Sober Self-Assessment by Boyd Bailey
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3
A proper perspective of oneself fosters sound judgment—this begins with surrender and submission to Jesus. However, an enlarged ego clouds our judgment, like an early morning drive over a fog covered bridge we have a limited, even a skewed view of reality. If we speed up, we are destined to an unpleasant outcome. It is when we see our capacity larger than the Lord sees our capacity—then we tend to follow the temptation of trusting in our abilities over faith Him.
Ego forgets God’s word and foolishly embraces counsel contrary to Christ. We make decisions based on our limited emotional view without inviting the wisdom of two or three objective advisors who know our situation and us well. Unsound judgment seeks out only the answer it is looking for and ignores wise warnings. Indeed, an enlarged ego entangles itself with insecure thinking and feels the need to be the center of attention.
However, sound judgment does just the opposite. It is fearful of forging advice from friends who do not fear the Lord. Sound judgment sees itself as an instrument of God’s grace. It understands that Christ is the conductor over the orchestra of opportunities vying for your attention in everyday life. This is why faith in the Lord and staying under authority is the pathway to making wise decisions.
Jesus complimented a military leader who illustrated his sound judgment with statements like, “I am not worthy” [of Jesus’ presence], and “I am a man under authority”. Jesus followed up with a phrase of affirmation, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel” (Luke 7:6-9). Sound judgment listens to the truth, understands the truth and is transformed by the truth, all by faith.
Lastly, don’t flagellate your faith with false humility. Paul describes those who try to sound spiritual, but ironically are prideful in their thinking, “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions” (Colossians 2:18). They talk a lot about God, but they do little for God. Thinking too lowly of oneself is as unhealthy, as thinking too highly of oneself.
Instead, see yourself as your Savior does, forgiven and forever His child. You have nothing to prove when you rest in Him. You can be confident you are Christ’s and that you are free from the guilt of sin. Appropriate His grace by faith and He will give you sound judgment. When grace is initiated, you will instinctively invite input from others and act accordingly. Sound judgment surrenders to its Savior Jesus and submits itself to its authorities. By God’s grace have a modest self-assessment of your gifts and abilities.
“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves” (Galatians 6:3).
How can I align the Lord’s assessment of who I am—with how I see myself?
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 29:29; Psalms 131:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:13-15; Colossians 2:18
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Steadfast Heart
6-28-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Steadfast Heart
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Psalm 108:1
A steadfast heart is secure in Christ, and not even the devil can drive it from its devotion to the Lord. Indeed, you can be steadfast, because your Savior is steadfast. Markets may crumble and economies erupt in uncertainty, but a steadfast heart stays fixed on the faithfulness of its heavenly Father.
A steadfast heart understands its sufficiency is in Christ, so it goes there first by faith. Sometimes you climb to praise God by the ladder of prayer—and at other times you bless the Lord for the past, so in prayer you have faith to plead to Him in the present. The Holy Spirit seizes your steadfast heart, so you can pray your way up to praise, or so you can patiently praise the Lord until you are ready for prayer.
You know your heart is steadfast when sin’s allure loses its luster. You do not want to go to the playground of pride, because you know it will bully you into bad behavior. A steadfast heart sees the awful consequences of disobeying God and does not go there. Because you are anchored in the fear of God, He stabilizes you in the face of fear. You remain fixed on trusting the Lord with your finances, your family and your future.
Grace gives you the gumption to tame your fickle nature, and it develops the discipline of a resolute and determined frame of mind. Your steadfast heart results in your soul exploding in joyful songs of praise to your Creator. Paul eloquently exhorted this high degree of faith focus when he said:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58, KJV).
Therefore, do not waver in your commitment to Christ and to your promises to people. Circumstances may have changed and caused you great consternation, but you remain steadfast of heart. Stay true to what you said, for your faithfulness is not contingent on your circumstances, but on the integrity of what’s right.
Be steadfast in your heart by giving what you said you would give, by going where you said you would go, and by doing what you said you would do. When your faith begins to flicker, go to God and He will ignite its bright flame. Christ creates a steadfast heart and He blesses a steadfast heart. Indeed, your soul sings praises over steadfast security in your Savior!
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (I Peter 5:10).
Where is the Lord calling me to remain steadfast and trust in Him?
Related Readings: Psalm 51:10; 57:7; 112:7; Proverbs 4:26; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:1
Steadfast Heart
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Psalm 108:1
A steadfast heart is secure in Christ, and not even the devil can drive it from its devotion to the Lord. Indeed, you can be steadfast, because your Savior is steadfast. Markets may crumble and economies erupt in uncertainty, but a steadfast heart stays fixed on the faithfulness of its heavenly Father.
A steadfast heart understands its sufficiency is in Christ, so it goes there first by faith. Sometimes you climb to praise God by the ladder of prayer—and at other times you bless the Lord for the past, so in prayer you have faith to plead to Him in the present. The Holy Spirit seizes your steadfast heart, so you can pray your way up to praise, or so you can patiently praise the Lord until you are ready for prayer.
You know your heart is steadfast when sin’s allure loses its luster. You do not want to go to the playground of pride, because you know it will bully you into bad behavior. A steadfast heart sees the awful consequences of disobeying God and does not go there. Because you are anchored in the fear of God, He stabilizes you in the face of fear. You remain fixed on trusting the Lord with your finances, your family and your future.
Grace gives you the gumption to tame your fickle nature, and it develops the discipline of a resolute and determined frame of mind. Your steadfast heart results in your soul exploding in joyful songs of praise to your Creator. Paul eloquently exhorted this high degree of faith focus when he said:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58, KJV).
Therefore, do not waver in your commitment to Christ and to your promises to people. Circumstances may have changed and caused you great consternation, but you remain steadfast of heart. Stay true to what you said, for your faithfulness is not contingent on your circumstances, but on the integrity of what’s right.
Be steadfast in your heart by giving what you said you would give, by going where you said you would go, and by doing what you said you would do. When your faith begins to flicker, go to God and He will ignite its bright flame. Christ creates a steadfast heart and He blesses a steadfast heart. Indeed, your soul sings praises over steadfast security in your Savior!
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (I Peter 5:10).
Where is the Lord calling me to remain steadfast and trust in Him?
Related Readings: Psalm 51:10; 57:7; 112:7; Proverbs 4:26; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:1
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Worry Is Wearisome
6-22-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Worry Is Wearisome
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25
Worry is wearisome. It is fatigue to our emotions like physical pain is to our bodies. Worry can trigger stomachaches, high blood pressure, headaches, anxiety disorders and depression. It is an enemy to executing a joy filled and productive life. Worry can so weigh you down that you are immobilized for lack of energy and because of fear.
Your family tree may have borne the fruit of worry over generations, but you can purge out obsession with negative thinking through trust in the Lord. Jesus’ teaching is very clear, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34).
Exercised trust energizes the weary.??Your personality may lend itself to worry. You can see it in your furrowed brow, or in your brooding countenance. You worry about the economy and its effect on your retirement. You wring your hands over the war and wonder when it will ever end. You are stressed out over work, because of situations and people you are unable to change. Anxiety may have paralyzed you as a parent, because you don’t feel qualified to carry out your responsibilities.
Alcohol has become your outlet for those things that you cannot control, but the gnawing fear is still there the next day. One simple solution is to make a two-column prayer list with the headings ‘Things I can’t change’ and ‘Things I can change’. Ask God for faith and patience with the former and wisdom and courage to act on the later. Prayer is your time-tested prescription for worry:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).”??
Furthermore, look for those who long to be encouraged, who feel trapped by the anxieties of life (Luke 21:34). They need the truth of God’s word, because the cares of this world try to marginalize the truth. Truth can be forgotten in the fearful suffering of severe trials. Your kind words remind them of Christ’s care and concern for their health, their family and their faith.
Lift yourself and others out of the downward spiral of depression by cheering them up with truth. Read the Bible out loud with a friend and meditate on its promises that are filled with hope and encouragement. Use uncertainty as a reason not to worry, but rest in the Lord. You are freed up when you don’t fret, but apply faith instead. Above all else, His word wins over worry and gives strength for your faith journey!
