Boyd Bailey: God’s Passover…

“The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and where I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.” Exodus 12:13

God’s Passover for the Christian is the blood of Jesus Christ. The cross of Christ is the reason God’s judgment of hell is withdrawn from believers. The blood of Christ brings you to God. God prepared the blood sacrifice for those who desire to follow Him. The shedding of His only Son’s blood was the final sacrifice for the sin of mankind.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

Yes, it was a gory event tied to a grace-filled consequence. Jesus went through the muck and the mire of man’s sin to lead you to salvation. It was not a pretty process, but it was a radically redeeming one. John the Baptist boldly proclaimed his introduction of Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29b)

Christ’s unconditional love on the cross has empowered you to love freely. His torturous death on the cross has equipped you to die daily to your worldly whims. Christ’s focus on the will of His heavenly Father as He faced the cross compels you to pray, “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42).

It is the cross of Jesus that gives individual believers God’s Passover. God gives you a pass from His judgment, and it is a pass stamped with the blood of His Son, Jesus. Once you believe in Jesus as the Lamb of God who was slain for your sins, your past, current and future sins are covered. God’s Passover is thorough and complete.

Therefore, celebrate religiously the radical love and grace of God’s Passover. Do not take for granted this emancipation from sin, sorrow, and death. It is cause for solemn yet joyful celebration.

His Passover is meant to be celebrated corporately and individually. This is one reason to stay engaged with Christ’s bride, the church. The church of Jesus Christ is designed to raise the roof in worship and celebration for God’s Passover through his Son, Jesus. This weekly celebration is not meant to settle into a take-it-for-granted posture that is expedient for the moment. Rather, this first day of the week is set aside to celebrate God’s Passover.

Believers remember so they don’t forget. It breaks the heart of God when a church with a steeple outside forgets the cross inside. Therefore, celebrate corporately and in community with energy and thanksgiving because of God’s Passover through the Cross of Christ.

But celebrate God’s Passover individually as well. Make a big deal out of the anniversary of your spiritual birthday. Perhaps as part of your physical birthday celebration you could tell the story of your spiritual birth. Has the blood of Jesus been sprinkled over the doorposts of your heart? After your death will His judgment pass over your life?

“Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Do I celebrate Christ as God’s Passover sacrifice for my sin? Have I invited Jesus to forgive my unbelief?

Related Readings: Genesis 22:8; 2 Chronicles 35:16; Hebrews 9:7-20; 11:28

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: Depressions Despair…

“[Elijah]… went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord’, he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors. Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.” 1 Kings 19:4, 5

Depression strikes even the most spiritual of giants. In fact, those of spiritual stature are a target for depression, as it strikes indiscriminately and subtly. It attacks us when we are emotionally spent and physically fatigued. Many times after experiencing spiritual warfare you are set up for depression. You can be on a spiritual mountain top, but watch out, you are a candidate for the valley below.

It is a valley of despair between two mountains of God’s faithfulness. One day you can feel and see the mighty hand of God on your life, but then, what seems like the next day, His favor is gone. You have been a humble servant in the hand of the Lord. He has used you to mentor and disciple others for His glory, but now people seem to have become a burden. But be of good cheer, as you are later blessed with spiritual grandchildren. Your faithfulness matters.

Sometimes unwittingly others put you on a pedestal, as they think you must be just fine, because you are the mentor, the Bible teacher and the more mature follower of Christ. Disarm them of this fantasy. Your confession of being discouraged and depressed will help those around you come out of their closet of depression and despair.

Depression could be a ‘thorn in your flesh’ you will have all your life which keeps you dependent on God, or it may be temporary. You may need professional help and medication to navigate you through its immobilization of your life. But do not lose heart. God is just as real and faithful in the valley as He is on the mountaintop.

Get up and pursue God. The cloud of depression has a better chance of moving on when you get quiet before your Heavenly Father. He wants you, so allow Him to love you. He loves you for who you are, His child, not for what you do but for just who you are. Let Him love you, unconditionally and freely, without reservation and limitation.

You may need to rearrange your schedule and add blocks of days for detoxification from busyness. Stay before the throne of grace, at a friend’s lake house or a quiet spot by the beach. Lastly, let the Body of Christ love on you. You have invested all these years in others, but now is the time to withdraw some of those relational dividends.

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" (Psalm 42:2-3)

Is my faith in a funk? How can I let the Lord love on me right now? Whom can I serve?

Related Readings: Job 35:9-11; Psalm 115:1-3; Mark 15:34; Romans 7:21-25

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: United We Stand…

“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25

The Church can be so diverse in its beliefs, that it becomes divisive and ineffective. Thus, Jesus calls us to unify around the truth. He is the truth and He states very clearly, “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32). Belief in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ brings Christians together in grateful worship.

Does your church believe in the basic tenets of the Christian faith? The inerrancy of the Bible, salvation by grace through faith, that heaven is real and hell is hot, the deity of Christ and His second coming are all bedrock beliefs. Yes, there will be tangential issues that distract us from time to time, but we can learn to live with our differences and unite around the essentials---all with grace, love, patience, respect and understanding.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14).

What about governments that dispute to the point of irreconcilable differences? Can they divorce from each other’s ideologies and go on their merry way? Of course not. But, if they choose to abandon communication and respect for one another, then they choose the chronic course of division and the ultimate demise of democracy’s effectiveness.

Does your work and home have common values that are espoused and executed? When work associates and family members agree upon the behaviors of honesty, accountability, honor, teamwork and transparency---all with a focus on Christ as the head, then there is a high probability for unity. We cannot stand alone, but together we will conquer as Christ did--- sin, sorrow, Satan, death and hell. Unify around what’s right and watch God work.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:7).

What relationship do I need to find common ground? Is my church unified around Christ?

Related Readings: Judges 20:11; Psalm 133:1; John 17:23; Romans 15:5

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: 1 Kings 15:11

“Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had.” 1 Kings 15:11

Bold obedience may be required for your current situation. Are you surrounded by those who are indifferent, or disobedient to God’s expectations? You may be the only dissenting voice to what is happening, but stick to your convictions. This is God’s will for you to do what is right, even if the majority disagrees. People are ultimately looking for leaders and other people who say what they believe, and believe what they say.

Anybody can go along with the crowd or commit the sin of silence. Your non-action or quietness could validate the wrong side of the issue being debated. People need to know where you stand. Christ rewards followers who are willing to lose face, lose friends, lose finances and even lose family if it comes down to choosing right or wrong.

“Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life” (Luke 18:28-30).

Bold obedience is what it takes many times to shake a nation, a family, a community or even a church into the realities of God’s expectations. If everyone just goes along as if nothing is wrong, then Satan lulls us into apathy and irresponsibility. So look around you, ask what needs to change, and let God use you as a catalyst for bold obedience. Your no may be the spark that lights the fire of courage in others who have been afraid to speak.

Are you are a student? This could be a time for you to blend in with the crowd and float through your University days undetected. Or you can choose to use this most impressionable time of life as an excuse for bold obedience. Know what you believe, why you believe it and live it! Live it in and out of class. Live it in the Fraternity, the Sorority and at the ballgames. College students are looking for something real and eternal.

Allow your bold obedience be an advertisement of God’s realities, as you are God’s public relations person. Are you serving is overseas in missions, work or the military? This could be a temptation to capitulate to the mores of this foreign culture that are not Christ honoring. However, you remain strong in the Lord, and with grace and humility live the Spirit filled life. Be bold in your obedience and different to the point people ask why you love, accept and give with such boldness and abandonment. It gets results.

“I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs” (Luke 11:18).

What issue or person requires my boldness? How does the Lord define what’s right?

Related Readings: Genesis 4:7; Job 17:9; Acts 4:29; 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: Philippians 1:6

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6

God is doing something in you. If the going is tough, keep pressing forward. One way or other, the work He's doing is going to get done, so your cooperation and willingness to play ball will only add to your joy and the end result according to His perfect design. Embrace the journey!

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

Boyd Bailey: Aware Of Reality…

“But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from the place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick.” Matthew 12:14-15

What is the reality of your situation? Are you aware of the good and the bad forces around you? How do you determine the wisest thing to do? We face questions of reality everyday and with the Lord’s leading we can well define and confront your reality. The gullible go ahead unconcerned, but the savvy seek the best way for the reality they face. For example, has your health ever been compromised to the point of chronic pain? It may be time to take a step back and adjust your schedule, so you can get the necessary rest to let your body heal. Furthermore, have your relationships retreated to the point of nonexistence? Is it time to slow down and reengage with those who care about you? If we ignore its instruction, reality is a painful teacher. We can do a reality check and become the better for it, or we can drive ahead oblivious to the consequences of our actions. Do you live in reality, or in a world no one else recognizes as authentic? Seek the Lord and you will see your situation more clearly. Christ is aware to help you beware. Wise followers of Jesus learn to adjust to the reality of their circumstances. When your expectations become unrealistic you adjust, or you live in perpetual frustration. When your financial goals become unachievable you adjust, or stay a slave to money. When your career only maintains you adjust, or you languish in unfulfilling work. Lastly, ask Christ to create your own reality based on the Bible. Embrace your calling to serve people, and opportunities will arise to invest in individuals. It is your humble service that solicits the grace of God to generate a godly reality. Be aware of what’s around you and then adjust toward giving God the glory in your new reality. Reality understood allows you to embrace change, reject fear and trust Jesus in the process. “Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote… Then Daniel answered the king, "You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means” (Daniel 5:5,17). Daniel understood the writing on the wall: it defined reality. What is my new reality? How can I honor God while facing the reality of my situation? Related Readings: Genesis 13:7-11; Proverbs 22:3; John 3:3-9; Galatians 4:21

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: Unwise Compromise…

“ The Lord had told the Israelites, ‘You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods’.. 1 Kings 11:2 b “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.” 1Kings 11:11:4

Compromise can cripple, if you violate a direct command of Christ. If we chose to ignore God’s directives there may be consequences, sometimes even severe ones. This is where power and money are very, very deceptive. They can set you up for diluting the Lord’s standards. You may be tempted to rise above the rules, and not follow what you expect others to obey.

However, with more power and wealth comes more accountability. God may have placed you in an influential role. How do you steward your influence? Is it for God and others first, or is it for only your ego’s interests? It is important for power and wealth to be a servant of godly purposes rather than its’ master. So we honestly ask, “Does my life compromise my convictions to honor Christ by obeying Him?” More power requires more accountability.

One way to discern your level of compromise is to keep God’s Word as your standard and search the Scriptures daily and ask God to teach and direct your heart. Compromise of God’s ways means you lose, while adherence to His commands means you win. So, if being honest means you miss a deal, you miss the deal, and trust Him for a better one in the future. If giving to the poor means you do not build a second home, then you do not build a second home, and maybe a friend will let you vacation in their second home for free!

An effective way to avoid compromising God’s standards is by having an accountability partner. Create checks and balances in your life. Who do you listen to for advice now? Are they men and women of unquestionable integrity? Or, do you just listen to those who tell you what you want to hear? Seek out those who will give you discerning and unfiltered feedback. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, so submit yourself to the inspection and questioning of others.

You may chose a personal and/or business board of directors, or an accountability group of four or five people. Perhaps, you allow them to check your personal budget each year and ask about any large purchases or charitable contributions made. Maybe, you allow a trusted friend to call your spouse and ask how you are doing. Compromise is subtle and crafty--so be on your guard and defeat it--before it defeats you.

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

How can I avoid compromising Christ’s commands? Is my accountability truly effective?

Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 24:19; 1 Kings 22:18-39; Luke 21:34; 1 Timothy 4:16

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: Colossians 3:12

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience... Colossians 3:12

You are chosen by God - so act like it!

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

The Daily Verse: Leviticus 26:4

..then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Leviticus 26:4

God knows when the landscape of our hearts needs His rain. Trust in His timing, and until that rain comes, learn what you can while you're thirsty. Hope in the promise of not only His nurturing rain, but also in the process of yielding fruit beyond your imagination.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

Boyd Bailey: Perseverance’s Prize…

“… The temple was finished in all its details according to its specifications. He had spent seven years building it. It took Solomon thirteen years, however, to complete the construction of his palace.” 1 Kings 6:38 b, 7:1

Sometimes it is difficult to finish. Just the sound of the word perseverance communicates something difficult. But do not quit--press on--it would be easy to quit now, but later you will be glad you finished. Perseverance is required because most projects, people and life’s goals require more than we anticipated. Yes, our expectations normally “under bid” the cost of the commitment. We get in the middle of our commitment and realize the need for more patience, forgiveness and determination than we originally budgeted.

The extra cost of time and money can be discouraging and even depressing. The business or ministry you started with great enthusiasm is now struggling. It requires much more time, leadership and money than you would have ever dreamed. The children you are raising are a joy, but at times can be painful and require great grace. Your marriage is mostly heaven, but at times can be like hell, so stay loyal to your vows.

How do you respond when the going gets rough? Life is not fair, it can be a bear, and so will you persevere? We persevere because the results are rewarding. The process conforms us into the likeness of Christ. His character becomes a rock of dependability during hard times. So how do we persevere during adversity?

First, you are able to persevere by going to Jesus. Every other place you can turn will be lacking. Ultimately it is your Heavenly Father who has the answers. He is the dependable one, who never leaves us or forsakes us. Jesus understands perseverance as He “endured the cross and despised its shame” (Hebrews 12:2, KJV). He didn’t give up--for our sake.

Another reason we are able to persevere is the past and present example of others. People throughout history have paid the ultimate price so that we might enjoy our freedoms. Closer to home you have family members who have toiled relentlessly, so you could enjoy the fruits of their labors. How can we give up, when those before us, in more difficult circumstances, were able to persevere? Gratitude produces perseverance.

Lastly, there is a good pride that says, “I will complete this goal because it is the right thing to do. I have made this commitment, thus I will finish”. Once you have completed the task, you can relish the moment for years to come, knowing you never gave up, you gave it your best and you persevered. Persevere for Christ’s sake and the sake of others; you will be so satisfied with the results. Your perseverance gives others hope to press on.

“You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary” (Revelations 2:3).

What project or job do I need to see through to completion? Will I persevere for Him?

Related Readings: Romans 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 13:7; Hebrews 11:27; 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7

...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

Many times the fear of what is to come is much worse than what is to come. Don't forget that the enemy tries diligently to remind you that life and all it will bring is very daunting. Those thoughts can paralyze you, and keep you from actually living. Take this truthful reminder to heart - that God has placed a spirit of love and self-control within you. That means you choose what you're going to focus your energy on - not someone else. Exercise those gifts and experience the freedom promised to you.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

Prayers for Ray: Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. Psalm 28:7 NIV

Boyd Bailey: Preparation Precedes Power…

“This is the one about whom it is written: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you”. Matthew 11:10

Jesus spent thirty years in private preparation for three years of public service. He knew the necessary need to wait on His Heavenly Father for the power of His blessing, before He embarked on His eternal mission. What passionate desire has the Lord laid on your heart that awaits you thorough preparation? Like Elijah, you first prepare an altar of sacrifice by faith, and wait on God to send forth His fire from heaven to ignite your work.

Similarly to Jesus, you probably depend on others as part of your preparation process. The creditability of John the Baptist paved the way for the “Lamb of God”. In the same way, the good reputation of trusted friends can accelerate your success. This is why it is wise to wait on the endorsement of other trusted leaders. Pay the price of being mentored, before you run ahead to your next assignment. New leaders need the old leaders approval.

Pain is another product of preparation. Until your perspective has been seasoned by adversity, your confidence has not been tempered away from arrogance and toward humility. God doesn’t waste pain, as it produces the character required to represent Christ. It’s in our hurt that we cry out in humble dependence, confession and repentance. We learn the good and the bad about ourselves in pain’s process. Pain produces patience.

Are you expecting to receive the fruit of preparation without paying the price to prepare? Ministers who prepare are endowed with power from on high. Preparation precedes anointing. Parents who prepare learn from experienced parents. Preparation precedes obedient children. Students who prepare privately are recognized publicly. Preparation precedes education. Leaders who prepare their minds and hearts feel God’s favor.

What is your next step in the process of preparation? Is it to silently serve the poor, or to boldly challenge the rich? Is it to earnestly work with your hands, so you can better relate with your head? Do not dismiss thorough preparation in place of zealous shortcuts. Stay the course in Christ’s school of learning submission, as His power rests on the prepared.

“Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, "The LORD -he is God! The LORD -he is God!” (1 Kings 18:37-39).

What patient preparation do I need to complete? Am I serving others in God’s power?

Related Readings: Psalm 85:13; Amos 4:12; Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:21

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: The Best Request…

“I will give you what you asked, I will give you a wise and discerning heart…” 1 Kings 3: 12 a

The wisdom of God goes beyond your ability to understand right and wrong. Wisdom transcends uncertainty in areas that may be unclear and murky. Wisdom asks, why do you want to do want you want to do? What is your motive? Is your drive to succeed for you, or do you strive for excellence, because it is the Lord’s expectation for you?

Wisdom sees opportunities as options to further God’s Kingdom, rather than a way to expand self-appointed power and status. The Lord is looking for other-centered people whose heart’s desire is to obey Him. Yes, books can increase your knowledge, but only God can bestow wisdom. Knowledge that just feeds pride and ego misses wisdom.

People are not impressed by what you know. They are attracted to what you do with what you know. Wisdom applies God’s perspective by transforming the human worldview. For example, you decide not to marry someone because it is not the wise thing to do. They are a nice person, intelligent; financially secure and even religious, but they lack an unselfish commitment to you and God. Wisdom waits for what’s best.

Thus, wisdom comes from God and it’s received through a heart of character. The Lord does not entrust His thoughts with someone who will prostitute His wisdom for wrong purposes. He looks for a heart of humility and honesty. A wise person prays to God and says, “I need you and I need your direction. Without your wisdom, I am lost and unclear in your ways”. Humility is the gateway to wisdom and honesty applies it well.

Your humility means you are teachable to learn from God. Your honesty means you will use God’s wisdom in an honorable way. Wisdom can be used to settle disputes between individuals or organizations. It can serve you in becoming an expert in your field. Wisdom takes knowledge, and, like paint in the hands of a gifted artist, creates beauty.

Wisdom leads you in your decision making process, so you are consistent to ask, “What is the wise thing to do?” You search the Scriptures daily and God fills your heart with wisdom. You enjoy the company of wise people; learn from their mistakes and from their wise choices. Wisdom is not microwavable, for it comes over time. Be patient. Talk to God about your need for wisdom, as He gives freely to all who ask with a humble heart.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

Am I wise to seek the Lord’s wisdom and the wisdom of His humble servants? What is the wise thing to do right now?

Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 1:11-12; Daniel 2:23; Mark 6:3; Ephesians 1:17

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: When In Doubt…

“When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" Matthew 11:2-3

Doubt seeks to destroy our faith. It is in our discouragement—even despair—that we begin to question God. “What did I do wrong?” “Lord did you call me to this place of confusion?” “Where is my joy and hope?” “Are you even real or just a figment of my imagination?” Left to its natural conclusion doubt crushes our faith in Christ.

Fortunately, faith does not have to take a furlough when we are frustrated and fatigued. It is in your confinement that Christ wants to remind you of His great power. So cry out to Him in your confused circumstances and He will earnestly listen in love. “In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears” (2 Samuel 22:7). He does not leave His loved ones alone and in doubt.

It is ok to be in doubt, but it is not ok to remain in doubt. What doubts challenge your faith in God? His provision? His promises? His presence? His character? His care? When these questions assault your confidence in Christ take a step back and review His track record. The reality of your salvation set you on the productive path of peace and forgiveness. Answered prayer over the years is proof enough of His love and concern.

Furthermore, use this temporary time of distrust to go deeper with Jesus. The pressure you feel on all sides is your Savior’s way to solicit your attention. When in doubt seek out the Lord, learn to love Him completely, and discern more fully His profound promises. Use doubt to dig deeper into the truth of Scripture, marinate your mind, “Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8).

When in doubt stay steadfast in seeking out your Savior. Wait on Him, especially when you wonder what’s next. Where there is true faith there may be a mixture of unbelief, so remain faithful even when questions fondle your faith. Perseverance will one day free you as a stronger and more committed follower of Christ. See Jesus for who He is--as doubt dissolves in His reassuring presence. Doubt starves to death when it’s not fed.

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—the LORD, who remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:5-6).

What doubts do I need to acknowledge and release to God? Is Christ trustworthy?

Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 33:12; Job 36:16-19; John 20:27; Jude 1:22

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: Brutal Facts…

“Then Joab went into the house of the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines.” 2 Samuel 19:5

Brutal facts are not always pretty or inviting, but they are reality. Initially brutal news may take you back and even make you feel beat up. But take heart, it is good for bad news to travel fast. You are better off to hear negative news first, before the information becomes filtered through other perspectives, or the facts fester and become worse.

Brutal facts that are not given attention move from an inflamed infection to relational and organizational gangrene. Inevitably there follows an amputation; someone or something has to be severed. This extreme action could be avoided if the brutal facts are revealed, recognized and acted upon. Brutal facts are our friends; so do not dismiss the messenger because the message is bad. He or she is just the delivery person.

Yes, the messenger’s attitude and character may not always be stellar, but the content of their words can be extremely accurate. The wise receiver of brutal facts will extract the “chaff and keep the wheat”. Brutal facts may mean you have lost touch with those who love you the most. In your zeal to provide for them, you have failed to get to know them.

A brutal fact may relate to your finances. What is the reality of your cash situation? Come clean with your spouse and seek accountability from a trusted third party. Or, the state of your physical health may be a heart attack waiting to happen. Take care of your ‘temple’ or it will take care of you by tumbling down around you. Do you rationalize that all of your activity is for the Lord? The truth is, He can get by without any of us just fine.

So where can we find these brutal facts? Your spouse, parent or friend is a good starting point. They have a vested interest in you, so normally their perception of the facts is fairly accurate. Listen with an ear to learn, but if you become defensive or argumentative they will eventually shut down. Because they care, is why they want you to be aware.

Why not change on your on terms rather than being forced to change on another’s? This is the essence of brutal facts—there are some things that need to change. You, the work culture, and your family are always in flux, so use this as an opportunity to move from mediocrity to excellence. Embrace the brutal facts, learn from them and become better.

“Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says.” (2 Samuel 7a).

Who currently has concerns that I need to seriously consider? How do I need to change?

Related Readings: 2 Kings 5:10; Haggai 1:13; Romans 9:1; 3 John 1:12-13

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: Do Not Fear…

“So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”. Matthew 10:31

There is no need to fear, because your Heavenly Father is here. He is here to listen to your concerns. He is here to defeat the devil. He is here to heal your hurts. He is here to comfort you in a crisis. He is here to give you peace and encouragement. He is here to rebuke and correct you. He is here to give you wisdom. Your Father is here, so don’t fear.

He knows the details of your disappointments, like He knows how many hairs are on your head. You feel the stress of overwork and underpay, and you wonder if Christ will change your circumstances. He may not, at least for now, so continue to do your best and trust that in His timing He will provide. The Lord is never late.

Christ’s work is not always as convenient as we might want, but it is in the inconveniences of life that we learn to persevere. We sometimes lament that the labor is long and hard, but we can be grateful that we have the health and good fortune to work. God implores us to remain faithful during dark times, so we can be His shining light. He whispers words of admonishment to our heart, so we are able to speak with confidence His truth to tired and fearful friends.

How valuable are you to your Heavenly Father? What worth does He place on your life? If He knows and cares about the death of a sparrow, how many times more is He concerned about your cares? Embrace His interest in your body, soul and mind. The Lord’s appraisal of your life is not at a discount, but a premium. You can be sure that He sees tremendous value in you. So only fear not reaching your full potential for Him.

Have you deployed your gifts for God? You may say, “I did, but not now”. Why? If fear has frozen your faith, so that you have stopped attempting great things for God, let trust thaw out your inertia. Draw on the resources of heaven and your confidence will return. You are on assignment from Almighty God and His mission is very meaningful. Fear God, but don’t be afraid, because His will is where you walk in security and peace with Jesus.

What is the difference between fearing God and being afraid? What am I worth to God?

Related Readings: Isaiah 8:12; 41:10; John 12:42; 1 Corinthians 16:10

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: Psalm 56:10, 11

In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:10, 11

Evaluate where you put your trust and what you allow to evoke fear. Be reminded that God is trustworthy and it is in Him who you should invest your treasure of trust.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis

Psalm 23: Line by Line Meaning

The LORD is my shepherd = RELATIONSHIP
I shall not be in want = SUPPLY
He makes me lie down in green pastures = REST
He leads me beside quiet waters = REFRESHMENT
He restores my soul = HEALING
He guides me in paths of righteousness = GUIDANCE
For his name's sake = PURPOSE
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = TESTING
I will fear no evil = PROTECTION
For you are with me = FAITHFULNESS
Your rod and your staff they comfort me = DISCIPLINE
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies = HOPE
You anoint my head with oil = CONSECRATION
My cup overflows = ABUNDANCE
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life = BLESSING
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD = SECURITY
Forever = ETERNITY

Boyd Bailey: Shrewd But Innocent…

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” Matthew 10:16

Servants of the Lord Jesus Christ require a level of shrewdness that is pure in motivation and innocent in intentions. Christians are not to create their own naïve world; rather we engage the realities of the world with keen insights and discernment. We have been given the mind of Christ, so we can comprehend through His eyes problems and solutions.

"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Furthermore, be on guard against those who leverage the Lord for their own agenda. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing whose cause is to use the church and Christianity to fill their coffers. These impostors of light deliver dark outcomes, instead of righteous results. Don’t be duped by those who only want to use your creditability for their cause.

“For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people” (Romans 16:8). Shrewdness is able to see past shallow words into the depth of the heart. Discernment goes deep and knows.

Is your Christianity practical and purposeful? Are you willing to suffer even when your intentions are innocent and pure? The wolves of the world do not care about Christ; they only want their way. Thus stay true to truth and transparency, and trust the Lord to keep you in times of danger and uncertainty. Be wise and walk in His ways, not the world’s .

This is why your Savior Jesus sends His shepherds to accompany you on your faith journey. Your minister of the Gospel is God’s representative to guide you. His teaching exposes lies, so you are able to apply truth and understanding to relationships. Your great shepherd is Jesus, but His ministers represent His authority and insights. Shrewdness and innocence comes to those who follow Christ and His shepherds in faith and hope.

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).

How do I balance shrewdness and innocence in negotiating business deals? How can I submit to the shepherding of the minister at my local church?

Related Readings: 2 Samuel 13:3; Micah 5:4; Luke 16:1-8; Philippians 4:7

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: James 1:22

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22

As a follower of Christ, it is important that you hear and know God's Word. It is vital that you live like you do.

Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis