9-23-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Resting Place
“God will speak to this people, to whom he said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “This is the place of repose”—but they would not listen. Isaiah 28:11b-12
Everyone needs a place to rest, a time to rejuvenate and restore your soul. A soul without rest is vulnerable to doubt, disease, and dread. Without soul care, you risk being ineffective for the long term. So, allow your soul to catch up with your activity through rest. A restless soul loses hope and perspective.
Stop right now and take an audit of your soul. Is it strung out and anxious? If so, rearrange your schedule for rest before it rearranges you. A non-restful pace is unsustainable, and a restful place is necessary to persevere. Do not fall for the false feeling that activity somehow equals progress or success. Without rest, you are going nowhere fast. If you intensify the pace, you are going nowhere, faster.
Rest allows you to recalibrate your priorities and replenish your cistern of creativity. Your work rhythms may require a day with no scheduled appointments. Indeed, each resting place looks different, depending on your need. For example, your resting place may be the quiet screened porch, where you relax with a cup of coffee and a good book.
For someone else, a resting place may be a comfortable couch, where they nap to the steady beat of raindrops pelting the rooftop. It can be the park where you walk with your best friend, a secluded drive in the countryside, or an adventurous exploration of the great Pacific Northwest. Whether your resting place is the beach, the mountains, or in front of a good movie, make time to engage with it. God speaks to you in your place of rest. This is one of His favorite spots to shape your soul.
Furthermore, your resting place allows you to resist temptation. Fatigue causes you to stumble and fall through life. If you are working through exhaustion, you may be missing God. A lethargic life struggles to listen to the Lord, and a heart worn down from weariness has a hard time hearing His voice. A depleted spirit is not primed for discernment, and decision-making during duress can be dreadful.
Therefore, go away to a resting place. Find God and find yourself under the canopy of His creation. A resting place is your protection from yourself, from evil influences, and from lost perspective. Above all else, your resting place reveals God in a refreshing way. His program takes on a new priority in His place of rest. Your confidence is resurrected. Your trust takes on a new level of intensity. Your patience leads to a deeper understanding of what it means to wait on the Lord.
A resting place is for your sake and His. It is necessary to experience God’s very best for you and your family. Discover your resting place in prayer, and go there often. Repentance follows rest, and robust relationships result from rest. Your best and most creative ideas emerge from relaxed meditation on your Master. Wisdom resides in rest.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Christ's Calling
9-22-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Christ’s Calling
“Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20
Disciples of Jesus are called by the Lord to minister in their home and in the marketplace. However, Christ does call some of His followers to vocational ministry. It is a calling that many times comes to ordinary men and women who accomplish extraordinary results. Who does He call out? Christ’s call comes to those who have a hungry heart for God.
Like Paul you might of been suddenly smitten by a revelation of Jesus as Lord, or you were like David who gradually went from feeding sheep what’s perishable to feeding God’s people the imperishable. Wherever Christ’s calls, His first command is to love God and then to love people. A calling without love is like a car without gasoline. It may be attractive on the outside but it’s not going anywhere. Thus, love large where the Lord has called you.
Furthermore, He has called you to endure hardships, “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary” (Revelation 2:3). Christians are not immune to conflict. In fact, your faith at times invites difficulty. So, don’t seek to shelter your life from adversity; rather position yourself in obedience to Christ’s calling. It is out of your regular routine of serving Him that you will see what He has in store next.
Yet, be sure you minister first to your spouse and children. Don’t be like the cobbler who has no shoes for his family. Your creditability for Christ is seeing your faith lived out with those who know you the best. What does it profit a man if he saves the whole world and loses his family? A calling to family first frees you to evangelize and disciple with God’s favor. His calling aligns with His commands, so service for Him is seamless.
Above all, the Lord is looking for those already engaged in His word, growing in their character, and active in sharing their faith. His calling comes to Christians who desire the Holy Spirit to conform them into the image of Christ. Your humble imitation of Jesus comes out of your intimate walk with Him. He calls those with whom He can trust. So don’t look only for your calling, but look for Christ and He will reveal His calling to you.
“I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission” (Isaiah 48:15).
What is Christ’s calling for my life? Am I steadfast in loving the Lord and people?
Related Readings: Acts 9:10; 1 Corinthians 7:17; Hebrews 5:4; Revelation 7:14
Christ’s Calling
“Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20
Disciples of Jesus are called by the Lord to minister in their home and in the marketplace. However, Christ does call some of His followers to vocational ministry. It is a calling that many times comes to ordinary men and women who accomplish extraordinary results. Who does He call out? Christ’s call comes to those who have a hungry heart for God.
Like Paul you might of been suddenly smitten by a revelation of Jesus as Lord, or you were like David who gradually went from feeding sheep what’s perishable to feeding God’s people the imperishable. Wherever Christ’s calls, His first command is to love God and then to love people. A calling without love is like a car without gasoline. It may be attractive on the outside but it’s not going anywhere. Thus, love large where the Lord has called you.
Furthermore, He has called you to endure hardships, “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary” (Revelation 2:3). Christians are not immune to conflict. In fact, your faith at times invites difficulty. So, don’t seek to shelter your life from adversity; rather position yourself in obedience to Christ’s calling. It is out of your regular routine of serving Him that you will see what He has in store next.
Yet, be sure you minister first to your spouse and children. Don’t be like the cobbler who has no shoes for his family. Your creditability for Christ is seeing your faith lived out with those who know you the best. What does it profit a man if he saves the whole world and loses his family? A calling to family first frees you to evangelize and disciple with God’s favor. His calling aligns with His commands, so service for Him is seamless.
Above all, the Lord is looking for those already engaged in His word, growing in their character, and active in sharing their faith. His calling comes to Christians who desire the Holy Spirit to conform them into the image of Christ. Your humble imitation of Jesus comes out of your intimate walk with Him. He calls those with whom He can trust. So don’t look only for your calling, but look for Christ and He will reveal His calling to you.
“I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission” (Isaiah 48:15).
What is Christ’s calling for my life? Am I steadfast in loving the Lord and people?
Related Readings: Acts 9:10; 1 Corinthians 7:17; Hebrews 5:4; Revelation 7:14
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Peace Promise
9-21-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Peace Promise
I will listen to what the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints—but let them not return to folly. Psalm 85:8
God promises peace to his people. It is a peace produced in heaven and delivered on earth. God’s peace provides us just what we need, not just enough to get us through life, but enough to excel in life. The peace of God propels us to go places we would have otherwise avoided, if we didn’t have the assurance of His peace. God’s peace plan for His people is accessible at all times. When we fail to forge our faith around His plan we forfeit peace.
God’s process is to listen first, then act. Because God hears us, we are eager to hear Him. Hearing the voice of God vanquishes our fears and validates our peace. Grace waits to hear God, and then proceeds in peace. The disciples waited on the peace of Jesus. The Spirit engulfed them, then they preached, performed miracles, and ministered to the people (John 20:21-23).
God’s peace proceeds from a heart of obedience. It is inaccessible to the disobedient. Obstinacy to the ways of God does not gain the peace of God. It is when you make peace with God that you garner the grace and peace of God. Paul said it well: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand (Romans 5:1-2a).”
Peace is for the purposes of faith, not folly. Peace cannot be prostituted for personal gain. It is all about God and His game plan. We forgo peace when we go astray. We give up peace when we go our own way. However, if you find yourself in trouble, trust Him. His peace accompanies a humble and trusting heart. In the middle of your storm, listen to His voice say, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39 KJV). Calm comes with Christ. Joy comes from Jesus. The Lord gives lasting peace.
Let the Lord in on your peculiar predicament. He already knows and cares. Confusion only continues when you try to work it out without Him. However, the peace of God does not require your total understanding. It transcends your troubled heart. It will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Man’s peace depends on treaties that can be broken. God’s peace depends on your relationship with Jesus that cannot be broken. Man’s peace is momentary. God’s peace is enduring.
Listen to the voice of man, and you may delay the peace process. Listen to the voice of God, and you will accelerate the peace process. God provides peace to His children. His provision of His peace awaits your access. Therefore, pray and wait on His peace. His peace precludes fear. Listen intently to the Lord. His voice can be trusted. Appropriate His peace promise.
Peace Promise
I will listen to what the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints—but let them not return to folly. Psalm 85:8
God promises peace to his people. It is a peace produced in heaven and delivered on earth. God’s peace provides us just what we need, not just enough to get us through life, but enough to excel in life. The peace of God propels us to go places we would have otherwise avoided, if we didn’t have the assurance of His peace. God’s peace plan for His people is accessible at all times. When we fail to forge our faith around His plan we forfeit peace.
God’s process is to listen first, then act. Because God hears us, we are eager to hear Him. Hearing the voice of God vanquishes our fears and validates our peace. Grace waits to hear God, and then proceeds in peace. The disciples waited on the peace of Jesus. The Spirit engulfed them, then they preached, performed miracles, and ministered to the people (John 20:21-23).
God’s peace proceeds from a heart of obedience. It is inaccessible to the disobedient. Obstinacy to the ways of God does not gain the peace of God. It is when you make peace with God that you garner the grace and peace of God. Paul said it well: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand (Romans 5:1-2a).”
Peace is for the purposes of faith, not folly. Peace cannot be prostituted for personal gain. It is all about God and His game plan. We forgo peace when we go astray. We give up peace when we go our own way. However, if you find yourself in trouble, trust Him. His peace accompanies a humble and trusting heart. In the middle of your storm, listen to His voice say, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39 KJV). Calm comes with Christ. Joy comes from Jesus. The Lord gives lasting peace.
Let the Lord in on your peculiar predicament. He already knows and cares. Confusion only continues when you try to work it out without Him. However, the peace of God does not require your total understanding. It transcends your troubled heart. It will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Man’s peace depends on treaties that can be broken. God’s peace depends on your relationship with Jesus that cannot be broken. Man’s peace is momentary. God’s peace is enduring.
Listen to the voice of man, and you may delay the peace process. Listen to the voice of God, and you will accelerate the peace process. God provides peace to His children. His provision of His peace awaits your access. Therefore, pray and wait on His peace. His peace precludes fear. Listen intently to the Lord. His voice can be trusted. Appropriate His peace promise.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Safe Environments
9-20-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Safe Environments
“Your brother has come,” he replied, “and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.” Luke 15:27
Our soul seeks out safe environments. We are attracted to people we can trust, who accept us for who we are instead of who we need to be. Safe environments give us security and peace. We can bare our souls because we know we are in a place of confidentiality, and do not fear rejection. A business meeting with a rigid agenda, pretense, and pride is not a safe place in which to be yourself.
Those who foster safe environments seek first to understand, and there is no rush to judgment, but there is a rash of love. In safe environments, we’re still loved, especially when we are unlovely. Parents have the privilege of providing a safe environment for their teenagers transitioning into young adulthood. This can be a trying time for everyone, as your children are not babies anymore, so they do not want to be babied and controlled.
By God’s grace, you have trained them for such a time as this. This is your teenager’s time of transition into maturity and he or she may have to make a bad relational decision in the process. This is how he or she grows and learns. Therefore, as parents, it is imperative you keep the home environment safe and non-combative. Continue to speak the truth in love, but do so graciously with great patience and after much prayer. If your teenager doesn’t feel safe at home, they will find safety and acceptance somewhere else; so create attractive environments.
Safe environments are also necessary for Christ-seekers. People in a search for authentic faith need someplace to ask questions without being rebuffed for their elementary inquires. More mature believers have the opportunity to be there for those on their faith journey, but becoming judgmental is ruinous to safe environments, as it crushes with condescending attitudes. So, be careful not to impose your high standards on a person or situation, and in the process endanger the safe environment. Share your own failures and struggles, as this builds bridges to the heart. Safe environments are void of pedestals of pride. Consider a Bible discussion in your home, and follow it up with a fun activity. Make Christianity attractive, not boring. Safe environments draw people to Christ.
Above all else, seek out a safe environment with your Savior. Your Lord longs to linger with you. He deeply desires to listen to your dreams and fears. In your safe place with Jesus, you are loved completely. Your heavenly Father feels your pain. In your safe place with Him, you are positioned to receive His love and blessings. Your safe environment with God may be early in the morning with a cup of coffee, the Bible, and your journal. It may be late at night before your head hits the pillow and begins its silent reflections. It may be on your lunch break in the shadowy sanctuary of a tree. It may be a walk in the woods, a jog on a treadmill, or a run across a maze of sidewalks. It may be a quiet occasion in the mountains or an engagement with eternity at the beach.
God gives you safe environments for your soul’s refreshment. It is there you can cry, laugh, complain, thank, create, give, listen, and ask. Christ celebrates when you go to Him, and receives you just as you are, needy for love and acceptance. Safe environments are necessary for communication and trust. Therefore, create and enjoy safe places, and go there often for your sake and the sake of those you love.
The Bible says, “You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety” (Job 11:18).
Safe Environments
“Your brother has come,” he replied, “and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.” Luke 15:27
Our soul seeks out safe environments. We are attracted to people we can trust, who accept us for who we are instead of who we need to be. Safe environments give us security and peace. We can bare our souls because we know we are in a place of confidentiality, and do not fear rejection. A business meeting with a rigid agenda, pretense, and pride is not a safe place in which to be yourself.
Those who foster safe environments seek first to understand, and there is no rush to judgment, but there is a rash of love. In safe environments, we’re still loved, especially when we are unlovely. Parents have the privilege of providing a safe environment for their teenagers transitioning into young adulthood. This can be a trying time for everyone, as your children are not babies anymore, so they do not want to be babied and controlled.
By God’s grace, you have trained them for such a time as this. This is your teenager’s time of transition into maturity and he or she may have to make a bad relational decision in the process. This is how he or she grows and learns. Therefore, as parents, it is imperative you keep the home environment safe and non-combative. Continue to speak the truth in love, but do so graciously with great patience and after much prayer. If your teenager doesn’t feel safe at home, they will find safety and acceptance somewhere else; so create attractive environments.
Safe environments are also necessary for Christ-seekers. People in a search for authentic faith need someplace to ask questions without being rebuffed for their elementary inquires. More mature believers have the opportunity to be there for those on their faith journey, but becoming judgmental is ruinous to safe environments, as it crushes with condescending attitudes. So, be careful not to impose your high standards on a person or situation, and in the process endanger the safe environment. Share your own failures and struggles, as this builds bridges to the heart. Safe environments are void of pedestals of pride. Consider a Bible discussion in your home, and follow it up with a fun activity. Make Christianity attractive, not boring. Safe environments draw people to Christ.
Above all else, seek out a safe environment with your Savior. Your Lord longs to linger with you. He deeply desires to listen to your dreams and fears. In your safe place with Jesus, you are loved completely. Your heavenly Father feels your pain. In your safe place with Him, you are positioned to receive His love and blessings. Your safe environment with God may be early in the morning with a cup of coffee, the Bible, and your journal. It may be late at night before your head hits the pillow and begins its silent reflections. It may be on your lunch break in the shadowy sanctuary of a tree. It may be a walk in the woods, a jog on a treadmill, or a run across a maze of sidewalks. It may be a quiet occasion in the mountains or an engagement with eternity at the beach.
God gives you safe environments for your soul’s refreshment. It is there you can cry, laugh, complain, thank, create, give, listen, and ask. Christ celebrates when you go to Him, and receives you just as you are, needy for love and acceptance. Safe environments are necessary for communication and trust. Therefore, create and enjoy safe places, and go there often for your sake and the sake of those you love.
The Bible says, “You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety” (Job 11:18).
Monday, September 19, 2011
Thanksgiving to God
9-19-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Thanksgiving to God
“You will be made rich in every way so you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God... Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:11, 15
Gratitude to God is a natural overflow of generosity. The gift of His salvation through Christ is indescribable! He gave when we did not deserve. He still gives, even though we are undeserving. His gift of liberty is freeing. His gift of health is healing. His gift of relationships is rich. His gift of peace is calming. His gift of wisdom is confidence. His gift of the Holy Spirit is comforting. His gift of finances is security. His gift of Himself is reassuring and humbling.
Gratitude explodes from our hearts when we are reminded of His generous gifts. They are incomparable and incomprehensible! Thanksgiving to God is a tremendous opportunity to unleash joy. This is one of the fruits of gratitude. We have “Joy, joy, joy, joy down in our hearts,” because He came down to earth and into our hearts. This is an occasion for a righteous, even raucous, celebration.
Gratitude to God can be a moment-by-moment expression. Even in the middle of the worst of circumstances, your thanksgiving to God is appropriate and needed. Look beyond your current condition to your heavenly hope. He has prepared a place for you, and His preparations are not shabby! They are just what you need and desire.
So, your thanksgiving is for what He has done in the past, His current provision, and what He has prepared for you in the future! God’s generosity is without competition. His liberality in giving wins out every time. You can be very, very grateful for this. Let thanksgiving escape from your lips often. Use it to put out the fires of fear and worry before they spread too far. Thanks be to God, for you are made rich!
Yes, in Christ you are made rich. You have everything needed for this life in Christ. As a consequence of your management of His riches, you can be ridiculously generous. This is the natural result of thanksgiving. Because of your deep gratitude to God, you are called and compelled to give. Gratitude invites you to generosity. You cannot experience authentic thanksgiving and not see it birth giving. It is a beautiful process. Because God has given to you, you give to others. At the moment you receive the gift of God, generosity is conceived in your heart.
This is why your heart feels pregnant with thanksgiving. It will explode without the regular birthing of generosity to others. This expression of gratitude results in action. It is tangibly and regularly giving to people for whom Christ died. The poor need food, a job and Jesus. Orphans need parents, a home and Jesus. Divorcees need acceptance, healing and Jesus. The angry ones need gentleness and Jesus. The confused need clarity and Jesus. The bankrupt need financial wholeness and Jesus.
The opportunities abound that invite your generous expression of gratitude. Gratitude is one of God’s prescriptions for discontentment. The two cannot comfortably co-exist. Thanksgiving keeps the credit for your accomplishments on God and others. Without either you would not be in your current position of influence and success. Gratitude is generous. Gratitude is content. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Thanksgiving to God
“You will be made rich in every way so you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God... Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:11, 15
Gratitude to God is a natural overflow of generosity. The gift of His salvation through Christ is indescribable! He gave when we did not deserve. He still gives, even though we are undeserving. His gift of liberty is freeing. His gift of health is healing. His gift of relationships is rich. His gift of peace is calming. His gift of wisdom is confidence. His gift of the Holy Spirit is comforting. His gift of finances is security. His gift of Himself is reassuring and humbling.
Gratitude explodes from our hearts when we are reminded of His generous gifts. They are incomparable and incomprehensible! Thanksgiving to God is a tremendous opportunity to unleash joy. This is one of the fruits of gratitude. We have “Joy, joy, joy, joy down in our hearts,” because He came down to earth and into our hearts. This is an occasion for a righteous, even raucous, celebration.
Gratitude to God can be a moment-by-moment expression. Even in the middle of the worst of circumstances, your thanksgiving to God is appropriate and needed. Look beyond your current condition to your heavenly hope. He has prepared a place for you, and His preparations are not shabby! They are just what you need and desire.
So, your thanksgiving is for what He has done in the past, His current provision, and what He has prepared for you in the future! God’s generosity is without competition. His liberality in giving wins out every time. You can be very, very grateful for this. Let thanksgiving escape from your lips often. Use it to put out the fires of fear and worry before they spread too far. Thanks be to God, for you are made rich!
Yes, in Christ you are made rich. You have everything needed for this life in Christ. As a consequence of your management of His riches, you can be ridiculously generous. This is the natural result of thanksgiving. Because of your deep gratitude to God, you are called and compelled to give. Gratitude invites you to generosity. You cannot experience authentic thanksgiving and not see it birth giving. It is a beautiful process. Because God has given to you, you give to others. At the moment you receive the gift of God, generosity is conceived in your heart.
This is why your heart feels pregnant with thanksgiving. It will explode without the regular birthing of generosity to others. This expression of gratitude results in action. It is tangibly and regularly giving to people for whom Christ died. The poor need food, a job and Jesus. Orphans need parents, a home and Jesus. Divorcees need acceptance, healing and Jesus. The angry ones need gentleness and Jesus. The confused need clarity and Jesus. The bankrupt need financial wholeness and Jesus.
The opportunities abound that invite your generous expression of gratitude. Gratitude is one of God’s prescriptions for discontentment. The two cannot comfortably co-exist. Thanksgiving keeps the credit for your accomplishments on God and others. Without either you would not be in your current position of influence and success. Gratitude is generous. Gratitude is content. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Prepared For Wisdom
9-16-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Prepared for Wisdom
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2
The mind and the heart require humble preparation before they can receive wisdom and process it properly. Otherwise, without the influence of humility, knowledge promotes prideful thinking and hardens the heart. Information can increase intelligence, but it only creates educated fools—unless a heart of humility rejects any attitude of superiority.
Humility hunts down arrogance and, like a skilled trapper, locks it up in a protective cage of prayer and praise to Christ. It’s very difficult for pride to reproduce itself in an environment full of faith in God and empty of ego and self—it shrivels up for lack of attention. We are positioned to receive wisdom when humility harnesses our heart for Him. When we enter into the yoke of Jesus—His gentleness and meekness rub off on us.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
Wisdom follows humility like a caboose follows a locomotive, but when the two are reversed the spirit of wisdom stalls on the tracks of trust in self. The ways of the Lord require a regular emptying of earthly desires, so heaven’s wisdom has room to work. Resist the temptation to fill your mind with information without immersing your heart in humility. The idol of being awed by intelligence competes with your reverence for God.
Vain and conceited is the Christian that has an inflated view of his or her self. It is one thing to know truth and it is a whole other level of maturity to responsibly apply and live out truth. The proud are proud of their grasp of truth—while the humble are humbled by the character required to steward wisdom well. Humility erases pride’s illusions of intellectual grandeur and sketches in the need for our Savior Jesus as the backdrop.
“We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions—but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all” (1 Corinthians 8:1a-3, The Message).
Indeed, humility opens the floodgates of God’s faithful release of wisdom. He trusts the humble to use wisdom for His purposes and not their own. Humility can handle wisdom, because it becomes a tool to lead others to trust Jesus. The truly wise understand that the more you grow as a follower of Jesus—the less you really know of what’s known. The Lord grows wisdom in a humble heart and teachable mind—so stay true to both.
“Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul” (Proverbs 2:9-10).
How can I cultivate of heart of humility that stewards well God’s gift of wisdom?
Related Readings: Proverbs 2:2-10; 7:4; Ecclesiastes 2:3; Isaiah 10:13; Luke 2:40
Prepared for Wisdom
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2
The mind and the heart require humble preparation before they can receive wisdom and process it properly. Otherwise, without the influence of humility, knowledge promotes prideful thinking and hardens the heart. Information can increase intelligence, but it only creates educated fools—unless a heart of humility rejects any attitude of superiority.
Humility hunts down arrogance and, like a skilled trapper, locks it up in a protective cage of prayer and praise to Christ. It’s very difficult for pride to reproduce itself in an environment full of faith in God and empty of ego and self—it shrivels up for lack of attention. We are positioned to receive wisdom when humility harnesses our heart for Him. When we enter into the yoke of Jesus—His gentleness and meekness rub off on us.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
Wisdom follows humility like a caboose follows a locomotive, but when the two are reversed the spirit of wisdom stalls on the tracks of trust in self. The ways of the Lord require a regular emptying of earthly desires, so heaven’s wisdom has room to work. Resist the temptation to fill your mind with information without immersing your heart in humility. The idol of being awed by intelligence competes with your reverence for God.
Vain and conceited is the Christian that has an inflated view of his or her self. It is one thing to know truth and it is a whole other level of maturity to responsibly apply and live out truth. The proud are proud of their grasp of truth—while the humble are humbled by the character required to steward wisdom well. Humility erases pride’s illusions of intellectual grandeur and sketches in the need for our Savior Jesus as the backdrop.
“We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions—but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all” (1 Corinthians 8:1a-3, The Message).
Indeed, humility opens the floodgates of God’s faithful release of wisdom. He trusts the humble to use wisdom for His purposes and not their own. Humility can handle wisdom, because it becomes a tool to lead others to trust Jesus. The truly wise understand that the more you grow as a follower of Jesus—the less you really know of what’s known. The Lord grows wisdom in a humble heart and teachable mind—so stay true to both.
“Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul” (Proverbs 2:9-10).
How can I cultivate of heart of humility that stewards well God’s gift of wisdom?
Related Readings: Proverbs 2:2-10; 7:4; Ecclesiastes 2:3; Isaiah 10:13; Luke 2:40
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Good Goers
9-14-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Good Goers
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ Luke 10:34-35
What does it mean to be a good goer? It involves giving time and resources. As we roll up our sleeves and doing whatever it takes to meet the need in front of us. Our head assesses the situation, diagnoses the need and our heart engages our calendar and our checkbook. Good goers understand the correlation between serving and greatness.
Jesus said, “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43b-45).
Good goers have the gumption to get involved and even get messy if needed. They initiate service to others in the name of Jesus. They don’t wait for the needy to come to them—instead they are quick to show up and serve. It may mean going to someone from church and leaving an anonymous gift to relieve pressure from their huge medical bills. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to short or long-term missions to love the poor and needy.
It could be keeping the lawn of a neighbor who travels a lot, or paying a mechanic to repair the car of a single mom. Being a good goer for you could involve opening your home to a prodigal who is trying to find their way, but they desperately need an environment of love, hope and acceptance. Good goers have the uncanny ability to look around them, and, like a radar, lock onto those who need a helping hand.
The Lord Jesus could have demanded to be served, but on the contrary served. He did not use His position for Himself, but for others. He “…made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7).
It is bold and unnatural to make yourself nothing for the sake of others, but this is the way of Christ. He takes your nothing and makes it something of great significance. However, as you follow Jesus, you are on the track for greatness, because you will engage your time and money for others in His name. So break free from feeling like you can’t get involved and become great for God, by going to where it’s messy and serve.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13).
Who is God calling me to serve—those that others are passing by unnoticed?
Related Readings: Proverbs 11:24; Ephesians 6:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Peter 4:11
Good Goers
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ Luke 10:34-35
What does it mean to be a good goer? It involves giving time and resources. As we roll up our sleeves and doing whatever it takes to meet the need in front of us. Our head assesses the situation, diagnoses the need and our heart engages our calendar and our checkbook. Good goers understand the correlation between serving and greatness.
Jesus said, “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43b-45).
Good goers have the gumption to get involved and even get messy if needed. They initiate service to others in the name of Jesus. They don’t wait for the needy to come to them—instead they are quick to show up and serve. It may mean going to someone from church and leaving an anonymous gift to relieve pressure from their huge medical bills. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to short or long-term missions to love the poor and needy.
It could be keeping the lawn of a neighbor who travels a lot, or paying a mechanic to repair the car of a single mom. Being a good goer for you could involve opening your home to a prodigal who is trying to find their way, but they desperately need an environment of love, hope and acceptance. Good goers have the uncanny ability to look around them, and, like a radar, lock onto those who need a helping hand.
The Lord Jesus could have demanded to be served, but on the contrary served. He did not use His position for Himself, but for others. He “…made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7).
It is bold and unnatural to make yourself nothing for the sake of others, but this is the way of Christ. He takes your nothing and makes it something of great significance. However, as you follow Jesus, you are on the track for greatness, because you will engage your time and money for others in His name. So break free from feeling like you can’t get involved and become great for God, by going to where it’s messy and serve.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13).
Who is God calling me to serve—those that others are passing by unnoticed?
Related Readings: Proverbs 11:24; Ephesians 6:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Peter 4:11
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Holy Spirit Awareness
9-13-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Holy Spirit Awareness
“While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:1-2
In some Christian circles God the Father and His son Jesus Christ get all the attention, while the Holy Spirit—like an unruly stepchild—is ignored. Some followers of Jesus—out of ignorance or fear—fail to acknowledge and engage the Holy Spirit’s work in their life. They are stunted spiritually, because they miss the Spirit’s revelation of wisdom.
The Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit), all play significant roles in growing believers into the likeness of Christ through godly wisdom. He is gracious to give us wisdom through grace from God the Father—through relationship with God the Son—and through revelation from God the Spirit.
God the Father gives wisdom to those who ask in faith, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt” (James 1:5-6a). Trusting children of God have access to wisdom from their generous heavenly Father.
Christ is the wisdom of God, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24b). So to know Him is to know and understand godly wisdom. The life of Jesus illustrates for us wisdom and His teaching educates us in wisdom. Indeed, it’s in relationship with God the Son that Christians are able to grow in godly wisdom.
God the Spirit reveals wisdom to those who love Him; “These are the things [wisdom] God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 1:10). The Holy Spirit gives us discernment to know the difference between authentic wisdom from the Almighty and the wisdom of the world.
The Holy Spirit validates your belief in Jesus and confirms your commitment to Christ, by giving assurance to your soul. As you pray the Spirit ushers you into the presence of your heavenly Father, and with peaceful delight communes and communicates on your behalf. So, rest in the humble harness of the Holy Spirit and engage heaven’s help.
The Holy Spirit’s work is not meant to be mystical and weird, but practical and real. He provides comfort when you hurt, conviction when you stray and direction when you are unsure. Therefore, daily, enter into the fullness of the Spirit by confessing, repenting and receiving the Spirit’s fullness—be aware of what God has already given you by faith.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:14-16, NKJV).
How can I be more fully aware of and enjoy the fullness of the Holy Spirit in my life?
Related Readings: Zechariah 4:6; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 5:6-8
Holy Spirit Awareness
“While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:1-2
In some Christian circles God the Father and His son Jesus Christ get all the attention, while the Holy Spirit—like an unruly stepchild—is ignored. Some followers of Jesus—out of ignorance or fear—fail to acknowledge and engage the Holy Spirit’s work in their life. They are stunted spiritually, because they miss the Spirit’s revelation of wisdom.
The Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit), all play significant roles in growing believers into the likeness of Christ through godly wisdom. He is gracious to give us wisdom through grace from God the Father—through relationship with God the Son—and through revelation from God the Spirit.
God the Father gives wisdom to those who ask in faith, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt” (James 1:5-6a). Trusting children of God have access to wisdom from their generous heavenly Father.
Christ is the wisdom of God, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24b). So to know Him is to know and understand godly wisdom. The life of Jesus illustrates for us wisdom and His teaching educates us in wisdom. Indeed, it’s in relationship with God the Son that Christians are able to grow in godly wisdom.
God the Spirit reveals wisdom to those who love Him; “These are the things [wisdom] God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 1:10). The Holy Spirit gives us discernment to know the difference between authentic wisdom from the Almighty and the wisdom of the world.
The Holy Spirit validates your belief in Jesus and confirms your commitment to Christ, by giving assurance to your soul. As you pray the Spirit ushers you into the presence of your heavenly Father, and with peaceful delight communes and communicates on your behalf. So, rest in the humble harness of the Holy Spirit and engage heaven’s help.
The Holy Spirit’s work is not meant to be mystical and weird, but practical and real. He provides comfort when you hurt, conviction when you stray and direction when you are unsure. Therefore, daily, enter into the fullness of the Spirit by confessing, repenting and receiving the Spirit’s fullness—be aware of what God has already given you by faith.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:14-16, NKJV).
How can I be more fully aware of and enjoy the fullness of the Holy Spirit in my life?
Related Readings: Zechariah 4:6; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 5:6-8
Monday, September 12, 2011
A Sustainable Lifestyle
9-12-2011 by Boyd Bailey
A Sustainable Lifestyle
"Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me." Psalm 54:4
A lifestyle is sustainable when the Lord is the sustainer. Behind every sustainable life is dependence on a Savior: to help in time of need—to provide calm in a crisis—to give perspective when feeling pressure and to slow down someone who is way to busy. The grace of God gives sustainability to a life paced by prayer and energized by faith in Jesus.
Are you involved in so many good initiatives, only to find yourself unable to keep up with your commitments? Is your pace of life without margin—unable to really invest in those who need you the most? Indeed, it is extremely important to take periodic audits of our pace of life and make sure we make room for real relational investments. A life is unsustainable, if it is always darting from one good deed to the next with no down time.
“Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed” (Psalm 119:116).
Sometimes it takes a restoration of joy in following Jesus to realign our hearts in rest with Him. Joyless living is drudgery and only contributes to fatigue and exhaustion. However, the Lord upholds His own—by His presence and the wisdom of His word. He is ever present to energize a seeking soul with His solace of strength, peace and perseverance.
Like a wilderness hiker without a backpack of supplies and no compass—is a life that wanders around without the sustenance of Scripture and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. A sustainable life has Almighty God as its architect and belief in Jesus as its builder. He sustains those who regularly seek Him with a pure heart and a teachable mind. He helps the humble and lifts up those who worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
“The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground” (Psalm 147:6).
Are you old? The Lord is your sustainer in your later years. Are you sick? Your Savior Jesus sustains you on your sick bed. Are you an orphan? You are not outcast, but a precious child of your Heavenly Father. Are you a widow or widower? You are not alone, but loved by the Lord. Are you in a new country, away from home? Jesus is trustworthy in your transition. Are you afraid? Christ is a prayer away to provide comfort and care.
Lastly, a sustainable lifestyle happens in community with other followers of Jesus. Faith comes alive when it is exercised in the presence of other people who love the Lord. You feel support, love, compassion, prayers and wisdom from the Body of Christ. The Lord is your help and His people are His helpers. A sustainable lifestyle comes from Christ.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3a).
How can I sustain my lifestyle in the power of the Spirit and not in my own strength?
Related Readings: Job 36:19; Psalm 119:175; 146:9; Isaiah 46:4; 50:4; 59:16
A Sustainable Lifestyle
"Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me." Psalm 54:4
A lifestyle is sustainable when the Lord is the sustainer. Behind every sustainable life is dependence on a Savior: to help in time of need—to provide calm in a crisis—to give perspective when feeling pressure and to slow down someone who is way to busy. The grace of God gives sustainability to a life paced by prayer and energized by faith in Jesus.
Are you involved in so many good initiatives, only to find yourself unable to keep up with your commitments? Is your pace of life without margin—unable to really invest in those who need you the most? Indeed, it is extremely important to take periodic audits of our pace of life and make sure we make room for real relational investments. A life is unsustainable, if it is always darting from one good deed to the next with no down time.
“Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed” (Psalm 119:116).
Sometimes it takes a restoration of joy in following Jesus to realign our hearts in rest with Him. Joyless living is drudgery and only contributes to fatigue and exhaustion. However, the Lord upholds His own—by His presence and the wisdom of His word. He is ever present to energize a seeking soul with His solace of strength, peace and perseverance.
Like a wilderness hiker without a backpack of supplies and no compass—is a life that wanders around without the sustenance of Scripture and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. A sustainable life has Almighty God as its architect and belief in Jesus as its builder. He sustains those who regularly seek Him with a pure heart and a teachable mind. He helps the humble and lifts up those who worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
“The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground” (Psalm 147:6).
Are you old? The Lord is your sustainer in your later years. Are you sick? Your Savior Jesus sustains you on your sick bed. Are you an orphan? You are not outcast, but a precious child of your Heavenly Father. Are you a widow or widower? You are not alone, but loved by the Lord. Are you in a new country, away from home? Jesus is trustworthy in your transition. Are you afraid? Christ is a prayer away to provide comfort and care.
Lastly, a sustainable lifestyle happens in community with other followers of Jesus. Faith comes alive when it is exercised in the presence of other people who love the Lord. You feel support, love, compassion, prayers and wisdom from the Body of Christ. The Lord is your help and His people are His helpers. A sustainable lifestyle comes from Christ.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3a).
How can I sustain my lifestyle in the power of the Spirit and not in my own strength?
Related Readings: Job 36:19; Psalm 119:175; 146:9; Isaiah 46:4; 50:4; 59:16
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Pride's Downfall
9-8-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Pride’s Downfall
But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 2 Chronicles 26:16
Lust for power is as insidious as it sounds. It is a dysfunctional drive that demands blind loyalty with nothing in return. Power hungry leaders are insensitive and short sighted as they take whatever means are necessary to accomplish their egocentric ends. They become entangled in their own web of wanting more control and find themselves trapped in a malaise of manipulation.
Power has built-in arrogance that needs to be confronted with honesty, humility and truth. Moreover, it is unnatural for the spiritually minded to need power. They give it away to avoid greedily getting more. The devil used the promise of power to tempt Christ, however Jesus knew that Satan’s temptation was a ploy that appealed to His pride.
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’’” (Matthew 4:8-10).
Indeed, the lust for power does not exclude any industry or organization: politics, religion, business and ministry all have to deal with the stewardship of power and responsibility. So, how do you manage power or does it manage you? Only when you give it away are you free from its control. The more influence and authority you have the more wisdom and accountability you need from the Lord and trusted advisors.
You cannot keep power in its proper place without the principles of God’s Word prescribing your behavior. This is why it is extremely easy to work for a boss with character. You trust them and you believe they have yours and the company's best interests in mind. This is why in marriage a woman can trust and follow a man of conviction, because she believes in him and trusts him to be accountable to God.
Furthermore, if you apply humility to your heart, power will not go to your head. Just as pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18), humility comes before promotion by God. Therefore, use power as an excuse for persistent prayer and honest feedback. Give it away—for then it loses its prideful control and you avoid an embarrassing downfall.
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
How can I stay accountable as a servant leader and not follow pride’s downfall?
Related Readings: Psalm 10:4; Proverbs 8:13; 11:12; Isaiah 2:11-17
Pride’s Downfall
But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 2 Chronicles 26:16
Lust for power is as insidious as it sounds. It is a dysfunctional drive that demands blind loyalty with nothing in return. Power hungry leaders are insensitive and short sighted as they take whatever means are necessary to accomplish their egocentric ends. They become entangled in their own web of wanting more control and find themselves trapped in a malaise of manipulation.
Power has built-in arrogance that needs to be confronted with honesty, humility and truth. Moreover, it is unnatural for the spiritually minded to need power. They give it away to avoid greedily getting more. The devil used the promise of power to tempt Christ, however Jesus knew that Satan’s temptation was a ploy that appealed to His pride.
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’’” (Matthew 4:8-10).
Indeed, the lust for power does not exclude any industry or organization: politics, religion, business and ministry all have to deal with the stewardship of power and responsibility. So, how do you manage power or does it manage you? Only when you give it away are you free from its control. The more influence and authority you have the more wisdom and accountability you need from the Lord and trusted advisors.
You cannot keep power in its proper place without the principles of God’s Word prescribing your behavior. This is why it is extremely easy to work for a boss with character. You trust them and you believe they have yours and the company's best interests in mind. This is why in marriage a woman can trust and follow a man of conviction, because she believes in him and trusts him to be accountable to God.
Furthermore, if you apply humility to your heart, power will not go to your head. Just as pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18), humility comes before promotion by God. Therefore, use power as an excuse for persistent prayer and honest feedback. Give it away—for then it loses its prideful control and you avoid an embarrassing downfall.
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
How can I stay accountable as a servant leader and not follow pride’s downfall?
Related Readings: Psalm 10:4; Proverbs 8:13; 11:12; Isaiah 2:11-17
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