3-13-2012 by Boyd Bailey
Public Affirmation-Private Correction
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
Men and women alike feel encouraged by public affirmation and respected by private correction. Men especially have needs facilitated by their egos that are sensitive to these two scenarios. In fact, a husband who is publically corrected by his spouse can feel angry and ashamed. Thus, wise is the woman who builds him up and trusts God to keep him humble. Her words of affirmation are an assurance of love, affection and respect.
We all respond much better to words delivered with respect in a relational way. It’s when our hearts hurt that we lose perspective and sometimes unknowingly tear down someone dear to us. Healing comes from being known and loved, not from dishonor and shame. So, we are wise to offer love and forgiveness in the form of public affirmation and private correction with those we deeply care about. Love seeks to understand a beloved’s needs.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
What is your process for processing your emotional needs? Are you able to verbalize what you are feeling, so that your spouse can better support you? One way to grow in your communication skills is to become a student of your spouse’s needs. What do they value? Their top three God-given needs may be security, attention and comfort—or they may thrive on affection, encouragement and respect. Love listens to and speaks another’s love language.
“Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” 2 Samuel 12:7a
Above all, look to the Lord for eternal encouragement that is able to triumph over earthly disappointments. Like Nathan privately illustrated to David in caring correction, the Lord, with divinely inspired compassion, lovingly rebukes your unrighteous attitudes and actions. The Spirit quietly seeks to set you straight, so that your public steps are on the straight and narrow path of humble obedience. What God builds up no man can tear down.
“I will set my eyes upon them for good. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not pluck them up.” Jeremiah 24:6
Who do I need to privately confront in love and publicly affirm them with respect?
Related Readings: Isaiah 57:14; Jeremiah 22:13; Acts 20:32; Ephesians 4:16
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Distractions Divide
3-12-2012 by Boyd Bailey
Distractions Divide
“As Saul and his forces were closing in on David and his men to capture them, a messenger came to Saul, saying, ‘Come quickly! The Philistines are raiding the land.’ Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. This is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth.” I Samuel 23:26b-28
Distractions—good or bad—can get you off track. This is the nature of a distraction. It causes you to become double minded. You are unable to give full attention to the matter at hand, and thus you water down your effectiveness. It may be a personal or a professional distraction that currently has you preoccupied.
Personally, it may be a relationship that is sucking an inordinate amount of time and energy. Is it really worth it? The hours of “high maintenance” relational care may mean that it’s not meant to be. The attention to this individual has become laborious and highly intense. Without any relief in sight, it may be time to walk away for a season. Let it rest until there can be more normalcy to the relationship.
For example, a person’s drug, alcohol or sexual addiction needs professional attention. Your tolerance is only enabling their bad behavior. They are distracting you from being the parent or the spouse God intended you to be. Their destructive behavior requires tough love. Otherwise, you may lose everything in the process. Do not allow someone’s premeditated distraction to lead your family into destruction. It may be time for bold intervention.
On the other hand, you may be experiencing a professional distraction. The mission of your organization may be compromised because of your well-meaning activities outside the scope of your job description. Do an audit of your time and energy. Be honest with yourself. Either cease feeding your distractions by aligning your personal and professional missions, or choose to jeopardize the integrity and success of both initiatives.
Indeed, our worst outcome from distractions is the neglect of our time with our heavenly Father. He deserves our full attention and focus. If life has become too busy for God, then we are too busy. Nothing is important enough to distract us from having time with the Lord. It may even be that your service for God has become a distraction. Ironically, you cannot spend time with God, because you are serving God. This is a great deception.
Service for God, which substitutes activity for your time with God, is a distraction of the worst kind. You drift into a performance-based relationship with your heavenly Father, which is full of pressure and missed expectations. You are distracted by doing and have no margin for being. You are unable to know Him because you are too busy working for Him. It may be time to modify your doing so that you can take time for being.
Be loved by God. Be accepted by God. Be encouraged by God. Be led by God.
A distracted life is susceptible to imbalance. Remove those “good” distractions, and replace them with intimacy with God. He will make up for any lost time and accomplish even more in your absence. Distractions can divide us from our Maker. Therefore, defuse distractions before they arrive. Then you are in a position to be united with your Lord. By His grace, push back on distraction’s pull!
Distractions Divide
“As Saul and his forces were closing in on David and his men to capture them, a messenger came to Saul, saying, ‘Come quickly! The Philistines are raiding the land.’ Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. This is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth.” I Samuel 23:26b-28
Distractions—good or bad—can get you off track. This is the nature of a distraction. It causes you to become double minded. You are unable to give full attention to the matter at hand, and thus you water down your effectiveness. It may be a personal or a professional distraction that currently has you preoccupied.
Personally, it may be a relationship that is sucking an inordinate amount of time and energy. Is it really worth it? The hours of “high maintenance” relational care may mean that it’s not meant to be. The attention to this individual has become laborious and highly intense. Without any relief in sight, it may be time to walk away for a season. Let it rest until there can be more normalcy to the relationship.
For example, a person’s drug, alcohol or sexual addiction needs professional attention. Your tolerance is only enabling their bad behavior. They are distracting you from being the parent or the spouse God intended you to be. Their destructive behavior requires tough love. Otherwise, you may lose everything in the process. Do not allow someone’s premeditated distraction to lead your family into destruction. It may be time for bold intervention.
On the other hand, you may be experiencing a professional distraction. The mission of your organization may be compromised because of your well-meaning activities outside the scope of your job description. Do an audit of your time and energy. Be honest with yourself. Either cease feeding your distractions by aligning your personal and professional missions, or choose to jeopardize the integrity and success of both initiatives.
Indeed, our worst outcome from distractions is the neglect of our time with our heavenly Father. He deserves our full attention and focus. If life has become too busy for God, then we are too busy. Nothing is important enough to distract us from having time with the Lord. It may even be that your service for God has become a distraction. Ironically, you cannot spend time with God, because you are serving God. This is a great deception.
Service for God, which substitutes activity for your time with God, is a distraction of the worst kind. You drift into a performance-based relationship with your heavenly Father, which is full of pressure and missed expectations. You are distracted by doing and have no margin for being. You are unable to know Him because you are too busy working for Him. It may be time to modify your doing so that you can take time for being.
Be loved by God. Be accepted by God. Be encouraged by God. Be led by God.
A distracted life is susceptible to imbalance. Remove those “good” distractions, and replace them with intimacy with God. He will make up for any lost time and accomplish even more in your absence. Distractions can divide us from our Maker. Therefore, defuse distractions before they arrive. Then you are in a position to be united with your Lord. By His grace, push back on distraction’s pull!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Honorable Wealth
3-8-2012 by Boyd Bailey
Honorable Wealth
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
Why do we honor the Lord with our wealth? We honor Him because He is the giver of all good things, the author of our abundance. As our estate grows so should the honor of our Heavenly Father. Otherwise, we are tempted to take credit for our success, and honor ourselves. The Bible says, “You may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:17).
In some seasons our net worth decreases, and we are reminded that Christ controls cash flow. Wealth is not an end in itself, but the means to a greater goal of honoring God. Peace and contentment flow from wealth that honors the Lord, while fear and insecurity consumes the heart that honors itself. The Bible says, “If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them” (Psalm 62:10b).
So, how do you honor the Lord with your wealth? One way is to remain faithful and give Him the firstfruits of your fortune. Small or large as it may be, His primary concern is your faithfulness to give. You give out of obedience not abundance. People see Christ when you keep your cash commitments, especially when it costs you. This is honorable in heaven and on earth. Give to your church, the poor and needy, widows, orphans, family and ministries who align with your passions.
The results of your generous giving in the middle of downward financial pressures will be an upward blessing to you and the recipients. Your honorable use of wealth for Jesus’ sake may mean food, clothing, shelter and medical supplies for a village, or Bibles translated into the foreign tongue of a remote people half way around the world. The best time to aggressively give is when the need is the greatest. You take care of honoring Christ with generous giving, and He will take care of you. What you give now, you still have in abundance later.
“And you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:14, NASB).
How can I be honorable, and remain faithful to my financial commitments to Christ?
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 26:2-15; Luke 12:18-24; I Corinthians 15:20; Philippians 4:17-18
Honorable Wealth
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
Why do we honor the Lord with our wealth? We honor Him because He is the giver of all good things, the author of our abundance. As our estate grows so should the honor of our Heavenly Father. Otherwise, we are tempted to take credit for our success, and honor ourselves. The Bible says, “You may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:17).
In some seasons our net worth decreases, and we are reminded that Christ controls cash flow. Wealth is not an end in itself, but the means to a greater goal of honoring God. Peace and contentment flow from wealth that honors the Lord, while fear and insecurity consumes the heart that honors itself. The Bible says, “If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them” (Psalm 62:10b).
So, how do you honor the Lord with your wealth? One way is to remain faithful and give Him the firstfruits of your fortune. Small or large as it may be, His primary concern is your faithfulness to give. You give out of obedience not abundance. People see Christ when you keep your cash commitments, especially when it costs you. This is honorable in heaven and on earth. Give to your church, the poor and needy, widows, orphans, family and ministries who align with your passions.
The results of your generous giving in the middle of downward financial pressures will be an upward blessing to you and the recipients. Your honorable use of wealth for Jesus’ sake may mean food, clothing, shelter and medical supplies for a village, or Bibles translated into the foreign tongue of a remote people half way around the world. The best time to aggressively give is when the need is the greatest. You take care of honoring Christ with generous giving, and He will take care of you. What you give now, you still have in abundance later.
“And you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:14, NASB).
How can I be honorable, and remain faithful to my financial commitments to Christ?
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 26:2-15; Luke 12:18-24; I Corinthians 15:20; Philippians 4:17-18
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Comparison's Crazy Cycle
3-7-2012 by Boyd Bailey
Comparison’s Crazy Cycle
“When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” John 21:21-22
No one wins when comparison is the criteria for being valued. If people are the plumb line for a sense of success—then there are always those who are smarter, prettier and richer. An unrealistic appraisal of others feeds a feeling of failure. On the other hand, pride puffs up with a subtle notion of superiority when it looks to others as a standard for living. Jesus smiles and says, “What is that to you?” Comparison is not a win for anyone.
Yes, we can be inspired and instructed by a life that seeks to emulate the Lord, but we are not to idolize any individual. Of course we are wise to learn from the mistakes of others, but not with a secret delight that believes we look better, when the unfortunate look bad. Our discontent is compounded under the demanding nature of comparison. We cannot enjoy what we have for the allure of what we don’t have. Comparison kills contentment.
“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:4
However, a heart that is focused on following hard after Christ has no room for looking to others for affirmation of worth. Our heavenly Father does not have favorites among His children—He loves them all the same. What God expects is for us to be faithful with the gifts and opportunities He has given us. Jesus whispers, “You have all you need in Me.” The Lord is enough for a surrendered life. His grace is an extension of His blessings.
Therefore, look to Christ alone for your sense of worth. He loves you for who you are: His precious child created in His image. He loves your looks, your smile, and He is attracted to your tender heart. He is proud of your ability to relate well to people and your desire to grow in grace. He affirms your vocation that brings Him glory by your excellent work. So, ask what Jesus thinks of you, and then rest in His caring confirmation.
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
Where do I need to stop comparing and start receiving Christ’s caring commendations?
Related Readings: Proverbs 8:11; Ecclesiastes 4:5-6; Romans 12:15; James 3:14-16
Comparison’s Crazy Cycle
“When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” John 21:21-22
No one wins when comparison is the criteria for being valued. If people are the plumb line for a sense of success—then there are always those who are smarter, prettier and richer. An unrealistic appraisal of others feeds a feeling of failure. On the other hand, pride puffs up with a subtle notion of superiority when it looks to others as a standard for living. Jesus smiles and says, “What is that to you?” Comparison is not a win for anyone.
Yes, we can be inspired and instructed by a life that seeks to emulate the Lord, but we are not to idolize any individual. Of course we are wise to learn from the mistakes of others, but not with a secret delight that believes we look better, when the unfortunate look bad. Our discontent is compounded under the demanding nature of comparison. We cannot enjoy what we have for the allure of what we don’t have. Comparison kills contentment.
“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:4
However, a heart that is focused on following hard after Christ has no room for looking to others for affirmation of worth. Our heavenly Father does not have favorites among His children—He loves them all the same. What God expects is for us to be faithful with the gifts and opportunities He has given us. Jesus whispers, “You have all you need in Me.” The Lord is enough for a surrendered life. His grace is an extension of His blessings.
Therefore, look to Christ alone for your sense of worth. He loves you for who you are: His precious child created in His image. He loves your looks, your smile, and He is attracted to your tender heart. He is proud of your ability to relate well to people and your desire to grow in grace. He affirms your vocation that brings Him glory by your excellent work. So, ask what Jesus thinks of you, and then rest in His caring confirmation.
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
Where do I need to stop comparing and start receiving Christ’s caring commendations?
Related Readings: Proverbs 8:11; Ecclesiastes 4:5-6; Romans 12:15; James 3:14-16
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Disciplined Disciple
3-6-2012 by Boyd Bailey
Disciplined Disciple
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.” I Corinthians 9:25
Discipline is a prerequisite for a disciple of Jesus Christ. A wise disciplined person knows how to stay focused on the most important, and trusts other urgent matters will take care of themselves in the right time. Paul uses the illustration of athletic training to motivate us to discipline. A compelling motivation for the athlete is the reward at the end.
The reward at the finish line makes worthwhile the sometimes painful workout process and regimented routine. This is why we memorize scripture now, for wisdom later. We exercise now, for energy later. We rise early now in prayer, for peace later. We give generously now, for rewards later. Discipline in the now creates benefits for the future.
“Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” Titus 1:7-8
Discipline becomes a habit of life when there are clearly defined goals and steps to achieve them. Discipline provides laser beam focus through structure and accountability. However, it is not all altruistic, there is progress and fruit along the way to enjoy. You feed discipline when you are able to enjoy its fruit with like-minded friends.
Disciplined people make discipline infectious. Surround yourself with people of discipline and you will become better disciplined. A parent, friend, mentor, teacher and other role models can coach and encourage you through a disciplined process. Disciples are disciplined and people who are disciplined can be effective disciples of Jesus Christ.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
What areas of my life can I apply discipline to better reflect being a disciple of Christ?
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 29:6; Proverbs 25:16; 2 Corinthians 5:14
Disciplined Disciple
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.” I Corinthians 9:25
Discipline is a prerequisite for a disciple of Jesus Christ. A wise disciplined person knows how to stay focused on the most important, and trusts other urgent matters will take care of themselves in the right time. Paul uses the illustration of athletic training to motivate us to discipline. A compelling motivation for the athlete is the reward at the end.
The reward at the finish line makes worthwhile the sometimes painful workout process and regimented routine. This is why we memorize scripture now, for wisdom later. We exercise now, for energy later. We rise early now in prayer, for peace later. We give generously now, for rewards later. Discipline in the now creates benefits for the future.
“Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” Titus 1:7-8
Discipline becomes a habit of life when there are clearly defined goals and steps to achieve them. Discipline provides laser beam focus through structure and accountability. However, it is not all altruistic, there is progress and fruit along the way to enjoy. You feed discipline when you are able to enjoy its fruit with like-minded friends.
Disciplined people make discipline infectious. Surround yourself with people of discipline and you will become better disciplined. A parent, friend, mentor, teacher and other role models can coach and encourage you through a disciplined process. Disciples are disciplined and people who are disciplined can be effective disciples of Jesus Christ.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
What areas of my life can I apply discipline to better reflect being a disciple of Christ?
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 29:6; Proverbs 25:16; 2 Corinthians 5:14
Monday, March 5, 2012
Warned By God
3-5-2012 by Boyd Bailey
Warned by God
“By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household.” Hebrews 11:7
Christ, because of His great compassion, warns His children of unseen events yet to come. His mercy allows those who seek Him by faith to be privy to places the natural man or woman can’t perceive. Those insensitive to His intimacy tend to slight the Spirit’s promptings, while those sensitive to secret warnings from God prayerfully prepare.
Wise are the children of God who heed their heavenly Father’s warnings. Like an earthly father who describes a destructive path up ahead—smart and shrewd are the son or daughter who learn from the one who loves them the most. We give our heart to the Lord to be led by the Lord. Others may ridicule our preparedness, but by faith we persevere in our preparations. We adjust our plans based on a better understanding of God’s revelation.
“The LORD warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your ancestors to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.” 2 Kings 17:13
Warnings are as specific as your Pastor teaching Christ’s commands from the Bible to flee from the motivation of materialism, or as broad as a friend praying for you to finish well. Warnings are a mixture of a healthy fear in letting down the Lord and those who respect you—to being responsible for protecting your family from financial irresponsibility. Maybe the Almighty’s ark for you is to construct a conservative plan to manage cash wisely. Or, it could be for you to build a household of faith where your family finds a haven of hope.
Be on the look out for the Lord’s warnings in your life. Astute is the man or woman who responds to the flashing lights on the dashboard of their behavior—it may say slow down your decision-making process or speed up your attention to fiscal stewardship. Or, build boundaries around your dating, your marriage and your friends, so relationships don’t sink under the weight of unmet expectations. Where the Lord warns—wisdom prepares.
“See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?” Hebrews 12:25
What warning do I need to heed from the Lord and those who love me?
Related Readings: Psalm 19:9-14; Proverbs 22:3; Mark 8:15; Acts 2:40; 1 Thessalonians 4:6
Warned by God
“By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household.” Hebrews 11:7
Christ, because of His great compassion, warns His children of unseen events yet to come. His mercy allows those who seek Him by faith to be privy to places the natural man or woman can’t perceive. Those insensitive to His intimacy tend to slight the Spirit’s promptings, while those sensitive to secret warnings from God prayerfully prepare.
Wise are the children of God who heed their heavenly Father’s warnings. Like an earthly father who describes a destructive path up ahead—smart and shrewd are the son or daughter who learn from the one who loves them the most. We give our heart to the Lord to be led by the Lord. Others may ridicule our preparedness, but by faith we persevere in our preparations. We adjust our plans based on a better understanding of God’s revelation.
“The LORD warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your ancestors to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.” 2 Kings 17:13
Warnings are as specific as your Pastor teaching Christ’s commands from the Bible to flee from the motivation of materialism, or as broad as a friend praying for you to finish well. Warnings are a mixture of a healthy fear in letting down the Lord and those who respect you—to being responsible for protecting your family from financial irresponsibility. Maybe the Almighty’s ark for you is to construct a conservative plan to manage cash wisely. Or, it could be for you to build a household of faith where your family finds a haven of hope.
Be on the look out for the Lord’s warnings in your life. Astute is the man or woman who responds to the flashing lights on the dashboard of their behavior—it may say slow down your decision-making process or speed up your attention to fiscal stewardship. Or, build boundaries around your dating, your marriage and your friends, so relationships don’t sink under the weight of unmet expectations. Where the Lord warns—wisdom prepares.
“See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?” Hebrews 12:25
What warning do I need to heed from the Lord and those who love me?
Related Readings: Psalm 19:9-14; Proverbs 22:3; Mark 8:15; Acts 2:40; 1 Thessalonians 4:6
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Recession Proof Kingdom
3-1-2012 by Boyd Bailey
Recession Proof Kingdom
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
The Kingdom of God is recession proof, because the economy of God is based on the character of God. His commerce is not measured by man’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product), but by God’s Divine Provision. As we pray, “Your kingdom come”, our concern with productivity will be surpassed by the acceleration of His kingdom. God gains momentum, as man gets his eye off his earthly kingdom and onto the Kingdom of Heaven. Economic decline and distress are opportunities for God’s global advancement.
Indeed, Christ’s influence is counter-intuitive to a culture caught up in commerce, only to see its net worth evaporate into the thin air of materialism. Our fiscal slowdown is a prime time for the Lord’s Prayer to be answered, as it speeds up His kingdom’s progress. The gospel of Christ goes forth in prosperous periods, but it is especially appealing during difficult days. Don’t waste a recession; it is reason to reach out and represent Jesus well.
“Now therefore, our God, the great God, mighty and awesome, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes—the hardship that has come on us, on our kings and leaders, on our priests and prophets, on our ancestors and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today.” Nehemiah 9:32
Recessionary days are the right time for you to make things right in relationships. Reach out to those who, for whatever reason, are disconnected and distant. They may have been humbled by horrific financial failings, but now they are open to forgiveness and faith. Be the hands and feet of Jesus; go to them with a listening ear and caring heart. Christians were created to care during seasons of suffering. Perhaps you invite a loved one to live in your home. Consider a Bible study at work over lunch, to study God’s perspective in the wise management of money.
Feed the poor, care for the sick, connect the unemployed, be a generous giver, and all the while share Christ’s gospel of repentance and faith. Use this time of discomfort to bring comfort, and pray for those in pain to be healed. Above all else, invite and introduce to Jesus, those who have a fresh interest in heaven’s agenda. The Kingdom of God is robust, reassuring, and resourceful during recessionary days. Thus, reach out to the weary for rest.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2, NASB).
Who has been displaced and discouraged in economic down times that I can reach out to on Christ’s behalf?
Related Readings: Daniel 7:13-27; Zechariah 9:9; Colossians 1:9-13; Hebrews 10:7-36
Recession Proof Kingdom
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
The Kingdom of God is recession proof, because the economy of God is based on the character of God. His commerce is not measured by man’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product), but by God’s Divine Provision. As we pray, “Your kingdom come”, our concern with productivity will be surpassed by the acceleration of His kingdom. God gains momentum, as man gets his eye off his earthly kingdom and onto the Kingdom of Heaven. Economic decline and distress are opportunities for God’s global advancement.
Indeed, Christ’s influence is counter-intuitive to a culture caught up in commerce, only to see its net worth evaporate into the thin air of materialism. Our fiscal slowdown is a prime time for the Lord’s Prayer to be answered, as it speeds up His kingdom’s progress. The gospel of Christ goes forth in prosperous periods, but it is especially appealing during difficult days. Don’t waste a recession; it is reason to reach out and represent Jesus well.
“Now therefore, our God, the great God, mighty and awesome, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes—the hardship that has come on us, on our kings and leaders, on our priests and prophets, on our ancestors and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today.” Nehemiah 9:32
Recessionary days are the right time for you to make things right in relationships. Reach out to those who, for whatever reason, are disconnected and distant. They may have been humbled by horrific financial failings, but now they are open to forgiveness and faith. Be the hands and feet of Jesus; go to them with a listening ear and caring heart. Christians were created to care during seasons of suffering. Perhaps you invite a loved one to live in your home. Consider a Bible study at work over lunch, to study God’s perspective in the wise management of money.
Feed the poor, care for the sick, connect the unemployed, be a generous giver, and all the while share Christ’s gospel of repentance and faith. Use this time of discomfort to bring comfort, and pray for those in pain to be healed. Above all else, invite and introduce to Jesus, those who have a fresh interest in heaven’s agenda. The Kingdom of God is robust, reassuring, and resourceful during recessionary days. Thus, reach out to the weary for rest.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2, NASB).
Who has been displaced and discouraged in economic down times that I can reach out to on Christ’s behalf?
Related Readings: Daniel 7:13-27; Zechariah 9:9; Colossians 1:9-13; Hebrews 10:7-36
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