Hopeless to Hopeful

6-29-2012 by Boyd Bailey “There is hope in your future, says the Lord.” Jeremiah 31:17, NKJV In Christ there is hope; outside of Christ there is no hope. Those focused on heaven find hope; those focused on earth find hope illusive. A life lived by faith is hopeful, but a life lived in fear is hopeless. Hope is not just the outcome of an optimist, it is the fruit of those whose security is in their Savior Jesus Christ. Moreover, money messes with the mind as it demands full allegiance to the almighty dollar in exchange for a false hope. However, we discover authentic hope and freedom in our submission to Christ as Lord and Master of our fate. Deep abiding hope is not a strategy, but a reality when we bow in reverent obedience to God. He does not tease His children with pseudo promises. On the contrary, our heavenly Father gave what was most precious to Him, His Son, so we could become sons and daughters of the most High. Indeed, hope is a gift from God. “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32 Where is the root of your hope grounded? In your job or Jesus? With friends or faith? In your home or heaven? In earthly riches or the riches of God’s grace? Satan cannot steal the seed of hope when you plant it in the soil of Scripture. Your hope in Christ is not conditional to circumstances; rather it thrives on trust when assaulted by ambiguity. You move from hopelessness to hopefulness when what matters most, matters the most. Jesus matters most. Faith matters most. Family matters most. Friends matter most. Love matters most. Fear of God matters most. Evangelism matters most. Discipleship matters most. Stewardship matters most. A healthy diet and regular exercise matter most. Prayer matters most, bible study matters most and forgiveness matters most. Your focus on what matters most is fuel for attaining comfort, hope and courage from Christ. He matters most. Therefore, be hopeful as a child of God. Your hope in Christ is an advertisement for the Almighty. Those with no hope are attracted to the genuine hope in your heart. Indeed, you are hopeful, because of the origin of your optimism, and the greater purpose of your hope is to bring hope to the hopeless. Suicide shrivels with the prospect of hope. Faith comes alive in Christ and His loving acceptance. Praise the Lord that your hope is alive! “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I embrace Your living hope in Christ, thanks for our hope in Him. Related Readings: Ecclesiastes 9:4; Jeremiah 17:13; 1 Timothy 4:10; Colossians 3:1-4 God Bless! Logan Stout

Business As A Platform

6-28-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Paul went to see them [Pricilla and Aquila], and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.” Acts 18:2b-4 Business is an excuse to be an excellent example of a Jesus follower. It is a professional platform to perform good deeds and exhibit integrity in business interactions. The sacred and secular are partners in business as a Kingdom mission models actions that speak louder than words. When work exceeds the industry standard, people begin to ask “Why?” Indeed, a company that acknowledges Christ as the owner is positioned for God’s favor. Do the values of your company mirror the heart of Jesus? Are honesty, humility and hard work embraced as everyday virtues to live out? Are team members quick to serve, find solutions and give positive feedback? If our work culture reflects the character of Christ we will attract team members with the character, competency and chemistry to take the company to the next level. Great people are not motivated by money alone, but by a mission much greater than themselves. Greatness comes to a company with a greater purpose. “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 Is your real mission just to make money or is it to transform lives? Is going the second mile service to the customer the creed of your culture or are they seen merely as a means to a financial end? An enterprise that glorifies God with outstanding service and superior products will produce fruit that remains. Become better and you will become bigger for the right reasons. Your work done well is a testament to God’s grace, faithfulness and favor. Furthermore, a leader who submits to the Lord does not lord it over other team members. There is a gratitude that governs a humble leader’s heart so that they lead and manage out of appreciation and accountability, not as an intimidating, autocratic ruler. Even if a supervisor or employee does not believe in Jesus they can still behave like Jesus. When we create a culture friendly to faith, we grow a team of people who have faith in each other. Therefore, be intentional to integrate Scriptural principles into your life and work. Use your business or ministry to make life better for people and people better for life. Be bold to tastefully and professionally pray for people. Give time off for team members to invest in their marriages and travel on mission trips. Grow leaders who will pour into their teams. Dedicate your company to Christ and He will determine your steps for success. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I dedicate Your company to You, for Your purposes. Related Readings: Exodus 32:16; Jeremiah 31:33; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8 God Bless!!! Logan Stout

Humbled by Health

6-27-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.” 2 Kings 5:13-14 Softening happens when sickness seizes the body. There is a sensitivity and tenderness of heart that may have been dormant in the behavior of a controlling Christian. But a body under fire from illness is asking to let go of control and cling to Christ. At first there may be an angry reaction, then succumbing to a sense that God’s got it—He is in control. Faith in the face of fiery trials is the fruit of humility. Sickness is an invitation to submission to Jesus. Yes, there are acts of obedience that accompany a life smothered by a cloud of uncertainty. As we walk in humility we listen for the Lord’s voice. He speaks through His word, His teachers, His preachers, His children and experts in treating physical ailments. Prayer and modern medicine are a powerful partnership in producing positive outcomes. A humbled heart creates clarity of mind for wisdom in decision-making. Humility invites healing. “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.” Luke 5:13-15 Your cure may very well be different from another suffering saint’s. It is a mystery why your body responds well to certain treatments while someone in a similar condition experiences a totally different result. So, you pray, research, and trust the Spirit to lead you in the Lord’s physical plan for you. Indeed, don’t miss the holistic approach of healing in your body, mind, will, emotions and spirit. Humility is the gateway to God’s grace and wholeness. Allow the Lord to use health issues to bring vulnerability and intimacy into your relationships. Be real about your fears and ill feelings, allow friends to comfort you. Emotional awareness and engagement is a healthy outcome of a humbled heart. Renew your mind daily with the truth of Scripture and bend your will toward your biblical beliefs. Physical health is good, but spiritual wholeness is best. A humbled heart hears the Lord. “Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.” Psalm 38:21-22 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I humble my heart, so I can hear from You and be healed. Related Readings: Job 14:22; Psalm 38:6-8; Proverbs 17:22; Mark 7:37; 3 John 1:2

Peace

6-26-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse” (Proverbs 9:7). We all have a limited amount of time and energy. Wisdom says to spend them both on productive people, not destructive ones. Verbal sparring with a proud person only invites insult. It is better to ignore their venomous venting than try to reason with them. Do your best, stay focused on the task, and trust your reputation with the giver of reputations—your Savior Jesus. Mockers look to stir things up in the moment. They have no long-term solutions, so avoid their cynical, crazy cycle. A mocker’s mind is already made up; he will not change regardless of wise rationale. There are those who return evil for good so do not go there or you may end up in despair. Jesus says the caustic cynic is full of pride. “Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14 NASB). What about a family member who seems to be hurtling down a path of destruction? Specifically, you may have a teenager or adult child whose entire focus is friends and freedom. They seem to have rejected all common sense and Christ-like influence. First and foremost, focus on their heart with love and acceptance. If you battle over the external, it will be messy and costly. However, if they change from the inside out, the transformation will be beautiful and enduring. Ask them to pray, asking the Lord what He thinks about their decisions and choice of friends. Direct them back to Scripture as their Savior’s standard for living. Above all, pursue a peaceful and patient attitude in prayer. Our most significant battles are spiritual; they are won or lost on our knees. The Holy Spirit will lead you when to speak, what to say, and when to remain silent. Everyone wins when you value the relationship over winning the argument. “Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you” (Proverbs 9:8). Prayer: What relationship do I need to quit striving over and give to the Lord? Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 30:7–9; Proverbs 23:9; Matthew 7:6; 22:4–6 God Bless! Logan Stout

Used By God

6-25-2012 by Boyd Bailey “So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from God, to fulfill the word the Lord had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.” 2 Chronicles 10:15 Sometimes the Lord uses negative situations to get His positive results. What looks like a serious mistake on the surface turns out to be an opportunity for the Spirit to succeed. The Lord can use unruly people and a crisis of faith to carry out His game plan. One person’s blunder in judgment becomes an open door for Jesus to walk through showing Himself up close and personal. God can use a turn of events to bring about His desired outcome. We are wise not to fight against God but to wait on the validation of His will and way. If we rush to correct a person or circumstance we may be delaying the inevitable. The Holy Spirit directs the hearts of men and women for His directive. So it’s from our humble heart that we hear from the Spirit the steps we need to take. We listen intently gaining insight into the heart of the matter. We wait until we have peace from God. “Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39 Are you disappointed in a leader who lacks leadership qualities? Are your ideas and recommendations dismissed before they even have time to be considered? If so, stay true to what you know is true, trusting the Lord will use you and others to accomplish His purpose. Indeed, roadblocks are an opportunity to slow down and watch Christ work. Man’s “no” is an opening for God’s “yes”. He is faithful to fulfill what He has promised. Moreover, the Lord uses the unremarkable to accomplish the remarkable. Do not despise your small contribution as insignificant; you may be the “tipping point” in advancing the Kingdom’s agenda. Your influence over influencers is a behind the scenes strategy to glorify God. Be bold in speaking up for what’s right, even if your flesh feels it will fall on deaf ears. The Holy Spirit is at work and He is using you to fulfill the word of the Lord. “The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” Jeremiah 1:12 Prayer: Heavenly Father, use me to be a facilitator of the fulfillment of Your word. Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 11:4; Ezekiel 12:28; Acts 13:27; Romans 15:18 God Bless! Logan Stout

Promises

6-21-2012 by Boyd Bailey “And now, Lord God, keep forever the promise you have made and do as you promised.” 2 Samuel 7:25 The Lord keeps His promises—He never has and He never will break a promise. He promises to forgive, so He forgives liberally. He promises to give grace in time of need, so He gives abundantly. He promises to love, so He loves lavishly. He promises Satan’s defeat, pain and joy in childbirth, laborious labor, safety, danger, His presence, heaven, hell, judgment, rewards, wisdom, foolishness for fools, and a Savior, Jesus Christ. God’s promises concerning Christ are profound: born to a virgin woman, from the line of Jacob, inherits David’s throne, Spirit-filled, and the righteous King with a forerunner. He will be rejected, bear our sins and die like a criminal. He will be born in Bethlehem, be appointed to preach, and be full of unfailing love and faithfulness. He is God’s good news, bringing resurrection, new life and the fulfillment of all God’s promises. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 Because the Lord keeps His promises you can rest in His righteous word. The word of a man or woman can be uncertain, but Christ brings you calm with His certainty. Since His character is consistent, He is dependable. Therefore, study diligently the pages of Scripture and harvest the fresh and delicious produce of the Lord’s promises. His truths are a treasure you can count on during down times and guard you in up times. Above all, latch onto God’s promise of a Savior in His son Jesus. He came to save the world yes, but remarkably He came to save you. He saves you from the penalty of sin and He saves you from yourself. He saves you from unwise decisions, unhealthy relationships and unrestricted areas of bad influence. He saves you from financial fiascos, an unfaithful fiancé and an unforgiving attitude. Salvation begins at conversion and continues in Christ. Jesus saves you for His glory and for His purposes. He promises you, so trust in His word. “From the descendants of David, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus.” Acts 13:23 (NASB) Prayer: Thank you Jesus for your precious and unfailing promises to me! Related Readings: Psalm 106:12; Joshua 21:45; Luke 1:45; Romans 15:8 God Bless! Logan Stout

6-20-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Blessed is the man who listens to me [wisdom], watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 8:34–35). God’s favor is the fruit of friends who find wisdom. They seek wisdom by first watching at the doors of heaven, waiting patiently at the feet of their Savior Jesus. It is humbling to think each day Almighty God is available to commission our cause for Christ. The wisdom of Jesus is what we pursue, because His is pure and profound. Like Able, the Almighty looks for the best offering for blessing. Therefore, honor God by offering Him the first fruits of your day. Just as He deserves first dibs on your money, so He expects the beginning of your day. Get up and go to God first. There you discover a wealth of wisdom, under the shadow of your Savior Jesus Christ you receive His favor. “Then that person can pray to God and find favor with him, they will see God’s face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being” (Job 33:26). Happiness happens to those who wait for wisdom. His blessing cannot be rushed; so rest in Him. The favor of God is well worth the wait; like a newborn, the joy is unspeakable. How many times have we rushed ahead, outside the canopy of Christ’s blessing? The Israelites learned to stay under the cloud of God and be led by faith. Indeed, there is no spiritual oxygen to sustain those in an out-of-favor environment. It is lifeless and lonely. However, for those on whom their heavenly Father’s favor rests, there is rest. His blessing provides strength for the journey and perseverance to stay on the trail of trust. Jesus experienced the favor of His heavenly Father when He submitted to public baptism—His confession of faith, His commitment to public service, and His commission to ministry. On what issue of obedience do you need wisdom to continually experience the favor of your heavenly Father? Your life is alive and vibrant because the Lord favors you. You are a favorite of your heavenly Father because you are learning to wait on Him and walk humbly with the wise. “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 NASB). Prayer: How can I make sure I stay in a position to receive God’s favor and blessing? Related Readings: Genesis 4:4; Exodus 33:12; Luke 2:52; Philippians 3:8

Dad

6-15-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 Men, it is not enough to just live a right life in front of your child, you must explain to them why it’s right. They need to know the why and the how behind what you do. Your words work wonders in their tender and teachable hearts. Your instruction means you care to coach and train them in truth. It’s Dad’s tutoring of his tribe that empowers his little ones for life. They may not act as if they’re listening, but they are. Teaching truth transforms. Truth leaves your lips and lodges in their hearts. When you take the time to transfer truth to your child you are setting them up for success. Truth is transformational and freeing. It gives confidence, direction, and discernment. As they move into maturity you won’t always be there, but truth will see them through. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Instruct them how to balance a check book, change a flat tire, mow the lawn, shoot a gun, dress appropriately, carry on a conversation, swim, fly a kite, book a plane ticket online, memorize poetry, journal, pray, study the Bible, grill burgers, and make homemade ice cream. Children crave being with their dad and learning his lessons from life. Tell them when you messed up, what you learned, and what you did right. Explain that their best motivations are love of God, and love for people. Teach lovingly and patiently. Above all, teach them to know, understand, love, and fear Jesus. He is the truth. “I am the way and the truth and the life…” (John 14:6a). The more they go to Jesus, the more they will be educated in what matters most. He will reveal to them wisdom and understanding. Instruct your child in intimacy with the Almighty, and they will be inspired with a heart of humility, and they will aspire to know the mind of Christ. Lead them to sit at the feet of their Savior and learn from Him. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” (Matthew 11:29a). How can I best instruct my child? What is their unique learning style? Related Readings: Joshua 4:6-7; Proverbs 13:1; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15 God Bless! Logan Stout

Wisdom leads to progress

6-13-2012 by Boyd Bailey “‘The LORD brought me [wisdom] forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old...Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence” (Proverbs 8:22, 30). Wisdom predates the creation. Like Jesus, it was with God from the beginning. Wisdom is the Lord’s instrument of creativity and beauty. It stands by His side as a craftsman ever ready to create for the cause of Christ. Indeed, it is from heavenly inspired wisdom that we experience creative earthly results. Wisdom longs for you to look for better ways to complement your calling, by prayerfully engaging the Lord’s limitless resources. The creative energy of wisdom does not sit still but seeks out other meaningful methods and models. If how you did something in the past is not effective in the present, put it to rest and watch the Holy Spirit reengineer the effort. What will it take for you to let go of control and be creative? The best people leave entrenched environments lacking creativity; however, wise is the leader who invites innovation. “He [the Lord] has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze” (Exodus 35:31–32). Furthermore, there is a joy and an anticipation that accompany creativity. You feel fulfilled and significant when you create a product or process that achieves excellent results. Wisdom at work creates a system that rewards creative thinking around relationships and results. Remain creative and live; lose creativity and die. Indeed, intense adversity invites lavish creativity; so be wise, and use hard times to harness ingenuity. Challenge team members to create compelling content rich in substance, affordable in price, and easily accessible. Above all else, tap into the wisdom and creativity of Christ. Eternity explodes in colorful creativity that birthed the universe. Go to Jesus and seek His mind for new and imaginative thinking. Prayer gives you permission to invent and innovate. Unleash wisdom and experience, the technicolor creativity of Christ. Partner with your Creator, and by faith and wisdom create for the cause of Christ. “O LORD, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; The earth is full of Your possessions” (Psalm 104:24 NASB). Prayer: What do I need to stop doing by faith, being more creative with a new and more affordable model? Related Readings: Exodus 39:43; Proverbs 3:19; Hebrews 1:12; Colossians 1:16

Limited Understanding

6-11-2012 by Boyd Bailey “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.” John 16:12 The Holy Spirit holds back understanding until a disciple’s maturity can handle its ramifications. Too much information can confuse. Thus, through a tender process of gradual illumination, the Spirit of God shows sincere Jesus followers what they need to know and when they need to know it. This is why infant faith does not have the capacity to comprehend like seasoned faith. The Lord gives discernment to those He can trust. For example, a 10 year old is not prepared to drive a car. Physically and emotionally they are not ready, nor have they practiced and applied their motor skills behind two tons of steel. It is deadly for them and others to give a pre-adolescent an automobile. Similarly, we are at the mercy of our Master Jesus, to give us what we need in His timing. We can sulk in impatience or we can serve in anticipation. But, preparation precedes illumination. “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” 1 Corinthians 3:2 What lesson is the Lord trying to teach you? Is it grace in a relationship? Is it patience in dealing with a problem? Or, is it trust in Him over a circumstance out of your control? It is futile to move forward without first trusting Him and facing the difficulty. If you attempt to avoid the adversity, He will have a similar lesson for you to learn later. Jesus wants you to grow, and to trust Him before He gives you insight into the next opportunity. Obedience and trust in Him today is the ticket to becoming more trustworthy to receive additional truth from the Holy Spirit tomorrow. Fear and impatience try to bypass faithfulness in the little things, but these are the bricks of belief that build a bold faith. Whatever you are facing, face it with faith in Jesus to give you just what you need now. Lastly, look to the Lord’s example of lovingly leading others through a process of discovery. Bear with them, so they can bear the truth when it is appropriate for you to tell. Be a patient teacher in your relationships, by not overwhelming them with so much information and responsibility that they give up. The wise wait to share wisdom until another is ready to receive wisdom. Understanding comes to those who remain faithful. “With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.” Mark 4:33 Prayer: Heavenly Father, what lesson do I need to learn before you show me the next step? Related Readings: Psalm 85:13; Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; 1 John 2:27

God's Goodness

6-10-2012 by Boyd Bailey I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:6 God has been good to us. His goodness is liberal and long lasting. His goodness is far- reaching. It extends to the embarrassment of failure and to the pride of success. His goodness is good. If we could eat the goodness of God it would not only satisfy our hunger, but fill us with trusting delight. Because He is God, He is good. There is nothing that soils the character of our Savior. The salvation we have in Jesus is good. The comfort we have in Christ is good. The wisdom we gain by applying God’s principles is good. His answers to prayer are good. His forgiveness is good. His grace is good. Heaven is good. God is so good to us. We can’t help but exclaim His goodness in praise and adoration. We sing to the Lord because His goodness compels us. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). Gratitude gushes forth from a heart that has been tamed by the goodness of God. God has been good to us. The recognition of His goodness governs our gratitude. To the extent we remember how good God is to us, is the degree of appreciation we apply in our everyday life. His goodness to us draws out gratitude in spades. His goodness invites gratitude. Moreover, He extends His goodness to us personally. It is not just one gigantic, corporate application of goodness to a nation that allows freedom of religion and free enterprise. He applies His goodness to our individual situations, as a mother who prepares a delicious meal for her family. Perhaps He has given us a good job, good health, good sense, a good house, and a good family. It is the grace of God that allows us to experience His goodness. When we linger under the cross of Christ, we encounter the shade of His goodness. As the song says, “God is so good. God is so good. God is so good. He’s so good to me.” Therefore, when we are under the bright light of God’s goodness, any influence of bad is blinded. Gratitude and a bad attitude cannot coexist. Take the time to list the good things the Lord has done for you. Keep your list close by so when you are tempted to complain over trivial issues like traffic, another’s tardiness, waiting in line, or not getting what you want, you can apply gratitude. People worldwide who love Jesus and make one dollar a day do this all the time. They do not allow their circumstances or financial limitations determine their gratitude. They are grateful because of the goodness of God that governs their attitude and actions. Passion may possess an unbridled body, but patience controls a grateful soul. His goodness beckons us to be good. Goodness gives off goodness. It rubs off on others. God’s goodness infects us so that we can infect others. We are “carriers” for Christ. We are good to others because God has been good to us. Our goodness does not discriminate. We are good to others even when they are undeserving. This is the nature of God’s goodness. Be patient with the one who doesn’t deserve patience. Love the one who’s done nothing to deserve love. Forgive the one who doesn’t deserve forgiveness. This is good. This is what Jesus would do. Receive God’s goodness. Apply it gratefully. He has been so extremely good to us. God Bless! Logan Stout

Simplify

6-7-2012 by Boyd Bailey “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 Certainly life can be complicated: graduate school, work, relational conflict, wealth, economic downturns, job loss, health loss and the loss of a loved one. But life from the Lord’s perspective is not meant to be rushed and out of control. An individual, who is perpetually on the go, can go right past God’s best. A heart that traffics exclusively in the high occupancy lane of life will run itself ragged. Thus, the wise slow down and simplify. Do we really need all the activity that captures our calendar? Could it be that busyness is keeping us from relational integrity with Jesus, family and friends? Perhaps the Lord is leading us to prayerfully unclutter our lives for His kingdom’s purpose. How can we adjust our lifestyle, so that we are freed up to better love the lost to the Lord? Like a fisherman who slowly untangles a bird’s nest of line, Christ can help us unwind our complicated lifestyle. “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:7-9 Furthermore, it’s critical we don’t become proud of our new streamlined schedule or that we fill up our freshly created space with self-indulgence. Pride will cause us to be critical of others who are still struggling to simplify, and selfishness will lead us away from engagement in eternal matters. Indeed, we become unshackled from haste to help others. Above all, make sure your strength to simplify comes from your Savior Jesus. Ask the Lord what level of lifestyle you should maintain and give away everything above His standard. A capped spending plan with aggressive giving unleashes Christ’s blessings. Feed contentment with generosity and starve discontentment with disciplined decisions. Your simplified living will increase the quality of your life and possibly extend your life. Indeed, the Lord liberates your lifestyle to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:32-33 Prayer: Heavenly Father, what is one step I can take to simplify my life for Your sake? Related Readings: Job 27:10; Psalm 37:4; Matthew 19:29; Colossians 1:11 God Bless! Logan Stout

Mind Margin

6-5-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 The human brain is not meant to operate at full capacity all of the time. The Lord never sleeps or slumbers, but the mind of mere mortals must. If thinking never turns off, like an idling car engine, it eventually runs out of gas. Creativity is crushed under the weight of worry or having to work out urgent issues. A mind requires rest, just like the body, soul and spirit. Thus, wise are those who take the time to rest their minds. We are creatures of habit who have become addicted to the screens of modern society. Phones aggressively capture the attention of our eyes and ears. They only let go of their grip when they are turned off. Computers save us time, only to consume our time with unnecessary and needless information. Like an addict who needs another hit or drink, so we become inebriated with access to endless digital knowledge. Space age conveniences, like music and movies on demand, can demand our affections above the heart of God. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 How do we guard the mind from being governed by outside forces? How can we give our minds a break, so God can give us a break-through in our thinking? A good first step is to regularly free ourselves from being a slave to screens. Set up blocks of time when the computer, phone and television are turned off and ignored. Mental margin grows in a pared down schedule. Your trust in Jesus gives you permission not to be accessible. Outdoor physical activity provides mental gymnastics that stimulate different areas of brain engagement. Hence, mental margin does not mean mindlessness. But it does require creating space where the Lord can be heard and people’s emotions can be felt. A full head has nothing to give, but one empty of self has capacity to know how to serve a loved one at their point of need. And above all else, allow the peace of God to guard your mind. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me how to rest in You, with my peace of mind from You. Related Readings: Daniel 10:12; Mark 8:33; 12:30; Romans 15:5-6 God Bless! Logan Stout

Reflect and Refine

6-1-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Genesis 4:9 There is a relational accountability that comes with becoming a follower of Christ; indeed no lone soldiers are in the Lord’s army. Without regular feedback from others, individual Christians are fair game for the enemy’s fiery darts of doubt. Bad habits incubate in a life disengaged from intimate input from a caring community. A life without accountability drifts into irrelevance, but someone fresh from correction grows in emotional intelligence. Most of us do not enjoy the uncomfortable feeling that accompanies the most loving confrontation. However, we know in our hearts that we need the unfiltered observation of those who care deeply about us. Even if unintended harshness hits our heart we can let go of it by grace and hang on to healthy instruction by faith. Messengers sent by the Lord are His mouthpiece of protection and wisdom. We get better by digesting doses of truth. “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1 We all need brothers and/or sisters who are our keepers of character growth in Christ. Many times the Spirit of God uses human vessels to channel His truth for our change. Often a spouse is our most effective heavenly sand paper, because they know us so well. We are wise to embrace their suggestions and their direct concerns, as that is what’s best for us and for our marriage. At work ask supervisors, superiors and peers: “What’s it like to work with me?” Wisdom asks for affirmation, correction and instruction. Lastly, are you vulnerable with confidants who hold you accountable? Do you have loving friends to ask you how you are really doing, and how you really feel? We grow wiser when others are objectively auditing our actions. Life isolated on a relational island implodes for lack of intimacy. God made you to engage in community; to give and to receive correction and support. Confront others in love and invite trusted advisors to do the same. “I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” Romans 15:14 Prayer: Heavenly Father, surround me with Your servants who ask me hard questions. Related Readings: Romans 12:10, 16; 14:1-13; Galatians 5:13; Philippians 2:5; Colossians 3:13-16 God Bless! Logan Stout