By CTA – Christ to All
There is astonishing power in the Word of God. The Bible is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV). The Bible is a God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), faith-forming (Romans 10:17), life-liberating (John 8:31–32) lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105).
The Word of God is powerful!
So, then, why are there so many devotion books? Why are there so many different devotions to choose from? If God’s Word is so powerful and effective, why would men benefit from one of the many different men’s devotion books that are available?
Here are five benefits of men’s daily devotions. As you will realize, rather than replacing God’s Word, devotions rely on God’s Word to bless, encourage, and transform men in Jesus.
Less Intimidation, More Relatability: Let’s be honest—the Bible can be intimidating! There are some books of the Bible—Leviticus, Job, Ezekiel, Revelation—that are challenging to read. It is not uncommon for men to be intimidated or daunted by Scripture. Devotions for men take the Word of God and deliver it in a not-so-intimidating manner. This has a powerful effect on men and their Bible reading: devotions help men realize that the Word of God is approachable, understandable, and inviting! Devotions are also very relatable. It is very encouraging to find that others have the same questions, concerns, or fears that you have!
Connects to Jesus: The devotions for men that are available from CTA always connect to Jesus—that’s why CTA stands for Christ to All! Jesus is “before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17 ESV). Devotions can help men see how the Bible is Christ centered—how all of God’s Word centers on Jesus. In this way, devotions help men become better Bible readers capable of seeing how all things coalesce around Jesus. It may seem counterintuitive, but reading a good devotion book makes you a better Bible reader!
Easy to Read Together: Reading a devotion can be transformational. Reading a devotion and then discussing it together with others is even more transformational. Your insights, questions, and takeaways combine with the insights, questions, and takeaways of others in the group. In this way, you help others gain more from the reading, and they help you do the same! Devotions for men are perfect for discussing together in a men’s group or men’s Bible study since you can assign a group of readings to discuss together as a group.
Great to Share: If a devotion was meaningful to you, then it will likely be meaningful to someone else. One of the best things about devotions for men is that they can be easily shared with others; once you’ve read it, you can pass it along with a simple word of encouragement to a brother in Christ. Devotions for men are great ways to encourage, support, and share the Good News of Jesus with others. Take a book of devotions along when you are visiting a friend in the hospital, having coffee with a brother going through a challenging time, or even just for a random person you might meet during your day.
A Door to the Bible: Finally, devotions for men serve as doors to the Bible. Whether it is a small snippet of Scripture or a suggested Bible reading for the day, devotions drive men to engage the Word of God. After reading an especially encouraging devotion, men are likely to open the Bible and see what else the cited section of Scripture has to say. In this way, devotions for men whet their desire for the Word of God. Devotions do not replace—but rather rely on—God’s Word. Think of devotions for men as being like on-ramps or open doors to a life of reading and relying on the Bible.
God’s Word blesses, encourages, and transforms men in Jesus. And so do devotions for men! If you want an unintimidating, Christ-centered, communal, and sharable door to the Bible, then you need a great devotion for men.
You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use when you include this credit line and receive no monetary benefit from it: © 2023 CTA, Inc. Used with permission.
