FREEDOM40 - 40-Day Men’s Challenge to Live in FreedomSample

DAY 1

REFLECT + FOCUS

Steve Jobs—founder of Apple—said: “Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent... ”

It’s not by accident - it is God’s design that there is a limit on this current life. We’re all going to be dead soon.

Maybe tomorrow, or maybe in 50 years time - either way, it is just a moment in time and then we’ll be reigning with Christ for eternity.

The goal of life is not to live long - but to live well; to the fullest in what God has for us; to be faithful and fruitful with everything He gives us: our time, money, relationships, gifts. Everything.

Take these 40 days as a serious opportunity to realign yourself to your eternal purpose in Christ, and fully surrender to Him.

Today, we begin by reading Hebrews 12, verses 1 to 13.

As you read, ask yourself these questions; write out the answers and the decisions you know you need to make; share them with your brother:

• What hinders me?
• What is the sin that entangles me?
• What do I need to do to “keep my eyes” on Jesus?

Embrace these 40 days; put off all distractions, throw off any sinful habits that entangle you, and commit to the lifelong race set before you.

FOUR PILLARS

As we begin the challenge, keep the 4 PILLARS - Vision, God Connection, Brotherhood, Disciplines - constantly before you. (Check the manual at the publisher website for details.)

VISION

• Take an honest assessment of your life before God and your brothers – craft a vision and commit to it for the 40 days, and beyond.
• Articulate clear reasons and goals for change and growth:
  • Why do you want to change?
  • Who do you want to change for?
  • What specifically do you want to change?
  • How will you plan to achieve these goals?
    

GOD CONNECTION

• Commit to spending 60 minutes a day connecting to God through prayer and scripture, including 20 minutes of silent meditation.
• Read the devotion, memorize the shout, and discover God through His Word.

BROTHERHOOD

• Commit to 1-2 other men to share this journey with.
• Share daily with your brothers and meet weekly.

DISCIPLINES

• Commit to the set disciplines:
  • Take a cold shower daily.
  • Food: fast three meals or one day a week; abstain from sweets, desserts, snacking between meals, sweetened drinks and alcohol.
  • Media: abstain from all screens, SNS, media, etc. (except work/study related.)
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Add any personal discipline goals of your own.

VISION

Today, reread your VISION for doing this challenge; where do you want to be on DAY 41? Where do you want to be in a year, five years, ten years?

Offer these 40 days to the LORD as a sacrifice of praise; a time to reset and refocus.

SHOUT

Take up to 20 minutes - memorise and meditate on today’s passage using TWA (thanking, worshiping, asking).

Continue a conversation with God during the day.

The world and its desires pass away,
but he who does the will of God lives forever.
One John two, seventeen.

DISCOVERY BIBLE

Hebrews 12:1-13

Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you through His word in Hebrews chapter 12.

Ask yourself the questions above and share some insights with your brothers.