Worldly Wisdom

“Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace” 2 Corinthians 1:12. Worldly wisdom has a way of reducing heaven’s wisdom to an afterthought. After our worldly wisdom doesn't work, we pray and seek to discern the Lord’s ways.. It’s tempting to rely on what seems to work instead of seeking the principles to live by based on God’s economy. Worldly wisdom is not only inferior, it is also a competitor with God’s grace. The Lord sees the world’s wisdom as foolishness and the world sees His wisdom as foolishness. Some who embrace the wisdom of the world say there is no personal God, but God says in His wisdom that this thinking flows from a fool. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1). Sadly, the world’s wisdom has no room for Jesus. “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:21) Worldly wisdom is flashier and sexier in its appeal—it invites pride to perch over those who have not yet achieved a superior standpoint. Ironically, the created dismisses the Creator as antiquated and out of touch. The traditional tenants of an all knowing and ever present sovereign God are silly and irrational to this irreverent system of belief. But what worldly wisdom embraces as truly enlightened, the Lord defines as educated fools. “Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20) Therefore, do not try to outsmart your Savior Jesus Christ with intelligence void of humility and the fear of God. Academics, without an infusion of faith in Almighty God, leads down a reckless path of disconnection from Deity. However, wise is the man or woman who is full of the grace of God, and who studies truth long and hard for the glory of God. Faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God is not a leap into the dark; rather it is a step into the light. Christian belief is based on the historical fact of His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. For some the Lord’s wisdom wins out over their own and they begin to seek out people and places that possess His knowledge. “I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness” (Ecclesiastes 2:13). Prayer: Am I embracing and believing the wisdom of the world or Almighty God’s? Related Readings: Isaiah 29:14; Jeremiah 8:9; James 3:13-18 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Hypocrites Exposed

This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:49-50 There are posers who profess to know God, but He will one day say to them, “I never knew you.” It is scary to think an individual can believe they are ok with the Lord when they are not. Maybe they heard the truth of the Cross, but they did not receive the truth by faith into their heart. There has not been an exchange of trust in themselves to a total dependence on Christ. Fools may have good religious feelings, but they have not surrendered to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Have you truly trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Is your love and affection captured by the love of your Heavenly Father? If not, it is wise to be circumspect about your commitment to Christ. As Jesus stated, mingling with the good fish does not make you a good fish. A bad fish smells like a fish, looks like a fish and tastes like a fish, but it remains in its original state until it's drawn to heaven by God. Make sure the scales of sin are removed from your spiritual eyes. Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. Acts 9:18 It is uncomfortable to picture a loving God having a system of judgment that includes hell. However, would He really be loving if He did not punish sin and expose religious hypocrites for pretending to be something they're not--true followers of Jesus? We water down the Word of God when we feel like we have to apologize for the Lord’s consequences that accompany improper beliefs. Oh how He loves us, because on Judgment Day, wrongs will be made right in His sight. Therefore, in the meantime, pray for those who genuinely believe they are right with God but have yet to be born again. Teach those who are religious but lost about a desperate desire for the Lord that follows submission to the Lord. Help fellow church members move from a head full of knowledge to a heart full of passion to pray. Information about Jesus becomes alive, when you experience Jesus in a personal, loving and intimate relationship. Ask the Holy Spirit to flush out impostors today, before it is too late to change. Better a hypocrite’s exposure now, than then. If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 Prayer: Heavenly Father lead me into a genuine relationship with You through Your son Jesus. Related Readings: Matthew 7:21, 25:32; Romans 14:11; 1 Corinthians 14:21; Revelation 20:15 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Bigger To Better

According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 A wise and patient process is required to build a quality life or organization. Everything begins on the foundation of Jesus Christ. His glory, His salvation, His teaching and His example are all foundational for a better life and a better company, church or ministry. Values that flow from the Lord focus on excellence, work done as unto the Lord. The customers of a company will demand they become bigger, if the business focuses on becoming better. Bigger follows better. Are you proud of your work and your workplace? Is there a culture of excellence over expedience where you are employed? If so, you are blessed to have the opportunity to be the best in your industry or field of expertise. Be patient because good things come to those who wait on God, not compromising quality over the pressure to produce. Quantity follows quality. So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. Isaiah 28:16 The same can be said for our relationships. Relational equity takes time, trust and intentionality to build up between each other. It is much better for us to have fewer, but more in depth relationships, than a larger group of acquaintances, who we only relate to superficially. Why settle for shallow conversations when we can go deep around our commitment to Christ. We can share how we really feel and not fear rejection from those who authentically love and care for us. Furthermore, with your family and friends focus on knowing and being known. Seek to comprehend what makes them click: their needs, their fears and their dreams. Your influence grows with those who feel like you really know them. Yes, keep Christ the cornerstone of your conversations and He will steer you into genuinely caring interactions. Remain committed to better serving and understanding your spouse and/or parent. Better love grows into Bigger love! Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 3:20 Prayer: Heavenly Father keep me focused on loving better, so You grow a bigger love in me. Related Readings: Ruth 4:15; 1 Samuel 15:22; 1 Peter 2:4-25 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Eyewitness News

You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. Acts 3:15 Eyewitness accounts are compelling evidence for truth. These first hand witnesses bring creditability with their character. They are especially trustworthy if they stick to the facts even when it costs them their life. When Jesus was arrested by foes, Peter and John were arrested by fear. However, when Jesus rose from the grave, Peter and John’s courage rose with Him. They saw, touched, talked and ate with Jesus after He came back to life. God’s power empowered them! Yes, we were witnesses of this idyllic resurrection power when we were born again. Once we were dead to faith, now we are alive to trust in Christ. Once we were dead to assurance of heaven, now we are alive to the security of eternal life. Once we were dead to the Son’s salvation, now we are alive to His grace. Once we were dead to our Heavenly Father’s love, now we are alive to His affection. Once we were dead to the Spirit’s help, now we are alive to His leading! We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4 If a case for Christ’s resurrection were presented in a court of law, a thorough jury would find Jesus guilty of being raised from the dead by His Heavenly Father. The compelling proof is on the side of the plaintiff Holy God. The devil is on the defensive, as all his arguments were destroyed in one fell swoop at the resurrection of Christ. Your risen Savior Jesus, rises above the arguments and evil taunts of Satan. The empty tomb empties the enemy’s arsenal of deception. Jesus lives! You stand on the solid rock of Christ’s resurrection, as experienced in person by His disciples and 500 other followers. You base His Story on the historical fact of Him going into the grave dead and walking out of the grave alive on the third day. Furthermore, your own faith experience with Jesus is your eyewitness evidence of engaging your risen Savior. You are His channel of hope to the sick, the lost, the disabled, the rich and the poor. You are a witness! He [Jesus] was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time. 1 Corinthians 15:4-6 Prayer: Heavenly Father thank you for raising Your Son Jesus from the dead to give me life. Related Readings: John 2:22; Acts 2:31; Romans 8:11; Philippians 3:10-11; Colossians 3:1 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Power Creates Pretense

“Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts.” Proverbs 19:6 Do you act differently when you are in the presence of power? Are you able to be yourself and not become pretentious because of someone’s position? Leaders need people around them who will tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. If you are intimidated or awestruck by wealth and stature, you will tend not to tell the truth for fear of rejection or punishment. Bold believers bow down to no one but the Lord God. Fake followers of Jesus are in it for what others can do for them. Faith is replaced with favors. Receiving is valued over giving; self-service is sought over sacrifice. Casual Christianity is an affront to Almighty God, because it creates an inauthentic culture. If there is no confrontation or hard discussion, then life is being lived in a bubble of denial and disillusionment. Someone needs to speak up and be real. Leaders can preclude pretense by deflecting any air of superiority. Your transparency over loss and disappointment gives the team permission to express their anxieties. Take time to confess your struggles and inability to trust Christ at times. People in positions of influence have an obligation to invite honest evaluation. When was the last time you asked your family or team how you can serve them? What disappoints them? Lastly, are you willing to lose a friend for the sake of being real? Genuine grace-filled followers of God are like gold. They are valuable, and wise leaders seek to retain them for their honesty and no-nonsense counsel. Do I have secure people around me who will tell me the truth? Do I honor honesty and appreciate authenticity? Loyalty longs to be around a friend who only seeks favor from the Lord Jesus Christ. “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). Prayer: Heavenly Father help me to stay true to You and myself in the presence of power. Related Readings: 1 Kings 14:6; Jeremiah 3:10; Philippians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:7 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Throne Of Life

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder. Luke 11:21-22 Every life is ruled by self, Satan or a Savior. The desire for control crowns self, the believer of lies crowns the devil, and faith in Jesus Christ crowns a Savior. Self and Satan are strong. They can sit on the throne of a man or woman’s heart, but the Lord is stronger. The only competent ruler of a life is God, because He is the originator and sustainer of life. He is all wisdom and understanding. Above all, the Lord deserves all worship and glory as ruler. He is King of Kings! If I try to reason what to do without God’s perspective, I lose the ability to make the best decision. I can seem strong as my possessions increase and I become smarter from evaluated experience. However, there is One stronger...Almighty God. It is foolish for me to crown myself King of my life when I am not qualified to do either: crown myself or be King. The enemy whispers vain suggestions of self sufficiency, but this is his plan to pull the strings of my pride. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 Therefore, we are wise when we surrender to the authority and power of Almighty God. We crown Him as King over our life when we submit to His rule over our attitudes and actions. Since Jesus suffered under a cruel crown of thorns for our sins, we can crown Him as our Savior and Lord. Oh, the gratitude and praise that flows from our hearts to think that our King would die for us. Indeed, King Jesus has no equal. He alone rules us with grace, truth, love and holiness. Have you completely and totally capitulated to Christ? Is every ounce of your being, being transformed by the truth and grace of God? It is in death to self that you find true life. It is in surrender to God that you find freedom in faith. It is out of respect for your Lord that you respect yourself. It is out of love for God that you love yourself and others. Bow, even lie prostrate at the foot of your Heavenly Father’s throne and He will lift you up strong in Him. He is your King! Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:7 Prayer: Heavenly Father I bow at your throne of truth and trust you as my King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Related Readings: Psalm 5:2, 45:6, 46:4; Isaiah 37:16; Hebrews 1:8; Revelation 20:12, 22:1 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Serve By Leading

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. Acts 15:37-38 Sometimes a critical circumstance requires the leader to assert influence for the good of the whole. There is no time for collaboration, since what’s best for the mission can’t be jeopardized. Good people can disagree, but the leader is responsible to do what he or she thinks is right. The risk of a failed project takes precedent over the risk of relational rejection. Hopefully there is eventual relational restoration when a leader wisely serves by saying no and clarifying the course. Yes, leaders lead. It is a disservice for the one in charge to not give direction when a situation is sticky. God places us in positions of authority to serve others by leading them down prayerful and productive paths. Followers look to leaders to instruct with integrity and intentionality. So, even if our ill timed decision meets the disapproval of someone we respect, we still move forward by faith. We serve by leading in doing the next right thing and trusting the Lord for His results. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Psalm 78:72 You serve by leading when you reassess a person's past failure in light of lessons they’ve learned and their current faithfulness to the task at hand. Grace gives you permission to extend a second chance, working to restore someone’s youthful indiscretion that tarnished their integrity. Perhaps you take this occasion to bring a coworker back into good standing, so they have an opportunity to prove their trustworthiness. You serve by leading when you lead a friend back into faith’s fold. Lastly, you serve by leading when you lead others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. You lead well when the goodness of God wells up within you like the iconic geyser Old Faithful, intermittently boiling forth the refreshing fruit of the Spirit. The human heart is waiting for another human to lead them into an understanding of the Lord’s great grace. Indeed, the Spirit is interceding on behalf of unbelievers, God will use you to introduce others to His Son Jesus. The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. Acts 8:34-35 Prayer: Heavenly Father give me courage to serve by leading others to know the good news of Jesus Christ. Related Readings: Genesis 17:1; 1 Samuel 18:16; Isaiah 53:7; 2; Hosea 11:4; Timothy 4:11 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Lead By Serving

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God... After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:3,5 A servant of the Lord is secure in his service to others. Thus, those with the power share the power when they serve. Jesus showed the way. He knew He was the most powerful person in the room, but He leveraged His position for those around Him. He modeled humble service, so His followers would be inspired to follow His example. Jockeying over power is jettisoned when humility supersedes pride, gratitude overwhelms getting, and the glory of God is preeminent. Are you caught up in power plays and politicking for a position at work, in your church or any other organization? If so, let go of the drive to win and win over your competition with your heart to serve. Be reluctant to seek a role with greater responsibility, let it come to you. You are effectively equipped to handle power when it doesn’t have control over you. You lead best in a position of authority when you first bow to the authority of Almighty God. Lead by serving. The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. Luke 22:26 Are you weighed down by the weight of leadership? Perhaps you pray about a partner or successor who can share the burden of being the person in charge. Trust the Lord to send you someone with a complimentary skill set who can earn the respect of the team. One plus one equals ten when two willing leaders join forces for the benefit of the whole. Yes, share the power with another servant of Jesus and enjoy the wise stewardship of spreading the responsibilities. Moreover, you may need to step away completely, so the team will take ownership and lead the movement or organization beyond your capability. Leaders who let go gain the most, but leaders who hang on too long hang themselves. Your greatest service of all may be your exit strategy. Trust God to lead you to your next assignment and bring behind you His next humble leader full of energy and ideas. The legacy of your leadership will linger long, even after the memories of how you served! Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 Prayer: Heavenly Father give me a heart of service like Jesus. I desire to give away power and rest in Your power. Related Readings: Isaiah 42:1; Luke 12:37, 22:27; John 13:13-16; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:7 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Attractive Evangelism

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35). Love is irresistible for those in search of a Savior. Everyone whose heart aches for authentic relationship will take notice when seeing Christians love one another. Parents who encourage and build up their sons and daughters are a magnet to their children’s friends who live lonely lives in discouraging and disruptive home environments. Have you thought of your home as a sanctuary for seeking souls? Every time a neighbor drops by, a friend stays overnight, or you host a party for your child’s team, you have an opportunity to model the love of Jesus toward those you know and to those whom you meet for the first time. Leverage love for the Lord, and He will draw people to Himself. “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). Being a disciple of Jesus does have its benefits, and being loved is close to the top. When you placed your faith in Christ, you became a giver and receiver of Christian love. So do not resist the righteous care that Christ followers extend on your behalf. Be glad you model the love of God’s children that can melt the hearts of outside observers. “Why,” they ask, “do people give so much, expecting nothing in return?” How do you intentionally love your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you share relationships, money, your vacation home, your primary residence, or your car? It may be showing up during a health issue, praying for a job interview, babysitting their little one, or mowing their grass. Unbelievers take notice when believers lavishly love each other. “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). Our capacity to love is limited only by the Lord’s capacity to love us, to love in us, and to love through us. His love removes our insensitive heart and replaces it with sensitivity. The Almighty’s agape love arranges our priorities around the needs of others first and ours second. His love first comforts pain in people waiting for the appropriate time to administer truth. This level of unconditional love is a conduit for the lost to know Christ. “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:11–12). Prayer: Am I receiving God’s love? Whom do I know who needs my unselfish love and attention? Related Readings: 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 3 John 1:7-8 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Forgive Yourself

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 Have you forgiven yourself? Have you really forgiven yourself? We know we have forgiven ourselves if we are free from guilt and self-condemnation. Otherwise we are stuck in the crazy cycle of re-living bad decisions that are done and cannot be changed. It is impossible to continually guilt our conscience in order to make up for past mistakes. When we do not release ourselves from previous indiscretions we try to make up for them by overcompensating in the present. Perhaps you neglected your child in their early years, and now as an older teenager you’ve tried to make up for your absence by enabling their poor decisions. Instead, they need to experience the consequences of bad behavior while they are with you, so they can learn and grow into responsible adults and citizens. Jesus tells the story of a loving father who allowed his son to hit bottom, and as a consequence the son came to realize and take responsibility for his reality: “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you (Luke 15:17-18). Forgiving yourself begins by embracing the truth that your heavenly Father has forgiven you. The grace of God is in abundant supply; no one is beyond its reach. The Lord loves you unconditionally, and He forgives the objects of His love. Has the grace of God seeped deep into your soul, so you know in your heart and mind that you are set free from the guilt and shame of sin? If not, forgive yourself and trust the Lord to make up for lost time. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7). When you forgive yourself, you are able to forgive others. Self-forgiveness is a key to unlocking real relationships. Authentic community with Christ and Christians comes from forgiveness from your heavenly Father, forgiveness from others, and forgiveness from yourself. What have you not released yourself from in forgiveness? Lay it at the altar of God’s grace and He will extinguish it with His eternal fire of forgiveness and love. “This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:38-39). When you love yourself—you forgive yourself! Prayer: How can I grow in my love and forgiveness of myself? How does God forgive me? Related Readings: Psalm 130:3-5; 2 Corinthians 6:1; Colossians 1:14; 1 John 4:7-12 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Free To Be

New wine must be poured into new wineskins. Luke 5:38 The new wine of grace grows in a life made new by Christ. The old life of self absorption cannot contain the new life of selfless service. The Spirit’s fullness leaks out of a vessel that is still suspicious to full surrender to its Savior Jesus Christ. A genuine follower of Jesus replaces old thinking with new and renewed mental categories. Heaven replaces hell. Humility replaces pride. Faith replaces fear. Truth replaces lies. Generosity replaces greed. Salvation replaces shame. Yes, the fermentation of faith expands influence over our character. We cannot hold onto bad habits and augment them with good habits. The good totally takes the place of the bad. Christ’s covenant of grace has no peers. Indeed, the past covenant of the law cannot refrain our liberation in the Lord Jesus. This is why the joy of new believers is infectious, as they are spiritually swayed by the Spirit’s influence. In Christ we are free to be His beautiful creation of goodness. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:6 You are free to be who you are in Christ. You can be yourself, because He has saved your self! In Christ you are good. In Christ you are accepted. In Christ you are a new creation. In Christ you are a child of God. In Christ you are gentle. In Christ you are secure. In Christ you are loved. In Christ you are patient. In Christ you are peaceful. In Christ you are gracious. In Christ you glorify God. In Christ you are free from sin and Satan’s control. In Christ you are free to be you! Therefore, live your resurrected life in Christ and do not attempt to resuscitate your old man of the flesh. Your new wine of grace beautifully fills your new wineskin of salvation in Christ alone, but it bursts the old wineskin of the law. The old wine of legalism may be tasty to lazy thinkers with immature habits, but it is bitter to those who have tasted the sweet grace of God. You are a new creation in Christ, the old has passed and the new has come. You are free indeed! Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Prayer: Heavenly Father I am grateful for being freed by Your new wineskin of grace. Related Readings: Isaiah 65:17; John 1:13; Romans 6:4; Galatians 6:15; Revelation 21:4 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Well Built Life

As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. Luke 6:47-48 The foundation of a well built life is the Lord Jesus Christ. All other starting points are only shifting sands of security, but Jesus is a secure rock of salvation. So, wise life builders begin with faith in Jesus, the son of God and their Savior. Once this foundation of faith is laid, then the structure of wisdom can be erected. Yes, Almighty God is the architect of a life submitted to Him. His design is elegant and eternal. What the Lord builds no one or nothing can shake! Furthermore, it is necessary to make sure your beliefs are genuinely built on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Yes, the subtle chaff of false faith infiltrates some who are religious, even those who are consistent church attenders. Your name may be on a church membership directory, but is it engraved in the Lamb’s Book of Life? So, examine your life to see if your faith is real or if it is a weak substitute. Obedience follows faith. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? James 2:14 Indeed, when we put into practice Christ’s commands and integrate Biblical principles into our behavior, we could be convicted in a court of law for being a Christian. Obedience to God is a lifetime process of growing in grace, humility and love. Tests of faith will come and go, but the loving care of Jesus stands with us in our suffering. He is dependable in keeping us from becoming desperate in economic downturns. In success our Spirit filled life gives Him the glory. So, is your life being built with the wise construction materials provided by your Master Builder, Jesus? Keep Christ as your Building Contractor so you will not be displeased with His design. Talk over with Him in prayer the very real punch list of your concerns. He will clarify His purposes that are all good. Your life is beautiful with its floors of forgiveness, walls of gratitude, windows of love and roof of grace. Your well built life will withstand shaky circumstances! Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:6 Prayer: Heavenly Father thank You for building my life on Your rock solid character. Related Readings: Psalm 21:7; Isaiah 54:10; Luke 11:28; Acts 2:25; James 1:22-25

Rich Toward God

This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God. Luke 12:21 It is easy to justify larger savings accounts for the sake of security. However, for the heart hungry for God, security is in Christ, not a bank balance. Future uncertainties are submissive to faith, not finances. Yes, to be rich toward God is to be rich in faith that exhibits generosity. True riches are trust in Jesus that leads to charity in Jesus' name. To build excessively bigger bank accounts builds on ego and fear, but a life rich toward the Lord wisely gives away as the world wonders. Fools lose what they only prepare for themselves, but those who give away their extra gain more. How is your degree of richness toward God? Are you overly cautious or aggressively generous? Perhaps you defer a major expenditure, so you can give away some of your excess to those who hunger to hear the gospel. Professionals and poor alike need regular reminders of the love, forgiveness and justice of Jesus. Your intentional investment in the Kingdom bears big fruit. Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. Psalm 62:10 It’s our inheritance in heaven, not on earth, that captures the heart of focused followers of Christ. Fortunes fade away, but treasures sent ahead to heaven are never lost, only compounding in value. Yes, the development and deployment of spiritual resources are the most strategic use of wealth. Human accolades over our earthly accomplishments are hollow compared to our Heavenly Father’s smile and affirmation over our richness toward Him. We can’t out give God! Perhaps you draft a manifesto of generosity before you experience abundance, so you predetermine aggressive giving. Preplanning protects you from the temptation to trust in stuff over your Savior Jesus. The best remedy for greed is radical generosity. Hoarding feeds a life of ease, but significant eternal investments enhance a life engaged in the Almighty’s agenda. Be rich toward your Heavenly Father, since He has already given you His riches in Christ Jesus! He [Moses] 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 Prayer: Heavenly Father thank You for Your riches that qualify me to be rich toward You. Related Readings: Job 20:20, 31:24; Jeremiah 17:11; Psalm 39:6, 49:10; Luke 12:33 By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters