12-29-2011 by Boyd Bailey
A Sustainable Life
“The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.” Psalm 147:6
God sustains the life of the humble. There is a heavenly determination that is dispatched to Christ’s humble servants. Because the Holy Spirit holds you up, you participate less and less in undesirable circumstances. Christ is counter to our culture for He lifts up the lowly and meek, and casts down the proud and exalted. So the humble remain faithful knowing they will receive the Almighty’s affirmation and recognition in His good timing.
We serve unseen for our Saviors’ sake, and not to be seen for our sake. It is our reverence of Holy God, humbleness in our own eyes, and gentleness toward our fellow man that sustains a life blessed by the Lord. Our Savior supports us when we apply humility over a promotion at work, projecting an image of control, or having to win arguments with antagonists. It’s choosing the low place that places us in a position to be used by God.
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11, NKJV
Jesus sustains your humble heart by disarming discouragement and disappointment. It is hard for humility to have hurt feelings, because its concern is for others first. A natural outflow of humility is demonstrated by service to hurting people. Humility is Christ’s conduit for healing hearts, relationships and homes. Indeed, both the giver and receiver are healed by God’s grace. The Lord sustains you in your humble service for this is no time to worry about shameful ways from the past or cowardly gossip in the present.
You press on because the One who placed the stars in the sky honors the light of His humble son, Jesus, illuminating your saved soul. Christ in you is having a humble attitude waiting to respond. Release your conflicting emotions to Him, and He will respond through you in meekness and love. Your humble heart is supported by God’s sustaining power for His purposes. He sustains your unpretentious Christian faith, by His unwavering grace.
“The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.” I Samuel 2:7
What area of my life do I need to humble myself and trust God to sustain me?
Related Readings: Nehemiah 9:21; Psalm 3:5; 41:3; 55:22; Proverbs 18:14
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Understanding Grows Trust
12-28-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Understanding Grows Trust
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ…” Colossians 2:2
We tend to trust those who understand us. Understanding is a bridge to belief and intimacy. This is one reason it is wise to first seek understanding of the Lord’s ways. When we seek to understand our Savior we see the path of His Providence more clearly and we trust in Him. Understanding scouts ahead of God’s will looking for opportunities to follow Him.
One facilitator to gaining understanding is fear of the Lord. This is foundational for faith, salvation and growing in grace. An education in eternal consequences requires humility, attention and application. We seek to understand the Lord and thoroughly trust Him, so we can better understand others. When others feel understood they are open to influence.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
So seek first to understand others, and you will earn the right to influence them because they trust you. Listening leads to learning what another thinks and feels. For example, mature emotional intelligence requires sensitivity to your spouse’s dreams and desires. Your seeking to understand your children and team members contributes to tremendous relational deposits. Expectations without understanding lead to frustration.
Children need to know you care as you correct their behavior. They trust you have their best interests in mind when they believe you understand them. In the workplace, understanding is quick to collaborate and slow to dictate. There is a respect for other’s thoughts and opinions that is patient and fair. Understanding creates community.
Are you overdrawn in your relational requests? Do people trust you, or are they suspect because you draw conclusions without clearly understanding the context? Take the time to understand, and trust will transfer into a growing relationship with God and others. Ask God first for understanding and He will reveal the truths found in His son Jesus.
“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.” Job 12:13
Where do I need to apply better understanding, so I can build trust and competence?
Related Readings: Exodus 31:3; 1 Kings 4:29; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Philemon 1:6
Understanding Grows Trust
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ…” Colossians 2:2
We tend to trust those who understand us. Understanding is a bridge to belief and intimacy. This is one reason it is wise to first seek understanding of the Lord’s ways. When we seek to understand our Savior we see the path of His Providence more clearly and we trust in Him. Understanding scouts ahead of God’s will looking for opportunities to follow Him.
One facilitator to gaining understanding is fear of the Lord. This is foundational for faith, salvation and growing in grace. An education in eternal consequences requires humility, attention and application. We seek to understand the Lord and thoroughly trust Him, so we can better understand others. When others feel understood they are open to influence.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
So seek first to understand others, and you will earn the right to influence them because they trust you. Listening leads to learning what another thinks and feels. For example, mature emotional intelligence requires sensitivity to your spouse’s dreams and desires. Your seeking to understand your children and team members contributes to tremendous relational deposits. Expectations without understanding lead to frustration.
Children need to know you care as you correct their behavior. They trust you have their best interests in mind when they believe you understand them. In the workplace, understanding is quick to collaborate and slow to dictate. There is a respect for other’s thoughts and opinions that is patient and fair. Understanding creates community.
Are you overdrawn in your relational requests? Do people trust you, or are they suspect because you draw conclusions without clearly understanding the context? Take the time to understand, and trust will transfer into a growing relationship with God and others. Ask God first for understanding and He will reveal the truths found in His son Jesus.
“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.” Job 12:13
Where do I need to apply better understanding, so I can build trust and competence?
Related Readings: Exodus 31:3; 1 Kings 4:29; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Philemon 1:6
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Spiritual Stability
12-27-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Spiritual Stability
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” James 1:6-8
Spiritual stability comes from thinking properly about the things of God. His ways are like the secure moorings of a ship that is docked safely and secure in its harbor. And His Spirit is like the wind that propels the billowy sail of a boat in need of movement in the right direction. However, doubt can creep in like a selfish bandit and steal away thoughts of security. It is at this testing point of trust that a calm child of God relies on Christ’s character.
Jesus is all knowing, all-powerful and ever present. He is a rock of stability, a fortress of protection and a cleft of comfort. The Lord’s love is everlasting; His peace reaches beyond comprehension and His wisdom is liberal in its doses. Regardless of a disciple’s storm—sickness, loneliness, sadness, debt or rejection—there is a hopeful option. Pride is like a hard grape that requires circumstances to crush the fruit, so it can become fine wine.
“Say to the Levites: ‘When you present the best part, it will be reckoned to you as the product of the threshing floor or the winepress.” Numbers 18:23
Do you feel fearful of your job security? Do you feel abandoned by your boss, who left you exposed to be the scapegoat? It is during these intense times of career instability that you can have spiritual stability. Outwardly relationships and finances may be swirling out of control, but inwardly you can submit to the control of Christ. Stand firm in your faith, because He who has called you is faithful. Jesus is trustworthy, so trust without wavering.
The winds of adversity will try to veer you off Christ’s course, but stay the course. On sunny days it’s much easier to see a clear destination up ahead, but with raging storms, the human eye is severely limited. Thus, the Lord gives you an eternal instrument panel that is interpreted through intimacy with Him. Trust that what He says is true and where He says to go is good. Jesus gives spiritual stability when doubt assaults your faith.
“He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.” Proverbs 17:27, NKJV
What doubts can I give over to Christ and in turn receive His spiritual stability?
Related Readings: Psalm 107:30; 131:2; Isaiah 7:4; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Peter 3:16
Spiritual Stability
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” James 1:6-8
Spiritual stability comes from thinking properly about the things of God. His ways are like the secure moorings of a ship that is docked safely and secure in its harbor. And His Spirit is like the wind that propels the billowy sail of a boat in need of movement in the right direction. However, doubt can creep in like a selfish bandit and steal away thoughts of security. It is at this testing point of trust that a calm child of God relies on Christ’s character.
Jesus is all knowing, all-powerful and ever present. He is a rock of stability, a fortress of protection and a cleft of comfort. The Lord’s love is everlasting; His peace reaches beyond comprehension and His wisdom is liberal in its doses. Regardless of a disciple’s storm—sickness, loneliness, sadness, debt or rejection—there is a hopeful option. Pride is like a hard grape that requires circumstances to crush the fruit, so it can become fine wine.
“Say to the Levites: ‘When you present the best part, it will be reckoned to you as the product of the threshing floor or the winepress.” Numbers 18:23
Do you feel fearful of your job security? Do you feel abandoned by your boss, who left you exposed to be the scapegoat? It is during these intense times of career instability that you can have spiritual stability. Outwardly relationships and finances may be swirling out of control, but inwardly you can submit to the control of Christ. Stand firm in your faith, because He who has called you is faithful. Jesus is trustworthy, so trust without wavering.
The winds of adversity will try to veer you off Christ’s course, but stay the course. On sunny days it’s much easier to see a clear destination up ahead, but with raging storms, the human eye is severely limited. Thus, the Lord gives you an eternal instrument panel that is interpreted through intimacy with Him. Trust that what He says is true and where He says to go is good. Jesus gives spiritual stability when doubt assaults your faith.
“He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.” Proverbs 17:27, NKJV
What doubts can I give over to Christ and in turn receive His spiritual stability?
Related Readings: Psalm 107:30; 131:2; Isaiah 7:4; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Peter 3:16
Saturday, December 24, 2011
First Christmas
12-24-2011 by Boyd Bailey
First Christmas
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manager. Luke 2:11-12
The focus of the first Christmas was Jesus. It was His day. There was no competition from commercialism seeking economic gain. The gifts were given to Him. God was the recipient of gratitude and generosity. He was glorified on this day of salvation for all who would come to believe in Jesus as God’s only Son. There was an appreciation for the Almighty’s descent into the decadence of humanity. There was no feuding from other faiths jockeying with each other for time in the Savior’s spotlight. On the contrary, there was a religious respect and humble worship from those who traveled great distances from their diverse origins of belief. On this day, Jesus unified sincere seekers of truth.
The first Christmas, however, was not without controversy. Politically, He was a lightning rod (some things never change). Government leaders felt threatened, as if a traitor had infiltrated their influence over the masses. Involuntary spies were sent to validate His presence. Once His birth had been verified, the powers-that-be went to work. Insecurity and fear drive people to commit irrational acts, and it was no different back then. So what started as a celestial coronation for the Prince of Peace ended with jealous leaders taking severe and deadly action. The Christ-child was driven from their pitiful, but powerful presence. They destroyed other God-fearing people in the process. The community was cast into chaos when Christ was removed from their culture.
We can learn from the first Christmas, to keep Christ central in worship and society. He is the wonder of our worship. He is the reason for our giving gifts. It is because we celebrate His birthday that we pause to pray, reflect, and plan to follow His will in a more robust and intentional manner. Our Master came to earth and made Himself like man. He took on the form of a servant, though He could have crowned Himself as King. He pointed us to the love and forgiveness of His heavenly Father. The Christ-child was born of a virgin. He was God who dwelt among us; but sometimes we forget Him, even on His birthday.
One reason we have failed to keep Christ in Christmas is we have failed to keep Him in some of our churches. Why should the culture embrace the Christ of Christmas, when some of our churches have marginalized their Master? Let’s start by inviting the Almighty back into our churches with fresh and revitalized reverence in worship, evangelism, and discipleship. Let’s prayerfully and responsibly “lay hands” only on leaders who fear God, hate sin, love people, and teach the Bible. Christmas is losing its luster for the Lord because Christians have forgotten to fear God.
His birth is only significant if His death and resurrection are significant. The Christ of Christmas becomes compelling when we, as followers, flock to Him in faithfulness and obedience. Let all of us who name the name of Jesus revisit Him in the awe and worship of that first Christmas. Let’s exclaim, with enthusiasm to a hurting world, that He has come to heal broken hearts and revive sick souls. We unapologetically celebrate His birthday with passion, because God is with us. He is transforming us into the likeness of His Son. Let’s make this Christmas like the first Christmas. Let’s invite the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with forgiveness, joy, hope, peace, and love while we worship our Lord together. The first Christmas fuels our faith and recalibrates us to Christ.
First Christmas
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manager. Luke 2:11-12
The focus of the first Christmas was Jesus. It was His day. There was no competition from commercialism seeking economic gain. The gifts were given to Him. God was the recipient of gratitude and generosity. He was glorified on this day of salvation for all who would come to believe in Jesus as God’s only Son. There was an appreciation for the Almighty’s descent into the decadence of humanity. There was no feuding from other faiths jockeying with each other for time in the Savior’s spotlight. On the contrary, there was a religious respect and humble worship from those who traveled great distances from their diverse origins of belief. On this day, Jesus unified sincere seekers of truth.
The first Christmas, however, was not without controversy. Politically, He was a lightning rod (some things never change). Government leaders felt threatened, as if a traitor had infiltrated their influence over the masses. Involuntary spies were sent to validate His presence. Once His birth had been verified, the powers-that-be went to work. Insecurity and fear drive people to commit irrational acts, and it was no different back then. So what started as a celestial coronation for the Prince of Peace ended with jealous leaders taking severe and deadly action. The Christ-child was driven from their pitiful, but powerful presence. They destroyed other God-fearing people in the process. The community was cast into chaos when Christ was removed from their culture.
We can learn from the first Christmas, to keep Christ central in worship and society. He is the wonder of our worship. He is the reason for our giving gifts. It is because we celebrate His birthday that we pause to pray, reflect, and plan to follow His will in a more robust and intentional manner. Our Master came to earth and made Himself like man. He took on the form of a servant, though He could have crowned Himself as King. He pointed us to the love and forgiveness of His heavenly Father. The Christ-child was born of a virgin. He was God who dwelt among us; but sometimes we forget Him, even on His birthday.
One reason we have failed to keep Christ in Christmas is we have failed to keep Him in some of our churches. Why should the culture embrace the Christ of Christmas, when some of our churches have marginalized their Master? Let’s start by inviting the Almighty back into our churches with fresh and revitalized reverence in worship, evangelism, and discipleship. Let’s prayerfully and responsibly “lay hands” only on leaders who fear God, hate sin, love people, and teach the Bible. Christmas is losing its luster for the Lord because Christians have forgotten to fear God.
His birth is only significant if His death and resurrection are significant. The Christ of Christmas becomes compelling when we, as followers, flock to Him in faithfulness and obedience. Let all of us who name the name of Jesus revisit Him in the awe and worship of that first Christmas. Let’s exclaim, with enthusiasm to a hurting world, that He has come to heal broken hearts and revive sick souls. We unapologetically celebrate His birthday with passion, because God is with us. He is transforming us into the likeness of His Son. Let’s make this Christmas like the first Christmas. Let’s invite the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with forgiveness, joy, hope, peace, and love while we worship our Lord together. The first Christmas fuels our faith and recalibrates us to Christ.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Gift of the Spirit
12-22-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Gift of the Spirit
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17
Obeying the commands of Christ is tied to enjoying the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Comfort is made manifest from the gift of the Spirit in a fertile heart of faith. Conversion to Christ embeds His eternal Spirit in the heart of His disciple. A benefit of belief in Jesus is the gift of discernment from His Spirit. Unpacked at salvation and propagated in prayer—the Holy Spirit is the eyes and ears of heaven for all who walk faithfully with Jesus on earth.
It is not uncommon for some Christ followers to misunderstand or ignore this guarantor of the Godhead. Perhaps fear of a few corrupt charlatans keeps some Christians distant from the dynamic effects of the Spirit’s work in and through them. Indeed, the Holy Spirit seals new believers at salvation and secures their faith journey through the schemes of Satan. This gift from our heavenly Father is meant to lead us into Christ-like character.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:30-31
The Holy Spirit is grieved when we do not represent Christ well to the world. When Christians assault each other with verbal barbs it deeply disappoints the heart of God. We are spiritually stuck if we grieve the Spirit by not going to the Lord in confession and repentance with our sins of omission and sins of commission. How can we ask our heavenly Father for a blessing when we have not been a blessing to fellow believers?
Fortunately, once you come clean with Christ and others, the Holy Spirit is unleashed to lead you into a revelation of truth. He shows a seeking spouse the next step to love their life mate well. He gives clarity to a team in need of direction, when all agendas are put aside in deference to what’s best for the organization. The Holy Spirit hunkers down in a humble heart and extends grace. The gift of the Spirit gives you wise guidance.
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13
What is the Holy Spirit saying to my heart, regarding the way I need to relate to difficult people?
Related Readings: Isaiah 63:14; Luke 12:10; John 3:34; Galatians 5:22-23
Gift of the Spirit
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17
Obeying the commands of Christ is tied to enjoying the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Comfort is made manifest from the gift of the Spirit in a fertile heart of faith. Conversion to Christ embeds His eternal Spirit in the heart of His disciple. A benefit of belief in Jesus is the gift of discernment from His Spirit. Unpacked at salvation and propagated in prayer—the Holy Spirit is the eyes and ears of heaven for all who walk faithfully with Jesus on earth.
It is not uncommon for some Christ followers to misunderstand or ignore this guarantor of the Godhead. Perhaps fear of a few corrupt charlatans keeps some Christians distant from the dynamic effects of the Spirit’s work in and through them. Indeed, the Holy Spirit seals new believers at salvation and secures their faith journey through the schemes of Satan. This gift from our heavenly Father is meant to lead us into Christ-like character.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:30-31
The Holy Spirit is grieved when we do not represent Christ well to the world. When Christians assault each other with verbal barbs it deeply disappoints the heart of God. We are spiritually stuck if we grieve the Spirit by not going to the Lord in confession and repentance with our sins of omission and sins of commission. How can we ask our heavenly Father for a blessing when we have not been a blessing to fellow believers?
Fortunately, once you come clean with Christ and others, the Holy Spirit is unleashed to lead you into a revelation of truth. He shows a seeking spouse the next step to love their life mate well. He gives clarity to a team in need of direction, when all agendas are put aside in deference to what’s best for the organization. The Holy Spirit hunkers down in a humble heart and extends grace. The gift of the Spirit gives you wise guidance.
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13
What is the Holy Spirit saying to my heart, regarding the way I need to relate to difficult people?
Related Readings: Isaiah 63:14; Luke 12:10; John 3:34; Galatians 5:22-23
Monday, December 19, 2011
Lifts The Fallen
12-19-2011 by Boyd Bailey
Lifts the Fallen
The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14
It is hard to get up when you have fallen, especially if there is extreme fatigue and fear. Relationally you may have fallen in your marriage, because of unfaithfulness. Financially you may have fallen, because of the deceit of debt. Morally you may have fallen, because of a series of unwise decisions. Spiritually you may have fallen, because the cares of this world choked out your confidence in Christ.
Fallen people are vulnerable to giving up, but are in reality some of the best candidates for God’s grace. You may have been pushed down by the proud and dominant. This is man’s method of control, but the Lord is always there to lift and uphold you. What God lifts up He supports, sustains and restores for His purposes. Indeed, He lifts us up, so we can be His instruments of encouragement to lift up others.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2
Like fallen comrades in war, we have an obligation to come along side and see how we can help fallen friends. It may be a tourniquet of trust or a canteen of care that gives life. Look around you and observe those who have fallen and need lifting up. Be aggressive to administer God’s grace at their point of need, for this grows the faith of the fallen.
Banks and borrowers are drowning in debt. Single parents are not sure how they will provide for their children. Widows and widowers wonder what the future holds. A friend or relative is out of work, embarrassed and losing hope. You can best lift up the fallen by first leading them to lean on the Lord. Buy them bread, but bring them a Bible.
He [Jesus] said, "Yes, and I can be even more explicit. You're hopeless, you religion scholars! You load people down with rules and regulations, nearly breaking their backs, but never lift even a finger to help. Luke 11:46 (The Message)
Pay their rent, but invite them into your home for a meal. Show them how to live life that is truly life, by serving them. Christians are on call to care in a crisis. The fallen need faith that their Heavenly Father loves them. He loves for He is love. The old hymn declares, “Love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me.”
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. "For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's; upon them he has set the world. I Samuel 2:8
Who in my life is needy, whom I can lift up on behalf of the Lord?
Related Readings: Psalm 3:3; 113:7; Luke 1:52; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6
Lifts the Fallen
The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14
It is hard to get up when you have fallen, especially if there is extreme fatigue and fear. Relationally you may have fallen in your marriage, because of unfaithfulness. Financially you may have fallen, because of the deceit of debt. Morally you may have fallen, because of a series of unwise decisions. Spiritually you may have fallen, because the cares of this world choked out your confidence in Christ.
Fallen people are vulnerable to giving up, but are in reality some of the best candidates for God’s grace. You may have been pushed down by the proud and dominant. This is man’s method of control, but the Lord is always there to lift and uphold you. What God lifts up He supports, sustains and restores for His purposes. Indeed, He lifts us up, so we can be His instruments of encouragement to lift up others.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2
Like fallen comrades in war, we have an obligation to come along side and see how we can help fallen friends. It may be a tourniquet of trust or a canteen of care that gives life. Look around you and observe those who have fallen and need lifting up. Be aggressive to administer God’s grace at their point of need, for this grows the faith of the fallen.
Banks and borrowers are drowning in debt. Single parents are not sure how they will provide for their children. Widows and widowers wonder what the future holds. A friend or relative is out of work, embarrassed and losing hope. You can best lift up the fallen by first leading them to lean on the Lord. Buy them bread, but bring them a Bible.
He [Jesus] said, "Yes, and I can be even more explicit. You're hopeless, you religion scholars! You load people down with rules and regulations, nearly breaking their backs, but never lift even a finger to help. Luke 11:46 (The Message)
Pay their rent, but invite them into your home for a meal. Show them how to live life that is truly life, by serving them. Christians are on call to care in a crisis. The fallen need faith that their Heavenly Father loves them. He loves for He is love. The old hymn declares, “Love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me.”
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. "For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's; upon them he has set the world. I Samuel 2:8
Who in my life is needy, whom I can lift up on behalf of the Lord?
Related Readings: Psalm 3:3; 113:7; Luke 1:52; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6
Friday, December 16, 2011
Personal Peace
Personal Peace by Boyd Bailey
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace. Ephesians 2:13-14a
Jesus Christ is a personal Savior who brings a personal peace. One of the advantages of knowing Jesus is knowing His peace; a peace that passes all understanding. A person outside of the Lord is exposed to the unsettling elements of evil that eliminate any thought of peace. Indeed, personal peace is a by-product of personally engaging God.
Are you at peace in your life in general and your work in particular? If not, submit to the Prince of Peace (Jesus) and allow Him to shepherd you through your valley of trepidation. You may not know what the future holds, but you know who holds the future. Because Christ is peace, do not overlook His inventory that already resides in your heart by faith.
Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.
Job 22:21
Once we were far off without faith and in fear, but now we have been brought near to God by the belief in His son’s blood for the payment of our sins. Salvation in Jesus is a peaceful position for all who appropriate their role as a child of God. It’s when we try to substitute the peace of God with the shallow promises of the world that we get anxious.
Your heavenly Father promises you peace in His son Jesus. There is no need to go any further than faith in Him. Yes, peace can be allusive within an alluring and noisy culture, but Christ is at peace in you. Unfair family members may cause you to fret and an unreasonable boss may cause you to sweat, but in the sanctuary of your soul there is peace. So, don’t substitute faith in Christ with a false peace; instead rest in His promise.
I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly. Psalm 85:8
While you rock your feverish little one to sleep, lean into the Lord’s peace. When your mind races in frantic worry, resolve in your heart that the promise of God’s peace is irrevocable. When the stock market dives at every economic uncertainty, dive deeper into the security of your Savior Jesus. Personal peace is a product of being with the one who is peace. Your Prince of Peace awaits to escort you into His calming courts of peace.
You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Acts 10:36
In what area of my life do I need peace of mind from the Prince of Peace, Jesus?
Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 20:30; Isaiah 9:6; Romans 15:13; 33; 1 Corinthians 14:33
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace. Ephesians 2:13-14a
Jesus Christ is a personal Savior who brings a personal peace. One of the advantages of knowing Jesus is knowing His peace; a peace that passes all understanding. A person outside of the Lord is exposed to the unsettling elements of evil that eliminate any thought of peace. Indeed, personal peace is a by-product of personally engaging God.
Are you at peace in your life in general and your work in particular? If not, submit to the Prince of Peace (Jesus) and allow Him to shepherd you through your valley of trepidation. You may not know what the future holds, but you know who holds the future. Because Christ is peace, do not overlook His inventory that already resides in your heart by faith.
Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.
Job 22:21
Once we were far off without faith and in fear, but now we have been brought near to God by the belief in His son’s blood for the payment of our sins. Salvation in Jesus is a peaceful position for all who appropriate their role as a child of God. It’s when we try to substitute the peace of God with the shallow promises of the world that we get anxious.
Your heavenly Father promises you peace in His son Jesus. There is no need to go any further than faith in Him. Yes, peace can be allusive within an alluring and noisy culture, but Christ is at peace in you. Unfair family members may cause you to fret and an unreasonable boss may cause you to sweat, but in the sanctuary of your soul there is peace. So, don’t substitute faith in Christ with a false peace; instead rest in His promise.
I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly. Psalm 85:8
While you rock your feverish little one to sleep, lean into the Lord’s peace. When your mind races in frantic worry, resolve in your heart that the promise of God’s peace is irrevocable. When the stock market dives at every economic uncertainty, dive deeper into the security of your Savior Jesus. Personal peace is a product of being with the one who is peace. Your Prince of Peace awaits to escort you into His calming courts of peace.
You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Acts 10:36
In what area of my life do I need peace of mind from the Prince of Peace, Jesus?
Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 20:30; Isaiah 9:6; Romans 15:13; 33; 1 Corinthians 14:33
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