MAN-TO-MAN
A devotional series by Rev. Ellis Hackler
To encourage men in their roles and relationships as dads, husbands, friends, income developers, and individuals.
© ManTracks Press, 2003
Matthew 6:5-8
“For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8).
Even Before You Ask
Lloyd John Ogilvie tells of an experience he remembers from his days traveling in the United States northwest. He recalls being in the coffee shop of the Billings, Montana, airport, the waitress had a badge on her uniform that had something most unusual on it. "I know you've got to catch a plane and that you're in a hurry. So what may I serve you?"
Now that's getting to the point! I suspect that the waitresses in the coffee shop had heard people's pressured request for a rush order so often they decided to shortcut the conversation and get right to the order. There was something honest and straightforward about this that I appreciate. Combined with the waitress' warm smile, it was a relief not to have to explain what she knew already.
I spoke at a retreat where all of the small group leaders had a badge that said, "I've got them too. What are yours?" You can imagine this started some good conversations. "What do we have in common?" people would ask. "Problems!" would be the answer. "So let's face them together and ask God for His strength." It was one of the best retreats I ever attended because people got to issues right away and prayed for each other.
Jesus said we didn't need to beat around the bush in our prayers with vain repetitions -- that is, lofty phrases that hide our real need. His invitation to prayer was "For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." He's never surprised; He knows all about us. So today, hold nothing back. Pour out your heart needs. He's waiting to bless you.
Bringing it Home:Prayer is not to inform God of what He knows already but to receive solutions He has already planned.
Rev., Dr. Ellis A. Hackler served in churches for more than 40 years in the capacities of Pastor, Marriage and Family Counselor, and Men’s Ministry Director. He is author of several books on Christian growth and development, including ManTracks, a Rite of Passage for Christian Men and On to Discipleship: a Workbook Guide for Small Group Leaders. He is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Seminary, earning a Doctorate of Ministries in Communication; from Western Theological Seminary with a Masters in Pastoral Counseling, and he earned his Masters in Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary. In 2004 after retiring from active Pastor in the Presbyterian Church USA Ellis became the Director of his own Ministry: ManTracks Ministries (www.mantracksministries.com).
Before becoming an ordained minister Ellis was successful in the business marketplace as a salesperson, sales manager, marketing vice president, and later as owner of his own service-oriented business. Because his “dual-track focus” of serving Christ as a Lay-Pastor while maintaining the concentration necessary to be really competitive in the business world has given him extraordinary skills for the ministry to men that he leads. Through his website Ellis offers courses in parental skills: (“Daddyhood”), marriage skills (“Husbandry 101” and an advanced course in developing sensitive relationships skills, called “Mastering the ‘R ‘ Word” ). Each limited enrollment course comes with it’s own eWorkbook and six webinar sessions. Ellis says of himself, “I love what I do and I am doing what I love; and that is my goal for every man: to reach his full potential by believing in himself, daring to dream big, and trusting God for the results.”