Boyd Bailey: Keep Showing Up…

“For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity”. Proverbs 24:16

Do you struggle with the stamina to keep showing up at work or working with relationships? Do you ask yourself if it is really worth it, and will things ever change? I struggle with this and wonder if I am in God’s will. Sometimes I pause and ponder the thought of moving on from the mess that is before me. But, if Christ has called me to this mission, then I am compelled to complete the task. I show up because this is my Savior’s expectation.
You keep showing up and you remain faithful because your Heavenly Father never promised that this life would be without problems and challenges. “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19). The cares of this world will try to choke out His word from your heart, but you learn to process pressure with prayer. This is your relief valve that vents frustrations to your Father in heaven. Don’t lie down in self-pity. Instead, reach out to the Lord and let Him lift you up.

We will fall down and scrape our soul, bruise our pride and arouse our anger. However, what makes a disciple of Christ is the determination to remain faithful. Keep showing up when others let you down. Keep showing up when your finances fade. Keep showing up when you are treated unfairly. Keep showing up when you are sad and uncertain. Keep showing up and God’s grace will break in and overcome you with peace. He blesses righteous resilience.

Rise from your fall into sin and face your Savior with remorse and repentance. Rise from your fall from the sin of others and face your enemies with forgiveness and grace. Rise from your financial free fall and face life with faith and generosity. Jesus showed up for you on the old rugged cross in middle of His injustice and brokenness. He still shows up ever interceding on your behalf. “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword” (Romans 8:33-35)? Do I regularly thank the Lord for showing up for me? Will I show up on behalf of others?

Related Readings: Psalm 37:24; Micah 7:8-10; Matthew 18:21-22; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

“A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19)

The Daily Verse: Philippians 3:13

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead...
Philippians 3:13
Though this passage may be a more familiar one, it's one you can never hear too often. If you're stuck in the past, do everything you know to do to live in the moment, and look to the future with hope and zeal.

The Daily Verse: 1 Peter 5:5b

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
1 Peter 5:5b
I have discovered that in moments of conflict, I tend to get extremely defensive. I hate being told I'm wrong even worse than actually being wrong. Consider yourself in similar situations. Pride doesn't bode well for us with God or with people, so take heart and approach today with a spirit of humility.

The Daily Verse: Isaiah 57:17,18

Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners...
Isaiah 57:17,18
God sees the actions that come out of the desires of our hearts. Whether they be righteous actions, or actions that steal us from His presence, He sees. He is constantly willing and able to heal us and restore us to Him. Press into Him today, asking Him to point out the areas where you've gone astray, as well as those where you've stayed close. Allow His mercy to keep you near.

Boyd Bailey: Life Guard…

“If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?” Proverbs 24:12

The Lord guard’s our life. This does not mean trouble does not traverse in our comings and goings, but it does mean He is always there for us. His presence is our protector, but not to the point of precluding our free will. His guard is meant to be a reminder of righteous living and wise choices. “Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 97:10).

As our Lifeguard He let’s us swim in waters that are both safe and dangerous. We are wise if we stay close to His channel of choices and not float away from His will. Wrong choices lead to repercussions reciprocated by unrighteous acts. Right choices steer us on a course that is easy to bless. Indeed, His angels are available to serve your needs. Jesus experienced this in His wilderness, “Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him” (Matthew 4:11). You also have angels waiting to attend to your body and soul.

Your life is precious to your Heavenly Father. He longs for you to love Him and learn of His ways. His heart hurts when His children rebel or worry over the cares of this world. It may be your work that has you wringing your hands. You have done everything you know to do. You have cut costs, become extremely creative, even shortened workweeks, but the future is still uncertain. In your economic instability you can be certain that He who guards your life also guards your lively hood. Money may go but not His provision.

So as He guards your life, guard the life of others. People are you greatest asset and hard times give you the opportunity to make hard choices that validate your care for your employees. Don’t give in to the fear of finances, but remain faithful to do what’s right and He will provide in His timing. Leaders learn how to really lead in lean times. Practice during difficult days the values you discussed during the days of abundance. The Lord is your Lifeguard and is a model for you to do the same for others. Am I at peace with the Lord’s protection? Do I cover the back of those in my care? “You have ten thousand guardians in Christ” (1 Corinthians 4:15).

Related Readings: Psalm 44:21; Proverbs 5:21; Luke 4:10; Philippians 4:7

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: Proverbs 13:10

By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10
Don't take advice from anything and everything around you - but in God's Word and among the people who have your best interest at heart - listen.

The Daily Verse: Proverbs 24:6

Advisers and Guidance… “For waging war you need guidance and for victory many advisers.” Proverbs 24:6

It takes time to get godly advice, but it saves you time in the long run. We are in a battle for our faith, our families and our finances, so we are wise to engage wise counselors. These are men and women who are not perfect, but who have learned from their mistakes and who know how to process life with a principled paradigm. Godly guidance is a gift that keeps on giving. You pay it forward to friends and family who benefit as well.

Who do you have in your life that holds you accountable to behave from a Biblical baseline? Who speaks to your spirit with words crafted in prayer and produced from a pure heart? If we are to engage the enemy effectively we need many advisers with credible answers. As you ask, listen for a theme in their counsel. This is the truth to follow. You will foresee the dangers and discern the advantages. Wise counsel wins out.

Godly guidance gives you the grace to go far by faith. Your growth in grace allows you to understand what’s best. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Insight from others is an instrument they acquire from their intimacy with Christ. Go to those who have been with Jesus and you will hear from Jesus. He speaks through prayerful people.

Moreover, request people you respect to pray for you to gain God’s perspective, “We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9). God’s guidance gives you everything you need to move forward by faith. There is victory in Jesus, so engage in spiritual warfare with your Savior and His advisers. Who can I seek out for wisdom and guidance? Am I listening with a humble heart to wise advisors?

Related Readings: Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; Luke 14:31; 1 Timothy 6:11-12

The Daily Verse: Matthew 25:23

His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.
Matthew 25:23
The little unseen details are just as important as the visible grandiose accomplishments. Be attentive to both and let this passage encourage you to dot every I and cross every T with the things the Lord has entrusted to you.

Boyd Bailey: Desert Experience…

“At once the Spirit sent Him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended Him.” Mark 1:12-13

Sometimes the Holy Spirit sends you into a desert experience. The purpose of this hard time is not punishment, but purity. God wants to purify your faith and grow your dependence on Him. Times of trial are full of temptation from Satan, for he appeals to your pride, your physical appetite, and your spiritual vulnerability. The enemy smells blood, but the blood he smells is not your demise, it is your salvation. It is the blood of Jesus Christ that covers you during this crisis of faith, in your desert of life.

Your desert experience may involve a child who is away from God and away from home. It may be that your health is failing quickly and you are on the fast track to heaven’s gates. Your desert experience may encompass loneliness and a Lord that does not seem to answer prayer. Heaven may be silent during this time of stress and distress. Your marriage may be in the ditch and even on the way to divorce court, so be careful not to make a dumb decision during your desert time.

He will carry you through. His angels are not passive to your plight, but present to minister to your needs. Your heavenly Father is sending reinforcements for your faith, so stay immersed in the Word of God, because His word is your anchor during this troubling time. The promises of God rain down like manna during desolate desert times. Feed your soul with Scripture, and you will have strength to make it through this time of turmoil. Look to the Lord, for He cares. He is willing to make you whole, and to walk with you through this desert of distress. Do not attempt to gut it out without God and people.

You will be stronger as a result of this faith-stretching situation. What was meant to drive you away from God will draw you closer. The Holy Spirit knows better than you what you need to become more like Jesus in your faith and deeds. This desert experience will pass, so don’t waste this pain and discomfort, but use it to go deep with the Divine.

Turn the tables with trust, for your faithfulness inspires others to remain faithful. The irrigation of God’s love, grace, and forgiveness will flood your desert with new life and will be beautiful to behold. Jesus creates a paradise of character where once existed a desert of temptation. The Bible says, “Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert” (Isaiah 35:6). Am I using my desert time to go deeper with my trust in the Lord?

Related Readings: Exodus 23:20; Daniel 6:22; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 10:13

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:17

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17
Consider what robs you of your freedom. Introduce whatever it is to Jesus and let them work it out. Your chains do not own you. Let the One Who radiates freedom show you the way to loose the shackles, break the chains and get on with things.

Boyd Bailey: Grumbling Is Easy…

“All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert!” Numbers 14:2

It is easier to grumble than to be a part of the solution. We fail to trust God. Someone has let you down: a friend, a parent, a spouse, a child, a co-worker, your Pastor or the Lord. The temptation is to grumble about them for inflicting pain in your life. Before you succumb to temptation remember that every human being at one time or another will let you down. If we are not careful, we can spend our life grumbling at not getting our way.

What a miserable state to live. Instead of representing hope in Jesus and reaching the world for Him, we confine ourselves to our own little circumstance grumbling against those with whom we have set up unrealistic and artificial expectations. Just the pronunciation of the word grumble is depressing… G-R-U-M-B-L-E.

Grumblers have a short memory. Spiritual amnesia sets in and they forget God’s track record of faithfulness. Do you remember all the times He has come through, and what a remarkable experience to see Him at work? And remember those who on most other occasions have served you way beyond the call of duty. We forget about the blessings of the past, our hope in the future and we wallow in the misfortune of the present.

Instead of grumbling, become a part of the solution. Look beyond the present difficulties to the future possibilities. Pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on you. By God’s grace you can rise above the polluted air of grumbling, to the clean, crisp, fresh air of encouragement and hope. Grumbling is contagious, so avoid grumblers or they will suck you in like a bad cold on a blistery winter day. Do I grumble to God or am I grateful to God? “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14, NASB).

Related Readings: 1 Kings 19:4; Psalm 106:24-45; Philippians 2:15; Jude 1:16

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: Colossians 1:17

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:17
Consider the things that are not holding together in your life. Where is Christ amidst them? When suffering happens, do your best to intentionally put Him in the center of how you respond to what comes your way and allow Him to show you His provision and love for you.

Boyd Bailey: Trust Enough…

“But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” Numbers 20:12

A mature and robust trust in God can open the door of opportunity, while a flippant, immature or irreverent trust can slam the door shut on opportunity. I have to ask myself an honest question, “Do I trust God with my whole heart, or only when it is convenient?” There is such a thing as not trusting in God enough to honor Him as holy. How can I make sure I trust in God enough? I can say, “I trust God”, but do I really mean it?

Do I, deep in my heart of hearts, trust him? Do I really trust Him with my job, my boyfriend or girlfriend, my future, my health and my finances? If my trust is contingent on how I think things should go, then I really do not trust God. My trust has to be unconditional, good or bad, pretty or ugly. I will trust Him, even when I disagree or I am confused with my circumstances. Sometimes God tests you to authenticate your trust.

He wants you to know if He is sufficient, or if you find Him lacking. A test is for your benefit, because He already knows if you trust Him enough. You may be failing, just passing, average, or an honor student in God’s school of faith. Are you convinced that your trust in God is enough? Or, is it still an infant faith wrapped in insecurity?

Moving to the next level of trust is not always easy, but it is necessary for the maturing follower of Christ. The easy part is becoming a Christian; the hard part is being a Christian. This happens over time as God gives us tests of trust to grow us up in Him. We can complain, or we can thank Him that He cares so much He doesn’t want our trust to remain raw and disfigured. He is all about developing us into dedicated disciples of Jesus. Is my trust wholly dependent on the Lord alone, plus nothing else? Even enemies of Jesus recognized His total trust in His Heavenly Father, “He trusts in God” (Matthew 27:43a).

Related Readings: Psalm 37:3-5; Isaiah 12:2; John 14:1; Titus 3:8

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: A Delighted Parent…

“The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.” Proverbs 23:24

Parents who love Jesus are delighted in their sons and daughters who love Jesus. There is a profound pleasure that occurs when parents can enjoy the fruit of their faithful parenting. Wise and humble parents understand children who follow the Lord are a result of God’s grace. They embrace truth because He is truth. They receive wisdom because He gives wisdom. They have discipline and understanding because they are His disciples.

Delighted parents are full of gratitude to God for the gift of godly children. There is not a day goes by that they do not go to the Lord and thank Him for the love and obedience in their child’s heart. It gives them great joy to see Jesus preeminent in their child’s conduct and character. You honor your parents when you honor the Lord. Make it a goal to gladden the hearts of your parents. You are a reflection of them, so make them proud parents.

You are also Christ’s representative. As a child of God your Heavenly Father delights in your heart for Him. Do people see Jesus in your attitudes and actions? Is grace and forgiveness your first response? Jesus has great joy when you worship Him in spirit and in truth. He smiles when He sees you say kind and encouraging words to hurting hearts. Your Heavenly Father is also extremely pleased with your obedience to His call.

He expressed His pleasure to His Son, “And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Do you regularly receive affirmation from the Almighty? Do you lavish affirmation on your children? Tell them how proud you are of them and their wise choices. Delighted parents do not sit silently but celebrate Christ’s influence on their offspring. Am I a delight to my Heavenly Father? “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).

Related Readings: 1 Kings 2:1-9; Daniel 1:1-21; Luke 15:23-24; Philemon 1:9-20

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:29b

For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience?
1 Corinthians 10:29b
Consider whether your freedom, or lack thereof, is determined by what you think is important or what others think is important. If you're captive to the ways of the people around you rather than the Spirit that lives within you, reconsider. Your liberty isn't determined by the ways of the people around you, it's determined by Christ within you. Live l

Boyd Bailey: Management by Objectives…

“…Aaron and his sons are to go into the sanctuary and assign to each man his work and what he is to carry.” Numbers 4:19 b

God believes in delegation and follow through. He expects leaders to manage. This is the responsible and the right thing to do. If a job is to be done well, you as the leader have to be a part of the process. Effective managers make expectations crystal clear. Clarity comes through repetition, hands on explanation, written instructions and follow-up. It is important for team members to understand from different perspectives how their role is critical in accomplishing the overall vision. Inspect the results you expect from them.

On the job training is also important; so team members have the opportunity to watch you or someone else complete the work with excellence. This gives the trainee opportunity to ask questions and interact with the trainer. Avoid the temptation to get in a hurry and not be thorough in hands on training. Ineffective training costs you in the long run. It costs you time, money, frustration and personnel turn over. So how can you as a manager grow and improve your management skills? How can you be a good example for the team?

First, make sure you are managed well. Invite your supervisor or Board of Directors to hold you accountable. You have a much better chance to manage well, if you are managed well. Secondly, have regular performance reviews. We do better when others are watching. The review needs to be relational, specific, and results focused. Thirdly, walk around among your team. Seek to understand each person’s role, what is expected of them, and take the time to follow up with tasks you have delegated. Follow through with your commitments and you will maintain your moral authority to manage. Effective leaders manage in person not in isolation. A recluse is a poor manager.

Lastly, challenge the management process. Do the systems of your enterprise facilitate management or stifle management? In other words, do you get the proper data needed to evaluate a person or situation, or are you guessing and making assumptions not based on facts. How can I become a more effective manger and empower our team to manage well? Paul instructed Timothy in this way, “Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others” (2 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT).

Related Readings: Exodus 18:17-26; 39:32; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 6:1-7

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: The Right Path…

“Listen my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.” Proverbs 23:19

There is a right path that leads to life, and there is a wrong path that leads to death. The right path does not envy sinners, but is zealous for the fear of the Lord (v.17). The right path does not engage in excessive drinking and eating, but is content with modest intakes that benefit the body (v. 20-21). The right path reflects Christ and His commands. You keep your heart on the right path by receiving and applying the wisdom of God.

For example, the right path honors its parents even during disagreements (v.22). There is an inherent respect that comes with a child who recognizes their parent’s God given authority in their lives. So they listen with longsuffering, as their mom and dad grow old and repeat themselves with a mind that grows muddled. A respectful child loves their parents for who they are, not for what they can get from them. Their motive is to listen and learn.

Those who walk on the right path reach out for directions from the Lord. Like the Psalmist, they look up for His leadership, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). You experience joy and contentment as you move toward middle age. You are steady and secure as you follow your Savior’s steps. “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped” (Psalm 17:5). The right path blesses with right results.

So Providence is your Pathfinder. God is your Guide. Christ is your Compass. Even as your path zigzags, stay focused on your faith in the Lord. It may be rocky with unforeseen obstacles or bumpy with potholes of disappoint, but don’t stray away, “Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from your path” (Psalm 44:18). The right path fills your soul with gallons of God’s grace. He will fuel your faith to move forward with no fear. What path would Jesus travel? Is my heart on the right path with Him?

Related Readings: Proverbs 4:10-23; Psalm 119:32-35; Luke 3:4; Romans 11:33

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: Isaiah 49:16a

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...
Isaiah 49:16a
Would you engrave someone's name on your hand who you did not know? Neither would God. Be reminded He knows you - even the parts of you that feel lonely, hidden and unknown. Let Him in to those places, so that He can completely assure you that He's in control.

The Daily Verse: Titus 3:10

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him...
Titus 3:10
Satan loves to create and inspire division. Don't play the fool to his schemes. A house divided against itself can not stand. Work toward cohesive unity and don't let the ways of the enemy take any place in your heart or actions.

Boyd Bailey: Audience With Influencers…

“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29

Are you developing you God-given gifts? Are you sharpening your skills as a responsible steward? You have everything you need to become what Christ intends for your life, but it requires growth and development. Sad are people who sit satisfied at their current level of competency. Only those who stretch themselves and continue to advance experience God’s best. Why only reminisce over past blessings when you can attain new milestones?

Influencers want to be around fresh thinkers who are constantly growing in their character. Smart leaders surround themselves with other servant leaders who never stop learning. Perhaps you take the time to sharpen your skills and thus create value that is attractive to those in authority. It could be a continuing education class in computers, a master’s level course in business or an in depth Bible study. Skills need development.

Remember, the Lord gives you wisdom to use your skills in strategic service, “Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters…” (Exodus 28:2). Ask Him where to invest your attributes and aptitudes for the highest Kingdom impact. Don’t remain in mediocrity when you can be a man or woman of excellence who serves an incredibly influential visionary leader. Consider leaving your comfortable place of employment for a challenging assignment with Christ. Like exercised muscles, skills need to be stretched by faith. God’s will advances on the tension of trust and obedience.

Skilled servants of the Lord have a lasting impact on a hurting world. So, use this window of opportunity to invest your time with integrity and the absence of ego. Be content behind the scenes knowing the investment of your expert advice is influencing the decision-maker. An ingenious industrious person exercises influence with influencers. What significant leader can I leverage the skills given me by my Lord in this season of service? “Huram was highly skilled and experienced in all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him” (1 Kings 7:14).

Related Readings: Genesis 41:40-46; 1 Kings 11:28; Psalm 45:1; Matthew 25:21-23

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: 1 Thessalonians 2:4

...but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.
1 Thessalonians 2:4
There will be times that speaking the truth isn't what will make people around you happy. Be intentional in your words and actions - to speak God's truth and to live out the Gospel. If your goal is to people-please, this will not be easy. Be reminded that pleasing God is more important than pleasing people.

The Daily Verse: 1 Thessalonians 1:3

...remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
When the work that you put your hands to is rooted in love for who you serve, it's a lot easier to stay motivated during times of resistance. Consider why you do the work you do and find a way to let love motivate your efforts.

Boyd Bailey: Humility is Attractive…

“Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. Numbers 12:3

Humility is attractive because it accepts others. You feel valued and important when you are in the presence of humility. The humble person is not pressing their agenda; rather they are listening for your needs, dreams and fears. Humility is other centric. It is also in a position to trust in God. You tend to trust someone who trusts God. They depend on their Heavenly Father, because they recognize their limitations without Him.

Humility also solicits followers. People want to follow a person of humility. They respect the honesty that travels with humility. This is vital to effective leadership. People will go the extra mile for a honest and humble leader. They serve with passion because they feel they are served and cared for by their humble leader. However, humility not only attracts positive reactions, but negative ones as well.

Critics can hound the humble. Some critics view the humble one as weak, and therefore their humility is a target for criticism. Their strategy is to wear down the humble one and force him or her to capitulate to the critic’s claims. However, the critic may underestimate the resolve of the humble. A humble person, submitted to the will of God, will not wither under the critic’s verbal firestorm. When there is a conflict between pleasing God or pleasing people, Christ is the choice.

There is a deep reservoir of stamina within the heart and mind of the humble to do what is right and trust God with the results. Overtime the humble person will learn from his critics and become better because of them, but he will not compromise his core values and principles. Ultimately, the goal is to humbly love God and people. This is attractive. “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). Do I walk humbly with the Lord my God? Are others attracted to humility in me?

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 33:1; Matthew 5:5; Acts 7:22; 2 Corinthians 10:1

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: 1 Peter 1:5-8

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:5-8
You have a choice about whether or not you're effective and productive.

Boyd Bailey: Risky Courage…

“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30

Courage is risky because it can be misunderstood and even rejected. The majority may dismiss your courage as unreasonable. You will not always have the majority on your side in decision-making. This is a risk you may need to take. Just make sure it is the Lord leading you and not your stubborn pride. Fearful people sometimes reject courageous people because the pain of what ‘could’ happen, out weights their present pain.

What about the pain that will occur if you do nothing and disobey God? This consequence can be dreadfully painful. Yet many times this is over looked and then negative consequences occur and blame is placed on you. Look at it this way, in either case -- the courageous choice or the do nothing choice-- you will be given credit or blame. Thus be guilty of the courageous choice and trust God with the outcomes.

