DAY 1 - IRON: WHO AND WHAT WE ARE

“As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 NASB)

I always knew that I wanted to serve my country, even as a little boy. Through my imagination and with a stick from the woods, I was able to envision being a warrior that could defeat any enemy that I faced. I guess you could say that I loved the image of a soldier, for after all, he was tough, strong, and courageous. He was the ideal image of “Iron.” Iron changed warfare as we know it. When iron production began, a new age was born and history was changed. Iron was able to be crafted into the greatest weapons of its day, and in the hands of the right soldier, it could be used in battle to bring victory.

As a follower of Jesus, you and I are the iron that the writer of this proverb speaks of. We are directed to be a people of strength who will defy the odds and press forward in the toughest moments of life. Ultimately, we are to be warriors that are unashamed of our mission, confident in our God, and ready to move at the commander’s call. This is what is required of you “IronMaker”...are you up for the challenge?

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Exercise today, yes, I said exercise (gym, running, walking, anything that requires you to do something to challenge your body); and while you are exercising, meditate on

Proverb 27:17.  (Don’t whine, it’s good for you.)

Prayer:  Lord, we ask you to sharpen us and to use us to sharpen others. I surrender to your call and will follow your ways.

John Branning

Lead Pastor, Central United Methodist Church

Chaplain (MAJ) 185^th Theater Aviation Brigade

DAY 2 - SHARPENING THE IRON

“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way.” (Isa. 35:3 NIV)

Being a first-time father of a newborn, I was scared to death. At that time, I had no idea of what I was doing. As my daughter slowly grew, she began trying so hard to stand up on her own. I feared she would hurt herself, so every time she fell down, I quickly scooped her up. After several weeks of her standing and falling, I had to realize that this was a process she must take on her own. At first her little knees were very shaky, and it was hard for her to keep balanced. In the beginning, she would hold on to my hands in order to steady herself. Over time though, she was becoming more confident and then she was walking! Just like any parent would be, I was cheering her on. I was so proud of her!

I can imagine that is how God looks at us. He is so proud when we are able to stand firm in our faith. In the beginning, we are weak and wobbly, but our Father is there holding us with His hand. Every time we fall, God is there to pick us up. Soon, we gain enough strength where we are able to walk in the light of His presence. Discipleship takes time; it takes perseverance and determination. It also takes us cheering each other on to go on to greater and greater faith.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Today, encourage someone to keep walking in the faith.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help me to grow stronger in my walk with you and bring me into contact with someone who needs encouraging today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

Dennis Gossett

DAY 3 - THE POWER OF CHOICE

“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate….” (Genesis 3:6)

The power of choice is evident in our culture. We have been told or have told our children, "You can be and do whatever it is you put your mind to." I remember my daddy telling me this when I was a small girl! Right there, at such a young age, my dad was initially saying I have power…the power of choice in my life. Wow! What a huge responsibility it is to have the power of choice. The choices that we have made in the past affect our present lives. The choices we are presently making will affect our future. Every action and every decision we make comes down to the freedom of choice that God gave humanity.

In the very beginning, the freedom of choice was not an option. We were in perfect connection with our Creator. Our created purpose was as God had created it to be. The presence of evil is presented in the form of a serpent. At the moment of temptation, humanity had been given the gift and free will of "choice." Just like my father gave me the “power of choice” to be who I wanted to be, so did the Father to all humanity. From the moment God created humanity, relationship was the core connection between God and man. Could it really be that the power of choice in our everyday lives has everything to do with our relationship with our Heavenly Father? As IronMakers, our power of choice ultimately affects [positively or negatively] our relationship with God. Let us keep the great commandment in mind today – “Love God, Love Others” (Matt. 22:27-39).

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  On a sheet of paper or index card write down Matt. 22:37-39. Place it on your mirror, on your desk, or take a picture and save it as your main screen on your phone. Use the power of choice to LOVE GOD AND LOVE OTHERS TODAY! Tell your family you love them!

Prayer:  Father, who created me for perfect connection with you, thank you for giving me the freedom and the power of choice. Thank you for not abandoning me in my imperfect choices. Help me to know you are always with me in my choices. Thank you, Father.

Kristina Crabtree

DAY 4 - SPIRITUAL CONFIDENCE

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

There is truth in the old saying that the only things that are certain are death and taxes. Eternal life is not a certainty. Eternal death awaits anyone who is not clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. That assurance comes not through knowledge, but through faith in Jesus Christ:  Faith in His gift of salvation and perfecting love, and Faith in his willingness to be present at the time of trial to stand for us and clothe us in His righteousness.

Our confidence in eternal life is not the confidence of one who knows, but that of one who has been given the gift of faith. The only assurance we have of the things to come is faith

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Find some small area in your life today that you can entrust to God’s care through faith in His presence.

Prayer:  Great God, thank you for the gift of faith. Forgive us when we fail to trust our lives to you. Give us resolve and courage, and yes, faith, that we might trust you more. Amen.

Bob Peden

DAY 5 - UNDERSTANDING THE MISSION

I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

We are all here for a reason. Never doubt that there is a mission only you can fill. Even on days when there seems no end in sight, and the light at the end of the tunnel is but a dim flicker, we are called to press on to fulfill our mission in life. Our hearts are the foundation of everything that makes us who we are, and the clearest signal we will ever have as to our calling. It is through being open to God and His call that we can fulfill our mission. Often our mission is clear, concise, and easily identifiable. Other missions require us to step outside of our norm or comfort zone, and yet others seem to fall at our feet, presenting themselves in unexpected ways or places. As long as we have breath in our bodies, we are called by God to fulfill His mission...to love others, feed the hungry, and to minister to those in need. We are, in other words, called into mission to “be Jesus to others.” That mission is different for each of us, but as children of God, it is our call to respond, "Here I am Lord, send me."

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Identify and fulfill your “mission for today” in answering God's call into His service.

Prayer:  Lord, open my heart to what you would have me to do, and to do it willingly and selflessly. May I always respond to your call saying, "Here I am, send me."

Sabrina Williams

DAY 6 - CONSTANTLY LEARNING

“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding.” (Hebrews 6:1 NLT)

Halfway through seminary, I finally admitted my grievance of my previous ministry and stage in life. I missed my family, friends, the church where I served as Youth Director, and Mississippi. Feeling very called to where I was at seminary, I desired to return to the way things were. Seminary stretched my mind as an athlete would stretch muscles for competition. If the athlete stops stretching the muscle, it becomes tight which prevents proper blood flow. Exercising and competing becomes difficult when muscles go un-stretched. While stretching, one may discover new muscles waiting to grow. This is how I felt halfway through seminary, but with my mind – constantly stretching, yet, discovering new ‘muscles’ waiting to grow. At some point, I had to choose to move on to a more ‘mature understanding’ of my faith in Jesus Christ.

At some point, we must move forward in maturing as a follower of Jesus. You know, going beyond the “basics.” This is difficult, because it involves much of our mind – making a commitment to grow, asking others to hold you accountable, and reading and studying scripture. Stretching the physical body is good for now, but constantly learning more and more of our faith is even better, because we are moving towards eternal life with God.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Ask this question and give yourself time for an answer: In what area[s] of spiritual disciplines would I like to grow?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus of Nazareth, High Priest of Heaven, with your help, I commit myself to seeking a more mature understanding through the strengthening of my mind and because of the very faith I have in you, this day. Amen.

Jonathan Crabtree

DAY 7 - THE IRONMAKER AS A TEACHER

“For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.”

(I Thessalonians 4:2 NLT)

Throughout the life of Jesus, he was constantly teaching others. He taught his followers how to pray, how to love, and what it meant to be a follower of the way. All of the Apostles understood that what they had learned from Jesus must be passed on to the next group of followers, so that the message of Jesus would touch every life. You have been given the task of teaching as a follower of Jesus. There are those that watch every step you make, and they try to imitate the person that you are. That is why we must embrace the power and responsibility of teaching and mentoring a new generation of spiritual leaders. God did not call you to be an “IronMaker” for nothing but instead to live out your call by teaching others the way of Jesus as others have taught you.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge: Contact someone today that has impacted your faith in Jesus by (phone, email, text, or face to face) and tell them they are a “difference maker.”

Prayer:  Lord, I stand before you as one who has been taught to follow you. I ask that you now make me a teacher of others, so that they may follow you as I do.

John Branning

Lead Pastor, Central United Methodist Church

Chaplain (MAJ) 185^th Theater Aviation Brigade

DAY 8 - MENTORING

“Place these words I’m speaking on your heart and in your very being. Tie them on your hands as a sign. They should be on your forehead as a symbol. Teach them to your children, by talking about them when you are sitting around your house and when you are out and about, when you are lying down and when you are getting up.” (Deut. 11:18-19 CEB)

Rites of passage are embedded in many cultures around the world. Usually, it is a celebration when a person is transitioning from one phase of life into another. For example, a ceremony will be held for those transitioning from childhood into adulthood. The Jewish culture contends that boys and girls who are 13 become accountable for their actions and can fully participate in the life of the community. Before their 13^th birthday, these young people have spent a large amount of time with the elders of their community learning about traditions and the importance of a moral and ethical life.

American cultural has somehow lost this very important responsibility of preparing a morally and healthy generation. According to scripture, mentoring is very important to God; and many of His saints passed on the Faith to the next generation: Elijah to Elisha, David to Solomon, Jesus to the 12 disciples, and Paul to Timothy.    

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Commit to coming along beside someone and start passing down the good, moral, faithful, and healthy life.

Prayer:  God, I volunteer my time and energy in order to pass along to others what you have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

Dennis Gossett

DAY 9 - TRUST

“But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket," she said, "and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water?” (John 4:11)

The meaning and purpose of trust has so many different meanings to all of us because we have all had moments in our lives where our trust in someone or God has either been strengthened or destroyed. It seems easy to trust God and others when things are going great. The “slap-in-the-face” meaning of trust comes when the hurt is present. The Samaritan woman at the well had just been approached by Jesus - a Jew. Their conversation and connection happened around the well.

A well in that time and day was deep, deep, deep in the ground supplying water. Think about your life; think about the “wells” in you. Maybe a deep hurt. Suppose that deep hurt of yours caused Jesus to approach you. Jesus comes to you and says, “Let not your heart be troubled…” (John 14:1). Would your reaction be to shrug your shoulders and doubt that Jesus could “bring up” comfort from your deep well? Well, (no pun intended, ha) you are completely right. Jesus will not bring up anything from your deep well of hurts. His power comes from above in his almightiness!

We will come and we will trust Jesus to BE our comfort in the time of hurt. You see the very nature of God is “to be.” Jesus was to be with you during those hard times of hurt, betrayal, or disappointments. Will you trust that Jesus is with you, even in your deepest “well”? Today, release the struggle of reaching into the bottom of your deep well to get water. Allow God to meet you where you are. Trust Him!

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Have a moment of reflection today. First ask God to help reveal to you a moment in your life where you are not trusting him. (It might be tough to admit it, but keep pressing forward). Second, take what God showed you and begin trusting today.

Prayer:  O Lord, help me to trust you in the good areas of my life and the hurt areas of my life. Lord show me where I need to trust you more. Help me to not depend on my own water in the bottom of my well. Help me to depend on your almighty presence even in the midst of deep “well” hurts. Come Lord Jesus, come.

Kristina Crabtree

DAY 10 - CONNECTION

Day 10 - Connection

“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (Romans 5:11)

We exist in a web of relationships – links to nature, people, and God. We are surrounded by God’s creation and are linked to it through our daily lives. We admire the beauty of creation, use its resources for sustaining our lives, and stand in awe of the powerful forces it can release. We also take advantage of creation when we take its resources for our mere pleasure or convenience. We are connected to other people, people who strengthen our faith, people whose faith we are able to strengthen, and people who we may have the opportunity to introduce to faith in God. We also misuse others through our words and through our lack of respect for their choices in life. We are linked to God, our creator, redeemer, perfector, and faithful companion; but we also abuse God when we choose to sin, because we are confident that he will forgive us. We also take advantage of God when we forget that he is present with us, sustaining our lives.

Trace out each of these links, giving thanks for the life that flows through them. Some links are twisted or broken:  You may feel regret, anger, or disappointment.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Choose just one of the twisted or broken links in your web; ask for forgiveness and acceptance.

Prayer:  Thank you God for creation, for our relationships with others, and for our connection to you. Give us the strength and wisdom to create healthy, strong connections. Amen.

Bob Peden

DAY 11 - WEAKNESS

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

(2 Corinthians 12:8-9a)

“His strength is perfect, when our strength is gone.

He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on.

Raised in His power, the weak become strong.

His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.”

                                                                               Steven Curtis Chapman

Our human nature tells us that self-sufficiency is the greatest goal we could achieve, but Christ says, “Be weak, and find your strength in Me.”  The world says, “Trust your own ability and talents.”  God says, “Do not lean on your own understanding, but trust Me to direct your paths.”  Our culture tells us to value property and possessions, but Jesus reminds us that this world is not our home. What the world sees as weakness, God sees as strength. The approval to be “great” in the world’s eyes is so pervasive…it invades our jobs, friendships, purchases and so many other areas of our lives.  But God’s view of greatness is humility and dependence on Him. When we are at our weakest, we find the greatest strength in the power He provides.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Identify an area of weakness in your life where you struggle to let God take control.  Write it down and put it in a place where you will be reminded to let God’s strength be sufficient.

Prayer:  Lord, I ask you to remind me that your strength is perfect in my weakness. You will carry me when I am too weary to carry on.  I turn my weakness over to you.

Sabrina Williams

DAY 12 - IDENTIFYING YOUR STRENGTHS

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 NRSV)

“Do three or four things really well,” said the guy leading the conference. I have never forgotten these words as I often recall them to help keep myself grounded in reality. We want to do a lot of things at the same time similar to the metaphor of someone spinning multiple plates on sticks at the same time. When a plate loses speed, it’s time to give it a spin just so we can rush over to the other plate to keep it going. Before long, we are reminded of our humanity and the need for rest and nurture.

I, too, resonate with the idea of spinning plates. I want to be involved in so many things, but I have to remember those words, “Do three or four things really well.” Otherwise, we do multiple things with mediocrity and grow weary and tired. What are three things you do really well?

Without any doubt, you know that you can do [insert an activity, hobby, gift, or strength] really well. I am a musician. I know it. I attempt to do this well, and I use this strength to bless others. What are your strengths? Have you ever asked someone to help you identify them? Whatever they may be, focus on three or four of them and do them really well. Spin a few plates. Focus on them. Watch them strengthen and grow before your eyes. Look to God for strength, and you will do all things really well when you focus on a few.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Brainstorm as many strengths/gifts you may have and write them down. Choose three or four of them and focus on them for a season; whether that’s today, a week, a month, or even a year. In reality, you will only ever do three or four things really well.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus of Nazareth, High Priest of Heaven, show me my strengths and how I can use them for your glory, this day. Amen.

Jonathan Crabtree

DAY 13 - PRIORITIES

“Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.” (2 Timothy 2:4 NLT)

As an “IronMaker,” you are required to have a set of priorities that will fulfill our commander’s intent. Most people’s priorities are designed to accomplish a task or life goal that they have instead of influencing others to follow Jesus. Paul tells Timothy not to get distracted by the world, because a good soldier cannot allow himself to embrace the world’s view of what life is about. Instead, he tells him to strive to please the officer who enlisted him by having a single priority and that is to be a good soldier in every aspect. You are constantly being encouraged to care more about civilian affairs than the spiritual journey you are on, and if you are not careful, you will stop being a soldier and return to civilian life. You have been bought with a price and have been given the title of follower. Listen to the call of our commander and let us make sure that our priority is to be a capable, proficient, and skilled warrior for His kingdom.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Write down three priorities that you need to accomplish as an IronMaker and place them on your refrigerator door.

Prayer:  Lord, I ask you to clear my mind from the distractions of this world and to focus my priorities on you.

John Branning

Lead Pastor, Central United Methodist Church

Chaplain (MAJ) 185^th Theater Aviation Brigade

DAY 14 - DISCIPLINE

“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27 NRSV)

The documentary film Dessert Runners is about four ordinary people attempting to run four of the world’s toughest ultra-distance races in the same year. Before 2010, there had been only one person to complete this challenge…and he was a professional athlete. The film crew captured them racing (running, jogging, walking, and crawling) in the extreme condition of Chile, China, Egypt, and finally Antarctica. Each one had their own personal reasons for pushing themselves like this. Day in and day out they would train for hours preparing to race; most of the time all alone. The film makes you realize that humans are capable of doing some pretty amazing things if we are willing to discipline ourselves.

Jesus asks no less of those who volunteer to follow him. Yet, he says that this burden is easy and light. Christian discipline is ultimately about serving others. Jesus is trying to get each of us into a mindset of putting others before ourselves. Our salvation is not simply getting across the finish line and into heaven. No, it is more than that! Most importantly, it’s about the journey getting to the finish line.      

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Make it a point to serve someone today.

Prayer:  Almighty God, help me to see and serve those in need around me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

Dennis Gossett

DAY 15 - INSPIRING CONFIDENCE

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places….” (Ephesians 1:3)

Confidence. To have confidence, what does that mean? Maybe it’s to think highly of one self or to have hope/trust in a person or self? What would you think we, as IronMakers, should know about inspiring confidence to others? Well, I’m glad you asked! When I think about how to inspire others with confidence, I first think of how I, as an IronMaker, can be confident in my own life. Confidence, I believe, comes out of your true core self. Who is your true core self? Do you know what you have in life? You might say, “I have a family,” “I have a spouse,” “I have beautiful children,” etc. But did you know, because you are a follower of the way, Christ in you, you have received EVERY SPRITIUAL BLESSING! (To fully understand what this means, read further in Ephesians 1:4-13.)

The word blessing means “to speak well of.” God has spoken good things about you and has blessed you beyond measure to inspire confidence. Ephesians 1:4-13 declares that God has chosen you through his love and grace, God has adopted you as his child, God has labeled you as his Beloved, you are redeemed; you are forgiven, God has given you wisdom and knowledge through his Word, you have an inheritance, and you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. Wow! I hope that description of your spiritual blessings inspires some confidence in you and encourages you to sharpen those around you. Inspire confidence in others as you have been personally inspired by the spiritual blessings of God.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Take a moment to re-read each spiritual blessing above. Replace the “you” with “I”. Reflect on each one. Receive the blessings and be inspired today.  

Prayer:  Father, thank you for blessing me with so much. Thank you for your love. Help me to receive all the spiritual blessings that you have already given me. Amen.

Kristina Crabtree

DAY 16 - STAYING THE COURSE

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”  (2 Timothy 4:7)

God is faithful. There is not a shadow of wavering in his ways. God is always faithful. He will never change. It is who He is. The only question for us is whether we will remain faithful to Him. Will we trust him with our resources, our families, and our lives? Do we believe that He is powerful enough, vigilant enough, and caring enough to protect us from the hurts of this world? Do we trust Him to be with us in both the good times and the bad?  Do we trust him to be with those for whom we care? Will we follow his teachings and will for our lives today? How about tomorrow? Will we trust Him with our future, with the future of our children, and the future of our children’s children? Realize that the important thing is to remain faithful.

In today’s verse, Paul says, “I have fought the good fight,” not “I won the fight.” He says, “I have finished the race,” not “I placed first in the race.” Marathon racing is like this. There a few people who enter thinking they may have a chance to win. However, most people who enter a marathon will have achieved their goal if at the end of the day they can say, “I have finished the race.” That is what “staying the course” is all about. Finishing the race even when you know you have no hope of coming in first.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Note one small thing in your life that you are unwilling to allow God to protect and take care of for you. For this one day, try to cede control of that one thing to God.

Prayer:  God, thank you for being faithful to us. Forgive us when we refuse to trust you. Give us the courage and faith that we might release all to your control.

Bob Peden

DAY 17 - LEAVING A SPIRITUAL LEGACY

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

(2 Timothy 4:7)

As the Apostle Paul pondered the end of his life, he made three very simple statements about his legacy. He had “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” He stood firm as a spiritual warrior, and he finished the marathon of life and ministry. He remained true, committed, and loyal to the God who rescued him from darkness.

His statements say nothing about the education he received, the places he traveled, the letters he had written, the people to whom he had preached, or the churches he had planted. He only wanted his legacy to be labeled as “faithful.” If that’s the kind of legacy we want to leave, how should we pursue today?  It means that our choices need to be more about fighting the good fight and putting on the spiritual armor each morning. We need to be running the race to win and putting off all that hinders and the sins that entangle. It means that in every situation our attitudes, words, and actions need to be loyal and true to Jesus.

Building a legacy worth leaving behind begins today and is made one decision at a time. Our lives should be lived to hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Spend a few minutes thinking about the legacy you would like to leave. What type of legacy will the current choices and priorities of your life lead to? Are there some changes that need to take place to move toward a legacy of faithful service to Christ?

Prayer:  Lord, I ask you to order my steps, so at the end of my earthly days, my life will be a legacy of faithfulness to you that will be realized for generations to come.

Sabrina Williams

DAY 18 - SECOND AND THIRD ORDER EFFECT

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”  (Matthew 10:42 NLT)

Every decision has an effect on someone, which will have an effect on someone else. We call this a ‘second and third order’ effect. In Matthew 10, Jesus sends the disciples to minister to Israel in various ways, and the ‘second and third order’ effect is evident. Jesus talks of persecutions, rejections, shame, and the cost of following Him. Then, Jesus talks about a common act of hospitality. When travelers or visitors would stop by someone’s house, they would immediately be welcomed with a cup of cool water as a sign of hospitality. The disciples will most likely be viewed through the eyes of shame, because they gave up their livelihoods to follow their Rabbi – the Messiah – Jesus Christ. Because of their decision to follow Christ, their fellow Jews will most likely be ashamed of their actions and will most likely not offer them a cup of cold water – the simplest form of hospitality. Jesus encourages them to not give up.

To many, our faith and relationship with the Living God will be viewed through the eyes of shame. We’ve given our lives to Jesus and have been freed from the power and guilt of sin, and our lives are different. Others know this. Others see it. We must decide today that even though the world may reject us and our faith, we must keep knocking on the doors and waiting for that cup of cold water. If we give up a serious relationship with Christ, imagine the “second and third order” effect it will have on that person watching us as we knock on doors – the hearts – of our friends, family, and strangers. Don’t give up. Every decision has an effect on someone.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Pay attention to every decision you make today. Pick one at the end of the day, and consider how your decision or act affected that person and other people.

Prayer: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, High Priest of Heaven, teach me to be mindful of all my decisions and their eternal importance. Amen.

Jonathan Crabtree

DAY 19 - IMPLIED TASKS

“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.” (2 Timothy 3:14 NLT)

In the military implied tasks are those tasks that a soldier, marine, sailor, or airman must accomplish so that a mission can be successful. Implied tasks are neither in manuals or written orders, instead, the individual is just supposed to know what is to be done. If the kingdom is going to grow and more people follow the way of Jesus, then there are things we must do without being constantly told or constantly reminded to do. We are supposed to live the life of a follower that is positive, encouraging, and inviting to all people. We are always supposed to be looking at the world through spiritual lenses, able to see the good in others and the opportunities that are around us to introduce people to Jesus. You are a student of Holy Scripture, confident in the truth that is contained within you. You are to be confident, approachable, and full of grace that is shown in times of adversity and in times of calm. No one should have to remind us of this; because we are followers of Jesus, and we know what we must do to accomplish the mission.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Read 2 Timothy 3 and identify the implied tasks Paul shares with Timothy.

Prayer:  Lord, do not let me end this day without completing the task you have given me. Let me live before others, the way to you.

John Branning

Lead Pastor, Central United Methodist Church

Chaplain (MAJ) 185^th Theater Aviation Brigade

DAY 20 - STRENGTH

“They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.” (Ps 84:7 NLT)

Feats of physical strength have always fascinated me. As a kid, I loved watching strong men compete in the Olympics. When I was about15 years old, I remember seeing the Highland Games broadcasted on the Wide World of Sports. From that moment, I too wanted to be strong. Unfortunately, injuries would keep me from any kind of serious competitions. As I grew older, I finally learned what real strength was all about. Real strength is when we are committed to the marriages and families we’ve started. It is sticking by the side of a friend when it seems as if everyone else has abandoned them. It is doing what is right even when it’s uncomfortable. Strength is not giving up on people. Demonstrations of Herculean strength is not allowing harsh and demeaning words to come out of our mouths to harm the ones we love. It does not cut down, but rather builds up. To be strong means teaching our young ones about respect and honor. Spiritual strength is trusting God and walking persistently down the narrow way of discipleship.  The world needs more strong women and men. 

    

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Start regularly checking up on a friend or relative who is going through a tough time. 

Prayer:  Loving Father, work through me to show your love and mercy to _______________________.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 (Add your friends/relatives name)

Dennis Gossett

DAY 21 - OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."

(Zechariah 4:6)

There are two types of obstacles that we may encounter in life – the ones that we train for and those that we face without any training. The obstacles we train for are those that we choose to pursue.  The obstacles that we have not trained for are those that hit us square in the face. What about obstacles that are so hard the word “overcoming” is thrown in front of them? What about those obstacles at work, home, or church that seems so overwhelming that nothing you do seems to work. No matter what kind of obstacle you are overcoming today, know that as a believer, you have the Almighty fighting this obstacle with, in, and among you.

As believers, we have hope in Jesus believing we can overcome the obstacles in life. You are a believer, which means you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). You have the power of God’s spirit living within you. After Jesus died on the cross for you, he did not abandon you so that you had to fend for yourself with the obstacles in your life. He gave us the spirit of God that dwells within us. You see, it is neither by our might nor our own “manpower” that we can overcome obstacles.  It is only by “my Spirit,” the spirit of the Risen Lord, that we can overcome our obstacles. I don’t know what obstacle you are facing, but do you know that the very spirit of God who roamed the earth, guided Jesus on earth, and rose Jesus from the dead, LIVES IN YOU? Go face that obstacle knowing that you are not alone. You have the spirit of the Lord with you, guiding you, and comforting you. Also, know as an IronMaker, you have other IronMakers who are ready to sharpen and train with you in whatever obstacle you are facing.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Know that you have the spirit of God with you! Also, whatever obstacle you are facing, it is never too big that your fellow IronMakers can’t help you handle it. We are not made to carry burdens alone. Share your burdens and your obstacle with someone today.

Prayer:  Come Lord Jesus. In my life Lord, there have been obstacles that we have overcome together. Help me to know that you are with me.  Only by your power, not my power, will I overcome this obstacle.  Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Kristina Crabtree

DAY 22 - SETTING GOALS

“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” (Philippians 3:12)

Goal setting and attaining goals are a priority in our culture today. We set life goals, professional goals, and goals for our children. Even the church sets and strives to achieve goals. Experts in this field say that good goals must have two characteristics. They must be measurable and attainable. They also recommend that we set intermediate goals so that we can measure how we are progressing towards our ultimate goal.

But we also have a spiritual goal. That goal is laid before us in today’s scripture. It is no less than perfection. That goal meets the measurability test. One either is perfect or one is not. But it is sorely lacking in the attainability test. We know that we will not be able to attain perfection in this life. And the goal-setting gurus tell us that setting that kind of unattainable goal only leads to discouragement and resignation to the present situation.

Yet, this is the goal God, through the apostle Paul, has set before us. Others have taken Paul’s writing quite seriously, and some have come close.

In 1744, John Wesley wrote, “[When I die] if I leave behind me ten pounds…you and all mankind [may] bear witness against me, that I have lived and died a thief and a robber.” When he died in 1791, the only money mentioned in his will was the miscellaneous coins to be found in his pockets and dresser drawers. It is estimated he had earned more than thirty thousand pounds over his lifetime but had lived on 30 pounds or less each year. He gave the rest away in order to attain his goal of being his own estate’s executor.

The goal is perfection. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14:1 “Let love be your highest goal!”

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Today, find one step, however small, that you will take to move towards perfection in Love.

Prayer:  Holy God, thank you for the gift of grace which enables us to move ever closer to you and your perfect love. Amen.

Bob Peden

DAY 23 - ACHIEVING GOALS

“An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.” (Proverbs 17:24)

Most of what we do on a daily basis won’t matter in five minutes, much less five years. We stay busy doing a lot that really doesn’t matter. But, in truth, we all have dreams, unfulfilled goals, and desires. To achieve our dreams in life, we must decide what really matters and will last in our life and focus on that dream. When we set goals, we are making a decision to act, and we exercise faith.  What is a goal set in F.A.I.T.H.?  It is:

·  Focused:     Specific, something measureable.

·  Attainable:  It’s possible and practical.

·  Individual:  It’s personal. It is YOUR goal, not someone else’s.

·  Trackable:  Every goal needs a “date to reach” attached to it.

·  Heartfelt:    You must be passionate about your goal in order to                                                                 have the desire to accomplish it.

Goals will give life to the dreams you may have given up.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  What are some goals you can set for unrealized dreams in your life? Memorize your goal by writing it down, and consider sharing it with someone else.

Prayer:  Most gracious God, giver of life, dreams, and goals, I come to you now asking for your presence, your strength, and guidance in my life. Give me the courage to pursue my dreams and the faith to know that through you all things are possible.

Sabrina Williams

DAY 24 - BEND, BUT DON’T BREAK

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)

We are created with an eternal component, yet we are captive to a finite and physical body. We may involve ourselves in many things that keep us busy, but these things also stretch our physical limits. Eventually, we grow tired, but we take a quick breath and keep on pushing through. Is this the way we were meant to live…constantly being pulled, stretched, and stressed in a million ways? No, but we keep piling the next item on our list. What about our relationship with God? Are we willing to take on growth in our spiritual disciplines such as studying the Bible, praying, joining a small group, or becoming active in issues of social justice?

Through and by God’s grace, we are strengthened and nourished during times of feeling stretched. I define grace as: God helping us in His mercy. We load our calendars with tons of things that will temporarily satisfy us, but we will find rest, encouragement, and strength in times of feeling immensely bent and stretched when we partake of God’s grace through spiritual disciplines. We find even more nourishment when we receive the gifts of sacraments in baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These sacraments – a very thin place between humanity and God – are channels of God’s grace that Christ Himself instructed we do. Remember your baptism – your incorporation into God’s grace – and be nourished by faith when you eat and drink of the Lord’s Supper. Here, we find rest. Here, we find strength, and here, we find grace when we feel like we’re about to break.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Receive God’s grace today, and be willing to be a channel of God’s grace to someone today. When you notice someone feeling stretched, offer them encouragement, even if it’s someone you have never met.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus of Nazareth, High Priest of Heaven, relieve me of stress, and fill me with your grace. Amen.

Jonathan Crabtree 

DAY 25 - I’VE GOT YOUR BACK

“Timothy, please come as soon as you can.” (2 Timothy 4:9) 

As a Chaplain in the Army, I am considered a non-combatant by the Geneva Convention. This means I cannot carry a weapon on the battlefield but must focus solely on my duties. I am assigned a Chaplain Assistant to guard me from the enemy.  My first Chaplain Assistant was a young man named Ambrose Walker. He was a specialist from North Mississippi and deployed with me to Iraqi in 2011. We became tight as brothers; and during the uncertain times, we would encourage each other by reminding one another that no matter what happens, we have each other’s back. I will always believe that Ambrose would have laid down his life to save mine. You need a battle buddy in this spiritual struggle for which you are engaged. Someone that you can trust with your deepest pains and highest accomplishments. These individuals are your prayer warriors, your confidence builders, and even your disciplinarian if needed; and each and every time you call on them, they are there for you. You must also be that battle buddy for someone else, so that they can stay in the fight as you are in the fight. We are in this together, and we succeed or fail as one fighting unit.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Identify your battle buddy and pray for them today.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for those that you have placed in my life to protect me. Give me the wisdom and courage to protect them as well.

John Branning

Lead Pastor, Central United Methodist Church

Chaplain (MAJ) 185^th Theater Aviation Brigade

DAY 26 - CHOOSING TO FORGIVE

“But if you don't forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.” (Mt. 6:15 HCSB)

Known as the Green River Killer, Gary Leon Ridgway, was convicted of murdering more than 49 women. At his 2003 sentencing hearing, the families of the victims were allowed to address Ridgway directly. He sat there emotionless as family member after family member spoke of their hatred toward him. Finally, the father of one of the victims, Robert Rule, got up to speak. He told Ridgway that God does not allow him to hate and with a shaky voice announced, “You are forgiven sir.” Upon hearing that, Ridgway began to cry. 

Forgiving others is not an easy thing to do, especially when they have really hurt us. Robert Rule could have chosen to hate Gary Ridgway, and he would have to carry that around with him for the rest of his life. As difficult as it may have been, he chose differently. Choosing to forgive allowed Rule to be free from the burden of hatred. He chose to embrace the very character of Jesus who immediately forgave the ones who were torturing him when he said, “Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34). There is something medicinal in the act of forgiveness. With the help of God, we can actually start to move forward.  

    

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Right now, ask God to help you to forgive everyone who has hurt you. Name them to your Father in heaven, and ask God to bless them. 

Prayer:  Merciful God, I do not deserve your forgiveness, but you have offered it freely to me. Therefore, when I am wounded, grant me strength to immediately forgive. In Jesus’ name, Amen.                                                                           

Dennis Gossett

DAY 27 - CHOOSING TO STAY

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)   

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” (Romans 8:35)  

When I think about what it means when choosing to stay, I automatically started singing The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” (It’s ok, you can bang your head and sing a little too!) Choosing to stay at a job, in a marriage, etc., can be super hard to do, especially when the world around you says that “going” is the right, quick, and easy way out. But hear me church, Christians are not guaranteed to have easy lives. Yes, Jesus came so that we could have life to the fullest, but not that our lives would automatically become easy. Choosing to stay is much hard than leaving. 

When we are faced with a situation, no matter what it is – the good, bad, or ugly, we can hope and know that GOD IS FOR US. No matter if we feel that the world, our co-workers, or our spouse are against us, we can know that God is for us and wants us to have life to the fullest. Choosing to stay in whatever situation you are in could mean that life might not be easy, it could be hard; but know that no situation, no decision, or anything else will ever separate you from the love of God. Choose to stay. Stay strong at your job and stay in your marriage.  Choose to stay and know that God is with you!

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Today’s devotional might be a hard devotion to accept, especially if you have been hurt and want to “go.” Today, I encourage you, before you go, to find an IronMaker who you trust, and allow them to help you choose to stay, because you know that GOD IS FOR YOU!

Prayer:  Oh Father, this world can be so difficult. Decisions and life’s situations can become to stagnate that sometimes I just want to leave and start something new. God help me to stay. Show me that you are present. Help me to choose to stay even if I want to go. Thank you for loving me Father. Amen.

Kristina Crabtree

DAY 28 - MOVING TO THE FRONT OF THE FIGHT

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

When one is sent to the front of the fight in a physical battle, it is not difficult to see the battle raging around you. One who fails to notice this is both denying reality and are not likely to survive for long. One who runs away from the battle is called a deserter and when caught faces court martial.

As this letter to the Christians at Ephesus points out, we have each been sent to the front of the battle, not against physical enemies, but against the “mighty powers in the dark world.” Because this is a spiritual battle, it is sometimes easy to ignore the fact that we are on the front lines. It is easy to drive by poverty, and you never really notice. It is possible to be among friends who are not followers of Christ, and you never see the need to tell them about your relationship with the Lord. Though the spiritual battle is more real and desperate than any physical battle, it is somehow easier to deny. However, when we do, we risk the survival of our faith. And further, if we turn away from the battle, there is a court martial to be faced, more terrible than any in the military.

Christ has called us to the front of the battle with Him (we are not alone) in this war against the forces of evil.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  Move to the battle front and share your faith with someone today.

Prayer:  Christ, thank you for allowing us to join with you this day. Give us the strength and the courage to face this battle for people’s souls each day. Amen.

Bob Peden

DAY 29 - GIVING OUR EVERYTHING

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

How does today find you? For most, the answer is tired. We talk about our busy schedules. We see it when looking at social media updates. TV commercials remind us of the hectic pace our world asks us to keep. We are tired, and when life brings challenges, the little bit of energy we may have is quickly taken up. We find ourselves weary and then wonder why it’s so hard to enjoy our lives.

The truth is we need someone to watch out for us, to care for us. We are like sheep in need of a shepherd. When we let the world around us define us, pull on us, and demand little pieces of our being, we are exhausted and feel like we’re just “doing what we have to do”  in order to survive.  Like sheep, we follow those around us, we try to fit into what the world wants/demands from us. We give God what is left over at the end of the day…if there is anything. We have to give ourselves – our “everything” to our Shepherd, on the front end. When we give our whole selves to Him and to His service to use us to fulfill His plans, both big and small, He promises we will lack nothing. We will rise with strength, and we will walk and not be weary. However, God cannot shepherd us if we only give him certain parts of our life. We have to give him our whole selves – our “everything.”

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  What is that area you struggle with giving to God that hinders you from giving your “everything”?  Write it down, and put it in your wallet as a reminder that it is only in the giving of our “everything” to God that we are made whole.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, today I come to you, giving you all aspects of my life, my “everything.” I come to you, my Shepherd, tired, weary and worn. Restore my soul. I give you my “everything” to be used to our glory this day.

Sabrina Williams