Hopeful Love

ove always hopes. 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love is hopeful because it is fixed on Jesus for its assurance. It is a healthy optimism based on the promises of God. Love only loses hope if the Lord loses His way, but He is the Way. There is no way Christ would lead His children astray. He is a rock of refuge and truth for a Christian’s compass of faith. Indeed, love finds a hopeful path through listening prayer. It’s in moments of quiet solitude that the Holy Spirit quiets the soul with His reassuring presence. Love hopes in Him. Has your hope been shaken by circumstances that rocked your world? If so, retreat to a safe place with your Savior and invite Him to calm your spirit with His sensitive love. Your hope becomes unshackled from fear when your loving Lord Jesus comforts your heart. Human love has its limits, but His is limitless. Your heavenly Father’s love has never failed the test of providing hope that perseveres. His Spirit whispers, “It will be ok, I am with you, be hopeful.” Your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Furthermore, you are a pass through for heaven’s hope. Those around you hunger for hope in life after death. Their soul thirsts for salvation and eternal security in their Savior Jesus. In their quest for authentic assurance you love well when you share with seekers Christ’s commands. Hope humans provide is riddled with inconsistency, but God’s hope is rooted in consistency. You love when you share the hope of heaven. Hope fills a heart that hears you lovingly pray for them. Hope is alive and well, because Christ is alive and well. He rose from the grave to become a living hope for all who embrace His resurrection. His love did not end in giving His life, but it culminated by Him coming back to life. Hallelujah our hope is in our risen and living Lord Jesus. Hope and love can never die, because Jesus is alive for evermore. Our hope is based on the two greatest historical events (the Cross and Resurrection) that exhibited the greatest love ever. Therefore, we can love someone today by helping them find hope in God. Love hopes in Him! Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 Prayer: Heavenly Father thanks for providing a living hope in Jesus for life’s journey. Related Readings: Psalm 119:43, 147:11; Romans 8:24-25; Hebrews 11:1; 1 Peter 1:13

New Site

Hey Everyone, I am thrilled to announce the new www.loganstout.com website is now live! I will have live video messages each week, guests, and other great announcements. Please be sure to subscribe (it's free), and you will be updated with all of the happenings going on! Thanks so much for following, and I pray the new site helps you and all you know define, obtain, advance, and pass on SUCCESS! Logan Stout

Forgiven By Love

2-20-2013 by Wisdom Hunters Love keeps no records of wrong. 1 Corinthians 13:5 Record keeping of wrongs is taboo for those who love lavishly. Love funnels all its focus toward forgiveness and relational restoration. It refrains from retaining resentment which leads to wasted emotional energy. Yes, unforgiveness maintains a mental checklist of grievances that offers the enemy an entrance to encroach into a soul’s spiritual stability. Love is not an account ledger that credits rights and debits wrongs. Love is a white board that regularly erases infractions and hurts. Do you bear the burden of accounting for all injustices committed against you? Are you weary of wishing you had not been wronged? If so, look into the keyboard of your heart and by God’s grace press the delete button of forgiveness and erase external irritations. Start with a clean slate and your spirit will be set free to rest and enjoy God and people. Let go of harmful words that broke your heart and let the Lord mend it with love. A mind at peace is the fruit of forgiven love. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them. Romans 4:8 Since the Lord’s love doesn’t keep records of wrongs against us, we are wise to forgive ourselves of past guilt. The command to love ourselves includes not having a standard higher than God’s toward our transgressions. We are either forgiven of all or not forgiven at all. Jesus Christ’s redemption is not partial, but whole. He does not pick and choose cleansing based on the degree of our offense. Hallelujah we are categorically and fully forgiven of past, present and future sins! Therefore, since Christ doesn’t count your sins against you, you can’t count your offender’s sins against them. Your forgiving love chooses to wipe away hurtful infractions. Indeed, ask the Holy Spirit to repair relationships broken by another’s bad behavior: broken trust, broken promises, broken romance, broken cars, homes and bank accounts. Offer up your broken and contrite heart to God, receive His healing love and forgiveness and then extend His forgiven love to others. Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Psalm 32:1 Prayer: Heavenly Father thank you for Your forgiven love, give me grace to lovingly forgive. Related Readings: Psalm 32:2, 103:12; Romans 4:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 3:13

Selfless Love

2-18-2013 by Wisdom Hunters Love is not self-seeking. 1 Corinthians 13:5 Selfless love is happy when those they love are happy. They find great joy in seeing others live in harmony. These unselfish lovers are willing to sacrifice the fulfillment of their needs for the good of the whole. Selfless moms lose sleep for their little ones and selfless dads invest intentional play time and prayer time with their children. Time consuming habits like golf are put on pause for a season of selfless love. Love seeks what’s best for those it has incredible influence over. Has love of self hijacked your schedule with no time left to serve others? Has your ambition shifted from being godly to leaving God out? Self-seeking love gives the Lord and others spiritual and emotional leftovers. However, your selfless love learns first how to love your heavenly Father with your heart, soul, mind and strength; then go out of your way to love others. You love selflessly when you give instead of spending on yourself. Love is generous. Love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31 Selfless love does not mean we are not to love ourselves. Christ commands us to love ourselves in the same way we love others. We feed, clothe and care for our body, so we are able to care for the physical needs of others. We do not neglect our own nourishment for unsustainable expectations, no we take care of personal needs, so we are capable of communicating the gospel in word and deed. Your love of self qualifies you to quietly and selflessly love and serve others. Selfless love is the way of your Savior Jesus. He submitted to His heavenly Father and humbly served humanity though He was the most powerful person in the room. He gave His life to save lives. He took time to teach sinners why they are to worship God in spirit and truth; because He is Spirit and He seeks out those who worship on His terms. Yes, your other centered love is an opportunity to teach your children that God created them for His glory. Selfless love teaches truth. We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1 Prayer: Heavenly Father, whose needs can I lovingly meet in deference to myself? Related Readings: John 4:23-24; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 1 John 3:17

Kind To The Needy

2-15-2013 by Wisdom Hunters He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21 The needy have unmet needs that cripple their ability to live life to its fullest. It may be the need for food, clothing, or a place to live. They may need a job, a car, or an opportunity to get ahead. The needy may be lost in their sins without Christ, which is the greatest of needs. Wherever their point of need lies is our obligation to kindly care for them. “Give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Matthew 19:21). Evidence of our following Jesus is shown by our caring concern for the poor. Our kindness may require us to give up something so that another can gain something. Perhaps there is a fun trip you give up so a poor person can enjoy food for a month. What financial expenditure can you put on pause? Do you know someone who could benefit from a car repair or a mortgage payment? Sacrifice solicits most when the need of others is highest. “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God” (Proverbs 14:31). Furthermore, the best motivation for reaching out is kindness of heart, not guilt of mind. It is a kind word that lifts another person’s spirit. It is a generous gratuity to a diligent server. It is a gentle response to a demanding spirit. The needy are all around us, especially during economic downturns. Maybe there is a neighbor who is out of work whom you can invite into your home for dinner and encouragement. Kindness is a culprit of compassion and care. Lastly, look out for the needy because of the Lord’s great love toward you. Kindness asks, “Where would I be without God’s grace? Where in my life can I extend His grace, love, and mercy?” Blessings await those who give and receive kindness. We are all needy, some more than others, but our provider is the same—Jesus Christ. “Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail” (Lamentations 3:22). Prayer: Who in my life is in need whom I can show kindness to in Jesus’ name? Related Readings: Deuteronomy 15:4; Isaiah 58:7–12; Luke 6:30–36; 1 John 3:17–22

Date Night!

2-14-2013 by Wisdom Hunters I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. Song of Songs 2:3 Couples who calendar weekly dates subscribe to not taking themselves and life too serious. A night of romance and fun is a sure fire way to keep the flames of marriage burning brightly. Work and children are put on pause during this window of intimacy, so emotions can lovingly engage. A date is meant to be free from distractions (no electronics) and mental clutter. Indeed, weekly dates recalibrate a husband and wife’s relationship around love and laughter. When you sit in the shade of your spouse’s tree of trust, you find acceptance and affirmation. No one can give you more meaningful approval than your best friend. If he or she seeks approval elsewhere, you are in danger of emotional estrangement. Yes, dating gives you an excuse to pursue your precious marriage partner with romantic anticipation. You clean up and dress up just for them. Perhaps you take turns planning the date experience, so it stays fresh and exciting. Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women. Song of Songs 2:2 Date night can require a financial commitment, so budget accordingly. There is a cost, but you can’t afford not to invest in your most important relationship. It’s less expensive than a counselor or divorce. Be creative: a coffee shop, bookstore, walk in the park or park the car and quietly watch a sunset. Use date night as an excuse to buy new shoes or get a haircut. Do something special just for your special friend. Conversation and connection can lead to physical intimacy. Lastly use your weekly time together to reminisce about fun times from the past. Ask questions like: What was your favorite trip we had together? What getaway would you like to do together going forward? What past answered prayers are you grateful to God for answering? Your weekly date night is a remedy for getting stuck in the crazy cycle of no conversation and growing apart. Focused time with your sweetheart honors them and honors the Lord. Plan to date weekly. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me. Song of Songs 2:13 Prayer: Heavenly Father give us conviction and creativity to calendar a weekly date night. Related Readings: Song of Songs 1:4; 1 Samuel 1:19; 1 Corinthians 7:3; 1 Peter 3:7

Dialogue Daily

2-13-2013 by Wisdom Hunters Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 Busyness is the uncaring culprit of inconsistent communication in marriage. Couples exhausted from a calendar of frantic activity have no emotional energy at the end of the day to engage in meaningful conversation. Like two sleepy ships they pass through the night unaware of the other’s tattered soul. However, hearts that dialogue daily are intentional with intimacy. It may be only 30 minutes of focused conversation after dinner, but wise couples stay verbally connected. Often woman starve for words and men lack language. So husbands, make sure you unselfishly express yourself to your sweetheart. Ask the Lord to give your conversation clarity, compassion and depth. And wives, be patient with your man who wants to share his heart, but his speech needs a safe environment for expression. Your respect and approval frees him up to speak freely. Daily dialogue gives couples emotional connection that facilitates trust, security and love. Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 Make sure your children know your priority of communication as a married couple. Tell your little ones that mom and dad need to grow their friendship with each other, so they can become better parents. Teach your children to respect the space you need as husband and wife to grow a healthy home. Next to salvation in Jesus, the best gift you can give your son and daughter is a maturing marriage. Hence, growing relationships require regular doses of meaningful discussion. Have heart-to-hearts and your heart will grow fonder and your faith will grow fresher. When you talk with each other make sure you talk together to your Heavenly Father. Communication with Christ as a couple draws you closer to Him and to each other. Words birthed out of prayer build up and bring great joy. Love is the language you employ to engage each other’s heart, mind and soul. Indeed, dialogue daily and like dollar cost averaging, your relational equity will compound. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103 Prayer: Heavenly Father I pray for an open, loving heart that shares daily with my spouse. Related Readings: Proverbs 22:11; Malachi 3:16; 1 Corinthians 13:1; Ephesians 4:15

Love Shuns Pride

2-12-2013 by Wisdom Hunters Love is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love and pride cannot coexist, they are mutually exclusive in their motives. Pride is concerned first about getting its own way, while love looks out first for the needs of another. Love is not proud and loves the proud, but pride perceives those who live by love as weak and easily overcome. Love walks in humble dependence on the Lord, while pride walks in arrogant dependence on self. The flesh makes fools out of pride, but the wise rise out of humble love. Does love incubate in your humble heart? Do you listen for the cries of those starving for love? You are the only one who can be your wife’s husband or your husband’s wife. You are the one Almighty God has appointed for you to place boundaries around temptations, so your spouse feels valued, secure and loved. Your marriage is the Lord’s laboratory to learn how to love well. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3 Moreover, make yourself available to be loved. Your pride wants to protect your image and not be vulnerable to receiving love. Any admission of need (even the need to be loved) is a sign of weakness to your pride. However, your humility is quick to confess a heart in need of comforting words and a warm hug. Let your loved ones in on who you are, so they can really know you and love the real you. Give the gift of authenticity to trusting friends and many will love you back. Lastly, make it your goal for the grace of God to push out pride and replace it with a humble heart. You won’t think any less of yourself, but you will think of yourself less. Humility is like a deep and wide canal of watery grace, it is a channel for ships of love to travel. It bridges your heart with another hungry heart in need of love. Most of all humility connects your heart with your Heavenly Father’s heart. His love for you shuns pride and floods into your humble heart. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 Prayer: Heavenly Father create in me a humble heart to receive and give love, on Your behalf. Related Readings: 1 Corinthians 8:1; Philippians 2:1-3; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 3:8

Love Does Not Boast

2-11-2013 by Wisdom Hunters Love does not boast. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Lovely people boast about the greatness, the goodness and the glory of God. Yes, love looks up to the Lord in gratitude and does not look down on others. There is no bragging about self, only exalting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Love looks for ways to lift up those struck down by suffering or lost in sin without drawing attention to its heroics. People who love understand that wisdom, success and wealth come from God. Bragging has no place in the presence of love. Love does not force its agenda, rather works to collaborate and seek what’s best for all parties. For example in marriage, don’t demand your own way, rather in love take time to value each another’s ideas and desires. If organization is important to your spouse, perhaps you schedule a day once a quarter to clear out the clutter in an area of your house. Furthermore, money management may be a fear of your mate’s, if so calendar time weekly to plan your finances. This is what the Lord says:“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches. Jeremiah 9:23 Love does not have to feel superior to be valued. On the contrary your modest assessment of yourself is what leads to mutual respect that validates love. Keep your ego in check by recalling how far God has brought you, not forgetting how far you have to go. You are not God’s gift to the world--that role is reserved for Jesus. Love does not have to brag, because it is secure in Christ’s love. Your part is to lay low, loving others and God’s part is to promote you in His time. Beware of becoming a legend in your own mind, only the Lord deserves a legendary legacy. The more you grow in your capacity to love, the lower you go in needing to feel important. The ability to love is reward enough without having to be recognized. Your love will unify those you serve, because you are not worried about getting credit for the cool outcomes. Boast only about God’s faithfulness to answer prayer and extend His grace and favor. Great gain is to love in Jesus’ name. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3 Prayer: Heavenly Father give me the security and courage to boast in Christ and not in myself. Related Readings: Hosea 12:8; Obediah 1:12; 2 Corinthains 12:5-9; 2 Timothy 3:2

Faith Versus Fear

2-10-2013 by Wisdom Hunters ”When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4 Fear is a formidable foe of faith. It lurks about, looking for ways to lead us into distrust of our Lord. Fear is subtle with its sneak attacks on our attitudes and bold in its frontal barrage on our beliefs. Fear always fights back, even when we extinguish it for a time with our total trust in God. And it doesn’t let up until we get to heaven. Fear is like fire ants. You can eliminate their unholy mound with a baby powder-like deterrent, but they regroup and rebuild nearby. Trust in the Lord is the terminator of fear, but fear seems to recreate itself with whatever appendage of doubt is left. It grows within the next uncertain circumstance that comes our way. Fear thinks it has us in check on the chessboard of our life, but the truth is Jesus checkmated fear on the cross. Now it is up to us to appropriate His triumph by trusting in God. There are many times when we are in transition from fear to faith. It’s in the transition of trust in God that our cares co-mingle with Christ’s care. There is a holy tension that transpires in our transition into trust. It is in this dawn of trust that light gradually overcomes darkness. Faith dissolves doubts as the sun drives away the mist. Your mind may be a little murky, but you renew your thinking (Romans 12:2) with the truth that God is ever present. Your confidence may be crumbling, but you keep your eyes on your Savior. Your prayers may be clumsy, but you still cling to Christ. Your relationships may be reluctant, but you rely on the Lord. Use this transition from fear to faith to grow your mercy and compassion. Indeed, doubting can drive us to God, and it grows us into more patient and humble human beings. It strengthens our trust and makes us hold faster to heaven. Hope trusts in this transition from fear to faith. Moreover, mortal man has not made a permanent impression on the saints of God. Immortal and Almighty God is your new insignia. Embedded on the coins of your character is the faith-filled inscription, “In God I Trust.” Followers of Jesus have the eternal seal of their Savior as their newfound identity (Ephesians 4:30). Do not allow the patterns of your old life to feed any fading fears in your new one (Romans 6:6). The fears of your proud past have been replaced with faith, love, and hope in your humble here and now. Faith has banished fear. Therefore, you can continually celebrate. Praise points you to Providence. After all, it’s all about Him. This is why faith brings forth praise. When you trust, you can’t help but sing from your soul. Indeed, faith in the Lord facilitates praise and is a product of praise. It is in our praise of God that our fears fade and our faith flourishes. So praise Him, trust Him, and fear no one. No one can take from you what you have already given to Him. Faith is a fear-killer; it overcomes. Taken from the February 5th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God” vol. 1... ... http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a

Faithful Guide

2-9-2013 by Wisdom Hunters “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity” (Proverbs 11:3). Integrity is an instrument of almighty God. He uses it to guide His children in the direction He desires for them. Have you ever wondered what God would have you do? Integrity is His directive to do the next right thing, trusting Him with the results. It is out of honesty we begin to comprehend Christ’s desires. He delights in our uprightness. For example, are you totally honest on your tax return? Is your tax preparer a person of unquestionable integrity? We can trust professionals to represent us well, but we are ultimately responsible for an honest outcome. Furthermore, is there anything you are doing, if printed as a newspaper headline, that would embarrass you and your family? Indeed, integrity brings joy to heaven and security on earth. It is your guide for godly living. Moreover, the iniquity of the unfaithful destroys. The blessing of God is removed as it cannot be bought with bad behavior. Relationships are scarred and some even severed over dishonest dealings. Overnight, poor judgment can soil and potentially destroy a hard-earned reputation. Pride acts like integrity is only for others. It deceives itself and becomes a disgrace for its dishonest and duplicitous ways. Iniquity is an unfaithful guide. “I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do” (Nehemiah 7:2). So we ask ourselves, “How can I be a man or woman of integrity over the balance of my life?” There is a simplicity about those who base their behavior on the principles of God’s Word; nothing fancy, only faithful living in their daily routine. The grace of God governs their soul, the truth of God renews their mind, and accountability is an anchor for their actions. Honestly ask yourself, “Is integrity my faithful guide?” The Bible says, “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you” (Psalm 25:21). Prayer: How can I better integrate integrity as a guide for my business dealings and behavior at home? Related Readings: Genesis 20:4–7; Hosea 13:9; Matthew 7:13; Romans 7:9–12

Love Rejects Envy

2-8-2013 by Wisdom Hunters Love does not envy. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Envy is insecure. It is unsure of and uncomfortable in its identity. However, love is without envy, agape love understands and embraces its identity in Christ. Love feels the comforting fingerprints of faith wrapped around its feelings. There’s a sense of security with a soul whose sole focus is faith in Christ. Jealousy is jettisoned where love for Jesus is the motivation for words and deeds. Love sees someone’s success as cause for celebration, not competition. Envy frowns, love smiles. Moreover, let love lead you to serve, instead of striving for envy’s elusive status. Follow love's line of reasoning and your mind will be challenged to excellence when a colleague experiences significant accomplishments. Love avoids obsessing over how to surpass a friend’s good fortune. Do you embrace and celebrate your spouse’s successes? Or do you silently steam for lack of attention? A healthy husband and wife are secure in their individuality. Their identity is in Christ. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 Jealousy is cruel, love is compassionate. Jealousy is shortsighted, love looks longterm. Jealousy is threatened, love is empowered. Jealousy jockeys for position, love trusts God for promotion. Therefore, look for ways to love loved ones who may be lured by the seductive sirens of success. Remind those uniquely gifted of the Giver of their gifts (Almighty God) and how far faith in Jesus has brought them. Love is secure in calling out fools for its confidence is in Christ. Finally the way to find yourself is not to focus on yourself. Focus instead on love for Christ and be content with who you are in Him. You can love well because your Lord loves you well. You are a forgiven child of God, filled with the Holy Spirit and full of potential for Him. You are loved unconditionally by your Heavenly Father, you are saved from sin by His Son Jesus and you are sealed securely by His Holy Spirit. Your contentment in Christ is cause to love and not envy. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16 Prayer: Heavenly Father I pray for a healthy heart motivated by love, not driven by envy. Related Readings: Job 5:2; Ecclesiastes 4:4; Galatians 5:26; 1 Timothy 6:4

Love Kindly

Love is kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Kind love is the kind of love that shows up to serve. It always looks for ways to move beyond feeling generous to being generous. Kindness transitions empathy into action and sympathy into service. Kind love is not stuck on itself, rather it relishes reaching out to the needs of others. It wears a smile, gives a hug, kisses a head, pats an arm, lifts a burden, prays a prayer and writes a check. Love is kind, because Christ is kind and He is love. So, love kindly and be like Jesus. How does it feel when you have a kind encounter with someone? Probably a mixture of respect, joy and inspiration to name a few positive emotions. Unsolicited loving kindness that comes to you when least expected, provides the most encouragement. Your kind love is the kind of support your spouse needs to get through the day and not be overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations. Your warm eyes communicate compassion to those you see with sensitivity. Kindness loves well. I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3 Indeed, your kind love is attractive to all with whom you have influence. Unkindness is a repulsive smell, but kindness is a sweet aroma that fills the air it occupies. Like honey to a bee, a scratch to a dog or a caresses to a cat, your loving kindness is tasty for hungry hearts. It is security for souls that itch for intimacy. When you love kindly, you experience its fruit: peace, joy, patience, gratitude, respect and friendship. Kindness facilitates all kinds of good deeds. Lastly it is the Lord’s loving kindness that causes us to be kind. His kindness draws us to Himself and leads us to repentance. Because of our heavenly Father’s great kindness, we want to be the kind of children that He is pleased to call His own. Therefore, from our grateful hearts we are honored to honor Christ by loving our loved ones in kind ways. Yes, we pray for our home to have a relational climate of kindness. Our kind actions speak the language of our Lord’s love! I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. Hosea 11:4 Prayer: Heavenly Father grow me into a kind person by Your loving kindness. Related Readings: Genesis 39:21; Joshua 2:12; Luke 6:35; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Colossians 3:12

Live is Patient

2-6-2013 by Wisdom Hunters Love is patient. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Patience is a natural expression of love, as people who are loved are shown patience. However, some relationships are harder to patiently love. An unprovoked patience requires a small capacity for love, but a provoked patience requires a greater grace. A common love handles effortlessly being treated well, but love requires an uncommon patience when treated unjustly. Authentic love is willing to suffer long for the sake of the one being served. So, love patiently all people. Are your circumstances trying your patience? Has someone gotten on your last nerve and exhausted your patience? If so, join the company of those who need a fresh perspective of God’s patient love toward us. Yes, while we were still sinners, the Lord patiently allowed His son Jesus to suffer, so we could be set free from the shackles of sin. Christ loves patiently to the point of bearing our burdens with us. We are not discarded, but loved, in spite of our inconsistencies. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 Therefore, by God’s grace we demonstrate patient love towards those who do not demonstrate patient love toward us. Our frustrated friends could be stuck in their own crazy cycle of sin, still in need of a Savior. They are not capable of loving patiently, because they have yet to receive the genuine love of their Heavenly Father. Indeed, those of us who commune with the Prince of Peace know better, but those lacking peace struggle with patience. Love is patient with impatience. Moreover, see your marriage as a laboratory of learning how to love patiently the love of your life. Take the high ground of grace when you are hurt. Explain with loving patience to your husband or wife the pain you feel you carry alone. Let them in on your fears, dreams and angry feelings. When you express your emotions with patient love, you give permission for your spouse to do the same. Your love may suffer for a season, but your patience is a portrait of God’s grace. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back. Isaiah 38:17 Prayer: Heavenly Father thank you for loving me patiently, so I can love others patiently. Related Readings: Genesis 19:16; Exodus 34:6; Ephesians 1:4, 4:2; 1 Peter 3:8, 18

He's Not A Genie In A Bottle

2-5-2013 He’s not a Genie in a Bottle Matthew 21:18-22 can certainly be a little optimistic, so it’s important we understand the context of what’s being said as it pertains to Biblical truth. It reads: “18Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. 20When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked. 21Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." I’m sure many read verse 21-22 and get incredibly excited, so here’s the downer; God isn’t to be used as a genie in a bottle! While God can do all things and is all knowing, He grants us free will. God’s perfect will doesn’t come into play as a result of human sin. We have the free will to do right or do wrong. We aren’t a bunch of puppets walking around the earth. Rather, God allows us to make choices and we have good and bad consequences as a result. Here’s the good news, when our will is God’s will, all things can happen and do! In other words, we should earnestly pray that God gives us clarity and vision as to what He wants us to do. It’s not about what we want to do; rather it’s about what HE wants for our lives. Let’s pray that our will be His will, and His will be our will. It’s not about what we want; it’s what God wants for and through us!

Marriage Intentionality

2-4-2013 by Boyd Bailey “Marriage should be honored by all.” Hebrews 13:4 Successful marriages require intentionality. Indeed, most marriages that please the Lord do not happen by accident. There is a prayerful pattern of planning and wise choices that come with a meaningful marriage. The husband and wife honor one another by aspiring to each other’s interests. They connect at deeper emotional levels because they take the time to communicate their feelings. By God’s grace they understand each other's needs and help satisfy those needs. How can we be intentional with our spouse? Our acts of service are an example of how we can show them tangible ways we care. If we are the recipient of a deliciously prepared meal, we can insist on clearing the table and cleaning up the kitchen. If our car requires maintenance or repair, we can take the lead taking care of the need. Perhaps we collaborate over a grocery list and then quietly make a trip to the market and purchase the items. Intentional service shows love. “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 Moreover, intentional marriages set goals to get better. You may decide as a couple to dialogue daily, date weekly and depart quarterly. Daily dialogue is a sure fire way to keep the fire of your relationship burning brightly. Consistent emotional connection between husband and wife is necessary to feel loved. Weekly date nights give you an opportunity to romance one another and have fun. Intimacy takes intentionality. Make a marriage plan so life doesn’t make plans for you. Above all else, have spiritual intentionality in your marriage. Take the time for prayer walks and initiate talks about spiritual matters. Volunteer together at church and/or in your community. Keep your individual quiet times a priority and then share with one another what the Lord is teaching you. Perhaps you serve on a mission trip together at home and/or overseas. Marriage intentionality honors the Lord and honors you and your spouse. So, be prayerfully intentional! “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 Prayer: Dear Lord give us wisdom in our marriage to model Your intentional love and care. Related Readings: Psalm 133:1; Philippians 2:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22

Shattered Plans

2-3-2013 by Boyd Bailey “My days have passed, my plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart.” Job 17:11 Sometimes, our plans do not go as we had hoped. In fact they are shattered. They’re obliterated in front of our very eyes. You were almost breathless when your dismissal finally sunk in. In your shock, you could have been pushed over with a feather. Certainly plans are made to be adjusted, but this one blew up in your face. You were devastated. You had positioned your career for this one opportunity, and it failed to materialize. Even now, your emotions vacillate between bewilderment and anger toward God, and your future feels gnarled and disjointed. You feel emasculated. It doesn’t make any sense. The money was there, along with the relationships and resources that were poised for deployment. It was as if the stars were aligned. Then suddenly, your plan became irrelevant and it vanished overnight. Now you are positioned to start over. It is hard to assemble the energy to withstand another assault on your vision. It is time to give up and give in to defeat because God is still in control. He controls your plans and their successful launch. He can still be trusted going forward. Just because things have not worked out according to your timetable is no reason to quit trusting Him. Trust the Lord with a reengineered plan that will be better than the old one. His ways are much better than your ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). There is no human comprehension to what God has in store if you remain faithful to Him. Indeed, His ways (Isaiah 2:3) can be hard to understand. The cycle of digesting His will into your mind and soul is like “chewing cud,” a repetitive process that requires time and patience. The desires of your heart need validation. This is part of His plan, and this is where prayer plays a vital role. Take the broken pieces of your plan and place them at the feet of Jesus. He will take your shattered plan and piece it back together with His enhancements. A crushed plan in the hand of Christ has much more potential than your perfect plan buried in your grasp. You limit the Lord by holding on in distrust or fear. Lastly, like the expressed genius of an artist, the newly formed plan has the depth and breadth of a masterpiece. It is an original crafted by the hand of God. Therefore, do not settle for anything less than your Master’s plan. His master plan is monumental and can move mountains. Your desires may be dead, but now is the time to submit to God in a fresh and humble way. Watch in delight as He resurrects your desires to align and connect with His. He has slowed you down so your plans partner with His. See your shattered plan as a blessing, not a curse. God loves to take what is broken, lift it up, and make it whole again. Place your plans and your heart in His hands. He is the author and the finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is the plan provider, and He makes shattered plans better.

God or Money

2-2-2013 by Boyd Bailey “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24). How do you know if you love God or money more? Ask yourself if you worry more about missing your prayer time or missing your paycheck. Are you more anxious about what the Almighty thinks, or do you obsess over the opinion of others? Are you driven to seek God’s kingdom first or to blindly build your own kingdom? Devotion to the eternal or the temporal is a choice. It cannot be to both. One really captures your worship. Money makes promises it cannot keep, like security, peace, and prosperity. But the Lord makes promises He does keep, like grace, forgiveness, joy, and contentment. When the commands of these two contradict, will you follow Christ or cash? Decide now, so when you are in the emotion of the moment you do not give in to glittering gold. What keeps you up at night? Is it how to make more money or how to make more of Jesus? Set your affections above, and you will be more effective below. The Lord is looking for His children with whom He can entrust more of His blessings. He longs for the faithful who use their finances to draw lost souls to salvation, hurting people to healing, and who boldly pray, “Your kingdom come…on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Perhaps you take your family on a mission trip to see how the masses live with little money but with a lot of the Lord. It is revolutionary for a soul that has been seduced by the mistress of money to see how believers without stuff affectionately embrace their Lord and Savior Jesus. Expose your faith to the poor, so you are liberated from wealth. This is a heart issue. Who captures your affections—your Savior or your stuff? Money makes a poor master but a useful servant. Indeed, Jesus is the trustworthy Master with whom you can place your faith and devotion. Money tries to maneuver itself into a place of priority, but by faith you can relegate it to serve righteous causes. Love Him, not it. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). Prayer: What masters my mind and holds my heart—God or money? Who needs my money? Related Readings: Malachi 3:8–10; Matthew 6:10; Colossians 3:1–10; 1Timothy 6:6–10

Self-Deception

2-1-2013 by Boyd Bailey There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 Self-deception is the worst kind of dishonesty because it is so convincing. Subtly it convenes our mind and emotions to ally around a lie. For example, self-deception whispers into the ear of our heart, “You are so smart and capable,” but it forgets to include Christ’s influence in its instruction. Then we wander down a prayerless path, forged in our own strength, only to discover we missed God’s best by a mile. In reality, we are only as prosperous as our Lord allows. He makes our path straight and successful as He defines success. “I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths” (Proverbs 4:11). To which voice do you adhere—your own or your Savior’s? Perhaps His plan is for you to make less money and have more family time. Maybe you turn down this promotion and trust Him for a better one in a different season. “The pride of your heart has deceived you” (Obadiah 1:3). We can talk ourselves into anything, especially as it relates to money. I can easily justify a new house, car, kitchen, furniture, floors, or grill. But do I really need to upgrade or just repair what I have? How can the Lord trust me with something newer if I have not been a good steward of what He has already given me? Trustworthy people can be trusted with more, but the untrustworthy lose opportunities. Thus manage well your present possessions. Self-deceivers are self-destroyers; so avoid self-delusion by being accountable. Give others permission to ask you uncomfortable, even hard, questions. Better to be embarrassed sooner than humiliated later. Humility invites the inspection of loving friends into our lives. You do much better when others provide loving accountability. “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be” (Jeremiah 17:9 msg). Prayer: Am I transparent with my money and motives? What do God and godly advisors think? Related Readings: Psalm 1:6; Isaiah 59:8; Matthew 7:13–14; Galatians 6:3