Wild At Heart: refute every tongue

Isaiah 54:17 (New International Version)

no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD.

Wild At Heart: Marriage and Sin

Romans 7

An Illustration From Marriage

¹Do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to men who know the law—that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? ²For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. ³So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man.

⁴So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. ⁵For when we were controlled by the sinful nature,^a]">[a] the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. ⁶But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

Struggling With Sin

⁷What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "Do not covet."^b]">[b] ⁸But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from law, sin is dead. ⁹Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. ¹⁰I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death.

¹¹For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. ¹²So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. ¹³Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! But in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.

¹⁴We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. ¹⁵I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. ¹⁶And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. ¹⁷As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. ¹⁸I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.^c]">[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. ¹⁹For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. ²⁰Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

²¹So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²²For in my inner being I delight in God's law; ²³but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. ²⁴What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? ²⁵Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Wild At Heart: Heart of a child

Proverbs 22:15 (New International Version)

¹⁵ Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

Wild At Heart: Don't turn your back on me

Psalm 27:10 (The Message)

^9-10 You've always been right there for me;
don't turn your back on me now.
Don't throw me out, don't abandon me;
you've always kept the door open.
My father and mother walked out and left me,
but God took me in.

Wild At Heart: Manhood

Psalm 21

¹ O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength.

How great is his joy in the victories you give!

² You have granted him the desire of his heart
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Selah

³ You welcomed him with rich blessings
and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

⁴ He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—
length of days, for ever and ever.

⁵ Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

⁶ Surely you have granted him eternal blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

⁷ For the king trusts in the LORD;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.

⁸ Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies;
your right hand will seize your foes.

⁹ At the time of your appearing
you will make them like a fiery furnace.
In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up,
and his fire will consume them.

¹⁰ You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
their posterity from mankind.

¹¹ Though they plot evil against you
and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;

¹² for you will make them turn their backs
when you aim at them with drawn bow.

¹³ Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength;
we will sing and praise your might.

Psalm 22

¹ My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?

² O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent.

³ Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel. ^a]">[a]

⁴ In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.

⁵ They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

⁶ But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.

⁷ All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads:

⁸ "He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him."

⁹ Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you
even at my mother's breast.

¹⁰ From birth I was cast upon you;
from my mother's womb you have been my God.

¹¹ Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.

¹² Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

¹³ Roaring lions tearing their prey
open their mouths wide against me.

¹⁴ I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted away within me.

¹⁵ My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me ^b]">[b] in the dust of death.

¹⁶ Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men has encircled me,
they have pierced ^c]">[c] my hands and my feet.

¹⁷ I can count all my bones;
people stare and gloat over me.

¹⁸ They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.

¹⁹ But you, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

²⁰ Deliver my life from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.

²¹ Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save ^d]">[d] me from the horns of the wild oxen.

²² I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the congregation I will praise you.

²³ You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

²⁴ For he has not despised or disdained
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.

²⁵ From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you ^e]">[e] will I fulfill my vows.

²⁶ The poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!

²⁷ All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,

²⁸ for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.

²⁹ All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.

³⁰ Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.

³¹ They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
for he has done it.

Wild At Heart: The Year of the LORD's Favor

Isaiah 61

¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, ^a]">[a]

² to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

if we can miss out on this...

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007

A man with a violin (pictured) played six Bach pieces for about 45
minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the
station, most of them on their way to work.. After 3 minutes a middle
aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and
stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the
hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his
watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly.
The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed
hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time.
This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent,
without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for
a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal
pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one
applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest
musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever
written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before
Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station
was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment
about perception, taste and people's priorities.

The conclusion made by the sender of the email was: if we can miss out
on this, how many other things are we missing because they're not framed
in time and place as 'important' or 'great' ?

Boyd Bailey: Forgive Fast…

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

How do you respond when you have been wronged? How do you react to unrighteous behavior directed toward you? You can forgive fast and be freed from pride, pain and anger, or you can stay mad and stew in your state of self-pity. Indeed, your forgiveness of others is evidence of your Heavenly Father’s forgiveness in your life. Since God forgave you, you forgive others, and in turn He forgives you. This is Christ’s cycle of forgiveness.

However, if we fail to forgive others, we place ourselves in an unforgivable position. Our unforgiving attitude invites un-forgiveness from our Heavenly Father. So, those who find mercy with God are to show mercy on behalf of God. Jesus not only came to reconcile us to His father, but to one another. True worship is contingent on reconciliation with people.

Jesus said, “Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:24).

With whom in your life do you need to let go of resentment? Who has distracted your authentic worship of Christ because of their hurtful words? By God’s grace you can forgive them for Christ’s sake, and then be liberated by the love of the Lord. You know you have truly forgiven when the joy of the Lord is once again your strength. There is a song of salvation in your heart and a bounce of hope in your step. Forgiveness frees you to trust again.

Love is the lever that turns on forgiveness in your heart. Allow the Lord to love you in this lonely place and you will be able to love others authentically. “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:11-12).

What does it mean for me to forgive others, as God has forgiven me? How can I make love my motivation for forgiving my parents, friends or foes?

Related Readings: Numbers 14:20; Psalm 32:1; Luke 6:37; 2 Corinthians 2:10

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: Father Knows Best…

“Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:8

Your Heavenly Father knows what is best for you. He knows before you even know or ask. God knows what’s best for your marriage. He knows what’s best for your finances. He knows what’s best for your health. He knows what’s best in your relationships. He knows what’s best at work, at home, at school, at church, and your personal life in general. So if He knows what’s best, is it in your best interest to understand what He already knows?

Yes and this is the essence of engaging with your Heavenly Father in prayer. You become silent, quietly trust and listen to His loving instructions. “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it” (Isaiah 30:15).

Furthermore, your Father in heaven is generous and good. What does this imply to your needs and wants? It means that He can give you just what you need and even some of your wants? Wow, what a wonderful Creator you have come to know in Christ. He knows how to give good gifts that get right to the point of your needs. “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11).

Therefore, you can trust in the tender care of your Heavenly Father. He knows best what good gifts to bestow on you. The good gift of wisdom is there for your request. His gift of mercy and grace is in abundance waiting to be deployed from heaven’s gates. Peace, joy, self-control, discernment, patience and love are all gifts of the Holy Spirit that are embedded in your faith. Seek His heart and then ask Him to fill your heart with what you need.

His gifts may not come in the same time that you think you need them, but still trust His timing. Look around and be grateful for the gift of relationships He has already lavished on your life. Be extremely grateful for what He has given you and He will find great satisfaction in giving you more. The generosity of God follows the gratitude of His children. Your Heavenly Father knows best, so thank Him for His gifts and ask for more.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him” (1 John 3:1).

How do I feel knowing God wants to give to me? What gifts do I need to ask of Him?

Related Readings: Genesis 30:30; Ecclesiastes 5:19; Acts 8:20; Ephesians 1:7-9

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: Marriage Conflict…

“When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would.” 2 Samuel 6:20

When conflict arises in your marriage, how do you deal with it? You can address it harshly and create some misgivings and hurt. You can ignore it and guarantee future anger and resentment. You can argue until one person wins, somewhat like boxers spar back and forth. The winner is eventually the most skilled debater. None of these options is healthy over time. The desired outcome should not be a win/lose, but a win/win.

Each should feel like they have collaborated on the solution, not just a passive win/win where one begrudgingly capitulates to the pressure and manipulation of another. Conflict resolution in marriage is the process of honoring and understanding another for the purpose of serving them at their point of need. It is an others first attitude.

So when your wife desires to visit her parents over the holiday, you do everything you can to work it out. Or, if your husband longs for time with the two of you alone, you see the financial expense of an overnight stay in a hotel as an investment in your marriage, rather than an unneeded expenditure. When there are certain things your spouse feels strongly about, understand those and seek to love them through this sensitive area.

Marriage is not a ‘give and take’, it is a ‘give and give’. Both giving to the other for Christ’s sake. You give time, you give respect, you give love, you give money, you give yard work, you give housework, you give parenting, you give to others, and you give to God. You give in marriage because of and for God’s glory to shine through your home.

Does your husband serve as the spiritual leader of the home? Do you serve and support your wife with domestic responsibilities? Do both of you bow to the Lord as the owner of your household? Apply Christ’s expectations of respect and love and you will both win.

Do not become defensive, overbearing or harsh. Let your speech be seasoned with grace. Let your face reflect care and compassion. Assume the other has your best interests in mind. You can say the right words the wrong way and it will make things worse. You can say the wrong words the right way and it will lead to confusion. Or, you can say the right words the right way and everyone is happy. Be sensitive to speak the truth in love.

But, what about the disputes that remain unresolved? There may need to be professional help or the need of a mentoring couple to listen and give counsel. Above all, keep Christ central and in humility extend mercy and grace. Seek to out serve each other.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

How can I best honor my spouse through marital conflict? Who is a wise mentor couple we can learn from and share our frustrations?

Related Readings: Song of Solomon 2:3-13; I Corinthians 13:6; Galatians 5:13

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

Often times we forget that it's not only against our human nature that we battle, but against a real enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. Remember that when things get rough. It's not all in your control. The beauty of this truth, is that we can pray and protection will come from a merciful God who has already won the battle.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

Boyd Bailey: Reviving The Soul...

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7

From time to time our soul needs a revival that only the Word of God can create. Our soul becomes soiled from working in the garden of everyday life, but the washing by the Word removes the impediments to our intimacy with Christ. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word” (Psalm 119:9). His commands cleanse.

Our soul can go into a slump like an athlete who is no longer able to execute. So consider a change in your religious routine. Begin journaling or praying out loud the Psalms. Indeed, it is during this funk in our faith that the fire from God's word can remove our apathetic attitudes. “Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces” (Jeremiah 23:29). His word burns away bad attitudes.

How is the state of your soul? Do you have energy for eternal matters? Are you motivated to meditate on the Bible? The incorruptible Word of God works wonders on a weary soul. It purifies and solicits salvation. “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:22-23, NKJV).

Once your soul is revived, your mind is ready to receive wisdom. Your revitalized relationship with Jesus is a launching pad to process His precepts. The Holy Spirit breathes life into your faith so that you can embrace and understand Holy Scripture. The Bible, to a renewed spirit, is like a smorgasbord for a famished friend whom you invite over for a holiday feast. Let Scripture stimulate your soul and you will grow stronger.

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:2-3).

Am I committed to my soul’s care? What does my soul need to grow strong and sure?

Related Readings: 2 Kings 23:25; Psalm 42:5-7; Matthew 16:26; Hebrews 4:12

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Prayers for Ray: Philippians 4:6-7

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle youdown. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Walk In Your God Given Authority

WHEN YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY AND YOU WALK IN IT, THE ENEMY WILL KNOW IT TOO

For the body of Christ to be victorious, we must have an understanding of the rulership God has given to us.

In Genesis 1:26, God created man in His image and said let them rule over all the earth.

In Psalm 115:16, God says the earth He has given to man.

We are given the earth to rule over God's creation. This mandate has never been rescinded by God. God's position on rulership has never changed. Man's position changed when Adam fell. But the second Adam, Jesus, redeemed man from the curse (Galatians 3:13) and reinstated man back into rulership. We see this in Matthew 28:18 where Jesus said, "All power is given unto Me in Heaven and in earth."

Jesus held all power in His hands and then reinstated this power for rulership back to His body. This is seen in Ephesians 1:22-23, "And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the Church which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."

"We have been raised with Jesus and seated with Him in Heavenly places," it says in Ephesians 2:6. In Luke 10:19, we are given power or authority. In Romans 9:17, Jesus tells us that we are raised up with Him to demonstrate His power through us in rulership in order to proclaim His name throughout the whole earth.

The reason God gives us authority is that we would rule and reign on the earth. Notice that, in Ephesians 1, all things are in subjection under the feet of Jesus. Since we are now the body of Christ, all things are in subjection under our feet. This is absolute authority that we have on the earth. We're not subject to the enemy, he's subject to us. It's this truth that we need to know, because it will set us free (John 8:32).

This truth will put us in a proper position that will change our condition. When your position is unchangeable, your condition has to change. When you know the truth--that you have absolute authority and you walk in it--the enemy will know it also.

The enemy will always measure you by how you see yourself. If you went down to a street intersection and started directing traffic with the clothes on that you're now wearing, what do you think would happen to you? You might get run over. But if you were hired by the police department and given a uniform to direct traffic, you could step into that intersection and hold up your hand and traffic would stop. It would stop because you would be recognized as having designated authority.

When you are under authority, you have all authority. God gives you His armor of authority. When you wear it with confidence, without doubt, the enemy can no longer move you. You're not subject to this realm, because you have rulership over it. We must renew our minds to this truth, or we will be conformed to the world's order of things rather than God's order (Romans 12:2). The ability for the believer to walk in authority is determined by the measure of authority we give God in our own lives.

You cannot exhibit a demonstration of God's power if you do not believe you have authority. Without authority you cannot have rulership. The way to overcome the enemy is to be overcome by God. You can't have a fulltime experience with a part-time God.

Blessings!

Cal Pierce, Director Healing Rooms MinistriesEmail: healing@healingrooms.com

as posted on the Elijah List

http://www.elijahlist.com/

The Daily Verse: Psalm 23

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:4,5

If times are tough, evaluate your willingness to receive. Encourage yourself to be willing and open to letting Him protect, comfort and bless you in your time of need.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

Boyd Bailey: Just Say No…

“Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37

Is it hard for you to say “no”? No to opportunities? No to temptation? No to a child? No to your spouse? No to good things? No to bad things? As a leader your “no’s” are probably more important than your “yes’s”. When you muster the courage to resist an idea that is off mission and instill the discipline in your team to stay focused on the task at hand, you lead with courage. The power of saying “no” makes your “yes’s” more believable.

How can a man or woman’s leadership be effective if they say yes to everything? Is a spontaneous “yes” nearly as useful as a measured “no”? Instead of making a rash promise you later regret, why not wait and prayerfully think through the resources required to deliver on your commitment? Short-term appeasement dilutes long-term sustainability.

Yes, you do risk rejection when you say no, but overtime the wisdom of your decision will become more evident. For example, resist taking on debt for a major purchase like a wedding, a car, a vacation or an appliance. Instead, save up your cash, and look for deals and creative alternatives in the meantime. Why saddle yourself with the stress of paying for something you can’t afford now, so that you can peacefully enjoy it credit free in the future?

Moreover, you may not have a peace about a particular career opportunity. There are too many unknowns and those who know you best are tentative. Perhaps you prayerfully say no now and trust the Lord to provide an open door that aligns with His will later. Do not decide out of frustration or in the middle of fatigue. Instead, rest, gather a clear head and see what your heart has to say. Default to “no” until you “know”.

“Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11).

As a leader at home and at work, be more focused on saying no than yes. Tough love often defines reality by saying no. But make sure to express your denial with grace. When you communicate bad news in the spirit of Jesus it can become good news to the recipient.

This is how His enemies described Him, “"Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth” (Luke 20:11).

Do I have the courage to trust Christ and say no even when it is offensive? How can I learn to say no more often with patience and grace?

Related Readings: Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 16:13; Romans 9:1; Ephesians 4:15

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Prayers for Ray: Why we need God to be part of our lives

This is why we need God to be part of our lives so we can have:

Hope...promise for the future
Strength...the ability to endure
Grace...God's help
Comfort...in pain, trouble, and anxiety
Peace...calmness
Healing...restoration of mind, spirit, and body
Joy...a sense of well-being
Love...compassion and devotion shown by God

Prayers for Ray: Ephesians 6: 13-18

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

The Voice Divine

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25

God Calling by Two Listeners
By One of the "Two Listeners"

	Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
	Dear Jesus: Seeking His Light in Your Life

Boyd Bailey: Visual Accountability…

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28

I fight to keep my eyes engaged in images that lead to pure thoughts. Men as a whole struggle around sight with sexual sensations, though women have their own visual challenges related to seeing things they don’t have and wanting them. So Jesus speaks of the allure of lust that comes from obsessing over a woman that is not a man’s wife.

Adultery does not start in the bedroom, but in the heart. If a man’s eye is prone to wander, his heart will follow. It’s an innocent lunch that leads to lust and draws a man or woman into emotional entanglement. Indeed, temptation progresses until it conceives sin. “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:15). Thus you can stop sin’s encroachment with proactive protection.

David’s lust began when he privately gazed upon a beautiful woman in seclusion. He abused his power by persuading another to compromise her convictions. The more power you have the more you are in need of visual accountability. Who keeps you accountable to keep the portal of your perceptions pure? Like Job, have you made a covenant with your eyes to not look lustfully on another? "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl” (Job 31:1). A covenant requires a commitment to Christ’s standards.

Sometimes it does take extreme measures to not continue down a destructive path. Maybe it means no television for a season, or limited internet access. Give others permission to ask you what magazines or web sites you have been viewing. Mostly make it your passion to love your spouse as God has created them. Accept their love and emotional support, and you will see them as beautiful and appealing. The healthiest marriages never stop romancing and wooing one other. Yes, passionate love precludes alluring lust!

“How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves. How handsome you are, my lover! Oh, how charming! (Song of Solomon 1:15-16a).

Are my eyes an instrument of love or lust? How can I keep in tact visual accountability?

Related Readings: 2 Samuel 11:1-5; Song of Solomon 2:1-17; Matthew 6:22-23

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: Fundamental Flaw…

“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:22-24

What is a fundamental flaw? It is an issue that, if left unattended, chronically disrupts. It may be a home with a cracked foundation. There will be a flurry of home maintenance repairs until the underlying cause is corrected. You may have a relationship that cannot connect because of a root of distrust. Perhaps your business or ministry is unable to get traction because your economic model is not designed for reoccurring revenue. It’s fundamentally flawed. Thus you are saddled with an unsustainable financial strategy.

Fundamental flaws cause frustration and reek havoc, and, if not addressed, will always provide an undercurrent of dysfunction. What issues have you been too busy to address, or have been in denial because of the pain you feel when you think about them? Ignoring fundamental flaws will only lead you into greater pain and confusion. So whether they infiltrate an institution, or are instilled within an individual, they need alteration.

In human beings our fundamental flaw is sin. The DNA of our nature is damaged and undone. “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—“ (Romans 5:12). We cannot deny our sinful state any more that we can reject our gender. It is who we are. However, in Christ we are free from sin’s snare and punishment. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Wise people deal first with their fundamental flaw of sin by faith in their Savior Jesus Christ. Once you are transformed by the redeeming power of the Lord you have everything you need to build a successful life. When you build on a foundation of faith, you are able to withstand the wiles of the devil and life’s indiscriminate challenges.

Avoid the common mistake of addressing the symptoms of fear, guilt, pride, greed and anger without receiving first the grace of God. You live the Christian life the same way you become a Christian, “by grace through faith”. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Do I experience God’s grace by faith in Jesus Christ? What fundamental flaw do I need to address in my life or work?

Related Readings: Psalm 51:5; Ezekiel 37:23; Luke 5:8; Romans 8:1-17

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Psalm 18:16 & 17

"He reached down from on high and took hold of me, He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me." Psalm 18:16 & 17

Boyd Bailey: Racial Reconciliation…

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Acts 22:21

Race divides. It inherently needs reconciliation. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are expected to be on the forefront of racial reconciliation. Christ is colorblind. There is no preference between Jew and Gentile, black or white, yellow or brown. They are all precious in his sight. Yet, every day, millions are disenfranchised or killed because of their cultural heritage and color of skin. Where pride and ego drove the human race into different geographical and racial directions, Christ reunites us. He is the racial reconciler.

The feet of Jesus are level for all races. Sin is the only explanation for one race’s sense of superiority over another. It breaks the heart of God. Jesus went way out of his way to love a racial outcast in the Samaritan woman (John 4). He was compelled by the Holy Spirit to reach out across class, cultural, and racial barriers.

In the same way and spirit, God is leading you to reach out to others different from yourself. He is calling on His disciples to be intentional in healing past hurts and serving current needs. Some will receive your sincere service, and others will question your motive. But when all is said and done, your part is to go and be a blessing, and God’s part is to facilitate trust and healing. You probably do not consider yourself a racist. That is, you do not feel or act better than another human being just because of your race.

However, to be silent or to not intentionally reach out to another culture is passive racism. It is subtle, but the same ill effects occur. The offended or disillusioned ones are still stuck in their inferior state of mind, economics, and education. It is not the role of government to figure this out. Rather, it is the mandate of the church because Christians know better. We can model the way of racial reconciliation as did Jesus and the early disciples.

Consider a weekly one-on-one study for a year with someone of a different race. Learn about their culture, history, and hurts. Indeed, racial reconciliation happens one person at a time and it happens relationally. Do not wait on someone else to come to you. You go to them. Yes, it is a little uncomfortable and yes, there will be misunderstanding. But Jesus is the standard bearer and the relational mediator. He represents all races, and He created the different races.

Let the Bible be your foundational source of racial reconciliation. Start today on a crosscultural mission. It may be someone at work or in your neighborhood. Invite their family into your home for a meal. Serve them every time you get a chance, and watch God work. Then the world will see—in technicolor—that you are truly disciples of Christ because you love one another; races will be reconciled and God will be glorified. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

Why is Christ colorblind? Who can I build a relationship with that is of a different race?

Related Readings: Genesis 11:1-8; John 4:1-42; Romans 10:12; Galatians 2:14

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: Much Mercy…

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7

So much of the Christian life is reciprocal. You show love, you receive love. You extend generosity, you receive generosity. You listen to others, they listen to you. And so it is with mercy. You show mercy and you are shown mercy. Everyone desires it but not everyone gives it. Mercy requires action. It may not be deserved but it is preferred.

What is mercy? It is giving what is not deserved and it is giving what is deserved. A person may have wronged you, but you show them mercy because of the great mercy God has extended to you. Or you may be exposed to the poor and, because of their pitiful plight, you offer compassion, love and mercy by meeting their needs in the name of Jesus. Mercy is a mute point to the unredeemed, but to the saved it is being a mere Christian.

It is out of our heart felt cry to Christ for mercy that our capacity for mercy expands. A common theme in the Psalms proclaims, “O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief” (Psalm 143:1). Those softened by their humble supplication to their Heavenly Father experience mercy.

Has someone wronged you to the point of your anger boiling over into resentment and bitterness? If you are a child of God this is no place to live. Mercy is your mandate from your Master Jesus, “Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you’ (Matthew 18:33). Mercy melts away misery into joy and happiness. It makes peace.

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).

Do I go often to God’s throne of grace and receive His mercy? To whom do I need to be merciful in Jesus’ name?

Related Readings: Job 9:15; Proverbs 28:13; 1 Timothy 1:16; Hebrews 4:16

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: Proverbs 13:11

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 13:11

In some capacity, we've all been charged with being a good steward of a long-term plan. Take heart. Bit by bit, things will come together. Allow the experiences along the journey to be the true wealth you seek for the heart, soul and mind.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

The Daily Verse: Philippians 3:13b

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead... Philippians 3:13b

Forward motion isn't always comfortable, but it is necessary. If you're pressing forward, be encouraged that you're on the right track - learning from but not living in the past - living in today with hope for tomorrow.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

Boyd Bailey: Good News…

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Matthew 4:23

There never seems to be a shortage of bad news. Wars and rumors of wars populate daily newswires. The fear of terrorism tends to raise its ugly head when least expected. Disease, divorce, debt and depression attack every person on the planet in one degree or another. Our world defaults to bad news, but Christ’s Kingdom is filled with good news.

There is an unseen Kingdom where Jesus Christ is King and we are His grateful subjects. His Kingdom is full of grace and truth having conquered sin, death and Satan on the cross. In Christ’s Kingdom the light of His love outshines dark deeds. Grace replaces guilt, love overcomes lust, acceptance rejects rejection and faith jettisons fear.

Christ’s gospel is the Kingdom of Heaven’s charter. When you emigrated from the lost shores of sin and landed in Christ’s country of grace you received a new citizenship. In Christ you are free and forgiven and you enjoy the benefits of being a Christian.

“Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13). The cross of Christ is good news.

Christ was unashamed to share the good news of His Kingdom, and neither should we. He went to the cities, synagogues and the countryside sharing the gospel of the Kingdom. You and I have the same privilege and responsibility to not sit silently with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Good news, delivered in love, speaks louder and more forcefully than blustering bad news. Be a bearer of good news and see God give help and hope to the hurting. His gospel, delivered by faith, goes places we can never access in our own strength.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:16-17).

Do I fully understand the benefits of being a citizen of Christ’s Kingdom? And do I share this good news with those bound up in the kingdom of this world?

Related Readings: 2 Kings 19:15-19; Mark 10:14-15; Colossians 1:12-13; Hebrews 12:28

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: Christ’s Calling…

“Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20

Disciples of Jesus are called by the Lord to minister in their home and in the marketplace. However, Christ does call some of His followers to vocational ministry. It is a calling that many times comes to ordinary men and women who accomplish extraordinary results. Who does He call out? Christ’s call comes to those who have a hungry heart for God.

Like Paul you might have been suddenly smitten by a revelation of Jesus as Lord, or you were like David who gradually went from feeding sheep, what’s perishable, to feeding God’s people, the imperishable. Wherever Christ calls, His first command is to love God and people. A calling without love is like a car without gasoline. It may be attractive on the outside but it’s not going anywhere. Thus, love large where the Lord has called you.

Furthermore, He has called you to endure hardships, “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary” (Revelation 2:3). Christians are not immune to conflict. In fact, your faith at times invites difficulty. So don’t seek to shelter your life from adversity. Rather, position yourself in obedience to Christ’s calling. It is out of your regular routine of serving Him that you will see what He has in store next.

Make sure you minister first to your spouse and children. Don’t be like the cobbler who has no shoes for his family. Your creditability for Christ is seeing your faith lived out with those who know you the best. What does it profit a man if he saves the whole world and loses his family? A calling to family first frees you to evangelize and disciple with God’s favor. His calling aligns with His commands, so service for Him is seamless.

Above all, the Lord is looking for those already engaged in His word, growing in their character and active in sharing their faith. His calling comes to Christians who desire the Holy Spirit to conform them into the image of Christ. Your humble imitation of Jesus comes out of your intimate walk with Him. He calls those with whom He can trust. So don’t look for your calling, look for Christ and He will reveal His calling to you.

“I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission” (Isaiah 48:15).

Related Readings: Acts 9:10; 1 Corinthians 7:17; Hebrews 5:4; Revelation 7:14

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Billy Graham: My job is to Love.

The Spirit's job is to Convict.
God's job is to Judge.
My Job is to Love.

- Billy Graham

Wisdom Hunters: Sacred Scripture…

“If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Matthew 4:6

The use of Scripture does not preclude the abuse of Scripture. Indeed, a strategy of Satan’s is to misquote and misapply God’s Holy Word. He takes the truth of God and perverts it into his purpose. So beware of those who use Holy Scripture to accomplish unholy outcomes. Investigate their accuracy and the motive of the one spouting Scripture. The Bible does not contradict itself, nor does it lead to acts contrary to Christ.

Moreover a man or woman’s head can be full of Scripture, while their heart is empty of grace. We see this in the pompous Pharisees of Jesus’s day and unfortunately we experience this today with self-appointed prophets. People who profess Christ and then twist the Bible to get their way are on a slippery slope paved with pretense, pride and destruction. So be like the early Christians and verify the Biblical teaching you receive.

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). Serious students of Scripture hold accountable their teacher with their own study and research. Even Paul’s teaching was validated.

Above all, beware of those who use the Bible to justify their unholy behavior. It is wrong to live an immoral or unethical lifestyle, but it’s worse to claim the Bible supports this unseemly activity. The approach of distorting truth is as old as our enemy the devil. Churches who accept this low view of Scripture have a high tolerance for sin, and sadly a community of true believers ceases to exist if everyone is called a Christian.

Therefore, use sacred Scripture as a sacred trust. Learn it, memorize it, share it, but most of all quietly apply it as the Lord’s transforming power in your life. Quoting the Bible is your defense against the devil and his lies. It builds your faith when you are fearful and it leads you into wise decision-making. The Bible is your bridge to knowing God’s will.

Related Readings: Job 23:12; Psalm 91:10-12; Luke 24:8; John 2:22

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: Psalm 89:10

You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. Psalm 89:10

We have to trust that God knows when things in our life aren't healthy for us. If He's caused things close to you to scatter, consider that He has a purpose, and enjoy the freedom of your enemies being cast from you. Breathe in the new season He has provided for you.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

Prayers for Ray: Philippians 4:6

Ray is a son of a man that I work with here at the home office of Family Christian Stores. He is in the exact PICU unit at Devos Children's Hospital here in Grand Rapids that our son Levi was early this spring. He has been diagnosed with T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (TCell ALL). On top of that he has been battling a skin infection that's getting worse and blistering and requiring dialysis to help support his liver. WOW!

The family has been sending out prayers for Ray and I'd like to send them out to you!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6

Family Prayer
We are trying hard not to be anxious. Please keep praying for Ray and petitioning God for total healing. And right now pray specifically that the cancer cells will go into remission, and that he will have healthy white blood cells. Also for his infection on his skin to get better. And for Elise, as she was up most all night.

My Prayer
Heavenly Father we really need you to intercede and lay your healing hand on this young man! We know that you can heal him completely! You have something amazing in plan for this family please help them to stay strong in you and give them peace.

YOU NEVER LET GO

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life,
I won't turn back I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me.

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me.

- Matt Redman

The Daily Verse: Isaiah 48:17,18

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea... Isaiah 48:17,18

As we venture into this new year, let us be reminded that it is God and the things of God that we follow and seek, and not man or the ways of man. Pay attention to His ways and follow them, and go after the things that are of Him.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis