Patient Forgiveness

9-28-2012 by Boyd Bailey “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult” (Proverbs 12:16). Fools are forever flailing away at an offense, while a prudent man or woman is patient to forgive. A fool is easily provoked to anger, always looking for an argument to win. He or she is combative without compassionate concern. However, prudence is careful in its response, not willing to be reckless, but to be right. Wisdom employs forethought and prayer; it answers with an attitude of respect. Prudence invokes patience. Do you buckle under pressure saying things you later regret? It is better to keep quiet and cool down than to vent venomous words in the flesh. Make this a goal when disciplining your children. Avoid anger as the instructor of your punishment. We tend to speak harshly and to act unreasonably when driven by anger. Wait prayerfully for twenty-four hours; then revisit the infraction with your child. Use cool correction. “This is what you are to say to Joseph: ‘I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly. Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.’ When their message came to him, Joseph wept” (Genesis 50:17). Bridle your tongue by God’s grace. The Bible says, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (James 1:26). Your words can grieve another or give hope. They can hurt or heal. Therefore, submit to the Holy Spirit’s control of your conversations. Lastly, you are blessed if you are insulted for Christ’s sake. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Matthew 5:11). Reward awaits those rejected for righteousness’ sake. Have you died to the right to be right? Do you hold a grudge or have to get even? In Christ we are dead to sin, and the dead are not insulted. “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11). Prayer: Whom do I need to patiently forgive for Christ’s sake? Related Readings: 1 Samuel 20:30–34; Esther 3:5; Matthew 27:39–40; James 1:19

Benefits of Kindness

9-26-2012 by Boyd Bailey “A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself” (Proverbs 11:16-17). Kindness benefits everyone. It brings joy to the giver and peace to the receiver. The recipient reciprocates because respect is embedded in kindness. Kindheartedness facilitates respect as it treats others with dignity and honor. Even when offended or ostracized, a gracious heart takes the higher ground of humility and gentleness. It may not be liked, but it is respected. Kind actions attract the Almighty’s approval. What is kindness? At its core it is a reflection of Christ. It is what we expect of the Lord when we desire good things. Listen to the heart of this employee’s prayer for his boss to experience God’s kindness in marriage: "O Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham" (Genesis 24:12). In the same way your Savior shows you kindness in salvation and with His severe mercy. Furthermore, because of Christ’s great kindness, you are compelled to compassionate action. Ruthless men and women use fear and intimidation to gain wealth and power, but considerate adults do not compromise their character for cash or influence. Indeed, God’s great kindness grants us the favor we need. “The Lord was with him [Joseph]; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden” (Genesis 39:21). Who doesn’t need kindness? The undeserving especially need your kindness as a reminder of God’s lasting love and infinite forgiveness. Be kind to the unkind, and they will see what really rests in your heart of hearts. Your kindheartedness will lead others to your source in Jesus Christ. Here the kindness of the Lord leads to repentance. “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:4). Prayer: To whom can I extend kindness that has been unkind to me? Related Readings: Joshua 2:12; Ruth 3:10; Acts 4:9; Ephesians 2:6–8

Established By God

9-25-2012 by Boyd Bailey “And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.” 1 Chronicles 14:2 God establishes people for His purposes. What He establishes no man or movement can stop. Establishments energized by the Holy Spirit enjoy momentum that propels them forward in faith. For example, a church or ministry freshly challenged with a God-sized vision and a unified mission will move forward by God’s grace. A leader led by the Lord will persevere through rough patches, because his motive is the sake of God’s people. Where has God established you? Are you honored to be at home for the sake of your family? Your faithfulness now in disciplining, training, coaching and mentoring your child will pay a lifetime of dividends in their adult experiences. Does the Lord have you in an influential role at work? Your ability to see the bigger picture of service to the people is what will sustain you to lead well. God established you for His people. “Then people will say, ‘The LORD Almighty is God over Israel!’ And the house of your servant David will be established in your sight.” 2 Samuel 7:26 Therefore, use your establishment as a platform for God and others. Your Kingdom opportunity may be a place, a position or both. Ask how as an organization and/or as an individual you can leverage your integrity for the Lord. You are blessed with moral authority to lift the morals of your community, maybe even the world. Your boat of honorable behavior lifts all boats of behavior. God established you for His glory. Furthermore, do not treat lightly the deep pillars of honor that have settled onto a firm foundation of faith all these years. The Lord’s legacy over your legacy is a long shadow of influence that serves as a moral compass for your children, grandchildren and those you serve. Jesus Christ has established you to serve His people for His glory. What He establishes He sustains and blesses. He accomplishes His will through what He has established—thus make sure the neon sign on your life reads: ESTABLISHED BY GOD! “The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.” Psalm 102:28 Prayer: Heavenly Father, may You establish me for Your people and for Your glory. Related Readings: 2 Samuel 5:12; Psalm 89:4; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 8:6

Well Pleased

9-24-2012 by Boyd Bailey “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:17). Am I well pleasing to the Lord? Do I model a life of submission to my Savior? Do I defer all honor and glory to Him? For my heavenly Father to be well pleased with me is the heartbeat of humility. This means at times I displease others to please my Master Jesus. I will choose to embrace beliefs and behaviors that are other-worldly and can cause conflict. A Christian, pleasing to Christ, first learns that to be raised high means to begin low. Jesus did not begin His ministry baptizing, but rather being baptized. He required of Himself everything expected from everyone else. Humble leaders do this; they follow the agreed upon guidelines, realizing no one is above the rules. It is with a humble heart that a leader discerns the Lord’s ways and then lives them out in front of the faithful and faithless. Perhaps goodhearted people seek to place you on a pedestal of admiration and honor. It is at this point of recognition that you keep your spirit low, as your reputation is on the rise. The Lord sustains His blessing for those who defer honor back to Him. It pleases your heavenly Father to see you engage in humble acts, especially as your influence grows. The closer you grow to Christ, the more you see the need for His grace and forgiveness. You can only deal with the soul of another if Jesus has dealt with your soul. It pleases Him when you first pronounce yourself needy before heaven, before pointing out the needs of another. Humility looks inward at the heart before it outwardly observes the issues of another. The Lord is pleased when you take the lead to repent. Go public with your faith after you have been private in prayer. This solemn preparation pleases your heavenly Father. Moreover, have you proclaimed your faith publically in baptism? It pleases God for you to go public for Him. It is an honor becoming your sacred accountability. Private intimacy with your heavenly Father leads to a public inauguration of your faith. He is well pleased with you when you publically pronounce Him the Lord over your life. Humility pleases Him. Why? It listens and obeys. “Then the Lord spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only a voice. He declared to you his covenant, the Ten Commandments, which he commanded you to follow” (Deuteronomy 4:12–13). Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I bring a smile to Your face in honoring You with my attitudes and actions? Related Readings: Job 37:5; Haggai 1:12; John 5:25; Hebrews 4:7

Free From Fear

9-23-2012 by Boyd Bailey "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4 Prayer positions us to receive the peace of God. It is when we seek Him that we see Him. It is when we see Him that we are secure. As we travel across the choppy sea of life’s circumstances, we can become dizzy and fearful if we look down at the water of wonder. But if we keep our eyes fixed ahead on a stable object, we remain secure and feel safe. Jesus is our immovable object of belief. He is our secure Savior who is there for us when fear assaults our attitude and threatens to highjack our heart. When we seek His face He reciprocates by flooding our countenance with His peace. He replaces our furrowed brow of fear with a calm face of faith. He gives the righteous a radiant face that is never to be covered with shame. The Lord hears our prayers by extending His peaceful presence. No one has ever been sorry for seeking the Lord. It takes time and effort but it is your best investment. Process your problems with prayer and you will be the most productive. We cannot come to the best solutions in our own strength. One dimensional problem solving only leads to average results at best. Why be satisfied with a perspective limited to your experiences, intelligence and giftedness? It is seeking the Lord that unlocks a treasure trove of truth that leads us to possibilities we would never imagine on our own. The fruit that comes from replacing fear with faith is unlimited. We can rest assured as the Almighty leads us down a new path. This is what may happen in the process of seeking your Savior. He delights in determining a better way for you. This next season of your life is the Lord’s reward for your faithfulness all these years. You have sought Him unashamedly and obediently. Money has not been your motive. Pride has not prodded you. Fame has not been your forte. You have sought Him with your unselfish service. You have sought Him with your humble obedience. You have sought Him by ministering to the needs of others. Because of your faithfulness in seeking Him, He has grown your faith and marginalized your fears. Therefore, see this next season as an extension of His blessings. There is no need to fear because God is near those who seek Him. There is no safer or more secure place to be than in the process of seeking Him. Moreover, God expects to hear from you before you can expect to hear from Him. If you restrain prayer; He may refrain grace and mercy. The more you think upon the Lord, and less of yourself, the better off you become. Seek Him, lose yourself, and you will discover the best way. Furthermore, there is no need to fear your next transition as your Heavenly Father has your hand and He is guiding you. There is no need to fear the cessation of this phase of your career as He is in control. There is no need to fear the breaking off of a relationship as He is in the business of mending broken hearts. There is no need to fear provision for your family as God is your provider. Seek Him and He will deliver you from your fears. Seek Him and you will be secure in Him. Seek Him before, during and after trouble comes. Then the process of seeking the Lord becomes second nature to your soul. Then fear fails its mission. Indeed, seeking Him fossilizes your fears!

Pray For One Another

9-21-2012 by Boyd Bailey "As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you." 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Prayer for one another is a spiritual secret weapon. It rocks the devil's world, wins over a lost world, and brings peace in this world. Prayer for another is a necessary ingredient in the recipe for successful living. A prayer investment is an eternal investment. Prayers for healing, prayers for wisdom, prayers of praise and prayers to courageously spread the gospel all acknowledge the Lord's priorities. Indeed, prayer promotes God's agenda. Moreover, our prayers for others change us. When we implore Christ to heal the illness of a sweaty browed small child, our heart grows tender. When we ask God to give a friend wisdom in a crucial decision, we grow in wisdom. When we pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers, the Spirit directs us to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Prayer is a platform that produces righteous results for the giver and the receiver. "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:15-17 Be careful not to take your prayers for granted, treating them as an afterthought or mindless routine. Asking God's blessing over a meal is a big deal. Whether in private or in public you give glory to your provider and sustainer, Jesus. Are you bold when eating out to politely ask permission to pray out loud before you partake? Yes, you can pray quietly, or you can remind everyone present who is Lord of the meal. Who needs your fervent prayers today? Do they know you are praying for them? Perhaps you send an email or text prayer to a special friend in need. Sometimes a hurting person needs less advice and more comforting words of Christ on their behalf. A supplication to your Savior for suffering saints brings fear to its knees and elevates faith and hope up front and center. Thus, ask for prayers and offer prayers for God's glory. Prayers hold up one another. "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him." Acts 12:5 Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me to pray for those who need your comfort and conviction. Related Readings: Acts 1:14; Romans 15:13; 30-31; 1 Thessalonians 4:1

Serve

9-19-2012 by Boyd Bailey “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13 Soldiers in Christ’s army enlist to serve others. They serve at their Savior’s pleasure and they unselfishly serve fellow servants of the Lord. Servants of Jesus are first responders to the needs that afflict or attack the Body of Christ. There is no waiting to be drafted, because salvation in Jesus assumes service. Like America and apple pie is being a Christian and serving others. Serving others is an extension of love, a platform for humility and an expression of Jesus. Love is the motivation of Christ-centered service. So, we volunteer at church, in the parking lot, in the nursery or leading a small group, because we love. We clean up the kitchen after a meal because we love. We manage the home finances, wash clothes, cook, do yard work, help a child with homework, visit a sick friend, give a gift and write a caring note because we love. Love cannot—not serve—our service says I love you! “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 Service to others is a stewardship for God. He has blessed you with stuff for your use to serve others. He gave you a house to host guests and to take in those who need a place to stay. He gave you a car to provide transportation for those who need a ride to work, the grocery store, to school or just to get away. He gave you time to invest in others; their children, their spiritual lives, their financial needs, their health or their emotional wellness. Your selfless service benefits yourself. You feel fulfilled having filled up another’s emotional cup with healthy feelings. Your faith grows when you take the time to build up another’s belief in God. You are more accountable when you teach others the commands of Christ. You are a candidate for service from others, as they seek to show gratitude to God and to you. You serve not to benefit or be served, but this is the outcome of caring. So, serve others for Christ’s sake and watch Him work. You serve Jesus by serving others! “This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Prayer: Heavenly Father, whom can I serve for You with my time, talents and treasure? Related Readings: Deuteronomy 10:12; Jeremiah 35:15; Matthew 6:24; 1 Peter 4:11

Accept One Another

9-18-2012 by Boyd Bailey "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:7 Acceptance sets the tone in a trusting relationship. It ascribes value by making a friend feel special, especially if someone struggles with wounds from past rejection and hurt. Acceptance is an antidote for guilt and regret. It looks to bring meaning in the moment, not dwelling on former failures. It creates a non-judgmental, safe environment. Like a sympathetic nurse, it listens with empathy. Acceptance feels no discrimination or bias. Who is hungry for your approval and acceptance? Is it a child, a parent, a friend, a co-worker or fellow Christ follower who needs to feel your warm words of delight in them? To not be an included team member is emotional torture. Passive rejection can be worse that blatant rejection. Indeed, an accepting attitude says, "I believe in you", "I need you", "I am for you". You give others the benefit of the doubt. A person who feels your approval has nothing to prove. "To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6 NKJV Acceptance from Almighty God is found in Christ. He accepts the rejected. He invites those who wander from the faith to come home. Christ calls His children back from embarrassing situations and embraces them with open arms. His acceptance is unconditionally based on His love and grace. The Lord is looking for those in need of approval. He can't wait to bless and believe in His own. Jesus accepts back those who have turned their backs on Him. Therefore, accept others as Jesus has accepted you. Even sinners, you may ask? Yes, you can accept the individual without compromising your integrity. You grow in Christ's character when others, who are unlike you, know you like them. You love those who love the world, without your loving the world. When you serve someone with competing standards, they tend to ask "why me". Lovingly say, "why not you"--in order to bring praise to God! "The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them." Romans 14:3 Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for accepting me in Christ, so I can accept others in the same way. Related Readings: Psalm 101:3; John 6:27; Acts 15:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Encourage One Another

9-17-2012 by Boyd Bailey “He [Christ] died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1Thessalonians 5:10-11 Courage in Christ is a gift Christians have to give one another. It is a boldness of belief bent on bettering others. Daily life drains courage from a person’s heart, but believers are able to fill with encouragement what unrighteousness removes with discouragement. Saintly support comes when a person is aware that someone knows and cares about them. There is an emotional engagement that flows from an inner desire to be there for a needy friend. Our encouragement is like being an ambassador from Almighty God. We represent Jesus to His followers and to those who have not come to faith. It’s when people see Jesus in our actions and attitudes that they are drawn to personally know Him. Yes, our encouragement is a conduit for Christ! We give a cup of courage in Jesus’ name, and the thirsty recipient tastes that the Lord is good. Their soul then seeks to drink the living water of Christ. “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 Your encouragement builds up the hope, faith and love of another loved one. Over coffee, an acquaintance hears from you that they matter, because they matter to God. Your words of truth grow confidence in a character who struggles to be consistent with Christ’s commands. Encouragement challenges as well as comforts. Most do not complain of too much encouragement, but many quietly crave more. Most of all be encouraged by Jesus. Invite Him to invigorate your faith and rejuvenate your passion. Christ is your biggest cheerleader. His courage is limitless and breeds bravery. His eternal energy engages your soul to persevere as a praying parent, to be patient in whom to marry, to serve in your church and to give a kind word to a stranger. Be encouraged by Christ, so you can encourage another. Encouragement gives courage! “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for encouraging me to encourage others. Related Readings: Job 16:5; Act 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Hebrews 3:13

Blessing of forgiveness

9-16-2012 by Boyd Bailey Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Psalm 32:1 Forgiveness is full of blessings. The blessing of guilt’s removal is a fruit of forgiveness. The peace of being in a right relationship with God and people is facilitated by forgiveness. The freedom to follow God’s will, passionately and unashamedly, is fueled by daily forgiveness. Forgiveness frees the soul and enlightens the mind. It is a state of experiencing God’s grace and mercy. Forgiveness offloads laziness and replaces it with diligence. Forgiveness erases lust and writes in love. Forgiveness takes away the stain of selfishness and dyes it with service. The blessings of forgiveness are bold and they belittle sin. As Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount, there is a mountain of blessings that come to the obedient. Jesus forgives the lawbreaker, not the law keeper. Foolish and naïve is the man or woman who thinks they can continually keep the law without the pardon of God’s grace. Forgiveness is a daily requirement for those who want to keep short accounts with their Savior, family, and friends. It is when we try to justify our bad attitudes and behaviors without repenting that we get into a crazy cycle of self-sufficiency. Knowing and acknowledging the need to do something does not free us from sin. We may kid ourselves, but discerning people know if we’re daily doing business with God or just going through the motions of religious activity. Unless we repent of our sin from a contrite heart, there is no remission. The forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, taught this (Luke 3:3). Jesus gave His life so He could give us life. Jesus sweat blood so we could have sweet forgiveness. The Bible describes a trinity of sin for the unforgiven. In our own strength, our disobedience is labeled as transgression, sin, and iniquity. But the Trinity in heaven annihilates the trinity of sin. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, and draws us into the love of our heavenly Father. His love leads us to Jesus, who gave His life on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. We confess to Christ our need for His gracious forgiveness. In Christ we are free. We are free from guilt and free from guile. God’s Spirit uncovers our sin, cleanses it with our confession, then covers it with grace. If we conceal our sin we will not prosper (Proverbs 28:13). Mercy comes to the man who confesses. Miserable is the man who conceals. Come clean with Christ, and His grace will be your residue. Furthermore, be a blessing by forgiving the unforgiven. God forgives us so that we can forgive others. Extend forgiveness to those who do not deserve your forgiveness. This is grace. This is what Jesus would do and what you would want if you were in their same situation. Unconditional forgiveness is freeing. Indeed, one reason you forgive others is for your own sake. Otherwise, unforgiving relationships cause a root of bitterness to grow deep into your heart and rob you of joy. Avoid withholding forgiveness to hurt others. Otherwise, you will get hurt. Let go, and give to God your unfair friend, insensitive supervisor, proud parent, uncaring spouse, or selfish child. Pray for them to be healed, and you will be healed. Forgiveness does this. It heals the soul with eternity’s elixir.

Safe Environments

9-15-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Your brother has come,” he replied, “and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.” Luke 15:27 Our soul seeks out safe environments. We are attracted to people we can trust, who accept us for who we are instead of who we need to be. Safe environments give us security and peace. We can bare our souls because we know we are in a place of confidentiality, and do not fear rejection. A business meeting with a rigid agenda, pretense, and pride is not a safe place in which to be yourself. Those who foster safe environments seek first to understand, there is no rush to judgment, but there is a rash of love. In safe environments, we’re still loved, especially when we are unlovely. Parents have the privilege of providing a safe environment for their teenagers transitioning into young adulthood. This can be a trying time for everyone, as your children are not babies anymore, so they do not want to be babied and controlled. By God’s grace, you have trained them for such a time as this. This is your teenager’s time of transition into maturity and he or she may have to make a bad relational decision in the process. This is how he or she grows and learns. Therefore, as parents, it is imperative you keep the home environment safe and non-combative. Continue to speak the truth in love, but do so graciously with great patience and after much prayer. If your teenager doesn’t feel safe at home, they will find safety and acceptance somewhere else; so create attractive environments. Safe environments are also necessary for Christ-seekers. People in a search for authentic faith need someplace to ask questions without being rebuffed for their elementary inquiries. More mature believers have the opportunity to be there for those on their faith journey, but judgment is a juggernaut against safe environments, as it crushes with condescending attitudes. So, be careful not to impose your high standards on a person or situation, and in the process endanger the safe environment. Share your own failures and struggles, as this builds bridges to the heart. Safe environments are void of pedestals of pride. Consider a Bible discussion in your home and follow it up with a fun activity. Make Christianity attractive, not boring. Safe environments draw people to Christ. Above all else, seek out a safe environment with your Savior. Your Lord longs to linger with you. He deeply desires to listen to your dreams and fears. In your safe place with Jesus, you are loved completely. Your heavenly Father feels your pain. In your safe place with Him, you are positioned to receive His love and blessings. Your safe environment with God may be early in the morning with a cup of coffee, the Bible, and your journal. It may be late at night before your head hits the pillow and begins its silent reflections. It may be on your lunch break in the shadowy sanctuary of a tree. It may be a walk in the woods, a jog on a treadmill, or a run across a maze of sidewalks. It may be a quiet occasion in the mountains or an engagement with eternity at the beach. God gives you safe environments for your soul’s refreshment. It is there you can cry, laugh, complain, thank, create, give, listen, and ask. Christ celebrates when you go to Him, and receives you just as you are, needy for love and acceptance. Safe environments are necessary for communication and trust. Therefore, create and enjoy safe places, and go there often for your sake and the sake of those you love. The Bible says, “You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety” (Job 11:18).

Love One Another

9-14-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 There is a debt of love owed between believers in Jesus Christ. It’s wise to be debt free, but the debt of love is never paid off. Love is a mortgage we take out to our Landlord Jesus to pay back on His behalf. It is an interest rate of integrity based on our consistent interest to love well. Indeed, love is an appreciating asset that never declines in value. We experience true riches when our wealth is measured in how well we love one another. The job description of Jesus followers is love. The qualifications are: a child of God who regularly receives the love of their Heavenly Father—who then loves freely from the overflow of their heart. Like showering, sleeping and eating—love becomes the habit of your heart. Because gratitude grips your soul, your love for others spontaneously erupts in enthusiastic generosity. You love much, because you have been forgiven much by Jesus. “Therefore, I [Jesus] tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:47 The love of Christ for us, constrains us to love in Jesus’ name. His love does not harm—it heals. The Lord’s love is longsuffering, not intolerant. The love of Jesus gives joy, not ill will. God’s love goes the extra mile—it doesn’t give up. So, since your Savior has filled you by faith with His great love, you replace: hate with love, hurt with love, judgment with love, anger with love, ego with love, manipulation with love and lust with love. Who in your life needs your unconditional love? What is their love language? Perhaps they crave affirming words, kind deeds, generous gifts, warm affection or a sense of security. Look to love others like they want to be loved, which may not be like you naturally prefer to be loved. Moreover, be open to a loved one’s love for you. Let your cold shoulder warm, receive the love of your friends and family. Your genuine love invites love from others. Therefore, love and be loved for Christ sake! “And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2 Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me well, so I can love others well. Related Readings: John 15:12; Romans 13:10; Colossians 3:14; 1 John 4:10-11

Live in Harmony

9-13-2012 by Boyd Bailey "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." Romans 12:16 Relational harmony comes from humility. Yes, there are times for confrontation and clarity, but a chronic state of conflict is not healthy. Pride drives disharmony, but humility disarms discord. Fighting is not the forte of Jesus followers. A world caught up in conflict needs a safe, secure and stable environment. Indeed, faith facilitates harmony. Are you tempted by Satan to slight, even slander another brother or sister in Christ? Words that sow discord reap division. Has gossip caught you in a lie? If so, humble yourself and ask your offended friend for forgiveness. Or, if you have been talked about behind your back, don't pay back. Instead, pray for those who threaten harmony at home or work. Humility avoids destroying friendships. "Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Galatians 5:14b-15 Without harmony at home we walk with trepidation, even fear. We are afraid to speak truthfully lest we are made to feel little. So, during this season of emotional separation someone has to be the adult, someone has to model Christ. You have the opportunity to bring harmony to your home by replacing hurtful words with kind words. Forgive fast and do not fight in the flesh. Hold hands and pray together. Perhaps a respected third party needs to mediate between you and a work associate. Your severed relationship needs healing before others take sides. Resolve this relational disconnect sooner than later, so that emotional energy can be channeled into eternal efforts. Christ connects hearts with humility. A conceited countenance looks down on others, but an egoless eye looks to heaven for forgiveness. Therefore, be a harmonizer, not a demonizer. Be a team player not a stubborn troublemaker. Be a character builder not a character assassin. Be a uniter not a divider. Be a life-giver and generous giver full of mercy, grace and forgiveness. You are a connecter for Christ. So, connect first with your Heavenly Father, then you can connect with other Christ followers. Harmony brings heaven to earth. "My [Jesus] prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me." John 17:20-21 Prayer: Heavenly Father, make me an agent of harmony for heaven's sake. Related Readings: Psalm 133:1; Jeremiah 32:39; Ephesians 4:1-6; Philippians 4:1-3

Honor One Another

9-12-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10b To honor is to give preference to another. It is the act of extending to another the first opportunity. Giving preference is more than good manners; it gives preference of another person’s needs over your personal needs. For example, deferring to another’s choice for a meeting time and location or allowing a person to go ahead in line shows respect and courtesy. Honor is incubated in a heart of humility. It is the art of serving someone else, even at personal expense. We can disrespect the process, but still honor the person. We may have been left out of the decision-making loop at work, but we can still honor those who made decisions that disturbed our work. How do we honor them? Honor does not gossip or make disparaging remarks about those who brought us despair. Honor thinks the best and does not assume the worse. Honor values the relationship over being right. It looks for potential in others. How else can you honor those in your circle of influence? One wise habit of humility is to ask a friend for advice and then act on their advice. A spouse or colleague feels valued when their suggestion makes a positive impact on your life. When you truly listen to another’s opinion you give oxygen to their esteem and you give respect to the relationship. Honor accepts a person where they are and looks to discern their heart. Therefore, give others the honor of knowing what you really think and feel. Your authenticity is a gift of honor given to those who want to know you in an intimate way. Dishonor is shallow and sentimental, while honor is deep and substantial. Furthermore, make sure to give honor to the people, places and things that those you love honor. A loved one’s objects of honor, become your objects of honor, as you grow to know them. Put off the fear of embarrassment and put on trust in God. He shows honor to those who extend honor. The Lord Jesus Christ is the most honorable example. His standards for honor are the good housekeeping seal of heaven. Thus, honor the Lord in all you do and say. His ways reap respect and the right results. It is the greatest honor to serve God and people above yourself. Invite others to the seat of honor—Jesus will find you a seat with Him! “But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:10-11 Prayer: Heavenly Father, show me opportunities to honor others above myself. Related Scriptures: Proverbs 22:4; John 12:2, 26; Acts 13:48; 1 Corinthians 12:23-26

Devoted To One Another

9-11-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” Romans 12:10a (NASB) Disciples of Jesus are devoted to Christ, but they are also devoted to each other. Devotion to divinity becomes devotion to humanity. There is a worldwide fraternity of faith and a sorority of salvation that enjoys a brotherly and sisterly love for one another. For some Christians their intimacy with other believers is much more real than their relationship with blood relatives. Those washed in the blood of Christ can be soulmates in the faith. We see this devotion when we mess up and another spiritual comrade helps us through our sticky situation. We lose our job and they help us network a new beginning. We suffer and they suffer with us. We rejoice and they rejoice with us. The kinship with other Christ followers is a humbling benefit of being a believer, but it does require fidelity both ways. Our devotion back to believers is a signal of loyalty and love—it provides security. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 Who in your circle of influence needs your unconditional devotion? A friend? A spouse? A supervisor or subordinate? A family member? Do not underestimate the value of your loyalty during lean times. Perhaps an unhealthy person needs your helping hand. A church or ministry leader may need you to volunteer for a season with your seasoned support. Your dependable devotion during difficult times is refreshing to the recipient. So, refresh often! Your life is like a written devotional of encouragement and conviction for other Christ followers to read. You have your own bumps and bruises and victories that make you attractive for another to confide their concerns in. Your devotion is a spiritual lifeline for the lost. It is an anchor for the drifter and a reminder for the forgetful. As you remain faithful, you raise the faith in all other boats of belief. Your devotion inspires another’s devotion! Above all else, keep your devotion to Christ fresh and foremost. He is your Master and Motivator. He is the reason for your righteous zeal and your energy to endure. Love Jesus well and you will love well. Be loved by Him, and you will love for Him. Be a dedicated disciple by remaining in Him. Devotion to Jesus Christ becomes devotion to one another. “Before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.” 2 Corinthians 7:12b Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep my heart devoted first to You and then to others. Related Scriptures: 1 Kings 15:3; Ezekiel 44:29; Luke 16:13; 1 Timothy 6:2

Stay Focused

9-8-2012 by Boyd Bailey “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” John 17:4 Focus is the fuel for productivity, it frees you to stay on task. Focus facilitates God’s will, and has the ability to bring intensity to a situation, problem, or opportunity. There is a sense of urgency that pushes out distraction and brings clarity to the matter at hand. Focused individuals understand that some things naturally drift out of focus, so they intentionally refocus. “Mission drift” ensues when the leader becomes distracted and unfocused, as well-meaning activities can distract the team or the individual from the original purpose. The opposite of focusing on a task is to ignore or disregard it. We lose focus when we lose interest or assess a lower value to a person or opportunity. We lose focus when something else more attractive draws us away, and, like a moth to a flame, we can get burned if we are not careful. We are forever fighting to stay focused because of bad distractions and good attractions. But we don’t have to remain unfocused or get focused on the wrong things. When we stay laser beam-focused on the Lord, important things become priority, and our minds become centered on Christ. We focus all the time. We may not focus on our most important options, but we focus. We focus on sports. We focus on having fun. We focus on finances. We focus on fitness. We focus on frustrations. Indeed, your mind and your heart tend to follow your focus. Your life aligns around where you focus, so, by God’s grace, stay focused on Him and His will for your life. Focused faith goes a long way toward experiencing God’s very best. Focused intensity on the Almighty’s agenda leverages His plan for your life. Focus brings freedom to do His will without reservation; so stay focused on the one thing He has called you to do, you will be amazed at the results. Become an expert in your field. Above all else, become an intensely focused person of faith and character. Your character determines your credibility with people. Your influence grows as your character grows; so stay focused on becoming more like Jesus. Laugh more and complain less. Relax more and worry less. Pray more and talk less. Give more and control less. One idea is to focus on your family. Focus more intently on your family than you do your work or your hobbies. Put a puzzle together, take scuba diving lessons, plan a family reunion, organize a trip, or take care of a pet. Intentionally focus on your family now while you have the opportunity and while your family is still interested. Your children deserve your intense focus. They will be gone soon, so zero in on them. Finally, focus on God in prayer. Prayer brings into focus what matters most. Prayer dismisses distractions and invites priorities. Jesus says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). God Bless! Logan Stout

The Only Way

9-7-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to God. There are many types of experiences and various expressions of worship and religious tradition, but Christ is the “only name under heaven where mankind must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Heaven comes from Jesus, not a denomination. He is the Son of God who died for the sins of humanity. His death on the Cross created a bridge between God and man. No one gets to the Father but by Him. Jesus is grace—His gift of heaven is not earned or deserved. Jesus is the forgiver—no one can forgive sin but Him. Jesus is God—when we see Him we see the Father. Jesus is King—we bow to no one else in awe and worship. Jesus is the one and only true God—no other gods share His glory and fame. Jesus on earth was fully man and God. He wept, walked on water, healed the diseased, taught, resurrected the dead and rose from the dead. “Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He (Jesus) appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, and was taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16 Just like blood travels one way through our body—the blood of Christ must flow by faith through our sin scarred soul to be saved. Other names like Confucius, Buddha and Mohammad can give good thoughts, but only Christ can give salvation—Jesus is the only way to God. Human leaders are limited, human efforts fall short, only belief in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God gets us to God. Salvation is a one-way street named Jesus. Travel here to enjoy peace, hope, holiness, forgiveness, love and healing. Since Jesus is Lord, be sure you have humbly submitted to Him as Lord. You are a living sacrifice for your Savior, because He sacrificed His life for your life. Because you believe in Jesus, you behave differently—some radically so. Your Master, Jesus, molds your motives and your gracious words bring Him glory on earth. The most compelling apologetic is your life transformed by Christ. He is the only way to God and real living! “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5 Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your Son Jesus as the only way to You. Related Scriptures: Matthew 1:21; John 1:4; 14:9; Acts 10:43; Ephesians 2:18

Eternal Rewards

9-6-2012 by Boyd Bailey He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. Hebrews 11:26 Eternal rewards are based on a disciple’s effort on earth. Believers who ignore their spiritual opportunities and obligations will miss out on their Heavenly Father’s affirmation and remuneration. But those sober saints who take seriously their Savior’s expectations will enter into the joy of their Master. Christ rewards obedience to Him. Rewards in heaven are meant to be godly motivation. Yes, our first response is to serve Jesus out of love and our overflowing gratitude for His goodness and grace. And it is wise to fear the Lord and allow our holy awe of the Almighty to be foundational for our life of faith and works. But there is an end in mind: Jesus wants His children to be devoted and compelled by anticipating His generous gifts. “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done” (Matthew 16:27). It is a process of renewing your mind with an eternal decision-making filter that facilitates biblical thinking and doing. Ask the Lord in prayer how He wants you to invest your life in others. How does God want you to use your experience, your assets, your time, your money, and your influence for His purposes? In other words, how can you make eternal investments on earth that bear fruit for God’s glory? What you do does not get you to heaven—this comes only by faith in Christ and God’s amazing grace. But what you do after becoming a follower of Jesus does determine the quality of your eternal experience. The persecuted and martyred in this life have a great reward waiting in the next life. Those who initiate resources and influence on behalf of the poor and needy bring great satisfaction to Jesus which He expresses in bountiful blessings. Indeed, He rewards all those who diligently seek Him by faith. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Love God and your reward will be great. Be a faithful witness who plants or waters the gospel of Jesus Christ and you will be rewarded by spending forever with eternally grateful souls. Send your investments ahead to heaven, by aggressively giving it away on earth. Resist; even reject rewards from the culture, so you are positioned to receive Christ’s rewards. Remain faithful to God’s call and look forward to His reward. Jesus said, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done” (Revelation 22:12). Prayer: How can I live my life in a way that honors the Lord and looks forward to His rewards? Related Readings: Amos 6:1-7; Isaiah 54:2; 2Peter 1:3; Revelation 2:7-10

Fruit of Self-Control

9-4-2012 by Boyd Bailey “The fruit of the Spirit is self-control…” Galatians 5:23 Self-control is the temperate fruit that blossoms on the vine of the Spirit. It uses the gasoline of grace to govern the engine of a disciple’s activity. Proper self-control is Spirit control, since the flesh can be determined and disciplined without the horsepower of the Holy Spirit. Spirit-led self-control bows to no ego—it only surrenders to Christ. It is free from the desires and whims of the flesh. The body is a good servant, but a poor master. The fruit of self-control breaks unholy habits and replaces them with holy habits. It is so much more than just having a disciplined temperament—it is a mindset that is mastered by Christ’s preferences. We can’t confuse self-reliance with the Spirit’s self-control. Self- control relies on the Spirit’s energy and insight to accomplish God’s will. It is the difference between gutting out a bad circumstance without Christ or walking with Christ. “As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Acts 24:25 We don’t wait to embrace self-control when it becomes convenient—fools flounder in the meantime. Thus, start immediately and initiate self-control in your sexual thoughts and desires. Install boundaries around what you read and watch. An unbridled body is disrespected and discarded. Furthermore, control your conversations, so they do not become caustic and uncaring. Remain silent, rather that spew unkindness on another. Control your desires or they will control you. For example, control your weight by eating smaller portions of food. Control your sleep by going to bed earlier and rising earlier. Control your work by turning off your computer in the evenings. Control your rest by resting on Sundays. Control your time by managing a calendar. Control your money by managing a budget. When Christ controls you—you are capable of controlling your life. Self-control is the Spirit’s work, but your cooperation is required. Ultimately, God is in control. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:11-13 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I surrender to Your control, so that I can apply self-control. Related Scriptures: Job 37:15; 1 Corinthians 7:9; 9:25-27; 2 Peter 1:6; Titus 2:5

Fruit of Gentleness

9-3-2012 by Boyd Bailey “The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness…” Galatians 5:23 Gentleness is the fruit of the Spirit that germinates from God. Indeed, the voice of the Lord is gentle, but weighty in worth. He does not scream in a defensive or demanding tone; rather He speaks with authority under control. Speech initiated by the Holy Spirit is not harsh, but helpful—not loud, but loving—not testy, but tolerant. The gentleness of Jesus grows in the soil of patience, from the seed of sensitivity, and with the water of humility. We know we are governed by gentleness when the cadence of our conversation is not high-pitched with rapid-fire reactions. There is respectful dialogue without angrily accusing another’s motives. We prayerfully pronounce God’s principles as a fellow lifetime learner, not with an “I have finally arrived”, know-it-all attitude. Knowledge, wisdom and discernment delivered with gentle force, carry influence and insight to the recipient. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 Are your interactions with people marked with genuine gentleness or awkward gruffness? Do your words and body language put people at ease or put them down with intimidation? Your gentleness has the power to disarm a frightened friend and comfort a distraught colleague. It is a relational lubricant for a soul who feels alone and unloved. Perhaps your perpetual meekness toward a brother trapped in sin is what gives them hope. Your soothing and calm conversation creates a safe environment for lost and dying souls. Become a gentle man or woman who mentors others with grace and wisdom. Your gentle spirit—produced by the Spirit—is attractive to adolescents and adults. So lead, teach and serve with the even keel of Christ. Always learn of Him and His meek and gentle heart. Your gentleness generates gentleness in others for God’s glory. A gentle soul saves souls! “Take My [Jesus] 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 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for my heart to reflect the gentleness of Jesus. Related Scriptures: 1 Kings 19:12; Proverbs 15:1; 25:15; Matthew 21:5; Philippians 4:5

Secure not Shaken

9-2-2012 by Boyd Bailey When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. Psalm 30:6-7 Security rests in our Savior, not our stuff. Stuff comes and goes. It is by nature insecure. But when Christ comes to dwell in our hearts, He remains. Because He is secure we can be secure. But we must beware lest we believe that security resides anywhere else other than the Lord. God has set His seal of ownership on all who believe. He has put His Spirit in our hearts guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 1:22). We have an escrow account in eternity. God is the guarantor of our eternal security. Because of this, we are secure in Jesus. Our security is not based on feelings, but faith. If our security depends on feeling secure, we are men most miserable. Feelings of security fade in the face of trouble. If our confidence is based on pleasant circumstances, then we become careless with Christ. Our life becomes nothing more than a roller coaster of reactive responses. If we feel good, we are secure. If we feel bad, we are insecure. If people like us, we are secure. If they do not like us, we are insecure. If we have money, we are secure. If we lack money, we are insecure. If we are healthy, we are secure. If we are unhealthy, we are insecure. If our job is certain, we are secure. If our job is uncertain, we are insecure. If our children are obedient, we are secure. If our children are disobedient, we are insecure. If things go our way, we are secure. If things don’t go our way, we are insecure. Needless to say, we eventually grow weary, and wither under the whiplash of insecure living. So do not place your security in success or failure. The fumes of success can smother your faith as fast as failure can extinguish your hope. Do not allow your material gains to become a substitute for your security in Christ. Stuff is at the top of insecurity’s heap. It is the security we find in Jesus that never changes. He is our rock and our refuge. He never moves. He is not shaken. Critics could not rattle Christ with their mockery and meanness. He stood firm in His faith in His heavenly Father. Physical abuse did not drive Him to abandon the Almighty’s call on His life. Rather, it emboldened Him. Adversity did not make Him compromise His moral purity. Indeed, suffering became His launching pad for secure and pure behavior. Hope warmed His heart with security. Left to our own devices, we are insecure people. Anytime we seek security outside of Christ we become insecure. It is ironic that the search for security results in insecurity when we marginalize our Master. He is not our Lord for the last minute. He is our “go to” God first. Secure people wrap everything about themselves around Jesus. Relationships come and go, but your relationship with Jesus remains secure. You grow smarter and wiser with learned experience, but you shun intellectual snobbery and stay humbly secure in Christ. Your balance sheet balloons with net worth, but you keep your ego from inflating by remaining secure in Christ alone. Generous givers are secure. Insecurity arises when we add something to our faith in Christ. Therefore, be secure in your fidelity to faith. You are secure because your security is eternal. Shun earthly securities and embrace heaven’s. Faith needs no help. Above all else, the faithful are secure, not shaken.

Nonlinear Route

9-1-2012 by Boyd Bailey “So David inquired of the LORD, and He answered, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.” 2 Samuel 5:23 God’s will is not always a straight line, many times it requires deviation in direction. It may feel like three steps forward and two steps back. Following Jesus may seem like you tracked down a path that was not part of His plan. However, His plan is an adventure that cannot be confined to “point A to point B” thinking. God is so much more creative than to give us a predictable path that we can control. His will keeps us trusting and praying. It keeps us looking to the Lord for direction and discernment. This is why we get confused at times. We strike out in one direction, and then feel led to move in a different direction. Sometimes He leads us down an entirely different path than where we started. The adventurous part of us likes this, while our cautious and security-seeking part grows fearful. Depending on your temperament, you can either become unfocused because you thrive on adventure or you can become afraid because you like things in their place. So what is God up to? How do we harness the Spirit of the Almighty to lead us into His great adventure? It is imperative that we listen intently to the Lord. We are compelled to follow Christ, thus we desperately need His marching orders. But the noise of life can easily drown out the Lord’s tender call. His voice will not compete with cluttered living that gets in the way of listening. His voice is pure and plain, and He longs for our undivided attention. He wants us to turn down the racket of modern day conveniences, and come to Him. When we’re stuck in one of life’s traffic jams, and the voice of the Lord is drowned out by the noise around us, He’s right there with us—inviting us to listen. He knows you can’t handle His entire plan at once, so go with what He gives you. He doesn’t bless a perfect plan; He blesses obedience and trust. Go with what you know today, and trust Him with what you don’t know about tomorrow. God’s work is in the here and now. Reality is where you passionately pursue Him. So don’t be shy to go where God says to go, even when it doesn’t make sense. He is positioning you for success. Lastly, do not be afraid to engage the enemy as you follow Christ, but confront him in prayer. Fight the unseen forces of evil by faith. The devil will try to distract you from following God’s will. He will tempt you with the allure of wealth, women (or men), and wine. Do not become sidetracked by Satan. Put on the full armor of God. Lean into the Lord, and listen to His trusting voice. Dismiss the sultry voice of self-deception. The enemy is the great imposter. He disguises his voice to sound like God’s. Indeed, be so in tune with the voice of Jesus that a counterfeit sounds like a shrill fire alarm you want to avoid. Above all else, follow the Almighty even when it seems like you are going in a big circle. Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).