Vital Men Devotions

All too often we are busy. Go go go is all we think. Once we finish this task we have another to get started on. Then there come those times when we think to ourselves “next week will be better, it will slow down and I will rest”. That happens right? It slows down and you finally catch up on that rest you need? Usually not. For some reason we as people have a hard time just sitting and relaxing any more now days. You hear people all the time saying “last week I worked ___ hours” and someone else chimes in saying “I’ve done that for the past two months”. As if it is a thing to brag about.

Psalms 39: 6 “…..all our busy rushing ends in nothing”

The thing that most people don’t see is who and what is suffering in the background. Usually it is our families, friends and loved ones that suffer. They are the ones that are missing the time spent with us because we are working, or having to get up early to get to work so we need to get to bed early thus skipping time with them.

Business does not lead to Godliness….. We over burden ourselves often in our church lives as well. How many times has something been going on and we feel that we need to be involved with it, have some sort of hand in the happening, whether it be a project in the church, an event, or a group. We feel like we have to be part of it. God asks of us to give him our burdens, and we will find rest in Him. Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

I had this the other day at church as well. We were looking at a project for a railing and there were three guys besides me looking at it and two of them decided that they would do the metal work and the other said he could do the wood work. I stood there for a second trying to figure out how I was to be involved, almost with this I need to do something so I can say I did something in my mind. After I thought a second I realized that everything was looking good and would work out fine, but if I tried to squeeze in somehow I would just mess up the flow. I stepped back, and said, sounds good guys let’s do it. Sometimes when we try to have a hand in everything all we end up doing is having a hand in helping to make everything more difficult or helping it fail.

I have heard the saying when working on designing machines, etc. that it cannot be a Swiss army machine. This is referencing the fact that Swiss army knife can do a lot of different things, but it cannot do anything really well. I like to apply this in my everyday life as much as I can, but still need to remind myself occasionally.  I need to remind myself that I can do a lot and not do any of it well, or I can focus my attention on a few select things. If I were to try and get involved with everything that happens at church, then keep things running at home and at work, eventually it will be too many places for me to be at once and all of them will suffer.

It is very hard, but I have found myself stopping and asking God to show me what He wants me to do and to focus on. Most of the time we scurry about trying to accomplish so many things to please those around us, ourselves and hopefully God somewhere in the process. The one that our actions should be pleasing the most is usually the last that we think about, God.

The past couple days I have had to spend time at home resting for medical reasons. They have been two of the best days I’ve had in a long time. I was requiring time to recharge my batteries and get some calm relaxing time. Usually I’m one of the people who only takes a day off if I have some projects that need to get done, not to rest and relax like I should. I hope that everyone finds the needed time to rest as I have. I didn’t have any meetings to attend, no pressing issues at work, nothing to worry about but me resting and relaxing.

Men, in the coming week try to find time to rest and recharge. Remind yourself that you don’t have to do everything right now and you don’t have to be involved in everything. Being over involved can lead to being under effective. Give your time to the Lord, let him lead you to the things that He desires for you to give precedence to in your lives. Psalm 37:5 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” May you find rest in the Lord and may His will be enacted through you!

One Live to Impact Many,

Brandon V.L.

This may seem a little odd, but I believe, even with this little thing, that the Holy Spirit meant for both Clark and I to right about little things.  I had this laid on my heart early in the week and did not speak of it to anyone, then I wrote it on Wednesday night.  Much to my surprise when I awoke yesterday morning, I saw that Clark’s devotion was similar to mine, with the exact title as mine (I only now added the word ‘More’).  Somehow, and only God knows why, but we heard the same thing.  I pray that through this little thing, those that need to hear this, are truly open to hearing.  When something has a double confirmation, I believe it is of greater importance.  Please hear, this is the Holy Spirit’s doing and not Clark or myself.

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Do little things matter?  Fresh cut grass or the smell of lilacs on a spring day.  The sun peaking through the clouds when it is cool or a smile from a stranger.  A car just washed or a fresh hair cut.  Birds singing. Little things…  The smell of something new or pictures on a wall.  A firm handshake to close a business deal or a hug from a friend.  Kind words or a kiss from the one you love.  Little things… A small light in absolute darkness or the sound of quiet.  A breeze on a hot summer day and a shade tree.  Friendship and family or laughter.  A good night’s sleep. Little things…

‘O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.’ (Psalm 139:1)

Do you ever consider if the little things we do or say really matter to such a huge God?  Things like a harsh word to the person who just cut in front of you as you approach a red light (though they cannot hear you).  Maybe it is that mumbled expletive spoken as you leave your bosse’s office after he gave you some correction.  How about taking office supplies home for personal use or leaving a few minutes early from work though you are paid for those unworked minutes.  What about the sinful things we do we are completely unaware of?  Little things…

‘But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.’ (Psalm 19:12-13)

I have mentioned multiple times before, but I cannot help but be in awe when I look into the clear night sky.  I am amazed by its vastness and I am left to wonder just as the psalmist wrote…

 ’When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?’ (Psalm 8:3-4)

We are so small in comparison to the universe and it pales in comparison to the magnitude of our great and wonderful God.  When He created the universe and everything in it, this amazing God said ‘it was good’.  But when He created us, he said:

“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness… So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them…God blessed them… God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:26-31)

God chose to make us in his own image.  Not the stars or planets or the fish in the sea or any other living creature.  He chose humans.  If that is not enough to cause your jaw to hit the floor, I don’t know what will.

Vital Men, little things do matter to our magnanomous God.  Scripture tells us that He hears our prayers and that every hair on our head has been counted.  Jesus taught us to pray for the little things – ‘Give us this day our daily bread…’.  So, as you go about your days, pay attention to the little things and offer them up to God to with a smile.

Be encouraged,

Steve

Was there a message you heard when you were younger that turned out to have a big impact on how you live now?  Was there something that you saw happen that forever changed your impression of someone, for better or worse?  Maybe there was a choice you made that didn’t seem that big of deal at the time that turned out to forever guide how you live.  Whatever the scenario, the little things we say or do can turn out to be much bigger than we thought.  We see it in the news almost weekly where a poor choice by someone in authority leads to the downfall of their career and/or personal life.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Psalm 139:23-24

Why do little things bother us so much?  Little traits and habits about others (or even ourselves) that get under our skin and irritate us beyond what they should.  How do we combat this?  Choosing to be kind to someone who wrongs you instead of insulting them.  Choosing to let someone go ahead of you instead of cutting them off.  Giving a little extra for someone instead of ignoring them.  Being patient with someone who is a little slower than you would like.  I find that I can do 40 things right through the day and mess up on 3 things, and it is those few things that stand out in my mind…that remind me of how imperfect I still am, of how much work God can still do in my life – He’s not finished with me yet.  He’s not finished with any of us if we allow him to work in our hearts and through our lives.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Romans 12:14

A few weeks ago, Cory wrote about his admiration for the Underdog, and the bible is full of examples of individuals overcoming despite facing overwhelming odds.  What David vs. Goliath type of story do you like to share with others?  When I was younger and first started reading the bible every morning consistently, I noticed a pattern of how my day and attitude went when I did have a reading and when I didn’t.  Honestly, it was remarkable how different each day was, which beforehand I would probably blame on some random thing.  Knowing that my day was established better through scripture, there were days, and still are, that I don’t get a reading in, and it affects me.  Shouldn’t this be a motivator to me?  How quickly I forget.

This past weekend, I opened my house to three young men I had never met before.  They are college students from another state working in the area for the summer and I am familiar with the organization they are working through, so there is some degree of understanding their intentions, despite not knowing them personally.  Before their arrival, I had to clean out one bedroom, which had been used as a store room in which boxes of things had accumulated.  After hauling several things out to other locations, it appeared somewhat acceptable.  Later, one of the students mentioned that he had found a significant amount of cash under one of the beds.  I thought he was kidding, as I didn’t recall losing this, but he said it wasn’t his, which is a good statement to his character.  This made me question what I would have done (and did years ago) in a similar situation.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.  So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?  And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?  Luke 16:10-12

How are you doing with all that God has given you?  Do you feel blessed or shortchanged?  Whenever I get grumpy, wishing something was different, I just need to stop, take a look at all that God has done and is doing in my life, and be grateful.  Then instead of discouragement and resentfulness, I look to the future with optimism and hope, which is better for me and so many others in my life.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33

So, what little thing can you do today that may make a big impact down the road for yourself or others?  Does investing a few minutes in the Word seem worthwhile to you?  Is there someone you should call or visit that you have been putting off because of whatever excuse you believe?  Can you make time to Pray?  Is there a relationship in your life that is failing because of mutual pride or selfishness?  You might be surprised at how a little difference can make a big difference.

Strength and Courage in Christ,
Clark

“The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” 38 times in the Bible is this famous phrase was used.  It should have been Abraham, Isaac, and Esau. But that is another story for another day. These are the fathers of our faith and are ALL screwed up guys.  There sin was recorded for all time.

Jacob seemed to be the biggest screw up of all.  Jacob deceives his father and steals his brother’s birthright. His brother is going to kill him so he runs away.  While running away he happens to meet up with his cousin, Rachel, and kisses her.  They get engaged and on their wedding night, Jacob gets so drunk that he marries Leah instead. He works seven years and marries Rachel too. Now he is married to two women! 2x the trouble wow!!!

Now comes the kids… He has 3 kids with both wives and has 6 more with both of their maid servants. Now we have 12 kids between 4 women.  That sounds like a bad episode of the Jerry Springer show.  VITAL MEN IS NOT ENDORSING THAT SHOW!!! This is one jacked up story! Now these 12 children from this dysfunctional family are the well known 12 tribes of Israel. One of these 12 brothers sells another into slavery. All of this is the fruit of Jacob.  What a screw up!!!

Now Jacob has a new beginning. Genesis 32
happens… Jacob hears his brother is coming for him and he is freaking out! He meets a random man in a random field and starts to wrestle him.  Later you find out that it is God wrestling Jacob. God gives him a new name.  Jacob means “deceiver” and his new name Israel means “God fights.”  Jacob has done nothing to deserve God to enter his story and God does it anyway. He gave Jacob a new identity and declares to all history he is a new man.

This is our story.  We are all broken and have majorly screwed up.  We have done nothing for God to come into our story and before we were ever born He did anyways. You were not even born yet to do anything to make God enter your story.  When I talk to men about God and church, I hear “I need to clean up before I can show up.” That is not the case… We are all “Jacob.” Screw ups… And despite ourselves and our continued sin, Jesus loves us and calls us to just come as we are let him into our story.  He wants to give us a new identity and a new name! Let Him lead you vital men…

Brandon Sereg

We all see the world differently. There are those that are blind or color blind, can’t smell or hear; all senses combine and relate to bring your world to life. We often take it for granted. The amazing part is that the entire world could look at a stone and come up with millions of ways to describe it. That’s why your opinion, your view of the world is important.

But there are specific lenses that we view the world through. This lens is formed through trials and tribulations, successes and achievements. It is what makes us all unique and respond to situations differently.

Imagine walking into a house that is for sale with a group of people that  hold different jobs.
The carpenter would notice small details of corners, trim, and placement of nails.
The DNR specialist may pick-out the scent of pets or the furs and mounts on the wall.
The business lady would be caught crunching numbers in her head for costs and budget.
The author might scope out a cozy corner to read and write in.
The stay-at-home mom would notice child hazards and room for activities.
Everyone sees life differently.

What classifies our life outlook even more are the things that have happened to us. We form a lens to view the world through according to what we have experienced–both good and bad.

The 13 year-old girl battling for individualism with her parents, the overweight high school boy, the single mom who has no money, the man who was abused as a child, the old lady who lost her husband 30 years ago, they all hold a different perspective of how life works. Some hold optimism while others live in pessimism.

A flaw is that we don’t care about other people’s stories, where they’ve been and what they’ve had to go through. But why should we care–we may only meet them once or they aren’t worth our time anyways, right? The apostle Paul says in Romans 12:9 to “let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” But how often do we let evil rule our lives and dictate our view of the world and others? We need to look through a lens of love and goodness, seeking those things in all that is on this earth.

Because when our lens is filled with dirt and grime, clouded by fallacies and cracked by lies, we tend to take it out on others, too. And if you do view life through a lens of love and goodness, we need to be tending to other people’s lenses, not just letting them live as they do. Most often, they have become so used to their diluted lens that it is normal to them–imagine how their life would change if they had a clear lens!

I drew up this picture below because I couldn’t find anything else like it, so bear with me. It helps explain how people react to the negative and positive occurrences in their life and end up forming a bad lens to look through. (click on it to view a bigger size)

Always remember that for you and others:
1) As the chaos of life happens, we form emotions from the positives and negatives that come our way.
2) Whatever the occurrence, it stirs inside us, preparing for a reaction, which may be good or bad
3) We output a reaction that is directly linked to something that happened in step 1.

If we can understand this process, we can understand why people act the way they do and through what lens they view the world. Everyone is grumpy, happy, sad, lonely, thrilled, or energetic because of a previous happening that is feeding into them. It is understanding this process that will lead us to change our lives and change the world.

Vital Men Challenge: Through what lens are you viewing the world? How is it affecting your life? Did this article help in understanding how many of us and those around us operate? If so, will you leave feedback and thoughts in the comments below?

Love Loud,
Cory Nikkel

Matthew 8:2-3 Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him, “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.

How would a man be able to live in a society that forced him to live in isolation? The cries that would come out of peoples mouth would say, “Unclean!” “Unclean!” This man’s story is recorded in Matthew 8:1-4. He lived with the infectious disease of leprosy. He was considered unapproachable and was to be left untouched. What a way to live out the days of your life.

Now as we read in the story that Jesus was not a man who was unapproachable. He was there to meet human needs with real people, clean and unclean. He saw the heart of this man and had compassion for him. He didn’t walk away or step aside from this man or his disease. The man came up and asked a question of healing and Jesus says, “Be healed!”

Leprosy is also an illustration of sin and how it spreads through the body and eats it away. Sin in our lives does the same thing. Like leprosy it invades our spiritual life and causes decay and puts us in isolation from intimacy with Jesus just like the man with the disease. We too need the touch to be healed.

I can only imagine what this man felt after Jesus touched his body and healed him. We read in Scripture the two things Jesus tells him to do. In verse 4 he tells him first to not tell anyone. Why would Jesus say this to him? I would think this man would want to jump and run through the streets and head straight home and show his family. It doesn’t say, but maybe Jesus didn’t want the crowds to be pressing on him all the more. Maybe he simply wanted the man to know that he was his Healer!

The second thing Jesus tells him is to go to the priest and show him so that he might examine him and take an offering with you. I’m thinking what does this matter? Jesus wanted the man to see the Law of God was still in place and that he was now a clean man with a New Ending. The leprosy was now gone and he has a second chance on life and Jesus gave it to him. You see Jesus gave this man a miracle and freedom to live again.

What New Ending are you needing today? Has the disease of spiritual leprosy invaded your body and you need a miracle and a touch from Jesus today? He’s still in the business of giving men, “A New Ending!” We just have to ask him and he will heal you of the sin that is in your life and restore you in fullness with him. Yes men, He is still willing.

I like this month’s theme: Anyone can start today and make a new ending. We don’t have to start over in life. Remember Vital Men, there are no do over’s in life. We have one life to live, so make it a Vital Life with Christ. Stay the course and have a great week.

Strength and courage,

Mike

Philippians 2:3-5; 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Too often we believe that everything is about us. It’s hard to admit, but it is true. Most decisions we make are driven in some way by our own selfish desires. Have you ever seen someone do something and then look around with that “did anyone see me just do that” look? People naturally want to be recognized for their actions. If someone saves their employer money, they expect to be recognized for it. The same is true in our lives as Christians all too often as well.

Many people go to church believing that everything there is intended to serve them. That church is almost a place that you go and the people that work there are meant to do things for you and that is it. We walk in the door almost expecting to be greeted by name, someone to show us our seat, the pastor to preach a sermon that will hit us every time, and for someone to thank us for coming. We are so wrong in thinking this. Why should we feel the need to be thanked for coming and attending something that is a gift for us? That would be like you giving a gift to someone and them expecting you to say thank you for letting you give it to them.

It is an unbiblical principal to attend a church and not participate in the serving that the church does for God to the world. He give us all we have, our families, our friends, everything. It is right to give him praise. It is not about what we have done, but what He is doing. It’s not about us and our selfish desires, it’s about Him and His plan for us. The “church” is not a place that we go to be served, but rather the community of people that we serve with. We are not called to be consumers we are called to produce light in a world of darkness for our Lord!

Psalm 119: 36.Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!

Our goals should be to serve Him and His glory, not ourselves to see how much glory we can attain. Should we give up and say I don’t want to do better in my life? To not go for the promotion, to try and out do ourselves? No, but we do have to be careful that we aren’t doing the things we are to get the “look at what I can do” attention. Everything we do should have the goal of serving Him and helping those around us. There are few feelings that are better than when you can help someone. Sometimes this means being the best at what you do so you have the knowledge to do so, but don’t forget where your abilities come from.

Over the next few weeks ask yourself when you are doing things, am I doing this for me, or who? Try to make sure that if you are doing something that it is, in some way, helping those around you. If you are taking a class, are you doing it so you can do a better job and help someone if they are struggling with it? Also, when you are helping someone, watch yourselves and make sure that you are keeping a humble attitude, not throwing it in someone’s face that you know more than they do. Be humble in all you do, for your strength does not come from any kind of arrogance.

One life to impact many,

Brandon V.L.