Posts Tagged With: Sanctification

Spiritual Life Checkup: Introduction

Posted on April 17, 2013 by daletedder

doctor_with_stethoscopeAbout three or four years ago I shared with my church family a revised version of a “spiritual life checkup” that I put together eight or nine years before then. Well… I thought it was time to dust it off, clean it up a little and share it once again. My plan is to share it in smaller parts so that you don’t have to read one really long post.

One thing I added to this particular spiritual inventory was an article to go along with each category. I thought it would be helpful to read something that communicates why the questions of the particular category (or even the category itself) are worth asking, reflecting on, answering, and then working on in our spiritual pilgrimage.

I hope that the checkup adds some value for you in your pursuit of spiritual growth in Christ.

Blessings,
Dale

******************

Dear Southside Family,

Continued spiritual growth is a key emphasis in the Christian faith. We call it sanctification. That’s simply a fancy word that means growing in godliness or holiness. In other words, as followers of Christ, we are called to progressively become more like him throughout our lives. Becoming a Christian by repenting of our sin and placing our trust in Christ alone for our salvation is only the beginning. The rest of our lives are to be spent pursuing Christlikeness… in God’s power.

The whole Bible points to this truth, but here are a few sample-verses to make the point…

John 17:17 – Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

Romans 12:1-2 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. [2] Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?

2 Corinthians 5:9 – So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Ephesians 4:1 – As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Ephesians 5:1 – Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children

Ephesians 5:10 – and find out what pleases the Lord.

Hebrews 6:1 – Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,

2 Peter 3:18 – But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

This is a common theme found throughout Christian history, especially in the life and ministry of our own John Wesley. Throughout his life and ministry, Wesley exhorted followers of Christ to “go on to perfection” (i.e., spiritual maturity). His General Rules and Covenant Service (see Appendices A and B) are representative of how important this was to him.

The following Spiritual Life Checkup is composed of questions for self-examination as well as articles of encouragement and direction. Completing this will not magically or instantaneously make you like Christ. It will, however, give you some indication of how you’re doing on your spiritual journey with Christ and point to some areas in which you may want to pursue greater growth and depth.

This is completely voluntary, and thus, there is no requirement to share your findings with anyone else. However, if you think it would be helpful to seek spiritual direction with another person, I would be happy to meet with you to pray, talk about what you discovered, offer appropriate guidance, and perhaps share resources to equip you on your journey.

If you belong to a small accountability group, you may also consider sharing your results with your brothers and/or sisters in that setting. Perhaps together you can pray for and encourage one another as you seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

One Last Caveat: Please take your time with this. Prayerfully proceed, asking God’s Spirit to guide you as you reflect on your walk with Christ, answer the questions, read the articles, etc. You won’t get extra credit for completely this quickly.  Instead, I deeply desire for you to learn more about yourself so that you can better see and hear the ways in which God may be leading and calling you.

PS – a good article to read on this subject is, Your Regular Checkup by Gordon MacDonald

Please do not hesitate to let me know how I may serve you.

Your Brother in Christ,
Pastor Dale

Categories: Bearing Fruit, Calling, Change, Dale Tedder, Discipleship, Encouragement, Godly Manhood, Lifelong Learning, Pilgrim's Progress, Righteousness, Sanctification, Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Forget to Start Your Chainsaw

Posted on April 10, 2013 by daletedder

daily-devotions-1Galatians 3:1-5 – You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. [2] I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? [3] Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? [4] Have you suffered so much for nothing–if it really was for nothing? [5] Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

If we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, why do we always seem to revert back to trying to earn God’s acceptance?

This sort of question perplexed Paul. It perplexes me. The Church at Galatia – home of those “foolish Galatians” – was clearly taught that Christ had been crucified for sinners (v. 1). They had heard the gospel rightly exposited by the Apostle. And yet, they seemed to be setting aside the grace of God. For if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing (Gal. 2:21)!

So, Paul asks them point blank: How did you receive the Spirit: By observing the law or by believing the gospel (v. 2)? I’ll let Paul speak for himself in verse 3…

Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

The answer to his questions was YES. They were indeed guilty as charged… but all too often…so are we.

How often do we try to earn God’s favor and become enslaved to performance-based living, thus rendering Christ’s sacrifice for sin as worthless? While we know – or ought to know – that we are justified (or saved) by faith, we somehow think that everything else is up to us.

The biblical truth is, however, that although we must certainly pursue godliness for all we are worth, it is only by the power of the Spirit that we will achieve our goal of Christlikeness. And we access that power only by faith. Trying to live for Christ by your own power is like trying to cut down a mighty Redwood Tree with a chainsaw that you never start. You’ll fail miserably and look stupid doing so.

Instead, we are not only called to begin with the Spirit in our justification, but also to finish with him…and to walk every step with him between those two points as well. To change metaphors one last time, it’s only as the Spirit pulls us along the track of life that our efforts will amount to anything for the Kingdom.

Stand Firm,
Dale

Categories: Dale Tedder, Godliness, Godly Manhood, Righteousness, Sanctification, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stand Firm (4/8) – Godly Manhood

Posted on April 8, 2013 by daletedder

Stand-FirmStand Firm

An E-zine for the Pursuit of Godly Manhood

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

1.) Four Ways We Become Whole Men by David Sanford at Crosswalk.com

2.) Four Tips for Cultivating Character by Art Lindsley at The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics

3.) Fighting Sin Hurts by Ed Welch at CCEF

4.) How to Determine Your Spiritual Gifts by Pat Morley at Man in the Mirror

5.) God Trains You Through Trauma by Kenny Luck at New Man Magazine

6.) Finding Meaning in Life - a Bible study offered at Christianity Today. Would be a good download to purchase and study with your small group or for your own individual use.

7.) The Effects of Porn on the Male Brain  by William Struthers at The Christian Research Institute

Great excerpt (less than two minutes) from Mark Driscoll on what godly manhood is NOT…

Categories: Godliness, Godly Manhood, Manhood, Righteousness, Sanctification, Stand Firm | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do You “Really” Want to Change?

Posted on April 4, 2013 by daletedder

changeThe purpose of this blog is the same as my personal mission… to help men know Jesus Christ as Lord and to help them become all that God has created, redeemed, and called them to be in every sphere and circumstance of their lives. Since that will require a lifelong pursuit, it means that change must be intentionally and continually taking place. We aren’t going to become godly men by accident.

A more important truth is this: We arent’ going to become godly men at all if we’re relying on our strength and wisdom. In fact, we won’t even desire to become godly men if something more foundational hasn’t first taken place in our lives.

That “foundational something” is new life in Christ… what Jesus meant by being born again. We must first become something new… new creatures, the Apostle Paul calls it. A fundamental, radical, and utter transformational spiritual change must first take place. We need new hearts. That will require drastic measures. It will require the acknowledgement that because of sin, rebellion, brokenness, lostness, pride, self-centeredness and more, that we aren’t who God has called us to be and we aren’t where God wants us to be. This “agreement” with God’s assessment of us should lead to great grief and sorrow and the devastating realization of deserved wrath.

Yet it’s more than just a sorrowful acknowledgement of guilt. It’s also the recognition of helplessness… that a man cannot lift himself up out of the proverbial pit. We can’t save ourselves. Not only should this lead a man to see his complete need for redemption, restoration, re-creation, and renovation, but it should also cause him to understand that it’s not something he can achieve or earn himself. He needs outside help. He needs grace. Only by and through the Person and Work of the perfect godly man (the God-man), Jesus Christ, can a man be rightly related to God and then grow toward becoming all that God has called him to be. So, not only must a man flee from his self-deception, self-dependence and rebellion and all the sin that flows from it, but he must also, in and through the power of God’s Spirit, pursue the “Christlikeness” that God has purposed for him.

I’ve written all of that to say this: If you want to become the godly man God wants you to be… alone, at home, at work, at church, in your community, etc., then you’ve first got to do business with God by trusting in his provision alone… the Lord Jesus Christ. Godly manhood is not about “cleaning up your act” and simply being “more moral.” It’s about the Lord Jesus Christ living his life in you and through you. It’s about living according to and in the power of his Spirit, which dwells in you. A genuine and lasting change of character and conduct will take place, but only as the fruit of your relationship with God. Only by grace.

If you would like to learn more about the Gospel… the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ, I encourage you to check out the videos and links at the bottom of this page. They each come at it a little differently, but together they present a beautiful picture of God’s goodness and the gift that he offers to you.

Stand Firm,
Dale

Categories: Bearing Fruit, Change, Dale Tedder, Godliness, Godly Manhood, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Manhood, Purpose, Righteousness, Sanctification, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dealing with Temptations, Part 4 with Ken Boa

Posted on April 2, 2013 by daletedder

by Ken Boa

Categories: Godly Manhood, Manhood, Sanctification, Sin, Temptation | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dealing with Temptation, Part 2 by Ken Boa

Posted on January 23, 2013 by daletedder

For more by Ken Boa, click here.

Categories: Godliness, Godly Manhood, Manhood, Sanctification, Sin, Spiritual Growth, Temptation | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Directions for Young Christians, Part 6

Posted on January 6, 2013 by daletedder

temptationOn Difficulties and Opposition by Richard Baxter

Be not discouraged at the difficulties and oppositions which will rise up before you, when you begin resolvedly to walk with God.

As discouragements keep off multitudes from religion, so they are great temptations to many young beginners to turn back, and as the Israelites in the wilderness, ready to wish themselves again in Egypt. Three sorts of discouragements arise before them: 1. Some from the nature of the work; 2. Some from God’s trials; 3. And some from the malice of the devil and his instruments; Or all these.

Click here to read the rest of Baxter’s direction on difficulties and opposition that young believers encounter inthe Christian life.

Taken with gratitude from Scripture Studies.com

Categories: Directions to Young Christians, Discipleship, Richard Baxter, Righteousness, Sanctification, Temptation | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dealing with Temptations, Part 1

Posted on January 6, 2013 by daletedder

Ken Boa has a new study going with his men’s group on how to deal with the temptations that men face. Here’s the first lesson in the series.

Categories: Godly Manhood, Manhood, Sin, Spiritual Growth, Temptation | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Directions for Young Christians, Part 5

Posted on January 16, 2012 by daletedder

On Spiritual Infancy and Christian Growth
by Richard Baxter

Be very thankful for the great mercy of your conversion: but yet overvalue not your first degrees of knowledge or holiness, but remember that you are yet but in your infancy, and must expect your growth and ripeness as the consequent of time and diligence.

You have great reason to be more glad and thankful for the least measure of true grace, than if you had been made the rulers of the earth; it being of a far more excellent nature, and entitling you to more than all the kingdoms of the world. . . “Rejoice not that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Christ will warrant you to rejoice, though enemies envy you, and repine both at your victory and triumph. If there be “joy in heaven in the presence of the angels” (Luke 15:10) at your conversion, there is great reason you should be glad yourselves. If the prodigal’s father will needs have the best robe and ring brought forth, and the fat calf killed, and the music to attend the feast, that they may eat and be merry (see Luke 15:23), there is great reason that the prodigal son himself should not have the smallest share of joy; though his brother repine.
 
 But yet, take heed lest you think the measure of your first endowments to be greater than it is. Grace imitateth nature, in beginning, usually, with small degrees, and growing up to maturity by leisurely proceeding. We are not new-born in a state of manhood, as Adam was created. Though those texts that liken the kingdom of God to a grain of mustard seed, and to a little leaven (see Matt. 13:31,33) be principally meant of the small beginnings and great increase of the church of kingdom of Christ in the world; yet it is true also of His grace or kingdom in the soul. Our first stature is but to be “newborn babes desiring the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow by it” (I Pet. 2:2). Note here, that the new birth bringeth forth but babes, but growth is by degrees, by feeding on the word. The word is received by the heart, as seed into the ground (see Matt. 13). And seed useth not to bring forth the blade and fruit to ripeness in a day.
 

Click here to read the rest of Baxter’s direction on spiritual infancy and Christian growth.

Taken with gratitude from Scripture Studies.com
Categories: Directions to Young Christians, Faithfulness, Godly Manhood, Righteousness, Sanctification, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Directions for Young Christians, Part 2

Posted on December 21, 2011 by daletedder

Concerning Balance in Christianity
by Richard Baxter

To change your opinions is an easier matter than to change the heart and life. A holding of the truth will save no man, without a love and practice of the truth. This is the meaning of James 2, where he speaketh so much of the unprofitableness of a dead, unaffected belief, that worketh not by love, and commandeth not the soul to practice and obedience.

