reading

HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS

EUGENE, OREGON

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Cover design by Knail, Salem, Oregon

Cover photo © Nicklas Blom / plainpicture / Matton

15 MINUTES ALONE WITH GOD FOR MEN

Published 2014 by Harvest House Publishers

Eugene, Oregon 97402

www.harvesthousepublishers.com

ISBN 978-0-7369-5389-4 (pbk.)

ISBN 978-0-7369-5390-0 (eBook)

Barnes, Bob.

15 minutes alone with God for men / Bob Barnes.

p. cm.

ISBN 978-0-7369-1083-5 (pbk.)

1. Men—Prayer-books and devotions—English. I. Title.

II. Title: Fifteen minutes alone with God for men.

BV4843.B37 1995

242'.642—dc20

94-44254

All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any other—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The authorized purchaser has been granted a nontransferable, nonexclusive, and noncommercial right to access and view this electronic publication, and purchaser agrees to do so only in accordance with the terms of use under which it was purchased or transmitted. Participation in or encouragement of piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of author’s and publisher’s rights is strictly prohibited.

Dedication

To the various pastors, coaches, businessmen, and fellow journeyers who have contributed to my Christian walk. Though you are far too many to mention by name, I have been blessed through the years by your guidance, love, and example.

I especially want to dedicate this devotional to my son, Bradley, his two sons, Bradley Joe II and Weston; my two other grandsons, Chad and Bevan Merrihew; my son-in-law, Bill Whitney, and my grandson-in-law, Pat Ianni. You certainly contribute to the goodness of my life! May you all stay near to God so that He will impact your lives in a mighty way.

Contents

Dedication

From Bob

Time for God

God’s Man for Life

What Your Kids Need to Hear

“I’m Too Busy Sawing”

Knowing God’s Love

The Call to Unity

Rejected by Men

The Minimum Daily Requirement

A New Heart

God Will Provide

A Five-Cent Cone

Not on Your Permanent Record

Marriage Preservation

Dealing with Rejection

When Mamma Ain’t Happy, Ain’t Nobody Happy

In His Steps

Acceptable in God’s Sanctuary

“Honey, Please Take Out the Trash”

A Tough-but-Tender Warrior

Knowing What You Need to Know

Wisdom: Learn What the Bible Says

Have I Ever Seen a Christian?

A Friend Who Prays

Three Loves

Harmony in the Home

We Do What We Want to Do

God’s Rewards

Know Your Children

The Language of Love

There’s Something About that Name

A Child of God

Wise and Loving Discipline

“I Didn’t Believe It Anyway”

Finding Favor in God’s Eyes

Speak Out!

Live for Today

The Roots of Humility

Under Orders

Be Still

Stories to Share

The Heat of Life

Being a Friend

Your Most Important Decision

Reining Your Tongue

“I’m Special Because…”

Questions and Answers for Life

The Way Up

The Master Potter

Using Your Talents

Stewardship at Home

A Treasure in Jars of Clay

Your Wife, Your Friend

The Guy Who Drew the Line

For the Traveling Man

A House Divided

What Do Women Do All Day?

The Los Angeles Marathon

What Happens When We Die?

A High Calling

Meet Sergeant Major Pestretsov

Finding Contentment

It All Starts at Home

Getting Back to the Table

It Has an Off Button

What You Teach

Wisdom’s Source

The Blessing of Relationships

Will You Be the One?

Humbled and Blessed

Trading Our Thoughts for His

Planning Your Days

Notes

About the Author

About the Publisher

From Bob

Each decade introduces new challenges for men. We now find ourselves faced with more distractions, temptations, diversions, and opportunities than ever. So plentiful and frequent are the choices spinning in front of us, that many of us struggle to get off the merry-go-round long enough to spend time with God. The absence of that important time can lead to a life of hurried decisions, anxious thoughts, and uncertainty—even fear—about our future and our purpose.

One thing I’ve learned during my lifetime is to be purposeful in all I do. There are so many choices that seem good, but they don’t energize me to become the man God created me to be. How wonderful that we can choose to pause and refresh our minds, thoughts, spirits, and hearts by asking, “Why am I here on earth? Who does God call me to be?”

My hope is that your identity as a godly man will become clearer and more compelling as you spend time immersed in these readings, key Scripture verses, prayers, and action steps. The material in this devotional is designed to challenge and encourage you in your spiritual journey by daily reading Scripture and meditations built around the verses. It takes twenty-one days to develop a new habit. And unlike many of life’s distractions, this habit—this choice—can transform your life, marriage, relationships, perspective, and faith in amazing and eternal ways.

Let’s begin together.

Bob Barnes

Time for God

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 116:1-2

KEY VERSE: Psalm 116:2

I will call on [the LORD] as long as I live.

You know you should spend time with God each day, but have you ever really considered what God wants to give you during those daily times with Him? The apostle Paul wrote, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NASB). These—along with guidance, wisdom, hope, and a deeper knowledge of Him—are what God wants to give to us, His children. Think about each item in Paul’s list. Which of us doesn’t need a touch of God’s love, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control in our life?

“But,” you say, “who has time? My to-do list is always longer than my day. I run from the time the alarm goes off in the morning until I fall into bed at night. How can I possibly find time to do one more thing? When could I find even a few minutes to read the Bible or pray?” Let me answer your questions with a question: Are you doing what’s important in your day—or only what is urgent?

People do what they want to do. All of us make choices, and when we don’t make time for God in our day, when we don’t make time for the most important relationship in our lives, we are probably not making the best choices.

God greatly desires to spend time alone with you. After all, you are His child (John 1:12; Galatians 3:26). He created you, He loves you, and He gave His only Son for your salvation. Your heavenly Father wants to know you, and He wants you to know Him. The Creator of the universe wants to meet with you alone daily. How can you say no to such an opportunity?

I know people who spend hours commuting on the California freeways and use that time to be with God. I used to pray while I was driving an hour between home and work. Now that our children are raised and our home is quiet, I find mornings—before the telephone starts to ring or I get involved in the day’s activities—are the best times for me to be alone with God. And I love getting to church early and having 10 or 15 minutes to open my Bible and think upon God’s thoughts. Despite the distracting talk that is often going on around me, I use this block of time to prepare my heart for worship. (In fact, I believe if more members of the congregation devoted time to reading Scripture and praying for the service beforehand, church would be more meaningful for every worshiper.) Although the times and places where we meet God will vary, meeting alone with God each day should be a constant in our lives. After all, we are God’s children, and like any good father, He wants to spend time with us.

“Okay,” you say. “You’ve convinced me. I need to be more regular in my time with God—but exactly what should I do when I’m alone with Him?” I suggest that you read and meditate on God’s Word for a while (devotional books like this one can help) and then spend some time in prayer. Talk to God as you would to your earthly parents or a special friend who loves you, desires the best for you, and wants to help you in every way possible. Here are a few suggestions:

• Praise God for who He is—the Creator and Sustainer of the universe who is interested in you, His child (Matthew 10:29-31).

• Thank God for all He has done for you, for all He is doing for you, and for all that He will do for you in the future (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

• Confess your sins. Tell God about those things you have done and said and thought for which you are sorry. Remember that He is “faithful and just and will forgive us our sins” whenever we confess them (1 John 1:9).

• Pray for your family. Pray for friends and neighbors who have needs—physical, emotional, or spiritual. Ask God to work in the heart of someone you hope will come to know Jesus as Savior. Pray for government officials, for your minister and church officers, and for missionaries and other Christian servants (Philippians 2:3-4).

• Pray for yourself. Ask for God’s guidance in the day ahead. Ask Him to help you do His will and to arrange opportunities for you to serve Him throughout the day (Philippians 4:6).

Time with your heavenly Father is never wasted. If you spend time alone with Him in the morning, you’ll start your day refreshed and ready for whatever comes your way. If you spend time alone with Him in the evening, you’ll go to sleep relaxed, resting in His care, and wake up ready for a new day to serve Him.

Remember too that you can talk to Him anytime, anywhere—in school, at work, on the freeway, at home—and about anything. You don’t have to make an appointment to ask Him for something you need or to thank Him for something you’ve received from Him. God is interested in everything that happens to you.

Father God, thank You for the privilege of prayer—and forgive me for taking it for granted. I want to spend time with You each day. I want to know You better. I love You. Hear my adoration, my confessions, my thanksgivings, and my supplications. Help me to live according to these desires despite all the demands I feel. And teach me, Lord, to call on You in every situation throughout the day. Thank You that You are always within the sound of my voice and always only a thought away. As I pray, help me be genuine with You, unconcerned about eloquence or impressive speech. Remind me to pause and listen to what You say to me. Amen.

Taking Action

If you aren’t already spending time with God each day, decide today that you will give it a try for one month.

Tell someone of your commitment, and ask that person to hold you accountable.

Read and pray Colossians 1:9-12 each day this month.

Reading On

Galatians 5:22-23

John 1:12

Matthew 14:23

Galatians 3:26

Luke 5:16

1 Peter 5:7

Lord, make me an

instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred,

let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not

so much seek to be consoled

as to console;

to be understood

as to understand;

to be loved

as to love;

for it is in giving

that we receive;

it is in pardoning

that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying

that we are born to Eternal Life.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

God’s Man for Life

SCRIPTURE READING: Job 1

KEY VERSE: Job 1:22

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

A landholder, rancher, and community leader, Job was one of the most respected and influential individuals in the entire region. Still, his number one priority was his large, active family. Despite the tremendous demands on him, he always had time for his children. They were never an interruption. And a person couldn’t talk to him very long without him pulling from his wallet a favorite picture of his troop. He was always eager to tell you about each of them. This wise man knew that his most significant legacy wouldn’t be his possessions or his bank accounts but his sons, daughters, and grandchildren. As a man living in the present but with a vision for the future, a man of God, a man whom God had greatly blessed, Job caught Satan’s eye.

As the Lord holds court in the heavenlies, He asks Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8).

Satan shrugs and replies, in effect, “Of course Job is close with You. Who wouldn’t be in his position? He’s got all the advantages. You handle him softly and protect him. Just try taking away a few of his precious toys and then see what he does. He’ll surely curse You to Your face” (verses 9-11).

For reasons unknown to us, God gives Satan some freedom to do what he wishes to test Job’s faith. God does set limits, but even with those limits Satan causes Job to experience great loss and immeasurable pain. In a quick series of catastrophes, Job loses his business, his wealth, his health, and all 10 of his children. But still Job worships God. Then, with God’s permission, Satan afflicts Job’s body. At this point, Job’s wife tells him to curse God and die (2:9). Would Job remain a man of God or would he reject the God who had once so richly blessed him? Is Job a man of character or a fair-weather follower of God?

Job remained God’s man! By doing so, his life offers us many valuable lessons. One of these is the fact that things on the outside can be taken away from us, but no one can take away those things on the inside—our heart, our character, our soul. We can throw these away by turning from God and following after false gods, but no one can ever rob us of our heart and soul when we’re committed to the Lord. And no one can take the character we develop as a result of our commitment.

So what will you do when the things of life are taken away from you? What will happen to your inner man? Will you stand strong in Christ? Will the loss purify and strengthen your character or will it break you?

We know that Job’s trials strengthened his character, and people still talk about the patience of Job. But Job demonstrated more than these. He shows us a faith in God that has staying power and is able to endure to the end. As today’s key verse says, “Through all [his losses and suffering] Job did not sin nor did he blame God” (Job 1:22 NASB).

And how does our faithful God respond to His people who have faith in Him? Read Job 42:10-16. May this passage give you hope when the circumstances of life bog you down. You can rejoice in the Lord in all situations and give thanks in whatever challenges that come your way because you know God is your faithful Redeemer.

Father God, thank You for all that You teach me through the life of Job. Thank You for showing me that my faith in You has staying power. May my life reflect the endurance of Job in whatever comes my way. Remind me to not measure my life by outward success; instead, help me see the internal as much more important. I want to make choices that preserve the character You’re developing in me.

I pray that You, merciful God, will spare me from the kind of testing Job underwent. If I am to be tested, help me find strength in You. As I trust You with my life, increase my confidence that You know what I can handle and will not allow circumstances to overwhelm me. With You on my side, I can handle whatever comes my way. And when the trials are over, I know I will have grown even more into the person You want me to be. Amen.

Taking Action

List five commitments you’ve made in your life, and then answer the questions.

How are you doing with these commitments?

Which ones, if any, have fallen by the wayside? Why?

Are you satisfied with your progress? Why or why not?

Now list 5 blessings and thank God for each one of them.

Finally, list those areas of your life that are giving you difficulty. Thank God for each one because these struggles promote spiritual growth.

Reading On

This week read the rest of the book of Job. Reread this book whenever you feel you’re being tested and need encouragement and hope.

What Your Kids Need to Hear

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 127

KEY VERSE: Psalm 127:3

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.

Oh look, Daddy, I catched it!”

“That’s my boy. Now get ready; here comes another. Make me proud and catch this one too.”

“Look, Daddy, I’m only eight years old, and I can throw faster than anyone in the league!”

“But your batting stinks, Tiger. Can’t play in the big leagues if you can’t hit.”

“Look, Dad, I’m 16, and I already made the varsity team.”

“You better do a little less bragging and a little more practicing on your defense. Still need a lot of work.”

“Look, Father, I’m 35, and the company has made me a vice president!”

“Maybe someday you’ll start your own business like your old man. Then you’ll really feel a sense of accomplishment.”

“Look at me, Dad. I’m 40, successful, well-respected in the community. I have a wonderful wife and family—aren’t you proud of me now, Dad?”

“All my life it seems I’ve caught everything but that one prize I wanted most—your approval. Can’t you say it, Dad? Is it too much to ask for? Just once I’d like to know that feeling every child should have of being loved unconditionally. I’d like for you to put your arm around my shoulders and, instead of telling me I’m not good enough, tell me that in your eyes I’m already a winner and always will be no matter what.”

“Look at me, Daddy. I’m all grown up… but in my heart still lives a little boy who yearns for his father’s love. Won’t you pitch me the words I’ve waited for all my life? I’ll catch them, Father, I promise.”¹

Do your children know you love them? Do your kids know unconditional acceptance? Are your kids winners in your eyes—and do they know that? Our children need to know that Mom and Dad really love them. They long to hear us say, “I love you, and I am very proud of you.” And they need to know of our love for them even when they…

• yell and scream in the grocery store

• have temper tantrums in the restaurant

• wear strange clothes

• have funny haircuts and oddly colored hair

• use vulgar language

• run away from home

• do poorly in school

• run around with friends we don’t approve of

Often they are using behaviors like these to ask indirectly, “Do you love me?” What are they hearing from your reaction?

A good friend’s son was not into sports like his dad desired. Instead, he was into motocross racing. When the parents went to see their pastor, the dad asked what he should do. The pastor said without hesitation (and not surprisingly), “Take up motocross!” Predictably, the dad said, “I don’t like dirt, grease, motorcycles, the people who ride, sunburns, or the long days at the track.” To this the pastor replied, “Fine—but how much do you love your son? Enough to get grease on your hands and clothes?” The following week our friend was off to the local motocross event with his son. They were soon very involved with dirt, grease, and people our friend would never have chosen to spend his weekends with. But through these actions, this father showed his son that he loved him.

Your children are a gift to you. The psalmist calls them “a heritage from the LORD…a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3). What are you doing to show your kids that you love them?

Father God, teach me to show my kids that I love them, and prompt me to tell them with words too. Help me be creative, unselfish, and willing to do things with them that aren’t necessarily my first choice. Raising kids is a tough job, Lord. I need Your help. Amen.

Taking Action

Write each of your children—whatever their ages—a note to let them know how much you love them. Be specific about a few things you love about them.

Spend some quality, one-on-one time with each of your children this week. Ask them what they want to do and then do it!

On next month’s calendar, schedule another date with each child.

Reading On

Psalm 127:3

Psalm 128:1-3

Proverbs 16:24

Proverbs 18:10

“I’m Too Busy Sawing”

SCRIPTURE READING: Exodus 20:8-11

KEY VERSES: Exodus 20:9-10

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God.

On it you shall not do any work…

In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, author Steven R. Covey tells a story that reflects the need for rest, renewal, and reawakening in our lives.

Suppose you come upon a man in the woods feverishly sawing down a tree.

“You look exhausted!” you exclaim. “How long have you been at it?”

“Over five hours,” he replies, “and I’m beat. This is hard.”

“Maybe you could take a break for a few minutes and sharpen that saw. Then the work would go faster.”

“No time,” the man says emphatically. “I’m too busy sawing.”

To sharpen the saw means renewing ourselves in all four aspects of our natures:

Physical—exercise, nutrition, stress management;

Mental—reading, thinking, planning, writing;

Social/Emotional—service, empathy, security;

Spiritual—spiritual reading, study, and meditation.

To exercise in all these necessary dimensions, we must be proactive. No one can do it for us or make it urgent for us. We must do it for ourselves.²

Can you identify with the man sawing in the woods? I can. I know how hard it is to stop sawing even though I know that taking a break will help me come back stronger. And you may be a lot like me. But I’ve learned to take some breaks—and you can too.

In today’s “Taking Action” section, you’ll find some ideas for what to do when you stop sawing. Some of them may sound so good they’ll help you put the saw down! When you do—when you take time to renew yourself—you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands and stresses of life.

Like all of His commands, God’s command to keep the Sabbath—to take time for rest—is for your own good. If you’re tired, and weary, and maybe even fearful of what will happen if you put down the saw; if you’re uptight, tense, and short-tempered, you’re ready for renewal and reawakening. Take the risk and see what happens.

Father God, I’m often overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. It often feels like I just don’t have time to stop sawing. Living a balanced life seems like an unreachable goal. Help me. Teach me moderation. Show me balance. Amen.

Taking Action

Here are a variety of suggestions for finding refreshment. Take a risk! Stop sawing, and see what it’s like to live a life that’s more in balance.

Physical

• Get a massage or take a sauna.

• Exercise regularly—walking, jogging, playing racquetball, swimming, and so forth.

• Read a book on nutrition and change to healthier eating habits.

• Take a stress-management class.

• Take a walk on a beach, by a lake, or along a mountain trail.

• Plant a garden.

• Walk or run in the rain.

• Volunteer for United Way, the Cancer Society, or the Heart Association.

• Help a friend in need.

Mental

• Listen to good music.

• Read a good magazine or book.

• Find a spot for meditating and reflecting.

• Spend some time alone.

• Write a letter to an old friend.

• Write out goals for the next three months.

• Enroll in a class at a local college.

• Think of possible changes to make in your life.

• List everything for which you’re thankful.

• Learn to play an instrument.

• Memorize a favorite passage of Scripture.

Social/Emotional

• Have a good cry (yes, men cry).

• Have breakfast or lunch with a friend.

• Spend a day doing anything you want.

• Spend a quiet weekend with your wife just to regroup. Choose someplace close to avoid a long drive.

• Visit a friend.

• Make a new friend.

• Volunteer at a school, hospital, or church.

• Help a friend in need.

Spiritual

• Read the book of Psalms.

• Meditate on Scripture. Read a short passage and think long and hard about it.

• Read a book by a Christian author.

• Join a men’s Bible study.

• Visit someone at the hospital or nursing home.

• Examine your motives (are you self-serving or serving others?).

• Listen to inspirational music.

Now add your own ideas to each of the four lists. Learn to take a break and take care of yourself. God knows the importance of rest. He gave us the Sabbath, and He calls us to be good stewards of the body, mind, and spirit He gave us. It’s more than okay to take care of yourself—it’s essential!

Reading On

Matthew 22:36-40

Exodus 20:2-18

Knowing God’s Love

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

KEY VERSES: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I vividly remember one momentous evening when Emilie and I were sitting on the couch in her mother’s living room. I gently took Emilie’s face in my hands and said, “Emilie, I love you, but I can’t ask you to marry me.” She was stunned. She couldn’t understand why two people who were in love couldn’t get married.

As I looked into her eyes, she asked, “Why not?” I answered firmly but gently, “Because you are not a Christian.” Very innocently she asked me, “How do I become a Christian?” From that moment she began to consider whether Jesus might actually be the Messiah her Jewish people had long awaited.

After several months of seeking answers, Emilie prayed one evening at her bedside, “Dear God, if You have a Son, and if Your Son is Jesus our Messiah, please reveal Him to me!” She expected a voice to answer immediately, but God waited a few weeks to reveal Himself to her. Then, one Sunday morning, she responded to my pastor’s challenge to accept Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. That evening she was baptized!