“... let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…” Proverbs 1:5
Wise men and women are lifetime learners. The knowledge and understanding that served us well last year will not be sufficient for next year. It is what we are learning today that prepares us for tomorrow. Wisdom and discernment listen and learn. They listen to people around them and learn what to do, and what not to do. Another’s tragedy can be an unfortunate teacher of what decisions to avoid. When you see the decision to use debt irresponsibly destroy a family, you learn the discipline of saving. Another’s triumph’s can be a fortunate teacher of what choices to embrace. The sacrifice of a mom who stays home to serve her family increases the probability of children with character. You listen and learn from her how to love little ones to love Jesus, so keep learning.
Your counsel increases in value, as you grow in wisdom and discernment. Lazy learners are left to be by themselves. It is a life that learns that others desire learning. So seek out a mentor who models learning, whom you can weekly meet to challenge your assumptions. Invite your mentor to question your answers more than answer your questions. Oral learning through the exchange of ideas unlocks and applies wisdom. You are positioned to learn in an audience of one with gray hair. Lastly, learn by submission to God and His word. A humble life can be trusted with God’s wisdom, and the Holy Spirit’s discernment. It is out of your compassion and mercy that knowledge is converted to wisdom. Keep learning and the Lord will lift you to new levels of influence, stop learning and you will lower into irrelevance. Learning expands your Kingdom effectiveness and deepens your character. The Bible says, “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning” (Proverbs 9:9).
Transformational Living
What lesson do I need to learn today, so I can better serve the Lord and others tomorrow?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
It's amazing how God works! I, just yesterday, mustered up the courage to ask a gentle man from church to be my mentor. The idea of a mentor has been bouncing around in my for some time now. I'm so looking forward to what flourishes out of this experience.
10.30.2008
10.29.2008
Boyd Bailey: No Struggles…
“They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.” Psalm 73:4-5
Having no struggles at all will never happen in this lifetime. Non-existent struggles are not possible, until you graduate to heaven’s struggle-less environment with your Savior. The nice and the naughty alike struggle, though outwardly they may seem void of vexation. The righteous and the wicked both struggle in varying degrees. No one is exempt from struggles. Yes, there may be seasons of minimal conflict; however struggles are on the way. You are either struggling, about to struggle or have just finished struggling. Indeed, everyone from monks to the mafia struggle. Therefore, don’t spend your life trying to insulate yourself from struggles. The Bible teaches, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
You will stress out more from trying to avoid struggles, than you will from accepting their reality. This is not to say God would have us solicit struggles into our life. But He does understand that struggles are meant to send us to Him. Struggles look for a Savior, and Jesus is our friend in our fight against struggles. Moreover, envy can erode your eternal perspective by giving you a false impression of others who seem to live life without struggles. This is inaccurate and ill-conceived. No amount of money or power can completely drive struggles from someone’s life. In fact, it may compound struggles because of the complexity of choices that are created. Someone’s large amount of discretionary time may on the surface seem like they are without struggles, but they are not. There are still the internal struggles of sin and self against God’s best. And there are the external struggles created by other people’s choices and circumstances that are out of your control. Struggles send you to prayer for others. Paul requested this: “I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me” (Romans 15:30).
Transformational Living
Who can I join in their struggles through personal and persistent prayer?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
I'm currently struggling with, this hot topic, right now in my life. For me, the most powerful thought in this posting is: You will stress out more from trying to avoid struggles, than you will from accepting their reality.
I have to learn to except the reality and deal rather then avoiding at all cost.
Having no struggles at all will never happen in this lifetime. Non-existent struggles are not possible, until you graduate to heaven’s struggle-less environment with your Savior. The nice and the naughty alike struggle, though outwardly they may seem void of vexation. The righteous and the wicked both struggle in varying degrees. No one is exempt from struggles. Yes, there may be seasons of minimal conflict; however struggles are on the way. You are either struggling, about to struggle or have just finished struggling. Indeed, everyone from monks to the mafia struggle. Therefore, don’t spend your life trying to insulate yourself from struggles. The Bible teaches, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
You will stress out more from trying to avoid struggles, than you will from accepting their reality. This is not to say God would have us solicit struggles into our life. But He does understand that struggles are meant to send us to Him. Struggles look for a Savior, and Jesus is our friend in our fight against struggles. Moreover, envy can erode your eternal perspective by giving you a false impression of others who seem to live life without struggles. This is inaccurate and ill-conceived. No amount of money or power can completely drive struggles from someone’s life. In fact, it may compound struggles because of the complexity of choices that are created. Someone’s large amount of discretionary time may on the surface seem like they are without struggles, but they are not. There are still the internal struggles of sin and self against God’s best. And there are the external struggles created by other people’s choices and circumstances that are out of your control. Struggles send you to prayer for others. Paul requested this: “I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me” (Romans 15:30).
Transformational Living
Who can I join in their struggles through personal and persistent prayer?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
I'm currently struggling with, this hot topic, right now in my life. For me, the most powerful thought in this posting is: You will stress out more from trying to avoid struggles, than you will from accepting their reality.
I have to learn to except the reality and deal rather then avoiding at all cost.
10.24.2008
Boyd Bailey: Emotional Emptiness…
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”. Proverbs 4:23
Emotional emptiness is a set up for frustrated and insecure living. If I ignore my emotional bank account with bad behavior, I can easily become overdrawn and withdraw into my silent shell. There are ‘late fees’ that result in broken promises, missed appointments, and angry outbursts. Emotional emptiness easily leads to chronic exhaustion. Bad emotions like unresolved anger overcome those running on emotional empty, in addition good things like serving others can suck the joy and gratitude from your life if you are not emotionally whole. Resentment runs rampant when your emotions are on the edge of emptiness, so guard your heart with the Holy Spirit’s help and wisdom.
So how do you know if you are approaching emotional emptiness? And if you are emotionally spent how do you replenish your emotional bank account? One sign of emotional fatigue is when your feelings are easily hurt. You take too much personally without appropriating forgiveness and trust in the Lord’s ability to handle the situation, so invite God to grow your character during challenging times. One way to involve Jesus in your emotional barrenness is to write out your fears, and talk it through with the one whom you totally trust. He will give you courage to encounter those you fear with humility and courage. Lastly, make regular appointments with encouragers who lift you to the Lord with their affirmation and prayers, and who remind you to place your hope in heaven. Emotional fullness is created in a prayerful pace of living. Protect your emotions as they give understanding and insight into yourself, people and the Lord. Above all else, trust in the peace of God to make whole your emotions, and to guard your heart. The Bible says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Transformational Living
When can I block of weekly time on my calendar to guard my heart and replenish my emotional emptiness?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Wow I need this this morning! I've truly been feeling empty as of late! I really need to do a better job of guarding my heart and find someone I trust to help me refill your tank!!!
Emotional emptiness is a set up for frustrated and insecure living. If I ignore my emotional bank account with bad behavior, I can easily become overdrawn and withdraw into my silent shell. There are ‘late fees’ that result in broken promises, missed appointments, and angry outbursts. Emotional emptiness easily leads to chronic exhaustion. Bad emotions like unresolved anger overcome those running on emotional empty, in addition good things like serving others can suck the joy and gratitude from your life if you are not emotionally whole. Resentment runs rampant when your emotions are on the edge of emptiness, so guard your heart with the Holy Spirit’s help and wisdom.
So how do you know if you are approaching emotional emptiness? And if you are emotionally spent how do you replenish your emotional bank account? One sign of emotional fatigue is when your feelings are easily hurt. You take too much personally without appropriating forgiveness and trust in the Lord’s ability to handle the situation, so invite God to grow your character during challenging times. One way to involve Jesus in your emotional barrenness is to write out your fears, and talk it through with the one whom you totally trust. He will give you courage to encounter those you fear with humility and courage. Lastly, make regular appointments with encouragers who lift you to the Lord with their affirmation and prayers, and who remind you to place your hope in heaven. Emotional fullness is created in a prayerful pace of living. Protect your emotions as they give understanding and insight into yourself, people and the Lord. Above all else, trust in the peace of God to make whole your emotions, and to guard your heart. The Bible says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Transformational Living
When can I block of weekly time on my calendar to guard my heart and replenish my emotional emptiness?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Wow I need this this morning! I've truly been feeling empty as of late! I really need to do a better job of guarding my heart and find someone I trust to help me refill your tank!!!
10.10.2008
Boyd Bailey: Glad in God…
“Let Israel rejoice in the their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.” Psalm 149:2
You can be glad in God. Your circumstances may be in a sad state, but your Savior can bring a smile to your face. Salvation in Jesus is a joy, delight and privilege. Fear may have caused you to forget the free gift of eternal life extended to you by God’s grace, for gladness is its ambassador. I can’t help but be grateful when I think of the situations the Lord by His grace has led me through. The divorce of parents, feeling abandon, working three jobs simultaneously, marriage conflict, health issues, career upheaval, challenging children and financial disappointments, all were sad situations, but my Savior saw me through. You may find yourself in a sad state of affairs, but be glad because your King Jesus is still in control. The goodness of God is your gauge for being glad.
Our joy is in our Lord and King Jesus; we choose no lower delight. The religion of men remains dead in sin, sad and contingent on circumstances, we however serve with gladness a risen Savior who rules by grace and truth. Gladness comes when you go to God to govern your life. It is the Lord you look to when life is spinning out of control. Children of God are happy to be His. You can be glad your Maker made you for Himself. He wants you, He desires you, and He invites you into the joy of His presence. Time with Jesus in stillness and solitude generates joy in your soul. Your glad heart will make music, and sing praises to your King. You may find yourself dancing with the stars under the canopy of heaven. Sing the new song written on your heart by the Holy Spirit, and you will be glad in God. The Bible says, “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” (Psalm 100:2).
Transformational Living
Where do I need to trust God and be glad in the middle of a sad and stressful situation?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Wow! I really needed to read this today. It's been a difficult week. This is the thought that really hit me... Gladness comes when you go to God to govern your life. It is the Lord you look to when life is spinning out of control.
You can be glad in God. Your circumstances may be in a sad state, but your Savior can bring a smile to your face. Salvation in Jesus is a joy, delight and privilege. Fear may have caused you to forget the free gift of eternal life extended to you by God’s grace, for gladness is its ambassador. I can’t help but be grateful when I think of the situations the Lord by His grace has led me through. The divorce of parents, feeling abandon, working three jobs simultaneously, marriage conflict, health issues, career upheaval, challenging children and financial disappointments, all were sad situations, but my Savior saw me through. You may find yourself in a sad state of affairs, but be glad because your King Jesus is still in control. The goodness of God is your gauge for being glad.
Our joy is in our Lord and King Jesus; we choose no lower delight. The religion of men remains dead in sin, sad and contingent on circumstances, we however serve with gladness a risen Savior who rules by grace and truth. Gladness comes when you go to God to govern your life. It is the Lord you look to when life is spinning out of control. Children of God are happy to be His. You can be glad your Maker made you for Himself. He wants you, He desires you, and He invites you into the joy of His presence. Time with Jesus in stillness and solitude generates joy in your soul. Your glad heart will make music, and sing praises to your King. You may find yourself dancing with the stars under the canopy of heaven. Sing the new song written on your heart by the Holy Spirit, and you will be glad in God. The Bible says, “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” (Psalm 100:2).
Transformational Living
Where do I need to trust God and be glad in the middle of a sad and stressful situation?
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Wow! I really needed to read this today. It's been a difficult week. This is the thought that really hit me... Gladness comes when you go to God to govern your life. It is the Lord you look to when life is spinning out of control.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)