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
What promise from the Lord can I rest in and trust to overcome my chronic worry?
Related Readings: Luke 1:37; 5:1; 11:28; Acts 13:7; Ephesians 6:17
Worry Is Wearisome
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25
Worry is wearisome. It is fatigue to our emotions like physical pain is to our bodies. Worry can trigger stomachaches, high blood pressure, headaches, anxiety disorders and depression. It is an enemy to executing a joy filled and productive life. Worry can so weigh you down that you are immobilized for lack of energy and because of fear.
Your family tree may have borne the fruit of worry over generations, but you can purge out obsession with negative thinking through trust in the Lord. Jesus’ teaching is very clear, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34).
Exercised trust energizes the weary.??Your personality may lend itself to worry. You can see it in your furrowed brow, or in your brooding countenance. You worry about the economy and its effect on your retirement. You wring your hands over the war and wonder when it will ever end. You are stressed out over work, because of situations and people you are unable to change. Anxiety may have paralyzed you as a parent, because you don’t feel qualified to carry out your responsibilities.
Alcohol has become your outlet for those things that you cannot control, but the gnawing fear is still there the next day. One simple solution is to make a two-column prayer list with the headings ‘Things I can’t change’ and ‘Things I can change’. Ask God for faith and patience with the former and wisdom and courage to act on the later. Prayer is your time-tested prescription for worry:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).”??
Furthermore, look for those who long to be encouraged, who feel trapped by the anxieties of life (Luke 21:34). They need the truth of God’s word, because the cares of this world try to marginalize the truth. Truth can be forgotten in the fearful suffering of severe trials. Your kind words remind them of Christ’s care and concern for their health, their family and their faith.
Lift yourself and others out of the downward spiral of depression by cheering them up with truth. Read the Bible out loud with a friend and meditate on its promises that are filled with hope and encouragement. Use uncertainty as a reason not to worry, but rest in the Lord. You are freed up when you don’t fret, but apply faith instead. Above all else, His word wins over worry and gives strength for your faith journey!
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
What promise from the Lord can I rest in and trust to overcome my chronic worry?
Related Readings: Luke 1:37; 5:1; 11:28; Acts 13:7; Ephesians 6:17
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Got Your Back
6-21-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Got Your Back
"But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard." Isaiah 52:12
God’s got your back--there is no need to panic and flee, but stand firm by faith. His righteous rear guard is a godly garrison against an ever-scheming enemy. Unbelief will assault your blindside, but do not surrender to fears facade. Release your inhibitions to intimacy with Jesus and trust Him to guide you in His ways. A believer backed by God can be bold to carry on.
The glory of God has your back. His glory not only illuminates your path going forward, but He leads you backwards into needed retreats for renewal. A soul cannot be sustained by constant good activity, but requires regular solace and solitude with its Savior Jesus. Spiritual armor: the sword of the spirit, the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation cover your front, but your heavenly Father's glory covers your back. He protects your vulnerable areas.
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness[a] will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard" (Isaiah 58:8).
Where do you feel vulnerable? With your finances--God's got your back. With sharing your emotions--God's got your back. With your job security--God's got your back. With your physical health--God's got your back. With your marriage--God's got your back. With your social skills--God's got your back. With your education--God's got your back. With your spiritual maturity--God's got your back. Rest in the One who is vigilant to defend His own.
You don't have to be defensive when you are confident of Christ's divine defense. Critical distractors will attempt to shoot arrows of animosity into your back, but their jealousy is no match for Jehovah's secure protection. A back, backed by the Lord, does not have to back down from believing big things. Trust Jesus and avoid worry of what might surprise you from behind. Heaven has your back; so hell is unable to blindside your belief.
"Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the LORD rose from the place where it was standing" (Ezekiel 3:12).
What fears can I give over to God, because He’s got my back?
Related Readings: Numbers 10:9; 1 Samuel 7:10; Psalm 24:7-9; Proverbs 21:31
Got Your Back
"But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard." Isaiah 52:12
God’s got your back--there is no need to panic and flee, but stand firm by faith. His righteous rear guard is a godly garrison against an ever-scheming enemy. Unbelief will assault your blindside, but do not surrender to fears facade. Release your inhibitions to intimacy with Jesus and trust Him to guide you in His ways. A believer backed by God can be bold to carry on.
