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

What's In Your Mind For GOD - 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

Scripture of the Day

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

“What’s In Your Mind For GOD”

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

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It is amazing what things we will allow to enter our mind and fill our heart with fear . . . keeping our soul from rejoicing in the LORD.  Some folks can’t watch the news without becoming full of fear.  There are people who literally cannot leave their house because of fear.  We let the fear of speaking in front of others or being pulled out of our comfort zones keep us from living in the power and love of GOD.  The funny thing is this . . . each time we get over a fear of something, we think back and wonder why were we so afraid in the first place.  It is the same with our faith.  We allow ourselves to get so emotionally fearful, that once GOD has delivered us, we wonder how we could have doubted HIM in the first place.  But if our minds are set on JESUS . . . and if our minds are made up . . . to not give up . . . the spirit of fear will have no place.  You may have a decision to make today or in the near future, and the spirit of fear is keeping you from seeking the power and love of GOD (Remember, we don’t tell GOD how big our problem is, but we tell the problem how big our GOD is).  Some of us are wrestling with a choice in our relationship, job, and maybe even our faith because we lack a power and love of a sound mind.  Fear will cause us to doubt the power and love of the perfect FATHER and be a double-minded person, unstable in all our ways (James 1:8).

It is hard to live in a spirit of power and love, when our mind is filled with fear.  It takes a mind filled with GOD’s Truth to believe that “Where the spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17).  It is time to say goodbye to a spirit of fear and embrace the spirit of power and love.  What is in your mind for GOD today? Is your mind filled with HIS promises?

Here is a verse to meditate on for the rest of the day.  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8) Now this should give us a sound mind to focus on the good things of GOD!

Amen!

What's In Your Heart For GOD - 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV)

“What’s In Your Heart For GOD”

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel —  rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

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I did a search of the King James translation of the bible and found that the word “heart” appears 762 times.  That is a huge account of the heart.  Today, I truly understand what the writer was saying when he said, “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:10-11).  I don’t know about any of you, but this is where I am today!  No matter what your outer appearance is, GOD is looking past that.  No matter what your financial situation is today, GOD is looking past that.  No matter where you are in your daily relationships, GOD is looking past that.  HIS Word tells us in 1 Samuel 16:7 that the LORD does not look at the appearance or physical stature of a person, but HE looks at the heart!  What will GOD see when HE looks into your heart today?  As we continue to focus on What’s In It For GOD, ask yourself, what will HE see when HE looks into your heart!  Prayerfully HE will see the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, for this is precious in HIS sight!

P.S.  Let every room of your heart be available to GOD.  Invite HIM into the darkest, most embarrassing places of your heart, and HE will bring peace and joy!

Love Sincerely

What's In It For GOD - Psalm 34:2 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 34:2 (NKJV)

“What’s In It For GOD”

My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

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As GOD’s Word continues to inspire me through sermons, bible studies, conferences, etc.  I am so glad that the One source of reference is GOD HIMSELF.  No matter where the commentary comes from, we must all keep GOD as the center of our focus, our worship, and our lives!  During the past few weeks of quietness, GOD has been the “Center of My Focus”.  Although I have been going through a tremendous transition in my life, I thank GOD that HE did not let me stray away from HIS Word.

Often times we only do something for others when there is something in it for us.  It doesn’t have to be a grand return, but even if we can just get a little satisfaction for what we do, it makes it seem worth the risk or investment.  So even if we don’t yell it out before we do something for others, we often ask the question, “What’s In It For Me?”  Can you imagine if every blessing from GOD was hinged on that very question?  GOD knows that HE is not going to yield the greatest return of HIS investment from us, yet  HE continues to invest in our lives without the concern of What’s In It For HIM!  Now can you imagine that everything we did was motivated by “What’s In It For GOD!”

I know it has been awhile since I’ve shared a SOD, so no, I am not saying that GOD should expect something back from us every time HE blesses us . . . wait . . . yes I am!  Shouldn’t our FATHER in heaven be able to expect something out of us, for the things HE continues to do in our lives?  I mean, Salvation is freely given, but it is by faith that we believe and receive, therefore GOD expects us to have faith in our risen Messiah. We pray, “LORD if YOU never do another thing for me, YOU have already done enough!”, but what have we truly done for HIM?  This week, let’s focus on “What’s In It For GOD!”  What’s In our soul for GOD; What’s in our heart for GOD; What’s in our mind for GOD; What in our mouth for GOD; and what is in our hand for GOD!

Psalm 25:1 says, “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.” Our very existence is for GOD!  Let HIM be the Lover of your soul!  When people get a glimpse of who you are, is it evident of Who’s you are?  Let your soul say YES to HIS Will and YES to HIS Way!  Let your soul boast of the goodness of the LORD, that the humble may hear and be glad!