly what is required in order to achieve a particular goal.  A leader has to balance "Doing things right" as well as "Doing what is right."  The easy way to look at this is, "Doing things right" is process-focused and "Doing what is right" is people-focused.  As leaders, you must have Integrity.  In life, you will have to make some tough decisions that may not be popular.  It may seem like you are the only one standing for what is right, but just remember, Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and courages.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your GOD goes with you; HE will never leave you nor forsake you"

 

Integrity Thought: When it comes to leadership, an original version of yourself is far better than a weak imitation of someone else.  Ask yourself this question, "Would I follow my own lead?"

 

Dear GOD,

 

Thank You for reminding me that I am a Christ-centered leader.  Help me to lead by integrity and set the example for others to recognize Your glory.  Help me to recognize my God-given leadership style so that I may be effective in the building of Your kingdom.  In Your Son's name I pray and give thanks! Amen!

Day 4 - Integrity (Matthew 18:21-22)

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:21-22)

 

 

I once read that "Life is an exercise in forgiveness"  If you keep on living, you will have an opportunity to forgive or not to forgive.  As you continue to focus on Integrity, you must understand that forgiveness is much more that an action of the mouth, but it is a condition of the heart.

 

I should have started this day of Integrity off with, "It is hard for us to forgive in the flesh!"  Always has, and it always shall be.  But when mankind did its worst against GOD, HE still forgave.  That is because it can only be done by the Spirit of GOD!  We cannot forgive in the flesh, but by the Spirit of GOD we are forgiven and we can forgive.

 

 

Integrity Builder:  Make a list of the people you need to forgive.  From that list, pick the person who has hurt you the most, and lift them up in prayer.  Lift them up with a heart of integrity unto the Lord.

 

It is going to be very hard for some of us. Remember, "Don't let the pain of hurt harden your heart, but let the Love of GOD remove the pain of hurt from your heart"

 

 

Dear GOD,

 

First I am reminded that You forgave me when I was still your enemy.  It was by Your Love that I am forgiven, so I ask that You give me the strength to demonstrate that same love towards those who have hurt me.  Although my mind may never be erased, please let my heart be emptied of the fleshly desire of revenge and be filled with the Spirit of forgiveness.  I cannot demonstrate this type of forgiveness on my own, so I submit myself to You and Your will.  Let the words of my mouth be generated from my heart that "I forgive", in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ! Amen

Day 3 - Integrity (Matthew 21:22)

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Matthew 21:22

Prayer is an indispensable weapon for every battle.  Your life is not a destination; it is a journey that unfolds day by day, therefore you should be seeking the guidance, direction and counseling of The Creator day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second . . . breath by breath! 

We must understand that “Integrity” is not a skill.  It is not something you can buy and put on like a suit.  It is the very person you become.  It is truly a gift from GOD!  With each breath we must pray for GOD’s intervention and we MUST believe and know that we will receive.  GOD promise that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).  So be a man of integrity in your prayer life!

And remember, it must be a Prayer Life . . . not a moment of prayer!  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of GOD in Christ Jesus for you.”

Integrity Reflection:  It may be hard a first, but choose a day this week and begin a conversation with GOD first thing in the morning and make a conscious effort to communicate with HIM until you go to bed that same night.

Prayer is a reverential conversation with GOD that becomes a Holy communion with your Father in heaven.

Day 2 - Integrity (Matthew 6:33)

 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

 

 

Since our devotion is on "Integrity", let's be honest!  Is GOD your first priority?  Are you seeking the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness?  Are you truly putting GOD first in everything?  Do you take every decision, desire and request to HIM before you take action?  Many of us would say "Yes" I put GOD first . . . but let me ask you this, "How close are your 2nd and 3rd priorities?"  GOD must be a distance-first!  Nothing should come close.  It should be clear to others by our integrity that GOD is our first priority! 

 

Sort the following priorities by the most important to the least important.  Feel free to add a few of your own!

 

 

GOD     Education     Job    Family     Church     Recognition     House     Car     Truth     Life



Day 1 - Integrity (Psalm 1:1-3 - NKJV)

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 1:1-3

GOD must be your first-line integrity partner, then you should partner with a fellow brother in Christ as your secondary integrity partner.

Of the 49 qualities/Attributes of character, select at least three that you would like to improve and lets see what happens in 100 days!  There is a short description of each quality/attribute.

I selected Cautiousness, Flexibility, and Virtue.

1 Alertness

Being aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right responses

2 Attentiveness

Showing the worth of a person or task by giving my undivided concentration

3 Availability

Making my schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve

4 Benevolence

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

5 Boldness

Confidence to say or do what is true, right, and just

6 Cautiousness

Knowing the importance of right timing in accomplishing right actions

7 Compassion

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

8 Contentment

Realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions

9 Creativity

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

10 Decisiveness

The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions

 11 Deference

Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of those around me

12 Dependability

Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice

13 Determination

Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition

14 Diligence

Investing all my energy to complete the tasks assigned to me

15 Discernment

Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen

16 Discretion

Recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences

17 Endurance

The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best

18 Enthusiasm

Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort

19 Faith

Confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield the best outcome, even when I cannot see how

20 Flexibility

Willingness to change plans or ideas without getting upset

21 Forgiveness

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding a grudge

22 Generosity

Carefully managing my resources so I can freely give to those in need

23 Gentleness

Showing consideration and personal concern for others

24 Gratefulness

Letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life

25 Honor

Respecting others because of their worth as human beings

26 Hospitality

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and friendship with others

27 Humility

Acknowledging that achievement results from the investment of others in my life

28 Initiative

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

29 Joyfulness

Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions

30 Justice

Taking personal responsibility to uphold what is pure, right, and true

31 Loyalty

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to those I serve

32 Meekness

Yielding my personal rights and expectations with a desire to serve

 33 Obedience

Quickly and cheerfully carrying out the direction of those who are responsible for me

34 Orderliness

Arranging myself and my surroundings to achieve greater efficiency

35 Patience

Accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline to remove it

36 Persuasiveness

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

37 Punctuality

Showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at the right time

38 Resourcefulness

Making wise use of what others might overlook or discard

39 Responsibility

Knowing and doing what is expected of me

41 Security

Structuring my life around that which cannot be destroyed or taken away

41 Self-Control

Rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right

42 Sensitivity

Using my senses to perceive the true attitudes and emotions of others

43 Sincerity

Eagerly doing what is right with transparent motives

44 Thoroughness

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words, if neglected

45 Thriftiness

Allowing myself and others to spend only what is necessary

46 Tolerance

Accepting others at different levels of maturity

47 Truthfulness

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

48 Virtue

The moral excellence evident in my life as I consistently do what is right

49 Wisdom

Making practical applications of truth in daily decisions

100 Days of Integrity for Men - Proverbs 2:20-21 (NKJV)

So you may walk in the way of goodness, And keep to the paths of righteousness.  For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it;

Proverbs 2:20-21

Christian Man,

Webster dictionary defines "Integrity" as a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values: Incorruptibility.  The Biblos dictionary defines the word as moral soundness; honesty; freedom from corrupting influence or motive; uprightness.  Here is the bottom-line on integrity . . . it is the state of "Doing what is true and just, even when no one is looking"  Integrity is a very important aspect of your life!  For the next 100 days, we will study scriptures covering the importance of integrity from a biblical stand point.

This 100 day devotional is not just limited to the Christian Man!  This devotional is for any man who desires to walk in truth as a man of integrity.  May you be blessed from day one to day 100!

Dear GOD,
Help us to grow in every aspect of our lives.  Help us understand and appreciate the aspect of integrity.  Give us the strength to remain faithful and open to this 100 day devotional study.  May our reward not only be for ourselves, but also for our family, friends, relationships, jobs and so much more.  We honor the opportunity.  It is in the name of Your Son, whom had integrity beyond reproach! Amen