The glory of God has your back. His glory not only illuminates your path going forward, but He leads you backwards into needed retreats for renewal. A soul cannot be sustained by constant good activity, but requires regular solace and solitude with its Savior Jesus. Spiritual armor: the sword of the spirit, the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation cover your front, but your heavenly Father's glory covers your back. He protects your vulnerable areas.
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness[a] will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard" (Isaiah 58:8).
Where do you feel vulnerable? With your finances--God's got your back. With sharing your emotions--God's got your back. With your job security--God's got your back. With your physical health--God's got your back. With your marriage--God's got your back. With your social skills--God's got your back. With your education--God's got your back. With your spiritual maturity--God's got your back. Rest in the One who is vigilant to defend His own.
You don't have to be defensive when you are confident of Christ's divine defense. Critical distractors will attempt to shoot arrows of animosity into your back, but their jealousy is no match for Jehovah's secure protection. A back, backed by the Lord, does not have to back down from believing big things. Trust Jesus and avoid worry of what might surprise you from behind. Heaven has your back; so hell is unable to blindside your belief.
"Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the LORD rose from the place where it was standing" (Ezekiel 3:12).
What fears can I give over to God, because He’s got my back?
Related Readings: Numbers 10:9; 1 Samuel 7:10; Psalm 24:7-9; Proverbs 21:31
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Man of Prayer
6-19-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Man of Prayer
“In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.” Psalm 109:4
A man of prayer prays. It is his first line of defense and his most effective offensive strategy. Prayer is not an afterthought for a man of prayer; it is not a last ditch engagement with the eternal, but is top of mind. Prayer is not just a demonstration of discipline and determination, but is a desperate dependence on God. It is conversing with Christ and is not just asking God for goodies and guarantees. The man of prayer enters into intimacy with the Almighty. He realizes that God is in control and that His wisdom is needed for life and work. Prayer precludes pain by providing patience. It forecasts disaster by giving warning. It discerns clumsy and destructive decisions by cultivating understanding and discernment.
A man of prayer avoids self-inflicted problems because he prays first. Prayer is medicine for the sick and refreshment for the soul. Prayer may be the best gift you can give someone. You may not have silver and gold to give, but you can give prayer (Acts 3:6). A man of prayer does not talk about praying, with a simple, “I’ll pray for you.” On the contrary, with a seriousness of purpose and responsibility, he stops what he is doing and lifts to heaven the concerns of the one requesting prayer. As you hear him pray, a peace and calm overcome you. It is encouragement from on high. His is not a stale prayer but fresh, because the man of prayer has been in prayer. A man of prayer prays for his spouse and for the spouses of his children. He leads his wife in prayer. He keeps his logical mind in check by checking in with Christ.
Start by getting on your knees for five minutes each morning. Prayerful posture is important to a man of prayer. His stature is humble and dependent. Therefore, humble yourself daily before your heavenly Father. Lay face down on the floor, if necessary. Then get up and consider making a prayer list. However, do not sell yourself short by feeling unqualified to be a man of prayer. This role is not reserved for the super righteous. It is for adulterers, liars, and murderers like David (Psalm 51).
A man of prayer is still a man in recovery from sin. Sin does not cease to hound the man who prays, but it drives him to pray; then sin’s influence is stunted in the face of the man of prayer. It is hard to sin while you pray. There is accountability to God that bolsters the man of prayer in his everyday life.
Indeed, there is a direct correlation between prayer and purposeful living. “Man of Prayer” is not a title that comes with a badge to flaunt. Instead, it is a discreet lifestyle of continual prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It becomes a habit of life, like eating and sleeping. Prayer, for a man of prayer, is not an elective. It is a required course. It is core curriculum.
Moreover, the man of prayer cannot be pigeonholed as to his behavior and speech. He comes in all shapes and sizes, depending on his God-given temperament. He is humorous and humble; He is loud and he is quiet; He is spontaneous and he is methodical; He is creative and he is concrete; He is eloquent and he is simple. However, there is one thing he is not: He is neither proud nor arrogant. People are his pleasure and heaven is his home, where he checks in often. Jesus is his “go-to man.” Worship, thanksgiving, praise, and adoration permeate the prayers of a man of prayer. A man of prayer prays.
Man of Prayer
“In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.” Psalm 109:4
A man of prayer prays. It is his first line of defense and his most effective offensive strategy. Prayer is not an afterthought for a man of prayer; it is not a last ditch engagement with the eternal, but is top of mind. Prayer is not just a demonstration of discipline and determination, but is a desperate dependence on God. It is conversing with Christ and is not just asking God for goodies and guarantees. The man of prayer enters into intimacy with the Almighty. He realizes that God is in control and that His wisdom is needed for life and work. Prayer precludes pain by providing patience. It forecasts disaster by giving warning. It discerns clumsy and destructive decisions by cultivating understanding and discernment.
A man of prayer avoids self-inflicted problems because he prays first. Prayer is medicine for the sick and refreshment for the soul. Prayer may be the best gift you can give someone. You may not have silver and gold to give, but you can give prayer (Acts 3:6). A man of prayer does not talk about praying, with a simple, “I’ll pray for you.” On the contrary, with a seriousness of purpose and responsibility, he stops what he is doing and lifts to heaven the concerns of the one requesting prayer. As you hear him pray, a peace and calm overcome you. It is encouragement from on high. His is not a stale prayer but fresh, because the man of prayer has been in prayer. A man of prayer prays for his spouse and for the spouses of his children. He leads his wife in prayer. He keeps his logical mind in check by checking in with Christ.
Start by getting on your knees for five minutes each morning. Prayerful posture is important to a man of prayer. His stature is humble and dependent. Therefore, humble yourself daily before your heavenly Father. Lay face down on the floor, if necessary. Then get up and consider making a prayer list. However, do not sell yourself short by feeling unqualified to be a man of prayer. This role is not reserved for the super righteous. It is for adulterers, liars, and murderers like David (Psalm 51).
A man of prayer is still a man in recovery from sin. Sin does not cease to hound the man who prays, but it drives him to pray; then sin’s influence is stunted in the face of the man of prayer. It is hard to sin while you pray. There is accountability to God that bolsters the man of prayer in his everyday life.
Indeed, there is a direct correlation between prayer and purposeful living. “Man of Prayer” is not a title that comes with a badge to flaunt. Instead, it is a discreet lifestyle of continual prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It becomes a habit of life, like eating and sleeping. Prayer, for a man of prayer, is not an elective. It is a required course. It is core curriculum.
Moreover, the man of prayer cannot be pigeonholed as to his behavior and speech. He comes in all shapes and sizes, depending on his God-given temperament. He is humorous and humble; He is loud and he is quiet; He is spontaneous and he is methodical; He is creative and he is concrete; He is eloquent and he is simple. However, there is one thing he is not: He is neither proud nor arrogant. People are his pleasure and heaven is his home, where he checks in often. Jesus is his “go-to man.” Worship, thanksgiving, praise, and adoration permeate the prayers of a man of prayer. A man of prayer prays.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Rest Secure
6-17-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Rest Secure
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders” Deuteronomy 33:12
You can rest securely in Christ. He is your security system for living. Nothing will infiltrate His care without His warning light of love being set off. He loves you so much that He provides for your security. He saves you from yourself. He saves you from hell. He saves you from sin. And, He saves you from insecure living.
You do not have to be insecure. You are secure in the Lord. You can rest securely in this. Insecurity will “eat your lunch.” Insecurity haunts your head. It is a barrage of bad thinking that slowly and most assuredly deteriorates your faith. Insecurity is to faith what water is to fire. It douses the flames of your faithfulness. Your trust in God teeters in the face of insecurity. Insecurity is food for fear. You feel like you don’t measure up as a husband, wife, parent, friend or employee. Your mind begins to play tricks on you. You feel anxious and ineffective. This is the fruit of insecure living.
However, there is no need for the follower of Jesus to be intimidated by insecurity. Insecurity is insidious and unfair. It will keep you from commitment. It will block you from the bountiful love of God. Loose living is rooted in insecurity. It unleashes you from the mores of God’s principles.
A life of insecurity will come unbundled when it is blindsided by life. Adversity can be an anvil of pain. Pain promotes insecurity. You can hide your insecurities until you are squeezed. Pressure reveals your true self. However, you do not have to RSVP to insecurity’s invitation. You can shun its influence and succumb to your Savior instead. It is in the Lord that you can rest secure.
God is there to strap you onto His back if necessary. Like a wounded soldier on the battlefield of life, you need the medic of heaven to nurture you back to health. Do not act like you have not been wounded. Your soul has been lacerated by lack of love. Your heart is hemorrhaging because of the crushing effect of rejection. Fear has inflicted a head wound of disillusionment.
Now is the time to lay your insecurities at the feet of Jesus. You are secure in Him. He binds up the brokenhearted. He is salve for your wounded soul. Jesus is security in an insecure world. He is a rock of security in the ever-shifting sands of life’s transition. He is calm in a world full of calamity. He is peace in the face of fear. He is courage in uncertain circumstances.
Therefore, rest in the security of the Lord. Cease from striving to change things that are out of your control. Trust His tender touch. Hold His hand. Follow His secure path and you will learn to rest in Him. Because you are His beloved, you are dearly and deeply loved by Him. It is His sincere heart of love that holds you secure. Rest secure in the reality that you are a cared for child of King Jesus. He has your back.
And sometimes He carries you on His back. It is a secure place to be. In Christ you are shielded from insecurity. Yes, there may be remnants of insecurity that seek attention, but in the Lord their voices remain weak and inaudible. Walk away from the insecurities of your past. It is only a seductive shell of fear.
Instead, bask in the warm canopy of God’s security. His secure love is your escort. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. He is your life. He is your motivation for living. His ways are your blueprint for life. Secure your security in Christ. You can rest secure in Him!
Rest Secure
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders” Deuteronomy 33:12
You can rest securely in Christ. He is your security system for living. Nothing will infiltrate His care without His warning light of love being set off. He loves you so much that He provides for your security. He saves you from yourself. He saves you from hell. He saves you from sin. And, He saves you from insecure living.
You do not have to be insecure. You are secure in the Lord. You can rest securely in this. Insecurity will “eat your lunch.” Insecurity haunts your head. It is a barrage of bad thinking that slowly and most assuredly deteriorates your faith. Insecurity is to faith what water is to fire. It douses the flames of your faithfulness. Your trust in God teeters in the face of insecurity. Insecurity is food for fear. You feel like you don’t measure up as a husband, wife, parent, friend or employee. Your mind begins to play tricks on you. You feel anxious and ineffective. This is the fruit of insecure living.
However, there is no need for the follower of Jesus to be intimidated by insecurity. Insecurity is insidious and unfair. It will keep you from commitment. It will block you from the bountiful love of God. Loose living is rooted in insecurity. It unleashes you from the mores of God’s principles.
A life of insecurity will come unbundled when it is blindsided by life. Adversity can be an anvil of pain. Pain promotes insecurity. You can hide your insecurities until you are squeezed. Pressure reveals your true self. However, you do not have to RSVP to insecurity’s invitation. You can shun its influence and succumb to your Savior instead. It is in the Lord that you can rest secure.
God is there to strap you onto His back if necessary. Like a wounded soldier on the battlefield of life, you need the medic of heaven to nurture you back to health. Do not act like you have not been wounded. Your soul has been lacerated by lack of love. Your heart is hemorrhaging because of the crushing effect of rejection. Fear has inflicted a head wound of disillusionment.
Now is the time to lay your insecurities at the feet of Jesus. You are secure in Him. He binds up the brokenhearted. He is salve for your wounded soul. Jesus is security in an insecure world. He is a rock of security in the ever-shifting sands of life’s transition. He is calm in a world full of calamity. He is peace in the face of fear. He is courage in uncertain circumstances.
Therefore, rest in the security of the Lord. Cease from striving to change things that are out of your control. Trust His tender touch. Hold His hand. Follow His secure path and you will learn to rest in Him. Because you are His beloved, you are dearly and deeply loved by Him. It is His sincere heart of love that holds you secure. Rest secure in the reality that you are a cared for child of King Jesus. He has your back.
And sometimes He carries you on His back. It is a secure place to be. In Christ you are shielded from insecurity. Yes, there may be remnants of insecurity that seek attention, but in the Lord their voices remain weak and inaudible. Walk away from the insecurities of your past. It is only a seductive shell of fear.
Instead, bask in the warm canopy of God’s security. His secure love is your escort. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. He is your life. He is your motivation for living. His ways are your blueprint for life. Secure your security in Christ. You can rest secure in Him!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A Godly Legacy
6-15-2011 by Boyd Bailey
A Godly Legacy
“When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.” Genesis 49:33
Jacob gave his dying instructions to his sons as they waited at his beside. They lingered there out of love and respect. They had observed his life. And though not perfect by far, it was a life of overall faithfulness to God. The sons of the father wanted to receive his blessing and they were proud of the legacy left to them, a legacy of faithfulness to God.
What legacy will you leave? If you died today, how would you be remembered? These are important questions for your children’s sake. Maybe your parents did not leave you a godly heritage. Nevertheless, you have a wonderful opportunity to start a new tradition, one based on the principles of Scripture. Lord willing, your legacy will start a godly lineage that will reach across the future for generations to come. Yes, your name will probably be forgotten, but what you stand for will be held in high esteem for all to remember.
Perhaps you can start by documenting your family vision and mission. Write out outcomes you are praying for related to your family. Pray that your parental example of character compels your children to walk with Christ. Hold the Bible in such high regard that its commands and principles are lived out in love and obedience. Love your children with acceptance, discipline, training, and kindness. Follow the ways of God, and your children will see and secure a clear path of purpose to pursue.
Moreover, consider a family credo that defines what you value as a family. Character traits like humility, hard work, community, forgiveness, communication, and relationship. Weave these beliefs throughout the language and behavior of your family. Challenge each child to be intoxicated by Scripture, so much so that God’s word is on their breath and seen through their behavior. Slow down and be intentional in legacy building. Then your children and your children's children are more apt to love Christ.
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children” (Psalm 103:17).
Do I live my life with legacy in mind, and do I uniquely and fully bless each child?
Related Readings: Daniel 10:19; Joshua 24:27-29; Luke 2:29; Hebrews 11:13-22
A Godly Legacy
“When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.” Genesis 49:33
Jacob gave his dying instructions to his sons as they waited at his beside. They lingered there out of love and respect. They had observed his life. And though not perfect by far, it was a life of overall faithfulness to God. The sons of the father wanted to receive his blessing and they were proud of the legacy left to them, a legacy of faithfulness to God.
What legacy will you leave? If you died today, how would you be remembered? These are important questions for your children’s sake. Maybe your parents did not leave you a godly heritage. Nevertheless, you have a wonderful opportunity to start a new tradition, one based on the principles of Scripture. Lord willing, your legacy will start a godly lineage that will reach across the future for generations to come. Yes, your name will probably be forgotten, but what you stand for will be held in high esteem for all to remember.
Perhaps you can start by documenting your family vision and mission. Write out outcomes you are praying for related to your family. Pray that your parental example of character compels your children to walk with Christ. Hold the Bible in such high regard that its commands and principles are lived out in love and obedience. Love your children with acceptance, discipline, training, and kindness. Follow the ways of God, and your children will see and secure a clear path of purpose to pursue.
Moreover, consider a family credo that defines what you value as a family. Character traits like humility, hard work, community, forgiveness, communication, and relationship. Weave these beliefs throughout the language and behavior of your family. Challenge each child to be intoxicated by Scripture, so much so that God’s word is on their breath and seen through their behavior. Slow down and be intentional in legacy building. Then your children and your children's children are more apt to love Christ.
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children” (Psalm 103:17).
Do I live my life with legacy in mind, and do I uniquely and fully bless each child?
Related Readings: Daniel 10:19; Joshua 24:27-29; Luke 2:29; Hebrews 11:13-22
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
