You Matter

7-31-2012 by Boyd Bailey “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.” Deuteronomy 14:2 You matter. You matter because you’re made in the image of God. You are a blueprint of a beauty birthed out of heaven. Your physical makeup is beautiful, because the eye of your beloved beholder is your heavenly Father. Your intellectual capacity is attractive, because in Christ, you know the mind of Christ. Your emotional energy is engaging, because you are accepted and loved by God. You matter because your Master Jesus says you matter. You matter. You matter because you are chosen by the Lord—you are His treasured possession. Jesus wants you to be with Him like a coach who recruits athletes; He has picked you to be on His team. He calls the plays and He expects you to excel in the position suited for your skills, gifts and experiences. You matter most to the Lord of Hosts. Since Jesus Christ thinks the world of you, He laid down His life for the world on your behalf. “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4 What does it mean for you to be a treasured possession of Almighty God’s? Like the Hope Diamond, He values your extreme worth. He protects you, He provides for you, He prays for you and He displays you as a proud trophy of His grace to a lost and hurting world. Yes, you matter. You matter because God owns you. And His ownership displays excellent stewardship. What He owns, He takes care of. What He owns He blesses. Furthermore, as a precious possession of God’s, your value increases over time. You are an eternal asset that appreciates in worth and significance. The allocations in your heavenly portfolio include faith, hope, love, grace and holiness. You matter. You matter, because you are filthy rich with the riches of Christ. You have been given much in your faith journey, so God expects much. Thus, you matter in helping others know they matter. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48b Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that I matter much to you, so lead me to help others know they matter to You as well. Related Readings: Numbers 16:22; Malachi 2:15: Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 2:9

Attitude Adjustment

7-28-2012 by Boyd Bailey “For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.” Ezra 6:22 Attitude is everything; it can lift you up or bring you down. It is the barometer of your heart. If your heart is not right, your attitude will suffer. Attitude is critical because it influences your course of action. If your attitude is negative, then your words and your behavior will be too. There is a difference in being a realist about negative circumstances, and living with a chronic bad attitude. Naïve are those who ignore warning signs of trouble, and carry on oblivious to the storm clouds of sin. However, your attitude is rooted in who you are in Christ, so there is no need to be fearful, guilty, or insecure. The attitude that Jesus exhibited was one of humility and servant leadership. His attitude reflected submission to His heavenly Father, which resulted in service, generosity, and love for people. Jesus was joyful and hopeful because He rested in the will of God. Do not allow others’ bad attitude to influence yours. Be the attitude influencer instead. Greet a frown with a smile, crush criticism with affirmation, and listen patiently until fury loses its steam. A positive attitude will eventually outlast and overpower a negative one. Most of all, pray for those who thrive on negativity. Pray for them to be set free from their hurt, anger, guilt, and insecurity. God has you in their lives to reflect the Almighty and to encourage an attitude adjustment through Him. God is the genesis of a right attitude. He is the right attitude sustainer. He wants His attitude to be our attitude. This is why you need a daily attitude alignment from your heavenly Father. Each day, your attitude gets knocked around and abused by life. If left unattended, your attitude will drift into wrong thinking, harsh words, and bad behavior. Self-pity and anger can begin to replace selflessness and forgiveness. With just a little bit of daily tweaking, your attitude stays in line with His. It is subtle, but sometimes attitudes need to be adjusted moment by moment. Lastly, slow down and pray when you feel your attitude eroding. When you’re in the midst of a bad attitude, don’t make important decisions; the time isn’t right for that. You will regret every decision you make during a time of emotional upheaval. Be patient, and wait until your anger has subsided, your heart is cleansed, and your attitude is objective. Almighty God is into attitudes that trust Him and reach out to others with compassion and understanding. Open-minded and reasonable attitudes lead to rich and robust relationships. Anyone can be negative; so don’t be anyone, be different. Allow God to shape your attitude on the anvil of His heart. An attitude molded by God is infectious and transforming. Allow Him to change yours, and then trust Him to change another’s. The Bible says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5).

Not About Me

7-26-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:9-10 I often forget that it’s not about me. Humility reminds me that it’s Him first, them, and then me. I struggle with keeping myself off the throne of my life. Only one King can reign over a surrendered soul and that’s my Savior Jesus. Yet, daily, my old life seeks to dethrone the Lord with its selfish whims and spiritual disengagement. Fortunately, by faith through grace, I am able to resist the flesh’s foolish coup to overtake Christ. Love wins, only when we use it as our spiritual strategy of choice. Devotion to one another in love is irresistible to the recipient and extremely fulfilling to the dispenser of grace. Sometimes it seems easier to be devoted to the Lord than to another human being. Yet, devotion to each other need not be fickled when unconditional love is the motivation. Devotion loves deeply. Indeed, our unselfish devotion is the fruit of purity. “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 What does it mean to honor another above yourself? How do you honor someone who is not honorable? The gift of honor is not based on whether someone is deserving or not—it is based on whether they are breathing or not. So, as children we honor our parents by involving them in our lives. As parents, we honor our children by being available to aid them. As team members at work, we honor each other by helping one another succeed. You extend honor when you listen with empathy and show compassion. You are honorable when you value a relationship over money. Honor wins when you respond in quiet humility, not loud hostility. It is honorable not to lower yourself to the dishonorable behavior of others, but to respond with direct and respectful conversation. You represent Jesus well, when you honor both those who know Him and those who don’t. Above all else, let your honor of others flow from your honor of the Lord. You honor Him best by becoming a living sacrifice of love and obedience to His expectations. Honor Him with your corporate worship at church and your individual service in Jesus' name. Honor Him by giving generously to the poor and needy. Honor Him with your body by remaining pure. Mostly, honor Him by being with Him to love and be loved. You know it’s not about you when you gain joy and define JOY by: Jesus—Others—You. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 Prayer: Dear Lord, show me how to make my life about first honoring You and others. Related Readings: Psalm 133:1; Proverbs 14:31; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 13:1

Worthy To Follow

7-25-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.” 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 Spiritual fathers and mothers are necessary for growing disciples of Jesus. These are mature believers who have experienced bumps, bruises and brokenness over their lifetime of following the Lord. They know what it means to enjoy God’s grace and peace, and they know how to give Him the glory in their success. These seasoned saints don’t pretend to know it all; on the contrary, they are diligent students in the school of faith. Wise are we to be on the look out for older friends who are worthy to follow. Their humble heart attracts our heart and their keen mind challenges our thinking. It is out of our mentor’s engagement with Jesus that they are able to parent us in the faith. Avoid a self-proclaimed sage, seek instead a servant of the gospel. We only imitate those who first imitate Christ. Who do I follow that will make me wiser tomorrow? “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV What are the holy habits you see in other genuine Jesus followers? How do they spend their free time? Be on the look out for inspiration and creativity in growing your intimacy with Christ. Ask your spiritual parent what they read and how they hold themselves accountable to God’s standards as defined in Holy Scripture. You become what you read and you become like those you are with. Gaining wisdom is not accidental, it’s intentional. If you want to grow in your prayer life, pray with people who know how to pray. If you want to grow in your Bible knowledge, study with those who know how to rightly interpret the word of truth. If you want to become a humble servant of Jesus, serve with those who quietly serve others in Jesus’ name. If you want to learn contentment as a single adult, hang out with single adults who are content in Christ. If you want to become the best in your vocation, be with those who are the best in your vocation. Above all else, make it your number one priority to first imitate Christ. As you grow in your love and obedience to the Lord, others will see that you are worthy of following. Embrace this privilege as an opportunity to give back what other generous souls have so freely given you. When you become a spiritual parent to newly born babes in Christ, you are accountable to parent them well. Indeed, you imitate Jesus and they imitate you! “You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6 Prayer: Lord Jesus, allow my heart to follow hard after you, so that I am worthy to be followed. Related Readings: Deuteronomy 18:9; 2 Kings 17:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 3 John 1:11

Uncontrollable Decisions

7-23-2012 by Boyd Bailey “So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.” Genesis 37:28 There are decisions made by self-centered souls that directly influence the lives of those in the wake of their influence. It may be a father who abuses alcohol or a mother who is unfaithful to her husband. Children may find themselves caring for their mom and dad prematurely, because of their parent’s unwise financial decisions. The boss’s decision to pass over a more qualified person affects that individual and related team members. Decisions out of our control are not to control us, but cause us to trust Christ’s control. So, how will we react when we are directly impacted by another’s detrimental decision or agonizing indecisiveness? Will we let go of control when decisions made are out of our control? Joseph could have become a victim, spending his whole life trying to avenge the abusive treatment from his brothers, but instead he chose to fear God and forgive man. We are wise to give over to God those who’ve harmed us with their irresponsible actions. “But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. ” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:19-21 When you give over control of decisions which are out of your control, you are free to focus on God’s purpose for your predicament. He specializes in taking sticky situations and smoothing them over with His calming care. The Holy Spirit’s work, through you, goes to procuring peace in another’s heart, where arguments will only aggravate. Like a creative cook, you are Christ’s sous chef who serves up an appetizing meal of hope, love and healing. You exhale relief once you release resentment. Your brow unfurrows when you forgive. Your mind is at peace when you enlist God as a peacemaker. Your spirit becomes strong under the influence of humility. As you decide to let go of control of decisions that are out of your control, the Holy Spirit takes control. His control leads to His bountiful blessings. Recognizing Christ’s control gives Him glory and promotes praise and thanksgiving! “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.” Psalm 107:29 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust you to control these matters that are out of my control. Related Readings: Matthew 8:26; Philippians 3:20-21; 4:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Trust Overcomes Fear

7-22-2012 by Boyd Bailey Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 Fear engages an ongoing assault on our heart and mind. If left unchecked, fear can whip our imagination into a frenzy of anxiety. Though only an ounce of what we fear may ever come to pass, we tend to give it a ton of attention. It is madness when we are overcome by fear. It may be the fear of death that dilutes our faith. It may be the fear of failure that drives us to control. It may be the fear of rejection that keeps us from speaking up. It may be the fear of financial ruin that refrains us from taking risks. It may be the fear of divorce that shatters our dreams of a fulfilling family. It may be the fear of losing a job that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Whatever fear preoccupies our thinking, we are not alone. Jesus walks with us through our valleys. He may not deliver us out of the valley, but He mostly certainly does not abandon us in the valley. He walks with us through the valley of doubt. He walks with us through the valley of shame. He walks with us through the valley of transition. He walks with us through the valley of disease. He walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death. Our fear, many times, is but a shadow of Satan. It is not real. It seems like reality but it is not. It is but a reflection of the evil one. So we have no need to fear because our heavenly Father casts His bright light of love. A shadow assumes a light. Therefore, the light of Christ is there to guide us through the shadows of our soul. Death stands next to our path of life and attempts to cast a shadow, but the light of heaven guides our way. We trust Jesus. Trust overcomes fear. We trust the Lord with the known and the unknown. There may be consequences from relational baggage that we still unpack from our past. This is fruit from foolish choices that we have to take responsibility for and trust God with. Good can still come out of unwise actions, but good is gained as we regain our trust in Christ. In our valleys we can forget our faith and be consumed by our fears, or we can slow down and let the Lord love us through this time of loss. No amount of pain can separate you from the love of God. Pain may be smothering your soul, but do not give up on God. Immerse yourself in the Psalms where David sometimes drowns in doubt, but, by faith, wisely lifts an arm to the Lord. No one suffers alone well . It is with the Almighty and the prayers of others that we make it through. So go to Christ for comfort. His tools of trust invite us. He repairs our broken spirit with His rod and His staff. He comforts our crushed heart with His caring touch. When we stray as curious or lost sheep, He doesn’t give up on us. Rather He goes after us. Indeed, love is not passive. It initiates contact, comfort, and connection. Love helps you make sense out of a senseless situation. At the very least, the Lord will bring clarity to your confusion. Saturate your soul with truth, and you will flush out your fears. Trust the ones you value most with your Heavenly Father. He values them more than you do, and will make sure their needs are met. Trust Him as you face your fears, whether of death or life. Trust in Christ is a bridge to His comfort. Above all else, trust in the Lord overcomes fear.

Promise To God

7-20-2012 by Boyd Bailey “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him [Jesus], “I will follow you wherever you go.” Luke 9:57 Christ takes seriously the commitments of His children. Indeed, faith is not a flippant force that fluctuates based on feelings. Rather it is a righteous resolve that is the result of a devoted disciple of Jesus. A promise made to God is an exclamation mark of a sold out life. It is at this crossroad of commitment that disciples are exposed as authentic or imposters. This lofty vow of loyalty to the Lord believes in the Cross and takes up a cross. Will we really follow Jesus wherever He goes? What if He asks us to go with Him into vocational ministry, will we follow Him there? What if He asks us to go with Him to forgive a friend or family member, will we follow Him there? What if He asks us to go with Him and die to our dreams, will we follow Him there? What if He asks us to go with Him to use our relationships, our finances and our resources for His Kingdom purposes, will we follow Him there? Our “yes” to our new life in Him, means “no” to our old life. “Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20 There were creature comforts Christ knew not of, for His was an uncomfortable walk of faith. He had no guarantee of protection from the elements, but He could trust in His heavenly Father to bring the necessary provisions across His path . Just like a solider who enlists in the military (there is a high cost associated with patriotism), we serve selflessly in the Almighty’s army. Glamour goes away when we go after God in persistent pursuit. Are you a convenient or inconvenient follower of Jesus? He will ask you to go places with Him that are not easy or fun. But the beauty of fulfilling your promise to Jesus is He is always with you, regardless of the circumstance. Your salvation is a promise from the God of life and a promise from you of death. You committed to Christ a funeral of your former life and fidelity to your new resurrected life. It’s not how you start with Jesus, but how you finish with Jesus that counts. You promised to faithfully follow Jesus wherever He goes. “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34 Prayer: Lord Jesus, by Your grace, I will follow you wherever You go. Related Readings: Isaiah 42:1; 48:16; 50:7; Luke 14:27; Romans 8:36 God Bless! Logan Stout

God Size Goals

7-18-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God”. Luke 18:27 God-sized goals are meant to challenge our thinking and further our faith. These Holy Spirit inspired ‘big ideas’ are crafted by our Creator to spur us on to good works and transformational living. God-sized goals make us uncomfortable at times. They are not guaranteed to happen, but they position us to pray more and believe in God better. It is through prayerful planning and implementation that gigantic goals move from a mere possibility to a surer probability. Huge objectives are a hedge against mediocrity, and a prod toward perfection. God-sized goals are given to govern your thinking and determine your time, so that you are intentional and focused on His big picture. Otherwise, you can drift around without a rudder of reality, destined for disappointment. Best of all God-sized goals get you to God. It is prayer and planning with significant progress that moves you from the realm of possibility to the place of probability. In most cases it is one man or woman’s passion and focus that proves catalytic in the creation and execution of the goal. The leader looks failure in the eye and extinguishes it by faith, wisdom, and hard work, all wrapped around a skilled and unified team. Christ-centered possibilities, far outweigh man-centered probabilities. Perhaps you need to get away in solitude for several days, asking your Savior to sear your soul with His goals. Think outside the box of small belief, for the Lord is unlimited in His abilities and resources. God-sized goals arrest your attention, adjust your attitude, and accelerate your actions. So, prayerfully set great goals, and He will grow your character in the process, while influencing others for His glory. Trust Him to teach you the way and to show you, with eyes of faith, way beyond the bounds of your experience, for His plan will prevail. The Bible says, “I know You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2). Prayer: What goal is God giving me that needs to be accepted in faith, requiring hard work towards its accomplishment? Related Readings: Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17; Matthew 19:26; Ephesians 1:19-20 God Bless! Logan Stout

Giant Opportunities

7-17-2012 by Boyd Bailey “The LORD said to Moses, "Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites… Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." Numbers 13:1a, 30-31 As we face life, we can be overwhelmed by its giant obstacles or be inspired by its giant opportunities. Challenges and uncertainties tend to corrode our confidence. It is in the face of the unknown that we can move forward by faith, or backward in disbelief. What giant obstacles are you facing? How can your obstacles be converted into opportunities? Obstacles are stepping stones for obedient feet to follow. Therefore, stay focused with aggressive patience and you will eventually see some obstacles dissolve while others are transformed into treasures. Possibly a financial opportunity is looming large but it seems like an intimidating obstacle. If so, stay true to your integrity by not selectively suspending your core values for much needed results. Instead, remain faithful to wise stewardship and honesty. The right results will follow at the right time. Trust God to use scary giants for His glory. God orchestrates giant opportunities for His greater good. He told Moses that He was giving His children the promised land; all they had to do was show up and receive His gift. Giant opportunities often require faith, planning, perseverance, and hard work, but sometimes the reward of obedience and trust in the Lord is enough. So how are you facing the giants in your life; as obstacles or opportunities? Leaders look and pray for opportunities, exploring them with energy and enthusiasm. Your relentless leadership inspires your family, friends, and work associates to remain faithful and not freak out. Therefore, take the opportunity the Lord has given you. Difficult days and economic challenges are great opportunities for God to get the glory. So be aggressive, increase your efforts, actively pursue heaven with prayer, and by faith receive what your Savior Jesus has already given you. Go after the giant opportunities with gusto and with grace. The Bible says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NASB). Prayer: With what giant obstacle, can I trust God to turn it into an opportunity? Related Readings: Joshua 14:6-8; Isaiah 41:10-16; Romans 8:31-37; Hebrews 11:33

God's Already Provided

7-16-2012 by Boyd Bailey “He [Jesus] replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” Luke 9:13 God is not passive in His provision. He aggressively applies His resources directly to the felt need of His children. But His works are outside the small box of unbelief. The Lord's faithfulness flourishes where the soul fluently speaks the language of faith. The Holy Spirit traffics freely on the highway of a trusting heart. Man’s natural eye limits the Lord's supernatural supply, but an eternal gaze engages His possibilities. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where it seems like we lack the Lord's provision. The resources right in front us look like they are limited, without suitable capacity. Can Christ be creative with what He has already given us? Yes, of course, if we are obedient to follow His directives. Faith says yes to God's "what", even when His "how" is unclear. Many times God has already provided for His children. The provision may seem disguised in its unconventional appearance, but nonetheless it is still very near. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18 Like an explorer on the verge of discovering a valuable treasure, so you may be one step of obedience away from discovering Christ's treasure trove of blessings. What are you facing that requires Jesus to provide? Is it wisdom? He is wisdom. Is it peace? He is the Prince of Peace. Is it comfort? He weeps with compassion. Is it direction? He is the Bright and Morning Star. Is it forgiveness? He forgives. His provision precedes the need. The possibilities of God's provision begin to be defined by numbering the grains of sand in the sea. Jesus is asking you to take the step of faith where you are, so He can take you to where you need to be. Christ wants to change you, before He changes your circumstances. He is building your trust to make you trustworthy with His blessings. Like mighty vessels that only cross deep channels of water, so you are the Lord's valued vessel to deliver His unfathomable blessings to others. Perhaps His provision is you! "Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust you to provide in Your timing, show me the next step. Related Readings: Psalm 62:10; Ephesians 6:10; 1 Timothy 6:17; 1 Peter 4:11

Rest From Work

7-14-2012 by Boyd Bailey “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:9-11 It is hard for some people to rest from their work. They love their work, enjoy their work, and may even worship their work. Hard, smart, and productive work is good, but worshiping work is bad. It is reckless and leads to ruin. It may be relational ruin, physical ruin, or even financial ruin. But work that is worshipped gets out of hand quickly. God is the only one who deserves worship. It is good to be proud of the quality of your work produced with pure motivation, but do not allow work to become an end in itself. Your true identity does not come from work; if so, you are positioned for a roller coaster ride of emotions. One day you will feel secure, another day you will be swept away by insecurity. As a follower of Christ, your identity is found in Him. This is one reason why rest from work is vital. When you work all the time you tend to drift from your moorings of faith in Christ to faith in yourself. It becomes a trust issue. “Can God be trusted enough for me to rest from my work?” Of course He can handle the work that remains. He divinely redeems the time of your limited work and produces more lasting results; results that will last longer than if you had worked all the time. After all, you are His workmanship in Christ Jesus. When you take the time to cease working, God is allowed to accelerate His work in you. Some of God’s best work takes place when you don’t work. He works better when you don’t. His work is a work of grace, and it is a beautiful sight to behold. So, enjoy your Sabbath rest as He works on your heart. Allow Him to draw you to Himself, so when you go back to work you are refreshed and revitalized. There is a trap to avoid as you take a break from work and enter into God’s Sabbath rest. You can physically be away from work but still be at work mentally, so free your mind from this split-focused activity. Do not make your mind jealous over your body’s freedom from work. Rest your thoughts from work, and you will discover your thinking is more robust and innovative when you reengage in your work. During your Sabbath rest, shift your thinking to the bigger thoughts of God and His plan. Superimpose simple faith in Him over the complex issues that are assaulting your rest. Your mind, body, and emotions are all part of your Sabbath rest. If your Sabbath rest from work involves people, then relate to them with relevance and relationship. Let them see the sincerity of your involved presence. Do not act as if you wish you were somewhere else. Your rest is a time for you to relate the ways of God to others. Your life is a testament to God’s faithfulness. Let others read it up close and personal. Your Sabbath rest can be a catalyst for others to reengage with God. Set the example, and watch others follow. Your Sabbath rest gives others permission to do the same. It’s not always easy to get to God’s rest, but once you arrive, it is well worth the effort. His rest ignites your obedience and trust. So, rest from work and rest in Him. Then watch your work become better.

7-13-2012 by Boyd Bailey “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). The fear of the Lord is fundamental to finding wisdom.Without awe of the Almighty there is no access to His insights. Where reverence for His holiness is void, there is lack of understanding into the ways of God. The first step in acquiring wisdom from almighty God is to fear Him. There is a worship of the Lord’s majesty and a dread of His judgment. His Holy Word—the Bible—is taken to heart as truth for the purpose of life transformation. At first, fear of the Lord may be so overwhelming that it conflicts with love and distracts our desire for intimacy. Anyone who has been broken understands this process. However, once a healthy fear of the Lord has been embraced, there is peace and knowledge in submission to and love for the Holy One. “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure” (Isaiah 33:6). Moreover, we mock God when we move away from the language of fear; He is not one to be mocked. So, as devoted followers of Christ, we sow the seeds of respect, reverence, and fear of the Lord. This discipline of faith results in a harvest of holiness, happiness, and wisdom. Fear of Him leads to knowledge of Him. Therefore, bow before Him on your knees in prayer, and seek His face for forgiveness and relational restoration. Celebrate together with Christ our conquest over sin, sorrow, and death. What is counter-intuitive on earth is intuitive in heaven. Listen to David admonish his son Solomon, who became the wisest man in the world: “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9 NASB). Prayer: What area of my life lacks fear of the Lord, and how can I expose it to accountability? Related Readings: Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10; Matthew 11:27; 1 John 5:20 God Bless! Logan Stout

Humility Finds Favor

7-12-2012 by Boyd Bailey “(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) Numbers 12:3 Humility finds favor with God and man. Because of their trustworthy temperament, the spirit of the humble solicits trust and blessing. Like honey attracts a bee, so the Lord’s heart is drawn to the humble. It is a sweet exchange when the Holy Spirit fills a submissive soul. There is no downside in taking the road of authentic lowliness. It is the path less trodden, because its route encounters roadblocks, mix-ups—even ridicule. However, our humble hearts are the hinges that swing open the door of God’s grace. Greater grace requires greater humility—especially in face of unfair criticism. The Holy Spirit is our defense attorney, retained on our behalf, by our heavenly Father. He will bring the truth to light and discredit the dishonest. The Lord lays bare man’s motives. Our humility is a prescription of choice to combat pride. It cleans our spiritual veins of vanity’s vestiges. “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5b Your humility is the product of the Holy Spirit’s deep work of grace. It is not squeezed out of hard human effort; rather it is the delicious juice that flows from an abiding faith in Jesus. So, as you cultivate a heart that harvests humility, you prayerfully ask the Lord: “Are my motives in line with Yours’?” “Are my affections focused on Jesus first?” “Do I, by faith, daily empty myself and invite in the Spirit’s fullness?” Humility is intentional. Furthermore, will you remain humble as you experience the favor of God? The hounds of hell never stop soliciting you to take credit, where Christ is the only creditor. It takes extreme gratitude and generosity to ward off pride’s persistent assaults. Indeed, your consistent celebration of your salvation in Jesus and your dependence on God’s grace enhances humility. So, never forget where He’s brought you from and where He wants to take you. Your humble heart, in the eyes of the Lord, prepares you for His blessings. “He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.” Proverbs 3:34 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for humility to be the default for my heart’s desires. Related Readings: Job 5:11; Matthew 23:12; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:8 God Bless! Logan Stout

Humble Listening

7-11-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:9 Humble listening is both science and art. Science, because there are common occurrences in effective communication. Eye contact, emotional engagement and comprehension all contribute to listeners who truly understand. Humble listening is an art as well, because people differ in their experiences, ability to communicate clearly, and limitations based upon their biased interpretation of their own feelings. Therefore, as a humble listener we see ourselves as servants seeking to truly understand another’s heart and mind. We listen to their words for inflections of emotion. We may sense excitement in a high-pitched voice, or anger in a tone of defensiveness. Fear floods out of shaky speech and apathy is evident in monotone words with a deadpan face. Compassion comprehends these indicators of the heart. Yes, humility diagnoses emotions. “I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words, I gave you my full attention.” Job 32:11-12a A loving listening ear is a valuable gift you give to those the Lord puts in your path. Do you hear the hurt in your husband or wife’s heart? Are your ears engaged with empathy in prayerful patience, before suggesting solutions? As you listen well, you represent Christ well. As you listen well, you love well. As you listen well, you honor well. Humble listening waits patiently so as not to run ahead of hearing well—it gives space to the process. Most of all, a servant of the Lord is sensitive to the voice of the Lord. We humbly submit to His speech expressed in Holy Scripture and confirmed by the Holy Spirit in prayer. Godly counsel also validates the voice of God. Lastly, people or institutions in authority over us are a mouthpiece for our Master Jesus. His established authorities are boundaries for our protection and progress. So, listen to and obey the law of the Lord and the law of the land. Indeed, humility is slow to speak, quick to listen and always ready to serve. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20 Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the grace, patience and discernment to listen well. Related Readings: Psalm 34:11; Proverbs 10:19; John 5:24; James 3:3-12

Invite Instruction

7-10-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning” (Proverbs 9:8-9). Wise people invite instruction. They understand correction and rebuke are necessary to grow in wisdom and righteous behavior. Without well-meaning instructors willing to get in our faces, we aspire to be average at best. However, an invitation to mettle into my affairs defines authentic accountability. Effective correction makes us uncomfortable at times, but we become wiser as a result. Indeed, conflict is inherent in accountability. So, if your relationships are conflict free, you can bet you are not being held accountable in the truest sense. Wisdom comes in the form of raw relationships that reek with loving reproof and a willingness to change. It is out of a rebuke that you wake up and understand the realities you are facing. Your spouse is not nagging, just nudging you to act responsibly. Therefore, invite instruction, and you will increase in wisdom and understanding. There are no regrets from wise recipients of reproof. “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear” (Proverbs 25:12). Furthermore, be willing to be the bearer of bad news. With love and grace, go to your friend who has asked for your counsel, and give him or her truth. Pray first; then deliver the unpleasant news. It is much better for others to see the error of their ways before they reach a point of no return. Talk to them, not about them. Pray for them privately, not publically with a pious prayer request. Love motivates rebuke, then become a recipient of love. Your relationship will retreat in anger or rise to a higher level of respect through righteous rebuke. Take the time to prod another toward perfection because you care. Be respectful and instruct with patience. One day the student may exceed the wisdom of the teacher. “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Prayer: Dear Lord, to whom do I need to listen and learn from their correction and rebuke? Related Readings: Psalm 141:5; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Timothy 4:2; Revelation 3:19 God Bless! Logan Stout

Wise Decision-Making

7-9-2012 by Boyd Bailey “ Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.” When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king inawe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.” I Kings 3:27-28 Wise decision-making is not accidental, but intentional. There is a humble understanding of the need for the Lord’s insightful solutions to very serious issues. Wisdom comes over time to those whose priority is wisdom hunting. Like a patient outdoorsman who looks for the best time and place to bag game, so seekers of wisdom are always in search for scriptural trophies of truth. Wise-decision making works for humble seekers. Wise-decision making is necessary for a life that leverages the Lord’s favor. The Almighty is on the look out for those who align themselves with His agenda. He is wisdom—He offers wisdom—He blesses wisdom. So, wise are we to daily look to God for His game plan. We especially need wisdom when we have conflicting conclusions to consider. Are you facing a dilemma that’s life or death? If so, ask Jesus, what’s the wise thing to do? “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17-18 What if someone decides for you? Will you decide to respond in humble determination or drift away as a victim? Sometimes the unwise choices of a boss or parent produces a crisis that is out of your control. It could be a compromise of character in a business deal or an addictive personality that produced severe problems. Wherever you find yourself, you can find wisdom to work through your turmoil. Or, if your options are outcomes from success, Holy Scripture can give you insight into excellent financial stewardship. Furthermore, your best decisions are made when the emotional short-term pressures are submissive to the long-term objective realities. Hence, fear submits to faith. Greed submits to generosity. Discontentment submits to gratitude. Impulsiveness submits to patience. Are the choices you face today focused exclusively on your needs or are you motivated by something much bigger than yourself? Wisdom asks God for clarity. “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.” James 1:5 Prayer: Heavenly father, I seek You for wisdom and discernment to do Your will. Related Readings: 1 Kings 3:9; Daniel 1:17; Matthew 7:7; James 3:13 God Bless! Logan Stout

Trust Perseveres

7-8-2012 by Boyd Bailey For the King trusts in the Lord, through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken. Psalm 21:7 Trust in God perseveres. It perseveres the higher it goes in responsibilities or the lower it goes in lost opportunities. Whether in the excitement of promotion or the discouragement of demotion it still trusts God. In fact, the more responsibility we gain, the more we need God. The more it seems we are capable, the more we realize we are incapable without Christ. Power may tempt us to lower our guard in trusting God, but the more responsibility and power we are entrusted with, the more we need to trust the Lord. Kings and Presidents need Christ as much as or more than paupers and priests. Trust is not contingent on our felt need. It is contingent on our having the ability to breathe. As long as we have breath in our lungs, we desperately need the Lord. Self-confidence is an obstacle to our holy confidence in Christ. He sees us through. Trust in Him perseveres. Trust perseveres because it is buoyant in its belief in the unfailing love of God. The love of God stands secure in the face of suffering. The love of God licks the wounds of a lacerated soul. The love of God provides the grace to forgive and to forget. The love of God continues in the face of ugly odds because it is optimistic of what we can hope for in Christ. God’s love draws us into intimacy with Him. It is when God loves us that we feel safe. It is when God loves us that we feel secure. It is when God loves us that we feel support and encouragement. The love of God covers our sin of unbelief. It is a buttress for our belief. It is the love of the Most High that lifts us when we are at our lowest to continue trusting our sympathizing Savior. He is high and lifted up, so He can lift us up. He looks down on us with compassion. Because He is trustworthy, we trust. No one is higher than Almighty God. He is the Most High. We have the privilege, the opportunity, and the obligation to go right to the top. The Holy Spirit is God’s gatekeeper. By faith we can trust Him to intercede on our behalf. Our faith may be faltering in our confusion, but Christ clarifies. Do not give up because of the complexities of your current situation. Go to the Most High to unravel the mess in which you find yourself. He is the decision maker. He is your maker. He knows how to guide you through this uncertain process. The Most High has the needed perspective to see you through. It is by faith that we do not completely falter. Trust Him to tell you what you need to know. Persevere. The fruit of trust is perseverance. The lethal high winds of adversity may attempt to uproot your faith, but you will persevere. You will persevere in your marriage though our culture gives you a pass for divorce. You will persevere in your job even though you have been passed over by someone less qualified. You will persevere as a parent because this may be your time to mature and grow up. You will persevere as a leader because God is not finished spreading your influence. You will persevere as a Christian because you trust God. By God’s grace you will not be moved. Allow Him to grow your character. Stand strong. Allow Him to love you through this time of transition. Trust perseveres.

Blessed Nation

7-4-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Psalm 33:12 God blesses a nation because of its prayers, not its power. He blesses a nation because of its character, not its commerce. He blesses a nation because of its trust in Him, not its advanced technology. God blesses a nation because of its fear of the Lord, not its fear of man. God blesses a nation who loves God and expresses that love in caring for the impoverished and diseased. God blesses a nation because of His church, not the size of that nation’s economy. Prosperity may be the result of a God-fearing nation, but it is not the cause. People believe in God when they get enough of themselves and realize there has to be more to this life than simply meeting their every need. God blesses a nation when individuals gather corporately in vibrant Christian worship; the church is God’s means to awaken a nation. Nations who try to control the church lose God’s blessing. God’s blessing cannot be governed. Every time government intercedes to manage faith, the faithful become more marginalized. Countries that restrict church competition and rely on a state-church monopoly miss the mark. The church is meant to be released to restore the ravished character of culture. Christians are “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-14) in the midst of decayed and darkened nations. When believers gather together in a bond of love they create a thirst for righteousness and shed light on the ways of the Lord. Wise nations encourage competition among churches. Freedom of religion feeds faithfulness in God. God expects His church to grow and engage with the culture. This is how He changes a nation. When countries have church choices, they can compare and choose what is best for their families. A church that drifts into irrelevance and isolation is of little concern to Satan. He wants religion to come across as ambiguous and antiquated. Churches that are alive and well serve a mighty and compassionate Christ. These types of trusting institutions make a difference in their communities. A church that is alive and growing becomes a catalyst for good things. Indeed, God blesses nations where the church is allowed to compete. Stewardship trumps entitlement. Sick churches are not kept alive by outside funding. They either change or close. God blesses nations when His bride’s worship is alive, engaging, and relevant. Therefore, avoid churches where membership is just a status symbol. Attend church where God is loved and feared, and worship where you see the Lord high and lifted up. Soak up the teachings of the Bible that transforms your life. Band together with a group of believers who are disciples and who disciple others in the faith. Choose a body of believers where the character lessons you teach your children at home converge with their small group lessons on Sunday. If church is not working for you, then pray to find one that works best in this season of life. God blesses nations who humbly seek Him. “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Responsible Grace

7-3-2012 by Boyd Bailey “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” Romans 6:1-2 Grace is a gift from God, one that requires responsible and wise stewardship. Grace is not a license to sin but permission to live. Grace is all about living for God and walking with Him. It engages with eternity by approaching God’s throne of grace with gratitude, awe, and boldness. God’s grace is a guarantee of eternal life. It is absolutely amazing because Christ collateralizes it. There has never been a shortage of your Savior’s grace. No group or individual has ever made a run on heaven’s grace account. You can go to the bank with God’s grace. It is as everlasting as the Lord. However, though unlimited in supply, it may be the most underused resource available. People miss grace when they thrash and stumble about in their own strength. They apply bad theology. They believe in salvation by grace through faith, but drift into living on their own strength. Demons must chuckle when they observe Christians applying dead works. Working to earn God’s favor after receiving salvation is as futile as it was before salvation. Do not fall into the trap of graceless living for grace is God’s remedy for the self-indulgent. Grace values community with people and communing with Christ. There is a spirit of acceptance and peace with those who receive and apply God’s grace often. Learn to use grace responsibly. Grace is not a safety net for your fall into sin, for sin still has its consequences. Grace is not an excuse to sin and is not your pass for disobedience. Judgment, both harsh and extreme, is the natural outcome for graceless Christians. Grace is, more than anything, an honorable motivation for your attitude and actions. Without grace, you gravitate toward pride for not sinning. Yes, grace is a governor on your behavior, while never promoting pride. Grace means you have a stewardship of wise choices to manage for the Lord. It gives you permission to be free in Christ, but your freedom is for Him. His kingdom agenda is what drives grace. Grace integrates all of life around faith. Christ does not compartmentalize the sacred from the secular. Grace includes, it doesn’t exclude. It discloses rather than hides. Sin is subservient to your Savior’s grace. Grace gives you the perspective and power for forgiveness and honesty. It is the delivery channel of truth. Grace is your excuse for extending forgiveness and second and third chances—and more—to culprits. Use grace to remove sin’s stain from the fiber of your faith. Indeed, as you extend grace, you are more likely to receive grace. Be responsible with grace and you will be trusted with more. Grace saved you from sin; so don’t go back to your pre-grace condition. Because of grace, you are free from sin, not free to sin. Therefore, be a responsible and gracious follower of Christ. God Bless! Logan Stout

Grace In Vain

7-2-2012 by Boyd Bailey “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1 There is a vanity associated with someone who has been saved by the grace of God, but who does not appropriate the grace of God. Ironically, they believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sin, but they do not behave like they believe. Pride has a way of working itself back into the good graces of a life that is not governed by God’s grace. Humility, on the other hand, flourishes in the hothouse of a heart that appreciates and applies God’s grace. We are all in danger of forgetting how faith in Christ changed us and brought us into a place of grace. The flesh forges ahead of faith and facilitates graceless living. Before we know it we are back to bad habits, putting grace on the back burner of our belief. Hence, we need reminders of the transformational work of the Holy Spirit that seizes the heart of a life in submission to Almighty God. Grace empowers a humble heart. “They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” Mark 7:7 Furthermore, grace becomes vain when it is crushed under the weight of loveless legalism. Grace converts knowledge about God into knowing God. You are protected from man-made rules that grasp God’s glory when you use grace as a filter for your faith building. For example, your family may need your financial support, so make sure you do not feed the poor in Africa and ignore your relatives at home. Legalism is hard and inflexible—grace is gentle and moldable. Legalism lacks compassion—grace gives grace. Graceless living loses Christians creditability. Are you a church member who gossips in the name of prayer or are you a gracious saint who prays with quiet confidentiality? Are you a religious person who holds a grudge or are you a gracious Jesus follower who forgives freely? Are you a proud and self-centered believer or a sinner saved by grace? Praise the Lord, that we the redeemed are a container and dispenser of God’s grace. You are a cherished co-worker with Christ—His grace grows in your humble, teachable heart. “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “ GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” James 4:6, NASB Prayer: Heavenly Father, by faith I receive Your grace, so I can extend Your grace. Related Readings: Proverbs 3:34; Matthew 22:12; 1 Corinthians 3:9; 15:2 God Bless! Logan Stout

Heart Probe

7-1-2012 by Boyd Bailey Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed. Psalm 17:3 God’s spirit is interested in probing our hearts. He knows the heart is the source of our speech and conduct. The heart can conceal our anger or release it in Christ-honoring conversation. Unreleased anger is ugly. It eventually comes out in damaging portions. If our heart goes unexamined, then we drift into a sick state of denial. We lose touch with reality and lead others into our wrong thinking. On the other hand, a healthy heart keeps us honest and engaged. It is the tender touch of Jesus that reminds us to look inward. If we don’t manage our motives and confess our sins, we create a mess. Our hearts can be a hindrance or a conduit for Christ-centered living. So how do we exercise the Spirit’s examination of our heart and soul? What is necessary to make sure we come under the scrutiny of our Savior Jesus? How do we get to the heart of the matter? A heart probe by God does not happen accidentally. It occurs intentionally. Just as we daily determine to take care of the physical dimension of our heart, so we are instructed to exercise our spiritual condition. Appointments, good or bad activities, and life responsibilities can all crowd out our candid conversations with Christ. So margin for our Master is a must. We cannot spend all of our time doing the work of God while ignoring the voice of God. Goodworks from an unguarded heart only give an illusion of selfless service. Our works cannot resolve a conflicted heart. It is only under microscopic probing by the Holy Spirit that we see ourselves for who we truly are. Sometimes selfishness comes into focus. Other times timidity surfaces because we are afraid of conflict. It is in these moments of discovery that we invite God’s grace to enter and heal our hurting heart. Our words, or the lack thereof, are evidence of what dwells in our heart. Sometimes the Holy Spirit checks our heart and moves us to silence. Trust trumps the trouble we face, and we exhibit long suffering with the Lord and other people. This is a heart of faith. Other times, the Spirit prompts us to speak up. We are unclear of the outcome but He gives us the courage to converse. This is a heart of boldness. Whether in silence or speech, it is the Holy Spirit that governs a heart controlled by Christ. Therefore, do not allow your words to get ahead of your heart. Don’t speak your mind until your heart has been examined and set free by the Spirit. Sometimes a simple good night’s sleep brings perspective into focus. Bare your soul before your Savior before you boldly confront others. Your heart probe may come from a variety of exercises. It may be a prescription of perpetual prayer that penetrates your heart with grace and forgiveness. It may be the treadmill of trust that builds endurance and creates within you a stronger heart of faith. Sometimes our Savior’s stethoscope of conviction discovers sin that needs confession and repentance. Above all else, lay your heart before the Lord. Ask others to validate the Lord’s probing and promptings. Resolve, by God’s grace, to keep short sin accounts. A Spirit-probed heart produces right speech, spoken the right way. Effectiveness on behalf of our heavenly Father hinges on a healthy heart. Therefore, allow the Lord to examine it often. The Spirit’s scripts are just what we need. Administer them daily. God Bless! Logan Stout