  • To believe that there is a God, while you neglect Him and disobey Him, is unlikely to please Him.
  • To believe that there is a heaven, while you neglect it, and prefer the world before it, will never bring you [there].
  • To believe your duty, and not to perform it, and to believe that sin is evil, and yet to live in it, is to sin with aggravation, and have no excuse, and not the way to be accepted or justified with God.
  • To be of the same belief with holy men, without the same hearts and conversations, will never bring you to the same felicity. “He that knoweth His master’s will and doth it not” shall be so far from being accepted for it that he “shall be beaten with many stripes” (see Luke 12:47).
  • To believe that holiness and obedience is the best way, will never save the disobedient and unholy.

(Click here to read the whole message.)

Taken with gratitude from Scripture Studies.com

Categories: Bearing Fruit, Directions to Young Christians, Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, Godly Manhood, Richard Baxter, Righteousness, Sanctification | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Heart of the Matter (A Devotion for Men)

Posted on December 18, 2011 by daletedder

Good Morning Brothers,

Part of my devotional Scripture reading this morning was from Proverbs 27. I think this chapter could be called the “men’s ministry” chapter. There are some great texts in it. Two of them, I believe, are right on target for part of what we’re trying to accomplish in our small groups (accountability).

Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. 

Proverbs 27:17 -  As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

The other text summarizes a great theme of Scripture.

Proverbs 27:19 - As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.

Pursuing godliness as a Christian man is not merely trying to live a more moral life. It’s much deeper than that. It’s a “heart” issue. Jesus said that what we say, do, and think reveals what’s happening in our hearts. That’s why becoming a Christian isn’t simply changing a few behaviors. It’s about becoming a new creature in Christ. When this happens, God’s Spirit dwells within you to enable you to become more Christlike each and every day. That’s our whole purpose of existence.

How are you doing in this pursuit of godliness? I recently heard a phrase I like: God is more concerned with your direction than your perfection. Of course, the ultimate goal is perfection… but we have start moving in that direction before we actually get there. Are you moving in that direction? Are you trying? Is that your goal in life?

Besides a new heart and the power of God’s Spirit, God has given us tools to enable us to draw closer to him and move in the direction of godliness in our lives. One of those tools is meeting with like-minded brothers who are on the same journey. Another is meeting with someone who has been called by God to build up and encourage brothers for their walk with Christ (if I can ever serve any of you in this way, please don’t hesitate to let me know). Yet another way is by regularly being in prayer and God’s Word. Here are two prayers for you to lift up to God this week…

“Heavenly Father, fitness experts claim I am what I eat. Personal sports trainers say that exercise gives me a healthy body. Lord, I understand that spiritually I am what I read. For the right spiritual life, I must read, study, and feast on your Word. To be strong spiritually, I also need to exercise what I’ve learned. I pray I will take full advantage of the spiritual training and strengthening provided by your Word.” (from Prayers with Purpose for Men)

 ”Dear Lord, I will open my heart to you. I will take my concerns, my fears, my plans, and my hopes to you in prayer. And, then, I will trust the answers that you give. You are my loving Father, and I will accept your will for my life today and every day that I live.” (from Prayers of a Righteous Man)

 The Lord bless you today brothers. Have a wonderful time in worship and may God be glorified in all that you think, say, and do today.

Blessings,
Dale

Categories: Accountability, Bearing Fruit, Calling, Daily Devotions, Dale Tedder, Discipleship, Encouragement, Godly Manhood, Prayer, Righteousness, Sanctification, Scripture, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Prayer-Helps for Men

Posted on December 16, 2011 by daletedder

Below is an email I sent out earlier this year to the men in our church’s men’s discipleship ministry (which also has a good number of men who attend other churches). If you’re not a part of our fellowship, then kindly disregard the reference to what we were studying at the time. But please, by all means, make full use of the prayer and prayer helps that are offered. May God use them to be a blessing in your life. (And, of course, if you live in the Jacksonville area, you are more than welcome to come and join us.) Blessings, Dale

Good Morning Brothers,

 I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful Lord’s Day today. Thank the Lord for the rain.

 This week we will study Lesson 12, “Reality Bites Again,” which focuses on Moses being falsely accused – not only by other leaders, but also by his own family. Such is the possible domain of every leader. How would you handle that sort of situation? Would you rush to defend yourself? Get revenge? Run away? We’ll talk about how Moses responded and hopefully gain some biblical clarity with how we should handle such a situation. 

 I thought I would share a prayer for your family and then some Scripture prayers for you to offer on behalf of your family members.

 Prayer for Family

O God our Father, as we begin this day, bestow upon our household that grace which shall keep us in the fellowship of the Christian way, and grant unto each one of us that guidance and control which shall maintain our hearts in peace with one another and with thee. Help and prosper us in the doing of our various duties; and defend us from inward evil and from outward harm so that when the day is ended it may leave us not in sorrow, strife, or shame, but in true unity and thankful rest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (from the 1965 edition of the Methodist Book of Worship)

 The following Scripture prayers come from Rev. Keven Meador’s website. They have been a real blessing to me.

 Prayer for Yourself

Father, I pray that you would create a clean heart in me. O God, renew a right spirit within me. Change me and mold me into the man that you want me to be. (Psalm 51:10)

 Prayers for Your Wife (if you’re not married, you can pray this right now for your future wife)

I pray that __________ will gain a firm understanding of her secure position in Jesus Christ. Grant her the assurance of salvation. I pray that she would know that she has believed in Christ and received his salvation (1 John 5:13)

 Father, I plead that you will enable me to love __________ unconditionally. Help me show this love to her in all circumstances of our lives together (Romans 5:5).

 Father, grant me the wisdom to help __________ deal with her fears. Deliver me from adding to those fears. Grant me a special sensitivity to those fears and how to help her deal with them (Proverbs 2:6)

 Prayers for Your Children (if you don’t have any children, you can pray for those children you know, mentor, etc.)

Ask God to convict your child of his or her sin. Plead with God to show your child that he or she is a sinner in need of God’s grace and the love of Christ (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-18, 23).

 Father, I plead that __________ will love you with all his//her heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).

 Heavenly Father, you are the perfect Parent. You are gracious, loving, wise, and fair. You are good and right in all your dealings with your children. I plead in the name of Jesus that you will enable me to raise __________. I ask that you will give me the strength and the wisdom to mold and develop __________’s life. I cannot do this without your power or your help. I look to you and trust that you will enable me to do this for your glory and for __________’s good. (Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:5).

 Praying for Your Pastor

Father, I ask you make __________ a man after your own heart who will do all your will (Acts 13:22; 1 Samuel 16:7).

 Father, cause __________ to love the Word of God with all his heart and enable him to memorize and meditate on it all day (Psalm 119:97).

 Father, I plead that __________’s ministry would be fruitful and would glorify you (John 15:16; Colossians 1:28).

 Prayers for those in need of Physical Healing

Father, you created __________. You formed him/her. You knit his/her inward parts in the womb. You alone know how to make what is right in __________’s body. You alone know how to heal __________. As his/her Creator, I pray that you would grant healing to __________. Let your power envelop him/her and bring the healing that is needed (Genesis 1:26; Psalm 139).

 Have a blessed day today brothers.

In Christ,
Dale

Categories: Children, Covenant Family, Covenantal Home, Dale Tedder, Discipleship, Encouragement, Family, Fatherhood, Godly Manhood, Husbands, Marriage, Men's Ministry, Parenting, Prayer, Sanctification | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Today Matters

Posted on December 15, 2011 by daletedder

Key Ideas from Chapter 1 of John Maxwell’s Today Matters

Everything below my signature comes directly from Chapter 1 of Maxwell’s book, Today Matters. I read it seven years ago and picked it up again last week and started reading it.

It’s a powerful book that emphasizes the importance of making and then managing daily choices. I have said often that the hardest part about life or about parenting is that it’s so daily. It’s that daily faithfulness and consistency and intentionality and discipline that enables us to make incremental, yet positive changes in our lives. Conversely, it’s the lack of faithfulness, consistency, intentionality, and discipline that moves us, ever so slowly, in the wrong direction in our lives.

Maxwell’s book does an excellent job of highlighting the various spheres of  life and shows us how we can add value in our own lives and in the lives of others in those spheres. It’s not a hard read at all. In fact, it takes no time to read through a chapter. However, don’t be tempted to “read for speed.” Take your time and ponder the ideas that he shares (and the great illustrations and examples).

I don’t want to twist Joshua’s words at the end of the biblical book that bears his name, but there is a real sense in which we must “choose this day” whom or what we will serve. And while Joshua was declaring that he and his household would serve (worship, obey, follow) the one true God, I think we can certainly say that each day are we called to wake up and “choose this day” what road we will walk down. And then, the next day, we have to wake up and choose yet again… and then do it. We must be purposeful and intentional. We can’t just go with the flow. We can’t just let others decide who we will be and what we will do. We must live our own lives and that living begins with intentional choices.

Enjoy the following key ideas from Maxwell. They are worth thinking about.

Grace and Truth,
Dale

The way you live today impacts your tomorrow.

The problem is that we want the rewards of success without paying the price.

“You don’t win an Olympic gold medal with a few weeks of intensive training,” says Godin. “There’s no such thing as an overnight opera sensation. Great law firms or design companies don’t spring p overnight… Every great company, every great brand, and every great career has been built in exactly the same way bit by bit, step by step, little by little.”

The truth is that people who do nothing more than wait for an opportunity won’t be ready to capitalize on one if it does appear. As basketball legend John Wooden says,” When opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare.” And for those who receive their wish – of a promotion, start-up money or anything else – it rarely changes anything in the long term if they haven’t already done all the groundwork to be successful.

…real, sustainable change doesn’t happen in a moment. It’s a process.

Growth comes from making decisions and following through on them.

People create success in their lives by focusing on today. It may sound trite, but today is the only time you have. It’s too late for yesterday. And you can’t depend on tomorrow. That’s why today matters.

“Yesterday Ended Last Night.” …no matter how badly I might have failed in the past, it’s done, and today is a new day.

Hoping for a good future without investing in today is like a farmer waiting for a crop without ever planting any seed.

Benjamin Franklin asserted, time is “the stuff life is made of.” Today is the only time we have within our grasp, yet many people let it slip through their fingers. They recognize neither today’s value nor its potential.

If we want to do something with our lives, then we must focus on today. That’s where tomorrow’s success lies.

Here’s the missing piece: The secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda.

It all comes down on what you do today. When I talk about your daily “agenda,” I don’t mean your to-do list. …I’m focusing on something bigger. I want you to embrace what may be a whole new approach to life.

Make the Decision Once… Then Manage It Daily

If you make decisions in those key areas once and for all – and then manage those decisions daily – you can create the kind of tomorrow you desire. Successful people make right decisions early and manage those decisions daily.

Benjamin Franklin rightly observed, “One today is worth two tomorrows what I am to be, I am now becoming.”

Categories: Dale Tedder, Godly Manhood, Redeem the Time, Sanctification, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Encouragement for Men

Posted on December 14, 2011 by daletedder

Good Morning Brothers,

I thought I would share with you this prayer from John Baillie followed by a few thoughts that I had about it…

Give me, O God, this day a strong and vivid sense that Thou are by my side. In multitude and solitude, in business and leisure, in my down-sitting and in my uprising, may I ever be aware of Thine accompanying presence. By Thy grace, O God, I will go nowhere this day where Thou canst not come, nor court any companionship that would rob me of Thine. By Thy grace I will let no thought enter my heart that might hinder my communion with Thee, nor let any word come from my mouth that is not meant for Thine ear. So shall my courage be firm and my heart be at peace. Amen.

 Can you imagine what it might look like in our lives if God answered the petitions offered in that prayer?

  • To know and feel deeply that God is by your side – when you’re with family, friends, clients, or even strangers.
  •  To believe with all your heart that God is by your side – when you get up in the morning; as you drive to work; as you sit down for lunch or supper; as you turn on the computer when no one is around.
  • How would it change the way you spend your day to first ask yourself before every decision: Can the Lord come with me here? Can the Lord be a part of this thought I am having? Or can he take part in this conversation I am having? Or would God want to participate in this transaction that is taking place?
  • Will the pursuit of this interest, thought, conversation, etc., damage my fellowship with the Lord? Will it “rob me of my companionship with God?”
  • Our thought-life represents what’s going on in our hearts. Sin – whether it’s in thought, word, or deed – doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It originates in our hearts. If I may paraphrase Baillie’s request to God: “Lord, please, by your grace, protect and defend me from any thought that would come into my heart and mind today that would become an obstacle in my ongoing communion and fellowship with you. Cleanse my heart O God. Purify me. Make me holy, as you are holy.” Do you need to pray for that today?
  • So too the mouth. James reminds us that with our tongue we can worship God and with that same tongue we can curse a person. How are you using your words? To build up? To wound and tear down? To justify and build yourself up? To lie? What if you asked that every word from your mouth had God as its intended target? How would that change the way you speak to others and/or about others?

 Be encouraged brothers. All things are possible with God. You can live the life that he has called you to through the power of Christ’s Spirit who lives in you.

Don’t settle for mediocre Christian living today. Be the man that God has created, redeemed, called, and gifted you to be. That’s how you’ll be a blessing to your family, friends, coworkers, and community. That’s how you’ll glorify the Lord today.

The Lord bless you.

Grace and Truth,
Dale

Categories: Dale Tedder, Encouragement, Godly Manhood, Righteousness, Sanctification | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Accountable Relationships

Posted on November 25, 2011 by daletedder

Some brief thoughts on developing accountable relationships…
by Dale Tedder

2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?”

Examining yourself a couple of times throughout each year isn’t a bad idea. In fact, some consider it a key to your Christian growth. It helps you assess whether or not you are moving forward in your relationship with Christ, standing still…or actually moving backwards.

To mix the metaphor, if we are not swimming with all our might toward our goal (which is our Christlikeness) then we are either swimming toward the wrong goal, remaining in the same place, or drifting backwards…all three of which are harmful to our spiritual health. But rejoice, if you are truly in Christ then there is good news. The apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:6 that he was confident that God who began a good work in you would carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. In other words, God’s not going to give up on you.

So pray for a fresh filling of God’s Spirit in your life to help you can persevere in “swimming” the race set before you. And rejoice that you don’t have to swim it alone. It is vital to remember that it is the Spirit of God who gives you the power, desire, and direction to finish the race.

And yet, there are also brothers and sisters in Christ who are invested in seeing you finish well in your journey with Christ. Such accountability with others can be a wonderful help. It can be a faithful tool in the hands of godly friends. But it often takes time to develop such trusting and open relationships with such people. Yet it’s worth the effort.

Below are some links to some great articles on the subject of accountability as well as some pages of penetrating accountability questions for you to ponder regarding how you’re doing in your faith.

And, as always, let me know what I can do to help you. It’s why I’m here.

[PS - Wow! What a mess of mixed metaphors that was!]

Accountability Resources

Accountability by Ken Boa – Great article on the subject. A must read.

Are You Leading A Hazardous Life? by Jeff Miller – These are the questions/statements that I read aloud this morning.

How to Conquer a Secret Thought Life by Pat Morley – Morley knows men. This is a great article on dealing with the garbage that’s already in your head…and how to keep more garbage from finding its way into your head.

How to Have an Accountable Relationship by Pat Morley – Good practical tools on how to gather with other men for the purpose of holding one another accountable in your faith…which includes every sphere of your life.

Accountability Questions by Ramesh Richard

More Accountability Questions from the ministry, “Men of Integrity“

ACCOUNTABILITY:Pursuing Vital Relationships, Part One: Getting Ready by Jim Clayton

ACCOUNTABILITY:Pursuing Vital Relationships, Part Two – Play Ball! by Jim Clayton

I hope these resources will serve you well as you pursue the likeness of Christ in your life…for every sphere of your life.

Grace and Truth,
Dale

Categories: Accountability, Dale Tedder, Discipleship, Godly Manhood, Sanctification, Spiritual Growth | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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