Courageous leaders have the ability to see the opportunities rather than the obstacles. Yes the obstacles will still be there, but over time will fade away into oblivion. As the old farmer once said about a large dead tree trunk in his field… ‘You can dynamite it out and make a mess, or you can plow around it. If you plow around it over time it will decay and return to where it came from.’ This is true of obstacles. Focus on your God given opportunities, ignore the obstacles, and eventually the obstacles will decay for lack of attention.

Embrace and exploit your opportunities and you will not have time to be distracted by the obstacles. The majority may be enamored and even paralyzed by the obstacles, but stay focused on the God given goal and He will overcome. Yes, courage and faith are first cousins. You need both, but fear is an evil uncle trying to distract you. Be courageous. God only gives you one life to live. Live it faithfully and aggressively for His glory.

Remember to draw your courage from the courageous one, the Lord Jesus Christ. His courage in you will conquer way beyond your ability to persevere. His daily infusion of courage through the Holy Spirit will defeat Satan’s daily distractions of fear and blame. Courage moves forward, fear sit’s still. Courage is risky, but ever so fulfilling. “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them” (Joshua 1:6). Where is Christ leading me to be courageous?

Related Readings: Joshua 10:25; Ezra 10:4; Mark 6:51; Acts 4:13

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: Smart Silence…

“Moses then said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord spoke of when he said, ‘Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’ Aaron remained silent.” Leviticus 10:3

Aaron just lost two of his four sons because of their unwise decisions to disobey God. The emotions in Aaron’s heart must have been racing. Just before the death of his sons, Aaron had experienced the ultimate in ecstasy by luxuriating in the glory of the Lord with his best friend, family and friends. He went from the mountaintop of celebration to the valley of death. He knew to speak in his state of emotion was risky and unwise.

As anger and humiliation boils, our words become ripe to lash out at God and others. It is wise to refrain in the face of raw emotion. There are times to not speak our mind, and not spew our unguarded words and embarrass ourselves. Instead, by God’s grace, we can remain quiet, cool and contemplative. Smart silence sends a message of maturity. It is golden to God.

It is hard to remain silent when we feel hurt or disappointed. It is hard to harness our tongue when we see our children hurting and we feel incapacitated to help. In is hard to keep quiet and pray when we feel the Lord has let us down. Like an IV in a fevered patient, smart silence requires extra doses of God’s grace flooding our lives. His grace refrains us from speaking until a better time and a better day.

There are times to speak up in the heat of the emotion, but those situations are the exception. In most cases, take a deep breath, send up a prayer to your Heavenly Father and wait before you speak. Wait until you are calm and wait for others to cool down. At the appropriate time, make sure your words are birthed from a pure and prayerful heart. Silence is smart because it allows the Lord to soothe your soul. “But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me” (Psalm 131:4). With what relationship do I need to trust God and be silent?

Related Readings: Psalm 4:4; Isaiah 42:14; Mark 14:61; Acts 8:32

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

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My thoughts!
This is an awesome thought: Smart silence sends a message of maturity. It is golden to God.

Boyd Bailey: Easily Angered…

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered”. Proverbs 22:4

What’s behind a short-fused temper? Why do some people fly off in a rage for ridiculous reasons? Anger is insidious when it’s instigated by the trivial, and it transgresses against the Lord for lack of trust. It is hideous because it brings out the worst in everyone in its path. Anger comes from angst in the soul. It is the expression of a faith-starved heart. Mistreatment, abandonment, rejection and loss all contribute to anger. Anger is ugly.

Because anger is unappealing it is wise to avoid the angry, lest you become like them. There is no worse feeling than being trapped in the downward spiral of fury and rage. Anger is an annoyance that no one wants to be around. It is unattractive, unprofitable and immature. Resentful people are unable to get their concerns off themselves and on to others. They are sucked into a cycle of self-pity and self-indulgence. Indeed, service is their secret to freedom.

Perhaps you start by not being intimidated by the angry. Do not fear the fury of the unfaithful. Moses learned this lesson, “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). Begin by faith to put this irritating individual in God’s hands. He can handle them. Do not try to change the angry for they will only increase in anger. Instead intercede to Christ on their behalf for His patience and forgiveness to fill their soul. Angry hearts can only be healed by grace.

If anger controls your actions, repent and ask Jesus to set you free. A disposition of anger is not a badge of honor, but a veil of unresolved sin. So let the Lord love on you and draw you unto His mercy. The Lord loves you and forgives you. He understands the proper use of anger. Ask Christ to channel your energy into eternal initiatives like building a church, feeding the poor and serving your family. Be an activist for Almighty God.

Passion prompted by the Holy Spirit is a mighty weapon in the hands of heaven. Where can I channel my energies for Christ? Who do I need to avoid because of their angry outbursts, and destructive behavior? “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19b-20).

Related Readings: Proverbs 29:22; Jonah 4:1-9; Ephesians 4:26-31; 1 Timothy 2:8

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

The Daily Verse: Isaiah 40:31

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
The Lord's timing is perfect, so if you're having to wait on Him for something, be reminded that He's allowing you to go through each and every moment in order to prepare for the ride of your life!

The Daily Verse: Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10
Sometimes, we insist on living the "go go go" lifestyle - whether that's to be distracted from reality, to keep from being lonely, or perhaps because we have a really driven nature. Amidst your busyness, don't forget the instruction of this passage.

Boyd Bailey: Thorough Work…

“The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord commanded. So Moses blessed them.” Exodus 39:42

We live in an instant society. We want relationships, money and our eating experiences in an instant. In the process of making everything instantaneous we have lost something. We have lost an appreciation for thoroughness in our work and in our relationships. We take short cuts to finish on time and we sacrifice quality just to end up with an inferior outcome. Or even worse, we misrepresent the facts or out right lie to reach a goal because of the pressure we feel to produce. Thoroughness requires attention, trust and tenacity.

Whatever happened to thoroughness? The disciplines to plan ahead, provide accountability, cover the details, create a beautiful result and celebrate the success. Instead we plow ahead without proper understanding and procedures. Everyone does ‘what is right in his own eyes’ and we miss the opportunity to learn and benefit from one another. Indeed, thoroughness begins with a good example from the leader.

Moses was a thorough leader. He listened patiently to God and then delivered in detail to the team what was expected and required to accomplish the project. He understood and applied wise management of people. He understood each of their individual gifts and skills. People who take pride in their work are the most thorough when they’re competent in their area of responsibility and clear as to what’s expected. They understand what’s needed and when it is to be complete. Details and deadlines are friends of thoroughness.

Lastly, thoroughness is dependent on the needed resources and relationships to carry out the project. Don’t be afraid to be resourceful, seek out the people and information needed to carry out your job. Your thoroughness will speak volumes to your boss and to your peers. Your thorough and excellent work is the best testament to your trust in Christ. In the end you are blessed, because of the quality product or service you created. God is glorified through thoroughness and your work experiences enduring influence. What current project requires my thorough attention to detailed implementation?

Related Readings: Genesis 7:5; Exodus 23:21-22; Matthew 28:20; 2 Timothy 2:15

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey

Boyd Bailey: Authentic Independence…

“For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you”. Deuteronomy 15:6

The independence of a nation erodes under the heavy load of debt. Just like with personal debt, nations in debt become a servant to their lender. “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). What happens when the lending nation becomes hostile, demanding and controlling? It is perilous for a group of good people to become dependent on bad people who want to bring them down.

Where is our collective conscience as citizens over our government’s credit abuse? Will we remain passive and silent as the future of our children is mortgaged overseas? We can continue to ignore the downsides of our national debt and spend it all on ourselves, but one day someone has to pay. Debt does no go away, it just entrenches its influence. Printing more money only compounds and extends the problem. Debt needs to die.

So there is a solution. It starts by individuals living within their means. We can eradicate our personal debt, and demand the same of politicians and preachers. Authentic independence is achieved in households and halls of government by keeping a tight rein on debt. We do not spend our way out of a financial fiasco; we refrain from irrational expenditures and we only spend what we can afford. Wisdom stops spending selfishly.

The Lord’s command is to be a lender and not a borrower. The nation who lends has the leverage of influence, control and economic benefit. Authentic independence is achieved by being on the lending side of the debt equation. Pride spends like a drunken sailor with no thought of tomorrow. However, humility saves today and pays off debt to obtain a safe and secure future. How can I be a wise citizen who manages money responsibly? “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men” (1 Corinthians 7:23).

Related Readings: 28:15, 43-45; Proverbs 3:27-28; Romans 13:8

Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey