Men's Devotional Day 2

A Kingdom Man Aims for the Goal

Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.

—John Wooden, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

My son Jonathan is a big guy who has played in the NFL. When he was young and five-foot-three, he asked me to come to the gym and watch him dunk the basketball. He had been practicing for months. Jonathan dribbled and dunked. I offered abbreviated congratulations. Then I turned to the athletic director and pointedly told him to raise the basket back up to where it belonged. Impatient to grow taller, Jonathan had lowered the goal.

Men, God has a standard. He has a goal. His kingdom is that goal. Yet so many have lowered His standard only to congratulate themselves for being able to dunk the ball. The results of this lowered standard, though, affect us all. It shows up in our country. In our culture. In the economics of our world. It takes only a cursory glance around our homes, churches, communities, and globe to uncover that many men have missed the goal to live as kingdom men.

That must change.

The apostle Paul said, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win” (1 Corinthians 9:24). 

We must run to win. We must raise the standard to where God originally placed it. We must define manhood as God intended it to be.

In what areas of your life have you lowered the goal?

Are there any pursuits or possessions that have distracted you from the standard of God’s kingdom?

What scripture can serve as your reminder to pursue God’s kingdom today?

Prayer

God, today I commit to pursue Your goal, Your standard, Your kingdom. Refocus my vision and strengthen my determination. Amen.

Remember gentlemen we want to be finished with at least the 1st 2 chapters of your book by our next meeting , which is a week from Saturday. 

Here are my reflections from yesterday's devotional:

Who is your favorite movie character? What about him inspires you?     Captain James T. Kirk      He was a man of action, and although he didn't always get it right...he made a difference. He made waves.

How would your current life play out on the big screen?    Hmmm well i believe it would be a combination of several types of movies.  Comedy, action, overcoming odds, and recently being a sellout...A total sellout for GOD.  

What treasure will you fight for today? How?   My family, and those who need someone to fight for them... Now the second part of this is different for me...I no longer rely on what i come up with...no my friends...i let GOD direct my actions...and i pray He does the same to my tongue. Words are so important...and although they can be regretted they are never able to be taken back. Guide my steps Lord, and continue to unveil Your plan.  In Your name i pray Jesus ...Amen. 

Please feel free if you are lead, to share you devotional thoughts.   Be Blessed