Fruit of Goodness

8-30-2012 by Boyd Bailey “The fruit of the Spirit is goodness...” Galatians 5:22b The Holy Spirit’s fruit of goodness flows from the heart of God. It is pure in its essence and it is sure in its application for good. Good is to God what bad is to evil—a reflection of its origin. Goodness is the expression of moral excellence found in any man or woman surrendered to the Spirit’s control. It is virtue that bubbles up from a deep seated belief that outside of Christ there is no good thing. His goodness reveals His glory to the world. To say he or she is a good man or woman does not do justice to the depth of the fruit of goodness. It puts too much emphasis on the human element in being good. Goodness comes from God to do good for God. We are only good to the extent that our goodness is initiated by Christ and sustained by the Spirit. At salvation God’s goodness floods our soul like a warm bath cleanses a dirty body—our soiled soul is washed clean. Goodness takes permanent residence when the Lord Jesus is the Landlord of our life. He’s all good! “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 So, what does it mean to have a good heart? It is a heart governed by God. A good heart is more than following a set of principles—additionally it recognizes the Lord is the moral authority over what is defined as good. For example, we can feel good about someone, but if their morals or ethics violate Christ’s code of conduct, theirs is not a good life to emulate. Goodness is not defined by what we feel, but by what God says is good. God has made you good in Christ to be a humble but bold standard bearer of goodness. Good and decent followers of Jesus have a moral obligation to obey God and thus be a force for good in a morally decaying culture. Goodness defines you as more than a do gooder—it marks you as being a slave to your Master Jesus. Your goodness gives you the influence to change the culture. God is calling you to be an agent of change for His glory! “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your goodness and mercy that follow me all the days of my life. Related Scriptures: Exodus 33:19; Psalm 23:6; Romans 15:14; Hebrews 6:5

Forbearance

8-28-2012 by Boyd Bailey "The fruit of the Spirit is forbearance..." Galatians 5:22a The Spirit's fruit of forbearance is much more than patience. It is choosing not to retaliate when wronged. It's extending terms to benefit another, instead of demanding a justifiable immediate payment. Forbearance is the long suffering the Lord has towards sinners who need Him. He knows that time away from Him eventually loses its luster and appeal. By faith we are able to model God's great patience towards those who anger us, who deeply disappoint us. The Holy Spirit fills us with the fruit of forbearance so He can lengthen the fuse of our temper. The longer it takes for our temper to smolder under self-control, the more time we have to cool down. The Spirit's forbearance releases our vengeance to the Lord. "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance." Romans 2:4 Do you thank the Lord for His kindness, forbearance and patience toward your ignorant indiscretions and your intentionally unwise acts? Are you taking for granted God's great grace? Eventually His patience does run out on those who run away from Him. There comes a time when secret sins come to roost on God's righteous roof. So, come clean and learn how to walk wisely in this season of forbearance from your heavenly Father. Lastly, do not buckle in unbelief under the pressures that threaten to crush your spirit. Christ has given you a deep reservoir of forbearance to bear these burdens. There is not a drought of God's grace during hot summers of suffering. Critics will come and go. And hard circumstances are meant to soften your heart to grow a harvest for Christ. The fruit of forbearance in your life waters seeds in other searching souls. Thus, be a faithful forbearer of faith! "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:16 Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your loving forbearance toward me; fill me with Your great patience toward others. Related Scriptures: Psalm 86:15; Proverbs 19:11; Colossians 3:12-13; Hebrews 6:12

Fruit of Peace

8-27-2012 by Boyd Bailey “But the fruit of the Spirit is peace…” Galatians 5:22a Peace is an intuitive fruit of the Spirit. There is an inner sense that Christ is in control, even when external circumstances swirl with uncertainty. It is a calm that only the Spirit can create. Furthermore, a lack of peace protects from moving forward too fast or at all. It is a check and balance to impulsive emotional commitments and/or impetuous mental assent. Peace produced by the Spirit is not subject to shifting situations, but leads one to a stable Savior. Spirit-filled peace leads us to become peacemakers, not just peacekeepers. We take the initiative to bring together two friends who may be in conflict, reminding them of the traits they admire in each other. We help to bring harmony where hurt has been inflicted. Once we have peace with God, others, and ourselves, we can create a safe environment of acceptance for those in turmoil. Peacemakers who sow peace reap righteous results. “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18 If you are without peace of mind meditate on the mind of Christ. His thoughts remind you of the big picture and the vision the Lord has for your life. He gives humility, wisdom and forgiveness to recalibrate conflicted relationships. Jesus takes the fear out of finances and replaces it with the assurance of His provision. Peace replaces worry. It stops fighting against and begins praying for a friend or enemy. Spirit-filled peace sustains a long life. Above all, peace is found in resting in a right relationship with the Almighty. The fruit of peace with God is an immense harvest. Chaos is replaced with calm. Trust and tranquility triumph over anxiety and striving. Your guilt is gone—your purpose and passion remain. You serve a risen Savior who breathes peace into your lungs of faith. It may feel that He is asleep in your current storm, but He will awake to comfort you. Peace with God brings the peace of God. Finally, be a peacemaker whose peace rests in your Maker. Shalom! "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27, NKJV Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I be a peacemaker whose peace rests in my Maker. Related Readings: Numbers 6:25-27; Job 22:21; Matthew 5:7; Romans 5:1; 15:13

Fruit of Love

8-23-2012 by Boyd Bailey “But the fruit of the Spirit is love…” Galatians 5:22a Love leads the list of nine character traits that constitute the fruit of the Spirit. Love, the greatest commandment—is God’s gold medal for His children who run the race of faith. This authentic affection for the Lord and people sets the tone for the following eight character traits. Love is foundational, because it keeps motives pure and it builds trust that delivers truth. Like a loving mom, love looks for ways to give care and comfort. Love gets behind enemy lines with the determination of a Navy Seal. It is the tip of a sharp arrow that slices into the hardest of hearts. Delicious love is an appetizer and entrée we can offer to hungry souls. It is attractive to acquaintances and it retains friends. We love when we initiate interest, refrain from retaliation, give grace and take responsibility. Love listens, gives, helps, forgives, perseveres, serves and sacrifices. Love is a verb. “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:14 Your love ties together all other virtues with its eternal elasticity. It doesn’t divide, it unifies. It doesn’t take, it gives. It is not selfish, it is selfless. However, it is the Holy Spirit that dresses you each day in the garment of God’s love. You are not capable to love beyond human effort without strength from the Spirit. He is the source of your power to love like Christ: you love your enemies, embrace your critics and forgive all who hurt. How do you know if you are growing the fruit of love in your life? You begin to know and understand details important to your spouse, children and friends. Prayer needs, birthdays, anniversaries, interests, pain points and joy factors all arouse your memory when you are around those in your circle of influence. Your love may courageously ask for help on behalf of another who finds himself in a desperate situation. Love is action. Furthermore, undeserved love may be the highest level of love. You love an addict even though their capacity to love is numbed and they only have pain to give back. You love a proud person, so they see a model of humility that reminds them of Jesus. You love someone who does not love you, because your heavenly Father did this for you, before you fell in love with Jesus. Your Spirit filled fruit of love shares the gospel and your life. “Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-8 Prayer: Heavenly Father, who needs my listening ear, my tender touch or my time and trust? Related Readings: Luke 6:31-34; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 4:19

Spiritual Living

8-22-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25 The Holy Spirit fuels spiritual living. This is where freedom resides and where fruit bearing takes place. The flesh is pre-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on self to secure security. The Spirit is post-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on God to secure earthly and eternal security. The Spirit and the flesh conflict, but the flesh has been put to death by faith and the Spirit has come alive. Spiritual living submits to Christ. Spiritual living thrives as we daily surrender our soul to Jesus. The way we became a Christian—by grace through faith—is the same way we continue as a Christian. Yet, the flesh tries to flaunt its old habits as teasers for us to not trust God. But we know better—it’s better not to boast in the flesh, but to be humbled by the Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit we are empowered to bear the fruit of the Spirit. “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Galatians 5:16-17 The Spirit brings wisdom, when we consider ways that are unwise. The Spirit brings conviction, when we begin to drift from our convictions. The Spirit brings comfort, when we struggle with discomfort. The Spirit leads us into God’s will, when we are tempted to follow our own will. The Holy Spirit is heaven’s secret to spiritual living. When we walk by the Spirit we are everything, but if we ignore the Spirit we are nothing. Are you looking to love better, rejoice more and be at peace? If so, allow the Spirit to grow love, joy and peace in the soil of your soul. God is your Gardener, whose green thumb of grace always grows an abundance of fruit. Forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all seeded by the Holy Spirit to produce the Lord’s luscious fruit that remains. Fertilize with faith and then water with God’s Word. Invite the Holy Spirit to pull out any weeds of sin from your heart. And like a kudzu plant climbs, coils and covers in a hot and humid climate, the fruit of the Spirit covers your life in Christ-like character. Your part is faith and His part is fruit. Your part is surrender and His part is victory. Your part is prayer and His part is answers. Your part is humility and His part is a harvest of righteousness. Spiritual living lives by the Spirit’s power. “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:9 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I surrender to Your Spirit’s empowering me to spiritual living. Related Readings: Romans 8:3-5, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:11; 1 Peter 2:16

God's Glory Revealed

8-20-2012 by Boyd Bailey "So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!” Exodus 3:3-4 The glory of God is revealed through humility, not pride. He chose a humble thorn bush, not a proud oak tree. It's to the lowly lovers of the Lord that he shows Himself in His regal righteousness. Indeed, the fire of the Holy Spirit burns brightly in a life combustible for Christ. The fire of faith will not be extinguished in a humble heart that burns for God. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be His humble servants. It is not the places of honor that we seek, but the place of dependency that we desire. The lower the status of self is relegated, the higher we look up to our Lord in reverence. Christ is within us for salvation and companionship, but He is above us for worship and praise. He is our confidant and our Lord—our Savior and our Master. We are His friend and follower. "Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me." John 8:54 When you confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you glorify your Father in heaven. When your behavior follows the behavior of Christ you bring Him glory. God reveals His glory through your humble service in your home. Your gracious attitude at work is a commercial for the Lord's glory. His glory is revealed when you revel in His forgiveness toward you and are gracious to extend forgiveness toward others. You are the Lord's light that carries His glory. The enemy tries to extinguish your eternal illumination, but your integrity shines forth. He wants to hide your light under his bushel of disbelief, but you add fuel to the fire by quoting Christ's transforming truth to him. God's glory is your rear guard, your covering overhead, and your torch for Him to guide your next step. He reveals His glory in you and through you for His own glory! "For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6 Related Readings: Isaiah 6:8; Philippians 1:11; 1 Peter 1:7; 4:13

Confident in Crisis

8-19-2012 by Boyd Bailey Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Psalm 27:3 A crisis is in the eye of the beholder. One man’s crisis is another man’s opportunity. In a crisis, faith either moves front and center or to the end of the line. During a moment of crisis our heart can feel overwhelmed by the perception of an encamped enemy. Fear creeps into our feelings and we begin to falter in our faith. An encamped enemy can instill as much dread as the actual battle. It is during these interim times that we sometimes fear the most. Crises, of course, come and go. A terminal patient does not linger forever. There is a beginning and an end. A financial shortfall may require layoffs and budget cuts, but at some point the hemorrhaging of cash stops. A marriage malfunction may blow up in divorce, or get better by dealing in the realities of communication, love, and unselfish service. Relationships develop or decay. It is in crisis mode that we can reject our instinct to panic and become desperate. Instead, faith trumps feelings. God has brought us safely thus far. He faithfully guides all who follow by faith. Fear erodes our confidence in Christ and replaces it with anger and defensiveness. We capitulate to our feeling that we have to be in control. We believe we have to take charge and corral the cause in our own strength and ingenuity. However, “If God be with us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). He is our light and our salvation, whom shall we fear? The light of His love illuminates our uncertain path. We do not have to fall prey to the tactics of the dark side and thereby doubt Him. We can go forward by faith. There is one thing we need in the middle of a crisis. It is imperative that we dwell in the house of the Lord, that we seek Him in His temple. In the day of trouble He will keep us safe in His dwelling. He hides us in the shelter of His tabernacle and sets us high upon a rock (Psalm 27:4-5). In a crisis, we have joyful confidence in Christ. Confidence during a crisis means we are collaborative and not combative. Confidence takes the high road of respect. There is no need to blame others or beat them down with verbal attacks. Persuasive people are prone to pride. They are forceful with their feelings. However, people confident in Christ are collaborate. Collaboration seeks out the opinion of others. There is an invitation for intellectual engagement. There is an investment in blocks of time for deep dialogue and discussion. A crisis tries to cause shortcuts, but confident and collaborative teams take the time for convergence of the best thinking to take place. A crisis needs our pride in perception to respect another’s ideas. Our past experience may not be what’s best for the future direction of the enterprise. It is a confident and courageous leader who can give up control, trusting the Lord and others with the process. Those who are collaborative for Christ are positioned to be more than conquerors through Christ. Where there is no confidence in Christ, there is no continuance with Christ. Overcome your fears by faith in Jesus. He is just what you need. Hold your family, job, and opinions with an open hand. Trust Him and others in the process of crisis management. In a crisis we can be confident in Christ. With faith in God you have no fear.

Second Chances

8-17-2012 by Boyd Bailey “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:22-24 God does not hold grudges. He is quick to forgive and anticipates receiving His children back from the foreign land of foolish living. Regret and pain may haunt the human heart, but heaven loves to love someone who is tired of trying to live without the Lord. Misery is the object of pity, thus the compassion of Christ is pregnant with possibility to a contrite and repentant heart. Second chances await those who seek their heavenly Father. Once we tire of sin’s consequences there is a righteous reunion we can expect from our loving heavenly Father. He is not waiting with an “I told you so”, condescending attitude. Rather, God our Father can’t wait to wrap us in His arms, weep over our return and rejoice with a great celebration. He saves His best for when we are ready to rest in Him. Second chances are at the heart of mercy. Christ’s love removes our guilt by His grace. “The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” Zechariah 3:4 Are you in need of a second chance? Or, do you need to give someone else a second chance? Second chances mirror mercy. Because God has given you a second chance, you can extend a second chance to those who hurt you. Grace and mercy are not about what you or someone else deserves; it is about what your heavenly Father has already done for you in Christ. You get over your guilt by going to God in heart-felt repentance. He forgives you. Since you serve a second chance God, who can you serve who has broken your trust? Jesus teaches you to extend forgiveness to others in the manner that He forgives you—ongoing and unconditionally. Perhaps your spouse, child or friend needs to know that your love for them is grace based and not conditional on their performance. Create an environment of acceptance at home and at work—then celebrate when loved ones return to righteous living. By faith risk being taken advantage of—offer a second chance. God has! “At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, "Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?" Jesus replied, "Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22, The Message Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for giving me a second chance, and give me the grace to extend second chances to others. Related Readings: Malachi 3:17; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 5:6; 2 Timothy 4:11

Tempered Talk

8-14-2012 by Boyd Bailey “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). Tempered talk is evidence of wise conversation. When our words are many we run the risk of soliciting sin. Increased words increase the probability of improper speech. For example, respectful conversation does not repeat the same words and phrases in a confined period of time. This impatient cadence frustrates. Perhaps a look of misunderstanding requires questioning for clarification or definitions for comprehension. Proud conversationalists can hijack a listener’s understanding with a hoard of words with no meaning. If your goal is to communicate, then take the time to listen to the needs of your audience. People who feel cared for and understood have a keener sense of hearing and understanding. “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” (Proverbs 17:28). Wise people weigh their words before they speak. They allow their minds to catch up with their hearts. Furthermore, in the face of wrong behavior, emotions sometimes need to express themselves. Let the other person know if you feel mistreated or misinformed. Concealed anger leads to living a lie (see Proverbs 10:18), but tempered talk is truthful and to the point. Lastly, you reserve your words out of respect for the other person. If you do all the talking, you are the center of attention. Conversation becomes condescending when the other individual does not feel important enough to speak up. So, honor others by speaking less, listening more intently to how you can love them. Wisdom can be found in the words of each person you meet. Therefore, intentionally talk less and be wise. “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Prayer: Dear Jesus, whom do I need to listen to more while speaking less? Related Readings: Job 2:3; Amos 5:13; Titus 1:10; James 3:2

God's Sense of Humor

8-11-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” Genesis 21:6 God makes you laugh because of the incredible way He provides and the way He answers prayer. You laugh out loud when you have a child, especially when the little one is unexpected. You laugh when you land a job or a deal that was totally unexpected. You laugh when the Lord loves you beyond your wildest dreams. Because of His extraordinary provision, your joy and thanksgiving turn into laughter. It is a respectful and grateful laughter to the Lord. Smiles are the refreshing fruit of laughter. He makes you laugh because He has a sense of humor. Heaven is not humorless; it’s full of joy and laughing out loud. The Lord laughs with you and at you. He gives you laughter to remind you of His sense of humor. He gives you laughter to unleash joy and enable you to relax in Him. God is in control and you have His permission to laugh. It is tragic when there is failure to receive heaven’s humor. It is a false belief that a smile is not spiritual; piety produces joy. God has a sense of humor. To walk with the Lord means to laugh with the Lord. Think about the last time Jesus surprised you by joy. Reminisce on those prayers that seemed almost irresponsible, yet He answered them in the most unlikely way; He smiled and said yes. Did you take the time to laugh out loud with the Lord? Awe and laughter are not mutually exclusive; they go together. Celebrate God’s sense of humor with others. Do not hold back your laughter with those you love and respect. Laughter is relational lubricant. It is an elixir for evangelism and discipleship. It is a marinade for mentoring. No one wants to be around laugh-less company. Don’t wait for special occasions like weddings and birthdays to laugh. Laugh in between those times. Laugh daily with others. Laugh out loud. It may be at a child’s performance at school or a church play. Laugh with them as they risk being vulnerable and expressive. Laugh when things don’t go just as planned at work and home. Laughter links people to the Lord and to each other. Laughter keeps you from taking life and yourself too seriously. There are certainly issues that are no laughing matters. Be sensitive not to laugh at someone’s pain, but do not discount your ability to make others laugh. Your laughter gives others permission to laugh. Laugh at yourself, laugh at your quirks, laugh at your accent, laugh at your life. Laughter is contagious. Laughter with one another is love. You love someone when you laugh together. Christ gives laughter as solace for your soul. You miss experiencing an important part of Christ’s character when you choose not to laugh. Let go and laugh. Let go of anger and laugh. Let go of hurt and disappointment, false humility and pride, and laugh, for He has done great things. The Bible says, “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them’” (Psalm 126:2).

Grace Made Man

8-10-2012 by Boyd Bailey “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 A self-made man is the antithesis of a grace made man. A self-made man becomes desperate for God on occasion, as when a crisis occurs— but a grace made man is continually desperate for God, since he sees himself as a needy man. A self-made man struggles to give God the glory for his accomplishments, but the grace made man never forgets to give Christ the credit for his success. Grace brings out the best in humble hearts. Furthermore, a grace made man does not work any less, but more. Gratitude governs grace-based behavior into focused diligence. A man or woman motivated by the grace of God works for an audience of One. Their godly ambition has an eternal allegiance that no earthly boss can inspire. So, we work hard because God’s grace is at work within us. Is your work and life a divine portrait of grace? If so, you are attractive, beautiful to behold. “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3 We are nothing unless the Lord makes us by His grace. We may make money, but unless we lean into the Lord’s grace, it is just another temporal transaction. We know we are leaning into the Lord’s grace when we are gracious with our words and humble in our attitude. People are not seen as a means to make money, but as individuals with hopes, dreams and fears. A grace made person engages people with kindness, not passive pride. Therefore, work hard with a heavenly agenda. Acknowledge that the larger the Lord’s blessing on your life the greater the need for more grace. Christ increases our capacity for grace, as we credit Him for His favor. Amazing grace starts at salvation and becomes a growing marvel as you apply humble faith and thanksgiving. God’s grace makes the man; man does not make the man. Your Creator created you and your success. “T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…and Grace will lead us home.” (Amazing Grace, the hymn) “You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:17-18a Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to rely more and more on Your generous grace. Related Readings: 1 Samuel 2:7; 2 Corinthians 11:23; Colossians 1:29; Philippians 2:13

Appointments With God

8-9-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12 Appointments with God honor God. When He is scheduled daily it shows He is your priority. Some people clamor to get on a celebrities’ calendar, yet Christ is accessible 24/7. Indeed, Jesus, the iconic person of all time is available to engage any interested individual at anytime. Almighty God has no handlers or gatekeepers—He is easily reachable by faith. So, why are we reluctant to schedule time with Eternity? Are we really too busy to pray? In life we have appointments for activities that really matter to us: haircuts, exercise, doctors, dentists, mechanics, job interviews, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and dates. Why not schedule time with our Savior, so we feel accountable to meet with Him? We would certainly not miss an appointment with Jesus any more than we would stand up our hair stylist. Previously calendared time makes it easier to say, “I have another commitment.” “This is what the LORD says to Israel: “Seek me and live.” Amos 5:4 We set appointments with the Lord because He is the ultimate expert for living. He is your relational therapist, He is the minister of your soul, He is the psychiatrist of your emotions and the physician of your body. God is your eternal expert for how to do life meaningfully and abundantly. So, you go to God to learn how to go forward in amazing faith-filled living. Your appointments with the Almighty teach you how to live life well. What is keeping you from calendaring Christ? Time? He has given you enough time to do His will. Fatigue? Rest is the result of resting in the arms of your heavenly Father. Faith? When you show up, He shows up and helps your unbelief. Feelings? Eventually your emotions will catch up with your obedience to be with Jesus. God appointments work. Perhaps you start with calendaring five minutes a day with Christ, with a goal to increase it to an hour a day. Just as you turn off your phone and give full focus to those with whom you meet, do the same for your Savior. Give Him your undivided attention with no multitasking or distractions. Create a calm place to be quiet before your Lord. Begin the day by feeding your soul and then your fullness of faith will feed other starving souls. “They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD. They were to do the same in the evening.” 1 Chronicles 23:30 Prayer: Heavenly Father, my heart’s desire is to meet you at a daily appointed time. Related Readings: 1 Samuel 1:19a; Psalm 5:3; Zephaniah 2:3; Mark 1:35

Pedestal of Pride

8-8-2012 by Boyd Bailey “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” 1 Corinthians 10:12 A pedestal of pride looks down on other inferior souls. It is a position of self-worship that threatens integrity and influence. Like a drug, pride is addictive and impairs good judgment. If it could be packaged as a pill in a prescription bottle the label would read, “Warning, taken too often in large doses may lead to a great fall, even death.” If we build a monument in our minds to ourselves, we are on a pedestal of pride. This self-imposed idolatry acts like a King or Queen that expects blind loyalty and unquestionable submission to everyone under his or her authority. If we don’t wake up from this narcissistic dream it will turn into a hellish nightmare. Relationships will be wrecked, reputations will be ruined and respect will be absent from those who mean the most. “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:12 However, a prayerful posture dethrones pride and replaces it with humility. By faith, Jesus is able to storm the gates of hell, take captive the enemy and release us from the prison of pride. The Lord lifts us out of the slimy pit of pride and sets us on His solid rock of righteousness. It is firm, because our feet are planted solid on the ground of grace. Thus, we are careful to see ourselves as God sees us: needy and dependent on His Spirit. You will stand firm by faith in Christ and trust that He is in control. Let go and let God make you whole. Let go and the Lord will take you further faster. Let go and Christ will make you content. Let go and the Spirit will show you the way. Let go and Jesus will give you joy. Let go of pride, replace it with humility, and you will stand firm by faith. Pride has no place in the personality of a child of God. You are the result of grace alone. “Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.” 2 Corinthians 1:24 Prayer: Heavenly Father, remove any pedestals of pride in my life and replace them with Your humble heart. Related Readings: 1 Samuel 17:42; Psalm 18:27; Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 13:11; Romans 12:16

Sin of Omission

8-6-2012 by Boyd Bailey “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” James 4:17 What is a sin of omission? A sin of omission is passive permission for wrong. It does nothing when something needs to be said or done. It gives a pass to people or situations that require sticky confrontation. Sometimes the silence of good people makes them bad people. Their inertia of integrity condones unrighteous conduct. A sin of omission can be more damaging than a sin of commission. A quiet friend can be worse than a loud enemy. We who are people of the Lord’s light know better than those who grope in darkness. The bar of behavior is higher for those of us who believe in Jesus. Thus, we do not have the option of the proverbial ostrich to place our informed heads in the sand of irresponsibility. Because we know better how to make things better, we better be better. It’s when we take responsibility to confront, clarify and communicate that we become a catalyst for Christ. “Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” John 9:41 Has fear caused you to shy away from saying something that may cause consternation? It is better to experience some pain sooner that extreme pain later. Has anger kept you from allowing those who love you to love you? Chose to open up, risk rejection and experience the joy of sweet acceptance. Have you withheld forgiveness to inflict hurt on another’s heart? Initiate mercy and you will receive mercy, peace and forgiveness. Love initiates. Omit sins of omission and you will move beyond immaturity and ignorance. It takes courage and faith to become an overcomer of omission. Be quick to confess and repent of subtle sins and slow to seek selfish avoidance. Good people, who do nothing, invite sin’s influence to infiltrate the culture. So, trust the Lord and give information and opportunity to those who need you. Folly frustrates, but wisdom and grace are freeing. Furthermore, your heavenly Father has not withheld His love for you. He receives you just as you are. Your omniscient, omnipresent Creator—by His Spirit—has revealed His knowledge in Scripture and has provided His comforting presence in prayer. He understands your struggles and offers spiritual, practical solutions. Jesus empowers you to overcome errant omissions with courageous faith that commissions righteousness. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27 Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage to confront my passive sins with active righteousness.

Love Serves

8-2-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs” (Proverbs 10:12). True love forgives, regardless of the infraction, because it transcends mistreatment. So, what is your process for forgiveness? Is it conditional, based on the way you are treated, or is it unconditional? Hatred has no hope but to stir up dissension and rally a defense. However, love looks at being wronged as an opportunity to replace insult with encouragement. Love seeks to lead all parties into a better place of health and happiness. Indeed, hatred is not at home in a heart of love. It sows discord, while love plants peace. It embraces enmity, while love cuddles compassion. Hate stirs up, but love calms down. How do you handle those who are hard to be around? Perhaps out of love you serve them. Seek to serve, rather than be served. “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13 NASB). Furthermore, love forgives because you have been forgiven by the matchless love of God. It is the Lord’s love toward you that empowers you to lovingly forgive another. Human love alone is unable to love without boundaries. Left to our own limited love, we only love those who love us. Jesus said, “If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much” (Matthew 5:46 NLT). Therefore, look at love as an opportunity to give others what they don’t deserve. Lean on the Lord as your source of unconditional love. Christ’s love is all-inclusive and all-forgiving. In the same way, actively and appropriately love those in your life; with a kind word, a nice note of appreciation, a thoughtful gift, or a listening ear. How do you harness love into a habit of forgiveness? “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8 NLT). Prayer: Whom do I need to love, forgive, and serve in honor of God’s great love? Related Readings: Leviticus 19:17; Proverbs 17:9; Philippians 1:9; 1 John 4:20–21

Taught By God

8-1-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.” 1 Thessalonians 4:9 God the Father is a tender teacher of truth to His children. God the Son, Jesus, is a teacher who taught with clarity and authority when He walked on earth. And God the Holy Spirit is a teacher who reveals to the heart of humans the hidden secrets of heaven. Indeed, followers of Christ have access to the Almighty’s academic understanding of His ways. Wise servants of the Lord stay enrolled in His school for a lifetime of learning. If we cease to learn from God, we cease to grow in our faith and obedience. We remain a student as we remain in Him. We learn the language of heaven as we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings in our heart. We comprehend Christ when we first receive Him, by faith, into our life, as we study His life, and as we seek to emulate His example. “It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.” John 6:45 The Lord’s lessons are learned by a series of tests. Sometimes we are surprised by a pop quiz of trust. Other times we face an extensive exam on suffering. Or, it may be the daily opportunity to attend Christ’s classroom of obedience where we grow in our understanding of the ways of God. We can skip class in our own strength, or we can stay disciplined to the process of surrender to the Spirit’s filling. Humility looks to always learn from God. Yes, some lessons are harder to learn than others. But wise are we to stay engaged in seeking to understand so that we can grow in grace. A lesson learned invites other options, but refusing to accept God’s truth keeps us stuck in our stubbornness. Yet, as we learn from Jesus, our soul becomes humble, gentle and restful under His intoxicating influence. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 Love is the Lord’s primary lesson plan. The principles of love begin at the elementary level of loving God and progress to the graduate course of loving your enemies. How well do you love? Are you learning from Jesus how to love like Jesus? Your curriculum in love includes: Unconditional love, brotherly love and romantic love. Therefore, be thorough in your studies of Christ. You get an A+ when you learn and apply His truth. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me Your ways. My heart is to be a faithful student. Related Readings: Isaiah 54:13; Jeremiah 31:33; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Peter 2:21