Called to be Like God: A Prayer

by Ken Boa

O God, you are Lord of heaven and earth, and all things come from You and through You and to You. When You spoke the cosmos into being, You remained the infinite and personal One who is forever distinct from Your created order. You alone are God, and we are Your people who have been granted the immense dignity of being created in Your glorious image. You have called me to be like You in my thinking, my choosing, and my desires and emotions. By Your grace I want to emulate Your character and nature so that I will draw nearer to You. I know that sin and rebellion against Your benevolence only leads to pain, alienation and estrangement in my relationship with You and with others. I want to be content with all You have called me to have and to be, knowing that Your pleasure is my highest good.

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Southside Men’s Midweek Devotional: Becoming Faithful Men

I just started reading Gene Getz’s book, The Measure of a Man: 20 Attributes of A Godly Man. I immediately thought that this is something I would love to share with the men of our church family (and a few extras as well). As book after book (as well as human experience) seem to remind us, boys are rapidly growing up in this world without learning what it means to be a man… even fewer understand what it means to be a godly man. Too many are having to make it up on the fly… with disasterous results.

Therefore, I thought I would share some of the insights that I’m gleaning from the book and pass them on to you, with a few extra items that I hope will be a blessing to you. If your email box is already too full  as it is, you can opt out of this weekly devotion by clicking the link at the bottom of this email.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12)

The first chapter of the book is a broad overview of everything that Getz will be looking at throughout the rest of the book. The chapter is entitled, “Becoming Faithful Men.”  That’s a key topic as well as an important title. You see, we aren’t born faithful. Just the opposite, in fact. We are born fallen in sin, broken, and far from God. If we’re blessed to be born and raised in a Christian family, we may come to know God earlier in our lives. However, regardless of our background, growing in our faith is a lifelong pursuit. As you can imagine, if our goal is “Christ-likeness,” then we all have a LONG way to go! So I like the word “becoming”, because it highlights the idea of process… not product. We are works in progress (superintended by God himself (Philippians 1:6), and our goal is to continue moving in a Christward direction throughout the course of our entire life.

The word becoming also emphasizes focus and intentionality. No one grows into a godly man by accident. It happens on purpose or it doesn’t happen at all. The Scripture above from Philippians 3:12 captures this idea. The Apostle Paul is laboring and straining to reach the goal of maturity in Christ (i.e., godliness or holiness). It’s an everyday and “on purpose” process that requires nothing less than God’s Spirit working in and through us to give us the will, the strength, and the direction to grow in grace. We won’t grow in our faith apart from the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, and yet, the Holy Spirit won’t do the work for us. We have to participate in the process.

Finally, Getz uses the word “Faithful” to describe the kind of man he has in mind. Then, borrowing from 1 Timothy and Titus, Getz puts together a list of what we might call the marks of spiritually mature (godly) manhood. Here’s his list…

• a good reputation
• maintaining moral purity
• balance in words and actions
• being wise and humble
• serving as a good role model
• demonstrating unselfishness and generosity
• communicating sensitively in a non-threatening and non-defensive manner
• not being addicted to substances
• not being a self-centered and controlling personality
• void of anger that becomes sinful
• not an abusive person
• non-argumentative and non-divisive
• a sensitive, loving and kind person
• non-materialistic
• a good husband and father
• a good testimony to unbelievers
• pursuing godly activities
• wise, discerning, non-prejudiced, and fair
• holy and righteous
• not a new Christian

Can anyone say they’ve already arrived? Anyone doing perfectly with this list?

Over the weeks to come I hope to look at each one of these headings and offer some thoughts and reflections from Scripture regarding what these characteristics might look like in our lives and how we might, in Paul’s words, “obtain them.”

I’d like to share this closing prayer from Ken Boa…

Faithful Father, as I reflect on the redemptive history recorded in the narratives and oracles of Scripture, I see so many surprising setbacks and breakthroughs. The wisdom of Your Word invites me to view events and circumstances with a long-term perspective. When I only look at the short-term, I get muddled, confused and doubtful, because I allow my immediate circumstances to shape my understanding. But when I contextualize the events of my life in the long-term, I can see that You are indeed causing all things to work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. Teach me to affirm that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to Your children in Christ.

I hope this “midweek pick-me-up” has been a blessing to you. Have a great rest of your week.

Your Brother in Christ,
Dale

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Exchanged Life Spirituality, Part 1

Grasping our Identity in Christ with Ken Boa

 

2012-07-22 Sunday School, Ken Boa Part 1, Exchanged Life Spirituality from Christ Church of Atlanta on Vimeo.

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Vocation: A Biblical View of Work (Lifelong Learning)

Part of my ministry focus is working with folks, particularly men, who are seeking to faithfully understand and follow God’s call in their lives. This search naturally and rightly leads to a discussion (and often, even a study) on discovering one’s overarching purpose as well as their unique vocation.

Here are two really helpful online video classes on the topic of vocation… our calling from God and how it relates to our “work.”

1.) A Biblical View of Work by Ken Boa (a couple of the videos aren’t presently working, but hopefully those glitches will be corrected by the time you get to those particular videos.)

• Lesson 1
• Lesson 2
• Lesson 3
• Lesson 4
• Lesson 5
• Lesson 6
• Lesson 7
• Lesson 8
• Lesson 9
• Lesson 10
• Lesson 11
• Lesson 12
• Lesson 13
• Lesson 14

2.) A Theology of Work by Gerry Breshears at BiblicalTraining.org

Here’s a description of the course…

We are created in God’s image and God invites us to be co-workers with him. By developing and using the spiritual gifts God has given us, the tasks we perform when we work have eternal significance in themselves. We also have opportunities to interact with our co-workers, promote justice and enjoy times of rest.

Both teachers and courses are superb. I’ve been blessed by what I have learned for my own edification as well as what I might pass on to others with whom and to whom I minister.

Blessings,
Dale

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Learning to Pray

If I had a dime for every book on prayer that’s out there, I could retire tomorrow. Responding to this deluge of materials on prayer, Donald Whitney wrote that the surest way to learn how to pray is simply… (are you ready)… to pray.

There’s a great deal of truth in that counsel. Very often we spend so much time learning how to do something or reading all about it that we fail to ever get started doing it.

And yet, I have found it helpful to listen to those wise spiritual directors who have not only thought long and hard about a topic (in this case, “prayer”), but who have also maintained a life of faithfully practicing what they preach. I have found Ken Boa to be such a person.

A few years ago I purchased his “Handbook to Prayer” ( you can click here to order it) and have found it very profitable in my own prayer life. Ken is always quick to say that such a book is meant to be a tool… or better a servant to help you in your prayer life. Never let it become your master. It’s important to protect yourself from self-imposed legalism. That’s good advice that I have attempted to pass along as well.

If purchasing another book that you’re not sure you will ever look at is the last thing you want to do, you can subscribe to Ken’s daily email which includes selections from his various prayer guides. Below is part (only part) of what will come to your email box each day if you choose to sign up for it. It’s a less expensive way to help you in your prayer life as well as a very convenient one.

However, I highly recommend getting the book. I have given it to a few people and have heard many positive things about how it has aided them in their prayer lives. As always, if I can ever help you in your spiritual journey, don’t hesitate to let me know.

Blessings,
Dale

Adoration

O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below; You keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their heart. (1 Kings 8:23; 2 Chronicles 6:14)

I know that You alone, whose name is the Lord, Are the Most High over all the earth. (Psalm 83:18)

Pause to express your thoughts of praise and worship.

Confession

A person’s wickedness will punish him; His backsliding will reprove him. I know therefore and see that it is evil and bitter To forsake the Lord my God And have no fear of Him. (Jeremiah 2:19)

Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Renewal

May I be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, may I let my requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

May I prepare my mind for action and be self-controlled, setting my hope fully on the grace to be brought to me at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13)

Pause to add your own prayers for personal renewal.

Petition

May I not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, but join with others in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God. (2 Timothy 1:8)

• Relationships with Others
• Greater love and compassion for others
• Loved ones
• Those who do not know Christ
• Those in need
• My activities for this day
• Special concerns

Intercession

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

• Evangelism
• Friends
• Relatives
• Neighbors
• Coworkers
• Special opportunities

 

Affirmation

 

Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a Man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then the end will come, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15:20-26)

The first man is of the dust of the earth; the second Man is from heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the Man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the heavenly Man. (1 Corinthians 15:47-49)

Pause to reflect upon these biblical affirmations.
Thanksgiving

 

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)

Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28)

Pause to offer your own expressions of thanksgiving.
Closing Prayer

 

I will arise and bless the Lord, my God, Who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be Your glorious name, Which is exalted above all blessing and praise! (Nehemiah 9:5)

As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; When I awake, I will be satisfied with Your likeness. (Psalm 17:15)

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A Prayer for A Clearer Vision

from Ken Boa’s book, Transforming Prayers…

God, I ask for a clearer vision of the blessings of obedience and the pain of disobedience so that I will fear You, hope in You and depend on You. Most of all, I want to grow in trust so that I will take the risks of obedience that run contrary to the world system with its temporal values. May I develop a clearer upward perspective so that I realize in my thinking and practice that only the transcendent can give ultimate meaning to life on earth. Without You I am wretched and hopeless, but when I abide in Your loving presence I enjoy the fruit of love, joy and peace. Grant me wisdom from the Word and the desire to renew my mind in Your timeless truth. Then I will walk in the way of life-giving trust and dependence, and then I will learn the blessings of obedience to what You proclaim for my good.

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Fellowship of the Burning Heart, Part 7

from A.W. Tozer

There seems to be a great throng of professing Christians in our churches today whose total and amazing testimony sounds like this: “I am thankful for God’s plan of sending Christ to the cross to save me from hell. …Surely we know the Bible well enough to be able to answer that: God’s highest purpose in the redemption of sinful humanity was based in his hope that we would allow him to reproduce the likeness of Jesus Christ in our once-sinful lives!”

“I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored or turned off by worship is not ready for heaven.”

from Oswald Chambers

The answer to the question “How can a man be born when he is old?” is – When he is old enough to die – die right out of his “rag rights,” to his virtues, to his religion, to everything, and to receive into himself the life which never was there before. The new life manifests itself in conscious repentance and unconscious holiness.

Is my knowledge of Jesus born of internal spiritual perception, or is it only what I have learned by listening to others?

from John Wesley

The [new] Society [in Portarlington] now contained above one hundred members, full of zeal and good desires; and in one week the face of the whole town is changed: open wickedness is not seen; the fear of God is on every side; and rich and poor ask, “What must I do to be saved?” How long (I thought with myself) will this continue? In most only till the fowls of the air come, and devour the good seed. Many of the rest, when persecution or reproach begins, will immediately be offended. And in the small remainder, some will fall off, either through other desires, or the cares of the world, or the deceitfulness of riches.

from Ken Boa

Father, You have loved me and called me to be Your loyal follower, and to find my true pleasure in Your revealed will. You have given all humanity great personal worth and have called us to a high and holy life of other-centered love. As I pursue You, may I also pursue the best interests of the people You have sovereignly placed in my life, so that I will be an agent of reconciliation and of Your grace. You are the eternal wellspring of wisdom, and I want to drink from the water of Your Word and be satisfied. Keep me from being a stumbling block to others and empower me to treat people according to their true dignity in Your image rather than according to the world’s distorted view of status and worth. Let my love and service of others be an expression of my love and service to You.

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