“I am the vine you are the branches. If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
What does it mean to depend on God, and do I daily practice dependency? It is faith and confidence in Christ, but sometimes it is a struggle to see, because dependence is deployed from our soul and spirit. It seems easier to depend on the Lord when disease deteriorates the body, than when anger allies with my attitude. Dependence on God means we need Him, and we understand that without Him we are unable to accomplish anything of Kingdom significance. Reliance on Jesus is the door to faithful and fruitful living. It means we are transformed by what the Lord says and thinks; therefore we can depend on Him for wisdom and insight. Perhaps, He will guide you over the next year to pay down debt, decrease spending, and increase saving and giving. Indeed, we can depend on Him for the fruit of frugality and generosity. Dependence on the Lord deepens your determination, broadens your resources, and grows your character.
Moreover, another reason you depend on the Lord is because you feel the pressure of others depending on you. You can crumble under the expectations of people, unless you have the inner strength of your Savior to sustain you. Like a branch draws sap from the vine for sustenance, so He energizes you for sustainability. Dependence is a continual connection to Christ that results in a harvest of holiness. Pride is purged away, and humility grows in its place. Fear is purged away, and faith grows in its place. Anger is purged away, and forgiveness grows in its place. Lust is purged away, and love grows in its place. We depend on God because we are desperate and detached without Him. Dependence starts by acknowledging Almighty God as the owner of everything, and the controller of every circumstance. Nothing is impossible with God, and everything is within His reach. Your part is to trust and obey, and His part is to do the rest. Dependency depends on Him working in and through you. The Bible says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV).
Related Readings: 2 Kings 18:22; Psalm 62:7Romans 9:16; Galatians 3:18
Transformational Living
What area of my life do I need to surrender in complete dependence on Christ?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
I need to surrender my relationships with those around me and work!!!
12.30.2008
12.29.2008
Boyd Bailey: Leaders Learn…
“Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister, and call understanding your kinsman…” Proverbs 7:4
Leaders are learners, and when they stop learning they cease to lead wisely. Education is an enlightened envoy for leaders who think ahead and who are engaged in effective execution. If a leader does not assess the facts of a situation and operate in reality, he loses any advantage he might possess. Circumspect living is the life of a leader who is ever learning. He or she continually asks questions like, “How can we better understand what the customer wants and needs?” How can I get out of the way as the leader, and support the team to be successful?” How can our organization go from good to great by integrating and sustaining industry best practices?” Leaders that learn, ask the right questions, get the most accurate answers, and are able to make the wisest decisions.
Furthermore, leaders learn by listening to the Lord, and to the wisdom found in His Word. Indeed, it is not a one time educational event, but the ongoing purging of pride, pretense and prayerlessness. Wisdom becomes a beloved sister whom you go to for counsel, and humility grows into a trusted friend with whom you can confide. The Holy Bible is your defense and armor against the assault of unwise thinking. Therefore read, study and apply the Word of God regularly to your life. Read books that brings out bright examples of other leaders worth emulating. Learn by listening to teachers who communicate truth with clarity and conviction. Learn from your mistakes and do not repeat them. Learn forgiveness from your family, service from your friends and love from your enemies. Above all, learn to be like Jesus, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Philippians 2:1-2).
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalm 90:12; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Timothy 4:13
Transformational Living
What life lessons do I need to currently learn, so the Lord can entrust to me further educational opportunities?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Learn from your mistakes and do not repeat them. I've got a lot to learn from this!
Leaders are learners, and when they stop learning they cease to lead wisely. Education is an enlightened envoy for leaders who think ahead and who are engaged in effective execution. If a leader does not assess the facts of a situation and operate in reality, he loses any advantage he might possess. Circumspect living is the life of a leader who is ever learning. He or she continually asks questions like, “How can we better understand what the customer wants and needs?” How can I get out of the way as the leader, and support the team to be successful?” How can our organization go from good to great by integrating and sustaining industry best practices?” Leaders that learn, ask the right questions, get the most accurate answers, and are able to make the wisest decisions.
Furthermore, leaders learn by listening to the Lord, and to the wisdom found in His Word. Indeed, it is not a one time educational event, but the ongoing purging of pride, pretense and prayerlessness. Wisdom becomes a beloved sister whom you go to for counsel, and humility grows into a trusted friend with whom you can confide. The Holy Bible is your defense and armor against the assault of unwise thinking. Therefore read, study and apply the Word of God regularly to your life. Read books that brings out bright examples of other leaders worth emulating. Learn by listening to teachers who communicate truth with clarity and conviction. Learn from your mistakes and do not repeat them. Learn forgiveness from your family, service from your friends and love from your enemies. Above all, learn to be like Jesus, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Philippians 2:1-2).
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalm 90:12; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Timothy 4:13
Transformational Living
What life lessons do I need to currently learn, so the Lord can entrust to me further educational opportunities?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Learn from your mistakes and do not repeat them. I've got a lot to learn from this!
12.26.2008
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 what’s most important, and trusts that 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.
Discipline becomes a habit of life when there are clearly defined goals and steps to achieve them. Discipline provides laser beam focus thorough 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 infect others to discipline. 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. The Bible says, “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).
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 29:6; Proverbs 25:16; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Titus 1:8
Transformational Living
What areas of my life can I apply discipline to better reflect being a disciple of Christ?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
The entry above is what a newly reborn Christian like myself needs to read! This is awesome advice and I wish it some how could be projected on the face of the moon for everyone to see. (I know it's a weird thought, but it'd be a cool way for everyone in the world to see it!!!)
Discipline is a prerequisite for a disciple of Jesus Christ. A wise disciplined person knows how to stay focused on what’s most important, and trusts that 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.
Discipline becomes a habit of life when there are clearly defined goals and steps to achieve them. Discipline provides laser beam focus thorough 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 infect others to discipline. 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. The Bible says, “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).
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 29:6; Proverbs 25:16; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Titus 1:8
Transformational Living
What areas of my life can I apply discipline to better reflect being a disciple of Christ?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
The entry above is what a newly reborn Christian like myself needs to read! This is awesome advice and I wish it some how could be projected on the face of the moon for everyone to see. (I know it's a weird thought, but it'd be a cool way for everyone in the world to see it!!!)
Boyd Bailey: Worth the Wait…
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.” Luke 2:25-26
The first Christmas was an exercise in waiting for God, as His people had been anticipating the arrival of Messiah for hundreds of years. They longed and looked for their Lord to come as a sovereign ruler and king, but instead God’s son entered earth in a humble manger, secured by a simple stable. His parents were not royal or regal, but righteous, and a little rough around the edges. The ethos of Jesus’ birth was unexpected, but He arrived at just the right time to redeem the souls of men. The Bible says, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His son, born of a woman, born under the law…”(Galatians 4:4, NKJV). God is worth the wait, because He is never late, but seldom is He early. What are you waiting for right now? A job? A wedding? A class? Forgiveness? Peace? Love? Whatever your situation, wait for the Lord to lead you into His opportunities, and by faith you will find fulfillment. Waiting for God is worthwhile.
God is worth the wait, because He gets you to where you need to be, without relying on the delay of human hassle. People are pawns in the hand of Providence; so do not trust in them for peace or progress. God will bring just the right relationships and resources into place in His perfect timing. Trust Him to be your provision, for He will provide what you need in the nick of time. You can stare down fear by the inner strength of the Holy Spirit. Confide in Christ as your confidant, and He will counsel you in the wise way to walk. Wait for God’s best, and in retrospect you will have no regrets. Look for Him in humble people and simple situations, as pride and sin seem to over-complicate circumstances. Jesus was worth the wait at His first coming, and He will be worth the wait at His second coming. In the meantime practice His presence in the present. Prayerfully follow the Holy Spirit’s leading during times of waiting, and you will walk in the ways of the wise. The Bible says this about a saint who profoundly understood waiting for God, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in His time, Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9).
Related Readings: Lamentations 3:25; Acts 1:4; 10:2-22; Titus 2:11-14
Transformational Living
Where do I need to be patient and wait on God to fulfill His purpose in His timing?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
The word that really sticks out to me in the words above is pawn! In the last few months it's come to my attention life is very much like playing checkers or chess! Playing checkers is very fun, but easy. Every once in a while you get a chance to make a big move, but for the most part it's one jump at a time in a straight line.
Now, on the other hand when you play chess it takes some thought, skill, patience and experience. The more you play the better you get and realize the there is strategy involved in success. You have to look ahead and run though multiple complex steps at once. LIFE!
So, back to the entry above. I know that BB was not using the word pawn in this way, but it fits for me! I'm the pawn and GOD is the Queen—the most power piece on the board!
The first Christmas was an exercise in waiting for God, as His people had been anticipating the arrival of Messiah for hundreds of years. They longed and looked for their Lord to come as a sovereign ruler and king, but instead God’s son entered earth in a humble manger, secured by a simple stable. His parents were not royal or regal, but righteous, and a little rough around the edges. The ethos of Jesus’ birth was unexpected, but He arrived at just the right time to redeem the souls of men. The Bible says, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His son, born of a woman, born under the law…”(Galatians 4:4, NKJV). God is worth the wait, because He is never late, but seldom is He early. What are you waiting for right now? A job? A wedding? A class? Forgiveness? Peace? Love? Whatever your situation, wait for the Lord to lead you into His opportunities, and by faith you will find fulfillment. Waiting for God is worthwhile.
God is worth the wait, because He gets you to where you need to be, without relying on the delay of human hassle. People are pawns in the hand of Providence; so do not trust in them for peace or progress. God will bring just the right relationships and resources into place in His perfect timing. Trust Him to be your provision, for He will provide what you need in the nick of time. You can stare down fear by the inner strength of the Holy Spirit. Confide in Christ as your confidant, and He will counsel you in the wise way to walk. Wait for God’s best, and in retrospect you will have no regrets. Look for Him in humble people and simple situations, as pride and sin seem to over-complicate circumstances. Jesus was worth the wait at His first coming, and He will be worth the wait at His second coming. In the meantime practice His presence in the present. Prayerfully follow the Holy Spirit’s leading during times of waiting, and you will walk in the ways of the wise. The Bible says this about a saint who profoundly understood waiting for God, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in His time, Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9).
Related Readings: Lamentations 3:25; Acts 1:4; 10:2-22; Titus 2:11-14
Transformational Living
Where do I need to be patient and wait on God to fulfill His purpose in His timing?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
The word that really sticks out to me in the words above is pawn! In the last few months it's come to my attention life is very much like playing checkers or chess! Playing checkers is very fun, but easy. Every once in a while you get a chance to make a big move, but for the most part it's one jump at a time in a straight line.
Now, on the other hand when you play chess it takes some thought, skill, patience and experience. The more you play the better you get and realize the there is strategy involved in success. You have to look ahead and run though multiple complex steps at once. LIFE!
So, back to the entry above. I know that BB was not using the word pawn in this way, but it fits for me! I'm the pawn and GOD is the Queen—the most power piece on the board!
12.24.2008
Boyd Bailey: Christ in Christmas…
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
Christ in Christmas is like memorial in Memorial Day, mother in Mother’s Day, father in Father’s Day, labor in Labor Day, independence in Independence Day, and thanksgiving in Thanksgiving Day. However, it cheapens His significance to compare God sending His son to earth equally with other holiday celebrations. Indeed, He is the reason for the season. He is the explanation for eternal life. He is the answer from Almighty God for grace and truth incarnate. He is the beginning and the end, and a bright light in the darkest darkness. He is our hope on earth, as we prepare for our home in heaven. If Christ is not in Christmas then churches can convert to corporate offices, and missions can morph into humanitarian agencies. Christ in Christmas creates a tension for those who have yet to trust, but to us who have been saved it is the most significant celebration.
Christ in Christmas means you live for a purpose much grander than merchandise and commerce. Your children have a legacy of love for God and country, and service to others. You work as unto the Lord, and you give generously out of gratitude for God’s bountiful blessings. Christ in Christmas motivates you to live like you were dying, and to die like you were living, all in a spirit of faith, hope and love. By God’s grace you create a worldview populated by precious people and full of exciting opportunities, while on guard in prayerful discernment to Satan’s schemes and evil’s deceptive intentions. Christ in Christmas compels you to exclaim, ‘He was born, so we would believe; He died, so we would live; He rose, so we would rise!’ Therefore, in humility and with pride, boldly keep Christ in Christmas. His birth is your excuse to brag on Jesus. The Bible says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Related Readings: Isaiah 19:20; Malachi 3:1; Acts 2:36; Galatians 4:4-5
Transformational Living
How can I keep Christ in Christmas with my church and family traditions, and in my everyday life and conversations?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
My wife and I have made the very unpopular decision to not celebrate santa for the very reason you read above. It amazes me, when using the filter above, how this season has become so much about $ and the lack of it. No one, other than other Christian friends, gets it! It's not about the big guy in a red suit! We've had a few occasions when a stranger asked my oldest son what he's getting from santa... He looks at my wife and I with the most confused look on his face.
It's going to be a tough road, but we believe it's so going to be worth it!
Christ in Christmas is like memorial in Memorial Day, mother in Mother’s Day, father in Father’s Day, labor in Labor Day, independence in Independence Day, and thanksgiving in Thanksgiving Day. However, it cheapens His significance to compare God sending His son to earth equally with other holiday celebrations. Indeed, He is the reason for the season. He is the explanation for eternal life. He is the answer from Almighty God for grace and truth incarnate. He is the beginning and the end, and a bright light in the darkest darkness. He is our hope on earth, as we prepare for our home in heaven. If Christ is not in Christmas then churches can convert to corporate offices, and missions can morph into humanitarian agencies. Christ in Christmas creates a tension for those who have yet to trust, but to us who have been saved it is the most significant celebration.
Christ in Christmas means you live for a purpose much grander than merchandise and commerce. Your children have a legacy of love for God and country, and service to others. You work as unto the Lord, and you give generously out of gratitude for God’s bountiful blessings. Christ in Christmas motivates you to live like you were dying, and to die like you were living, all in a spirit of faith, hope and love. By God’s grace you create a worldview populated by precious people and full of exciting opportunities, while on guard in prayerful discernment to Satan’s schemes and evil’s deceptive intentions. Christ in Christmas compels you to exclaim, ‘He was born, so we would believe; He died, so we would live; He rose, so we would rise!’ Therefore, in humility and with pride, boldly keep Christ in Christmas. His birth is your excuse to brag on Jesus. The Bible says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Related Readings: Isaiah 19:20; Malachi 3:1; Acts 2:36; Galatians 4:4-5
Transformational Living
How can I keep Christ in Christmas with my church and family traditions, and in my everyday life and conversations?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
My wife and I have made the very unpopular decision to not celebrate santa for the very reason you read above. It amazes me, when using the filter above, how this season has become so much about $ and the lack of it. No one, other than other Christian friends, gets it! It's not about the big guy in a red suit! We've had a few occasions when a stranger asked my oldest son what he's getting from santa... He looks at my wife and I with the most confused look on his face.
It's going to be a tough road, but we believe it's so going to be worth it!
12.23.2008
Boyd Bailey: Expecting Wife…
“He [Joseph] went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:5-7
An expecting wife needs extra sensitivity, and a strong supportive husband. She is emotionally vulnerable, and physically overwhelmed at times. As with Mary, there may be some uncertainty of the ultimate outcome, but she trusts the Lord to care for her and her baby. The circumstances are challenging when you are away from the comforts of home and its familiar feel. Husbands, your expecting wife needs you to step up like Joseph and provide leadership. This is not the time to lose faith, or become frightened. Perfect love casts out fear, so overcome any apprehensions with the Christ-like love that dwells in your mind and heart. See pregnancy as a prayerful process to accomplish the plan of Almighty God, as expecting moms and dads can expect great things from Him.
Lastly, a husband’s leadership needs to provide protection for his wife. Accompany her, as Joseph did, to new places and people who might take advantage of your sweet spirited spouse. It makes your woman feel safe and secure when you buffer her from bad people, or strangers with unseemly motives. Stay with her, and see her through stressful situations. Your protective leadership may need to be applied to immediate family members who mistreat her. Intervene and defend your wife if your children, parents or siblings show disrespect, however subtle it might be. God, in marriage, made you one flesh, so if she is offended, you are offended. Of course prayerfully confront all parties in a spirit of grace and humility, but with clarity. An expecting wife is beautiful to behold, as she brings forth an innocent infant woven in her womb by God. Be there for her labor of love for the Lord, and for His gift of a precious little one to love. The Bible says, “The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23).
Related Readings: Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; John 16:21; I John 4:18
Transformational Living
How can I support my wife through prayerful and protective leadership?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Two thoughts today.
One: My wife and I just had a baby in the last year and it is such an amazing experience. WOW! Little ones grow so fast. Standing over a little one as they sleep and watching them breath is such a peaceful thing that only God could have created.
Two: Protect, Protect & Protect the wife!
An expecting wife needs extra sensitivity, and a strong supportive husband. She is emotionally vulnerable, and physically overwhelmed at times. As with Mary, there may be some uncertainty of the ultimate outcome, but she trusts the Lord to care for her and her baby. The circumstances are challenging when you are away from the comforts of home and its familiar feel. Husbands, your expecting wife needs you to step up like Joseph and provide leadership. This is not the time to lose faith, or become frightened. Perfect love casts out fear, so overcome any apprehensions with the Christ-like love that dwells in your mind and heart. See pregnancy as a prayerful process to accomplish the plan of Almighty God, as expecting moms and dads can expect great things from Him.
Lastly, a husband’s leadership needs to provide protection for his wife. Accompany her, as Joseph did, to new places and people who might take advantage of your sweet spirited spouse. It makes your woman feel safe and secure when you buffer her from bad people, or strangers with unseemly motives. Stay with her, and see her through stressful situations. Your protective leadership may need to be applied to immediate family members who mistreat her. Intervene and defend your wife if your children, parents or siblings show disrespect, however subtle it might be. God, in marriage, made you one flesh, so if she is offended, you are offended. Of course prayerfully confront all parties in a spirit of grace and humility, but with clarity. An expecting wife is beautiful to behold, as she brings forth an innocent infant woven in her womb by God. Be there for her labor of love for the Lord, and for His gift of a precious little one to love. The Bible says, “The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23).
Related Readings: Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; John 16:21; I John 4:18
Transformational Living
How can I support my wife through prayerful and protective leadership?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Two thoughts today.
One: My wife and I just had a baby in the last year and it is such an amazing experience. WOW! Little ones grow so fast. Standing over a little one as they sleep and watching them breath is such a peaceful thing that only God could have created.
Two: Protect, Protect & Protect the wife!
12.16.2008
Boyd Bailey: Bold Humility…
“My son if you have put up security for your neighbor… Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids, free yourself…” Proverbs 6:1a, 3b-4
It is hard to manage our own debt obligations, much less the debt commitment of another. Therefore, wisdom says to free yourself from financial surety, so you are free to serve. It is not smart to co-sign credit on behalf of another, if you do, make plans to pay what’s due. Or in bold humility go to the one for whom you partnered or co-signed, and ask them if you can get out from under the financial obligation. Even if you pay a penalty for backing out, what price can you pay for your newfound peace of mind? Financial over extension is unwise, so perhaps you consolidate your credit, and make a bold plan to pay down your personal debt. Debt reduction is smart, especially during recessionary times.
The “borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7), so in humility and boldness you can break the chain of financial servitude. The Bible says, “You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men” (I Corinthians 7:23). It is counter cultural to limit credit, or abolish it all together. Why make credit convenient to a spender who struggles to stay within a budget? Therefore, apply discipline and sacrifice, and you can experience the peaceful result of debt free living. Perhaps in bold humility you ask your parents to match every dollar you pay toward debt reduction. One last word related to co-signing. There may be a young person who needs someone to vouch for his or her character and credit. Like the apostle Paul guaranteed the servant Onesimus’ repayment, you may be led to do the same for someone. Perhaps you ultimately see your assistance as a gift, so if you are paid back it is an unexpected bonus. Regardless manage expectations with prayerful prudence and bold humility. Relationships are much more valuable than cash. Paul said, “If then you consider me a partner and a comrade in fellowship, welcome and receive him as you would [welcome and receive] me. And if he has done you any wrong in any way or owes anything [to you], charge that to my account. I, Paul, write it with my own hand, I promise to repay it [in full]…” (Philemon 1:17-19a, Amplified Bible).
Related Readings: Proverbs 22:7; I Corinthians 7:23; Philemon 1:1-25
Transformational Living
Who do I need to boldly, but humbly approach about dissolving a financial arrangement?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Difficult times call for difficult decisions to be made for the sake of bettering one's life.
We personally made a difficult choice about money and were able to payoff the last two debts we have except for our house. The day we put the checks in the mailbox the weight that was so heavily sitting on our backs was lifted. This is the feeling God wants us to experience! IT FEELS SO GOOD!
It is hard to manage our own debt obligations, much less the debt commitment of another. Therefore, wisdom says to free yourself from financial surety, so you are free to serve. It is not smart to co-sign credit on behalf of another, if you do, make plans to pay what’s due. Or in bold humility go to the one for whom you partnered or co-signed, and ask them if you can get out from under the financial obligation. Even if you pay a penalty for backing out, what price can you pay for your newfound peace of mind? Financial over extension is unwise, so perhaps you consolidate your credit, and make a bold plan to pay down your personal debt. Debt reduction is smart, especially during recessionary times.
The “borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7), so in humility and boldness you can break the chain of financial servitude. The Bible says, “You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men” (I Corinthians 7:23). It is counter cultural to limit credit, or abolish it all together. Why make credit convenient to a spender who struggles to stay within a budget? Therefore, apply discipline and sacrifice, and you can experience the peaceful result of debt free living. Perhaps in bold humility you ask your parents to match every dollar you pay toward debt reduction. One last word related to co-signing. There may be a young person who needs someone to vouch for his or her character and credit. Like the apostle Paul guaranteed the servant Onesimus’ repayment, you may be led to do the same for someone. Perhaps you ultimately see your assistance as a gift, so if you are paid back it is an unexpected bonus. Regardless manage expectations with prayerful prudence and bold humility. Relationships are much more valuable than cash. Paul said, “If then you consider me a partner and a comrade in fellowship, welcome and receive him as you would [welcome and receive] me. And if he has done you any wrong in any way or owes anything [to you], charge that to my account. I, Paul, write it with my own hand, I promise to repay it [in full]…” (Philemon 1:17-19a, Amplified Bible).
Related Readings: Proverbs 22:7; I Corinthians 7:23; Philemon 1:1-25
Transformational Living
Who do I need to boldly, but humbly approach about dissolving a financial arrangement?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Difficult times call for difficult decisions to be made for the sake of bettering one's life.
We personally made a difficult choice about money and were able to payoff the last two debts we have except for our house. The day we put the checks in the mailbox the weight that was so heavily sitting on our backs was lifted. This is the feeling God wants us to experience! IT FEELS SO GOOD!
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