3-22-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Servant Leadership
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26b-28
Servant Leadership is service to others. It is not jockeying for position, nor is it politicking for power. Instead, it is posturing for the opportunity to serve. This does not bode well for the insecure soul in need of abundant attention. Servant leaders avoid the limelight and serve in ways that many times go unnoticed. It is the little things that make a servant leader. It may be taking out the trash at home, or making the coffee at work.
No task is too menial for the servant leader, but there is something bigger than behavior that distinguishes a servant leader. It is attitude—an attitude of how to make others successful. He or she knows if those around them are successful then there is a good chance they will experience success also. They are wise to want what’s best for others.
Self-service on the other hand builds a culture of mediocrity. It is all about taking care of my little world, and not giving any thought to the needs of other team members. It is every man for himself or herself—survival of the fittest. This self-service contributes to a scarcity mentality. If I serve you then you may look better than me—you may get all the credit. This fear of not being noticed facilitates competition instead of cooperation.
Servant leadership on the other hand is not caught up with getting the credit. The servant leader has put to death the need for self-recognition. The attention and credit can easily flow to others. This is the place where it belongs, as our humility cannot handle the attention. Like a lily-white body too long in a tanning booth, our humility burns up. Servant leadership resists this temptation to linger in the limelight. Instead, the servant leader may give away opportunities that come his or her way. So seek to serve and let status find you.
Jesus served quietly on most occasions and boldly as needed. No sincere seeker was neglected. His motive was to serve for the glory of God. His ultimate service was laying down his life for the human race. Consequently, a follower of Christ can become a better servant leader because Jesus seeks to serve through them. You can’t, but He can.
Submit to Him and watch Him use you to serve. Die to getting attention and credit while celebrating the success of others. Quietly volunteer for the next lowly task. Set up others to succeed. Give away your life and you will find it. This is the way of Christ. This is the way to serve and lead. Submit to God, serve people—and others will follow!
“If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me” (Matthew 10:39, The Message).
Who do I need to serve for Christ’s sake that does not deserve my service?
Related Readings: Exodus 18:26; Zephaniah 3:9; Ephesians 6:9; 1 Peter 4:10
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Gentle and Humble
3-21-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Gentle and Humble
“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9
Jesus is gentle and humble, and He is aggressive and brave. Gentleness does not eliminate aggression, nor does humility cross out courage. Jesus is King of creation and ruler over the world, but He rules and leads with gentleness and humility. He describes Himself this way: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
Power is not a rod of rejection for the gentle and humble leader. A gentle and humble leader uses his position of influence to serve others and help them to be their best. He brings to bear resources and relationships that facilitate the unity of the team. His gentle and humble approach to people increases their probability of success. There is no need to inflict fear as your mode of operation. Why cause people to cower in contempt because they are afraid?
Fear is a leadership technique of the insecure and incompetent leader. Obtaining results is no excuse to use intimidation as a tool. Certainly there are seasons of intensity that call for elevated effort and focused attention above the norm. But these windows of change are opportunities for the leader to provide stability and calm. It is a demeanor dependent on the Lord. Gentleness and humility lubricate the relational machinery of a home or enterprise. Gentleness is aggression under the control of the Holy Spirit, and humility is courage that is first committed to Christ.
Yes, some will take advantage of you and the situation, but over the long haul humility wins. You win over people and you win accounts. You win over adversity and you win the team’s loyalty. You win the respect of your family and friends. Most importantly, you win God’s blessing.
Yes, gentleness and humility risk rejection and risk of being trampled upon, but you cannot go wrong emulating the character of Christ. Your position of influence as a parent, pastor, executive, volunteer, sole proprietor, or teacher is not a place for pleading or passive aggression. Instead, use your influence to gently lead by example and to humbly confront those who are stuck on their agenda.
Gentleness and humility are children of great faith. This pride-less posture seeks daily a filling from the Holy Spirit and wisdom from God (Ephesians 3:14-19). A gentle follower of Christ has been broken before God. Like a wild and robust stallion, your will must be broken and aligned with the Almighty’s purposes.
Use this time of resistance to graft the gentleness of Jesus into your soul, and to embed the humility of your heavenly Father into your heart. Stay true to your personality and temperament; be loud and be bold if this is your wiring. But whoever you are, do everything in a spirit of gentleness and with a humble heart. Deflect attention from yourself, and trust Him for the proper recognition in His timing. Turn away from arrogance and pride. Embrace gentleness and humility, for they are twins birthed from transformation in Jesus.
Gentle and Humble
“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9
Jesus is gentle and humble, and He is aggressive and brave. Gentleness does not eliminate aggression, nor does humility cross out courage. Jesus is King of creation and ruler over the world, but He rules and leads with gentleness and humility. He describes Himself this way: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
Power is not a rod of rejection for the gentle and humble leader. A gentle and humble leader uses his position of influence to serve others and help them to be their best. He brings to bear resources and relationships that facilitate the unity of the team. His gentle and humble approach to people increases their probability of success. There is no need to inflict fear as your mode of operation. Why cause people to cower in contempt because they are afraid?
Fear is a leadership technique of the insecure and incompetent leader. Obtaining results is no excuse to use intimidation as a tool. Certainly there are seasons of intensity that call for elevated effort and focused attention above the norm. But these windows of change are opportunities for the leader to provide stability and calm. It is a demeanor dependent on the Lord. Gentleness and humility lubricate the relational machinery of a home or enterprise. Gentleness is aggression under the control of the Holy Spirit, and humility is courage that is first committed to Christ.
Yes, some will take advantage of you and the situation, but over the long haul humility wins. You win over people and you win accounts. You win over adversity and you win the team’s loyalty. You win the respect of your family and friends. Most importantly, you win God’s blessing.
Yes, gentleness and humility risk rejection and risk of being trampled upon, but you cannot go wrong emulating the character of Christ. Your position of influence as a parent, pastor, executive, volunteer, sole proprietor, or teacher is not a place for pleading or passive aggression. Instead, use your influence to gently lead by example and to humbly confront those who are stuck on their agenda.
Gentleness and humility are children of great faith. This pride-less posture seeks daily a filling from the Holy Spirit and wisdom from God (Ephesians 3:14-19). A gentle follower of Christ has been broken before God. Like a wild and robust stallion, your will must be broken and aligned with the Almighty’s purposes.
Use this time of resistance to graft the gentleness of Jesus into your soul, and to embed the humility of your heavenly Father into your heart. Stay true to your personality and temperament; be loud and be bold if this is your wiring. But whoever you are, do everything in a spirit of gentleness and with a humble heart. Deflect attention from yourself, and trust Him for the proper recognition in His timing. Turn away from arrogance and pride. Embrace gentleness and humility, for they are twins birthed from transformation in Jesus.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Divisions Downfall
3-18-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Divisions Downfall
“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25
Division weakens, cripples and eventually causes a downfall. It is internal erosion that cannot stand up to conflicting turmoil from within. The greatest threat to a nation, an organization, a home or an individual comes from the inside out. For example, an implosion of unbelief can bring down a religious person. He or she wants God, but the intellectual conflict cannot be resolved, and outside of faith in Christ it will not be.
The same can be said for a church. The church can become its own worst enemy. If there is a watering down of the basic tenets of the Christian faith, then there is nothing substantial left to believe. If Christ’s deity, miracles and resurrection are in question, then the church is set up for division and ultimately a slow, but sure death.
Moreover, a business is no less susceptible to internal strive and feuding factions. A company that sells its soul to the almighty dollar will do what ever it takes to bolster the bottom line. Conflicting values begin to divide. What started out as a business built on integrity devolves into one of worldly avarice. Short-term compromise may prop up earnings, but long-term effectiveness will be like a sheep led to the slaughter.
A culture without consistent character is like a ship without a sail. Whoever is the most persuasive, persistent and the loudest gets their way. This is a prescription for disaster. Indeed a nation, organization or individual that fights itself will lose. Yes, there are certainly disagreements, but when all is said and done there must be unity of purpose. It’s like two siblings who tussle against one another—but then unite to defeat the bully. Avoid a civil war from within, and then fight the devil and his minions that are without.
Principles and values based on God’s truth will stand—and whoever embraces them and lives for them will stand together. Our goal as followers of Jesus Christ is to unite around faith in Him. He is our reason for living and dying. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:16). Let’s unite forces around Him and His word. Do not be distracted or divided by peripheral preferences. The color of the church carpet, the number of pipes in the organ and church politics are not Christ’s calling.
It is the battle for the souls of men and women that unite us. It is the proclamation of the Word of God in teaching and living that compel us to follow the example of Jesus and the great saints of the ages. The rallying cry for serious followers of Christ is, “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Our motto echoes Christ’s command to “love God and to love people” (Matthew 22:39).
We are to “take up our cross and follow Him” (Matthew 16:24). We are to serve as Jesus served, unselfishly. We are to give as Jesus gave, sacrificially. We are to love as Jesus loved, unconditionally. We are to forgive as Jesus forgave, abundantly. We are to be holy as He is holy. These are our marching orders. We can unify around this call to Christ’s likeness. Do not kick a brother who is down or shoot the wounded. Let’s slow down care for our downed comrades and unify around Jesus—He draws all people to Himself!
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32).
Does my church exalt Christ in worship and Bible teaching? Do I lift up the Lord with my life, work and family?
Related Readings: Genesis 2:24; Daniel 2:43; John 3:14; Acts 15:30-35
Divisions Downfall
“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25
Division weakens, cripples and eventually causes a downfall. It is internal erosion that cannot stand up to conflicting turmoil from within. The greatest threat to a nation, an organization, a home or an individual comes from the inside out. For example, an implosion of unbelief can bring down a religious person. He or she wants God, but the intellectual conflict cannot be resolved, and outside of faith in Christ it will not be.
The same can be said for a church. The church can become its own worst enemy. If there is a watering down of the basic tenets of the Christian faith, then there is nothing substantial left to believe. If Christ’s deity, miracles and resurrection are in question, then the church is set up for division and ultimately a slow, but sure death.
Moreover, a business is no less susceptible to internal strive and feuding factions. A company that sells its soul to the almighty dollar will do what ever it takes to bolster the bottom line. Conflicting values begin to divide. What started out as a business built on integrity devolves into one of worldly avarice. Short-term compromise may prop up earnings, but long-term effectiveness will be like a sheep led to the slaughter.
A culture without consistent character is like a ship without a sail. Whoever is the most persuasive, persistent and the loudest gets their way. This is a prescription for disaster. Indeed a nation, organization or individual that fights itself will lose. Yes, there are certainly disagreements, but when all is said and done there must be unity of purpose. It’s like two siblings who tussle against one another—but then unite to defeat the bully. Avoid a civil war from within, and then fight the devil and his minions that are without.
Principles and values based on God’s truth will stand—and whoever embraces them and lives for them will stand together. Our goal as followers of Jesus Christ is to unite around faith in Him. He is our reason for living and dying. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:16). Let’s unite forces around Him and His word. Do not be distracted or divided by peripheral preferences. The color of the church carpet, the number of pipes in the organ and church politics are not Christ’s calling.
It is the battle for the souls of men and women that unite us. It is the proclamation of the Word of God in teaching and living that compel us to follow the example of Jesus and the great saints of the ages. The rallying cry for serious followers of Christ is, “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Our motto echoes Christ’s command to “love God and to love people” (Matthew 22:39).
We are to “take up our cross and follow Him” (Matthew 16:24). We are to serve as Jesus served, unselfishly. We are to give as Jesus gave, sacrificially. We are to love as Jesus loved, unconditionally. We are to forgive as Jesus forgave, abundantly. We are to be holy as He is holy. These are our marching orders. We can unify around this call to Christ’s likeness. Do not kick a brother who is down or shoot the wounded. Let’s slow down care for our downed comrades and unify around Jesus—He draws all people to Himself!
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32).
Does my church exalt Christ in worship and Bible teaching? Do I lift up the Lord with my life, work and family?
Related Readings: Genesis 2:24; Daniel 2:43; John 3:14; Acts 15:30-35
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Heart Test
3-16-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Heart Test
“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” Deuteronomy 8:2
The treadmill of life can provide a real stress test for our heart. What’s in our heart comes out under duress. If resentment resides in your heart, then anger appears. If forgiveness is found in your heart, then peace exudes when pressured by outside forces. The heart does not show its true colors until it faces a test.
It is under the fire of a test that the heart of the matter surfaces to the top. This is why someone is able to mask hurt over a lifetime of disappointment by ignoring its deep-rooted influence. You can hide what’s in your heart, but eventually a test will lure it out. And, its exposure is for your benefit. God already knows what is concealed in your heart.
He is waiting to unlock its motives so that you can pass or fail His test of obedience. None of us likes to fail a test. That brings a feeling of incompetence and, sometimes, stupidity. We fail tests for a variety of reasons. Maybe there was a misunderstanding of the assignment, or we were bored with the material, or we just chose to do other things rather than prepare. This can be true in our relationship with God as well.
We can plead ignorance to God’s commands and our understanding of His ways. But this is a poor excuse in light of the voluminous resources of His truth and teaching that is available to us all. If boredom with the Christian life is an issue, you may need to discover, or rediscover, the real thing. Indeed, there is nothing about Jesus that is boring.
Or, if you have delayed your spiritual preparation, then now is a good time to get started. It is never too late to fall in love with God, serve Him, and follow His ways. Your life experience is preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, engage with Christ in robust worship and intimate community with other followers of His.
Your current situation may very well be a test from God. He is squeezing your heart to see what is inside. It is healthy to flush out deceptive feelings that may be leading you to be fearful and to distrust. Your heart can be a tool of transformation for good, or it can be Satan’s device of deception.
Moreover, this test you are experiencing has jolted you into reality. You now have a desperate and fresh dependence on God. He is front and center in your thinking. The carousel of careless living has stopped, and you are dizzy with despair. It is at this point of dependence on God where you need to camp out. Never leave this posture of prayer.
He will meet you here every time. Or, maybe this is a test of affluence.
Your wealth has exceeded all limits and expectations. Will you stick to your guns of giving it all away beyond your cap of contentment? This is a test of what is truly in your heart. Words can easily betray what your heart’s motivation really is, but your actions will validate their worth. Your prosperity can compete with your obedience to God, or it can accelerate it. Use this heavenly test for the transformation of your earthly thinking.
One reason that bad things happen to good people is to enable them to see what motivates them. A worthy motivation is nothing less than the unleashing of the character of Christ within your heart. Allow this test to recalibrate you and transform you to this standard. Tests are for a season. Tests are for a reason. Tests purify. Tests mature. Tests bless. Tests are for your good. Therefore, prepare, learn and test well for His glory!
Heart Test
“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” Deuteronomy 8:2
The treadmill of life can provide a real stress test for our heart. What’s in our heart comes out under duress. If resentment resides in your heart, then anger appears. If forgiveness is found in your heart, then peace exudes when pressured by outside forces. The heart does not show its true colors until it faces a test.
It is under the fire of a test that the heart of the matter surfaces to the top. This is why someone is able to mask hurt over a lifetime of disappointment by ignoring its deep-rooted influence. You can hide what’s in your heart, but eventually a test will lure it out. And, its exposure is for your benefit. God already knows what is concealed in your heart.
He is waiting to unlock its motives so that you can pass or fail His test of obedience. None of us likes to fail a test. That brings a feeling of incompetence and, sometimes, stupidity. We fail tests for a variety of reasons. Maybe there was a misunderstanding of the assignment, or we were bored with the material, or we just chose to do other things rather than prepare. This can be true in our relationship with God as well.
We can plead ignorance to God’s commands and our understanding of His ways. But this is a poor excuse in light of the voluminous resources of His truth and teaching that is available to us all. If boredom with the Christian life is an issue, you may need to discover, or rediscover, the real thing. Indeed, there is nothing about Jesus that is boring.
Or, if you have delayed your spiritual preparation, then now is a good time to get started. It is never too late to fall in love with God, serve Him, and follow His ways. Your life experience is preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, engage with Christ in robust worship and intimate community with other followers of His.
Your current situation may very well be a test from God. He is squeezing your heart to see what is inside. It is healthy to flush out deceptive feelings that may be leading you to be fearful and to distrust. Your heart can be a tool of transformation for good, or it can be Satan’s device of deception.
Moreover, this test you are experiencing has jolted you into reality. You now have a desperate and fresh dependence on God. He is front and center in your thinking. The carousel of careless living has stopped, and you are dizzy with despair. It is at this point of dependence on God where you need to camp out. Never leave this posture of prayer.
He will meet you here every time. Or, maybe this is a test of affluence.
Your wealth has exceeded all limits and expectations. Will you stick to your guns of giving it all away beyond your cap of contentment? This is a test of what is truly in your heart. Words can easily betray what your heart’s motivation really is, but your actions will validate their worth. Your prosperity can compete with your obedience to God, or it can accelerate it. Use this heavenly test for the transformation of your earthly thinking.
One reason that bad things happen to good people is to enable them to see what motivates them. A worthy motivation is nothing less than the unleashing of the character of Christ within your heart. Allow this test to recalibrate you and transform you to this standard. Tests are for a season. Tests are for a reason. Tests purify. Tests mature. Tests bless. Tests are for your good. Therefore, prepare, learn and test well for His glory!
Abundant Forgiveness
3-15-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Abundant Forgiveness
“Then Peter came to Jesus and ask, ‘Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seventy times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22
Sin’s offense hurts. There is no doubt about it. Sin wounds indiscriminately. It is no respecter of persons. Sin builds walls. It ravishes relationships and it separates. Sin is a sorry excuse for wrong behavior. Just the sound of the word solicits negative emotion. Sin is deceptive, carnal and Christ-less. Sin is unfair, sad and sometimes sadistic.
Sin follows a process of desire, conception, birth, maturity and death. James describes its diabolical development. “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:15). So sin is not to be taken lightly. Certainly its infliction of pain cannot be ignored for long. It can kill relationships.
Nonetheless, when you are sinned against, you are to forgive. When someone’s sin assaults your attitude, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin berates your work, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin violates your trust, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin steals your joy, you are to forgive them.
When someone’s sin crushes your dreams, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin steals from you, you are to forgive them. This level of forgiveness is counter-intuitive and counter-cultural, but it is the way of Christ. Forgiveness is God’s game plan. You will lose if you don’t forgive. Unforgiveness is tortuous to the soul. It is unhealthy for the body and emotions. Unforgiveness fills prescriptions and leaves hollow lives in its wake.
It doesn’t matter who is the most right or the most wrong. Forgiveness cuts through the varying degrees of guilt and erases the entire debt. True forgiveness comes from the heart of the one offended. It is not a flippant acknowledgement, but a sincere removal of anything that is owed. When the offended one forgives, he or she wipes out the expectation for an apology, a pay back or change. It is forgiveness clear and simple. Forgiveness is letting go of the hurt, anger and shame. When you forgive you are free. You are free from the shackles of sin. When you forgive you trust God to judge others in His time. His judgment is just. God can be trusted with the consequences of sin’s offence.
Lastly, you continue to forgive others because your heavenly Father continues to forgive you. Without Christ’s forgiveness we are all men and women most miserable. Jesus does not deal in forgiveness quotas. The forgiveness of the Cross was swift, full, final and forever. Unlock your relational restraints with the key of forgiveness. Write a letter with tear soaked ink outlining your forgiveness. Call or e-mail someone today and let them know because you are forgiven, you forgive them. Set free others with forgiveness and you will be set free. There is freedom in Christ. Forgive fast—and forgive often.
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34a).
Who by God’s grace do I need to forgive? Have I accepted Christ’s forgiveness?
Related Readings: Genesis 50:17; Psalm 130:4; Luke 17:3; Ephesians 4:32
Abundant Forgiveness
“Then Peter came to Jesus and ask, ‘Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seventy times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22
Sin’s offense hurts. There is no doubt about it. Sin wounds indiscriminately. It is no respecter of persons. Sin builds walls. It ravishes relationships and it separates. Sin is a sorry excuse for wrong behavior. Just the sound of the word solicits negative emotion. Sin is deceptive, carnal and Christ-less. Sin is unfair, sad and sometimes sadistic.
Sin follows a process of desire, conception, birth, maturity and death. James describes its diabolical development. “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:15). So sin is not to be taken lightly. Certainly its infliction of pain cannot be ignored for long. It can kill relationships.
Nonetheless, when you are sinned against, you are to forgive. When someone’s sin assaults your attitude, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin berates your work, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin violates your trust, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin steals your joy, you are to forgive them.
When someone’s sin crushes your dreams, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin steals from you, you are to forgive them. This level of forgiveness is counter-intuitive and counter-cultural, but it is the way of Christ. Forgiveness is God’s game plan. You will lose if you don’t forgive. Unforgiveness is tortuous to the soul. It is unhealthy for the body and emotions. Unforgiveness fills prescriptions and leaves hollow lives in its wake.
It doesn’t matter who is the most right or the most wrong. Forgiveness cuts through the varying degrees of guilt and erases the entire debt. True forgiveness comes from the heart of the one offended. It is not a flippant acknowledgement, but a sincere removal of anything that is owed. When the offended one forgives, he or she wipes out the expectation for an apology, a pay back or change. It is forgiveness clear and simple. Forgiveness is letting go of the hurt, anger and shame. When you forgive you are free. You are free from the shackles of sin. When you forgive you trust God to judge others in His time. His judgment is just. God can be trusted with the consequences of sin’s offence.
Lastly, you continue to forgive others because your heavenly Father continues to forgive you. Without Christ’s forgiveness we are all men and women most miserable. Jesus does not deal in forgiveness quotas. The forgiveness of the Cross was swift, full, final and forever. Unlock your relational restraints with the key of forgiveness. Write a letter with tear soaked ink outlining your forgiveness. Call or e-mail someone today and let them know because you are forgiven, you forgive them. Set free others with forgiveness and you will be set free. There is freedom in Christ. Forgive fast—and forgive often.
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34a).
Who by God’s grace do I need to forgive? Have I accepted Christ’s forgiveness?
Related Readings: Genesis 50:17; Psalm 130:4; Luke 17:3; Ephesians 4:32
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Hopeful Waiting
3-14-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Hopeful Waiting
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7
Hope allows you to wait patiently on the Lord. It is hope in Him that is heaven’s guarantee of grace. Because of the things that are out of your control, it is wise to practice hopeful waiting. Otherwise, you will live in frustration and fear over matters you cannot mandate or manipulate. This is where hopeful waiting pays great dividends. You choose to hope in Christ rather than place your trust in ever-changing circumstances.
This is a wise bet. If, however, your hope is in an organization or institution, all bets are off. Both can and will fail to meet your expectations, but hopeful waiting trumps the company’s broken promises. It gets you to place your trust and hope in God’s provision rather than in the corporation’s ever-changing commitments.
The same can be said of what we should expect from people. They can be fickle and undependable. Indeed, some people hurry away when things get tough. They make excuses or excuse themselves from responsibilities. Difficult times raise up heroes and bring down imposters.
Therefore, patient people learn hopeful waiting in their dealings with others. They wait on people, not in a naïve and irresponsible way, but in a way that honors them and Christ. They are hopeful while waiting for him or her to follow through with their original commitment. If there is no progress on their part, then there are consequences to their concessions. If there is a pattern of non-productive living and working, then hopeful waiting is trumped by wise stewardship. You always wait on the Lord, but as you wait, be an excellent steward of His resources. Waiting does not mean wasting. As did the faithful manager, you work wisely while you wait on your Master (Matthew 25:15-28).
Wait on Him and hope in Him, for this is a wise sequence of activity and thinking. God is not going anywhere without you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Circumstances change and people leave, but He is still there for you to trust and obey. There is no need to run away and hide, for God has revealed Himself just for you. His wisdom is there for the asking.
Your Savior gives you stability because a firm footing is found by faithfully waiting on Him in hope. Do not be shaken. Stay put until He tells you differently. All hell may break loose around you, but heaven is still in control within you. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you even while people swirl out of control. God is listening, so speak to Him often in prayer. It may be difficult to get an audience with your adversary, but you can always meet with your Savior. So go to Him quickly.
This is what hope does. It depends on Christ. He will come through, as He has in the past. You can wait hopefully in Him because He fulfills His promises with pleasure. Be patient and hopeful as you wait on Him. He will do what He originally set out to accomplish. Trust Him with this and do not be overwhelmed by inactivity. His hope is certain and true. Therefore, remain faithful to the One who is most trustworthy. Wait on Him and hope in Him, for this prayerful sequence with your Savior is security indeed. Watch, wait, and hope, for He hears your heart and feels your pain.
Hopeful Waiting
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7
Hope allows you to wait patiently on the Lord. It is hope in Him that is heaven’s guarantee of grace. Because of the things that are out of your control, it is wise to practice hopeful waiting. Otherwise, you will live in frustration and fear over matters you cannot mandate or manipulate. This is where hopeful waiting pays great dividends. You choose to hope in Christ rather than place your trust in ever-changing circumstances.
This is a wise bet. If, however, your hope is in an organization or institution, all bets are off. Both can and will fail to meet your expectations, but hopeful waiting trumps the company’s broken promises. It gets you to place your trust and hope in God’s provision rather than in the corporation’s ever-changing commitments.
The same can be said of what we should expect from people. They can be fickle and undependable. Indeed, some people hurry away when things get tough. They make excuses or excuse themselves from responsibilities. Difficult times raise up heroes and bring down imposters.
Therefore, patient people learn hopeful waiting in their dealings with others. They wait on people, not in a naïve and irresponsible way, but in a way that honors them and Christ. They are hopeful while waiting for him or her to follow through with their original commitment. If there is no progress on their part, then there are consequences to their concessions. If there is a pattern of non-productive living and working, then hopeful waiting is trumped by wise stewardship. You always wait on the Lord, but as you wait, be an excellent steward of His resources. Waiting does not mean wasting. As did the faithful manager, you work wisely while you wait on your Master (Matthew 25:15-28).
Wait on Him and hope in Him, for this is a wise sequence of activity and thinking. God is not going anywhere without you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Circumstances change and people leave, but He is still there for you to trust and obey. There is no need to run away and hide, for God has revealed Himself just for you. His wisdom is there for the asking.
Your Savior gives you stability because a firm footing is found by faithfully waiting on Him in hope. Do not be shaken. Stay put until He tells you differently. All hell may break loose around you, but heaven is still in control within you. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you even while people swirl out of control. God is listening, so speak to Him often in prayer. It may be difficult to get an audience with your adversary, but you can always meet with your Savior. So go to Him quickly.
This is what hope does. It depends on Christ. He will come through, as He has in the past. You can wait hopefully in Him because He fulfills His promises with pleasure. Be patient and hopeful as you wait on Him. He will do what He originally set out to accomplish. Trust Him with this and do not be overwhelmed by inactivity. His hope is certain and true. Therefore, remain faithful to the One who is most trustworthy. Wait on Him and hope in Him, for this prayerful sequence with your Savior is security indeed. Watch, wait, and hope, for He hears your heart and feels your pain.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Persistence Pays Off
3-11-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Persistence Pays Off
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” Luke 18:1-5
Has rejection caused you to give up on an opportunity or a person? Are you tired of trying to do the right thing, without experiencing positive results? It is precisely at this point of frustration and fear that God calls us to persevere in prayer and continue to graciously engage individuals and circumstances. Those who give up—give up on God.
Like an oscillating fan your faith may waver back and forth between confidence and uncertainty, so hit the button of belief and stay focused on the Lord. Go forward by faith to love an estranged relationship—call the company who went with a competitor and see how you might still serve them—reach out until your requests are not ignored anymore.
A faithful man or woman in the hands of God has the attention of heaven and earth. When you are on His assignment, rejection has to first go through Almighty God’s agenda. It’s not the individual full of energy at the outset who outlasts others, it’s the wise ones who conserve their vigor over the long haul—strengthened by their Savior’s stamina.
The fortitude of faith is what forges great relationships and gets long-term results. Anyone can start a race with its excitement and anticipation, but fewer are the runners who climb the hills, overcome the adversity of the elements, and finish the course. You may not be the fastest—you may not finish first—but by God’s grace you will finish well.
Most of all stay persistent in prayer. Respond to God as the violin responds to the bow of the master. The Lord makes beautiful music on the strings of a life surrendered to Him. Persist through the pain of rejection and to the pressures of responsibility—all the while remaining in an attitude of prayer. Persistent prayer to Jesus produces His best outcomes. Persistence pays off when you are prepared to move forward on behalf of your Master.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
What relationship or opportunity calls for my focused attention and persistence?
Related Readings: Numbers 14:38; Daniel 6:10; Acts 20:22-25; Romans 2:7;
Persistence Pays Off
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” Luke 18:1-5
Has rejection caused you to give up on an opportunity or a person? Are you tired of trying to do the right thing, without experiencing positive results? It is precisely at this point of frustration and fear that God calls us to persevere in prayer and continue to graciously engage individuals and circumstances. Those who give up—give up on God.
Like an oscillating fan your faith may waver back and forth between confidence and uncertainty, so hit the button of belief and stay focused on the Lord. Go forward by faith to love an estranged relationship—call the company who went with a competitor and see how you might still serve them—reach out until your requests are not ignored anymore.
A faithful man or woman in the hands of God has the attention of heaven and earth. When you are on His assignment, rejection has to first go through Almighty God’s agenda. It’s not the individual full of energy at the outset who outlasts others, it’s the wise ones who conserve their vigor over the long haul—strengthened by their Savior’s stamina.
The fortitude of faith is what forges great relationships and gets long-term results. Anyone can start a race with its excitement and anticipation, but fewer are the runners who climb the hills, overcome the adversity of the elements, and finish the course. You may not be the fastest—you may not finish first—but by God’s grace you will finish well.
Most of all stay persistent in prayer. Respond to God as the violin responds to the bow of the master. The Lord makes beautiful music on the strings of a life surrendered to Him. Persist through the pain of rejection and to the pressures of responsibility—all the while remaining in an attitude of prayer. Persistent prayer to Jesus produces His best outcomes. Persistence pays off when you are prepared to move forward on behalf of your Master.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
What relationship or opportunity calls for my focused attention and persistence?
Related Readings: Numbers 14:38; Daniel 6:10; Acts 20:22-25; Romans 2:7;
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