“They went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop. Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill…” Ezra 4:23b-24a
Don’t give up. You may be facing a temporary setback, but God’s purposes will not be thwarted. It may seem like life is on hold and everything has come to a stand still. You have worked so hard to get to this point and it looks like the opportunity has vanished. Hold it with an open hand. It may have disappeared.
If so, God has something better. What the Lord initiates, He accomplishes. He hasn’t forgotten about you or your circumstances. This is a temporary setback. It is a good time for you to catch your breath and reflect on the great things He has done thus far. You have been running hard. Pause, rest and reflect. Prepare for the next stage of personal and professional growth. We do not need to venture into opportunities for which our character has not been prepared. Maybe this is God’s pause to prepare you for your next steps. The last thing you want is to move forward without the depth of wisdom, patience, relationships and finances needed to complete the project.
“Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house” (Proverbs 24:7).
The motive of your adversaries is to crush your project, but God is taking what was meant for evil and using it for good. The unfair criticism of others is a cheap way to distract you. Ignore their insults. Immature people act immature. Do not lower yourself to their level of behavior. Otherwise you may never get out. You may become stuck by spinning your wheels on being defensive. Focus on God, not your distracters.
“You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).
He is the one who has led you this far, and He is the one who will lead you through to completion. If everything was easy we might take God’s blessings for granted. Or, we might forgo gratitude to God and begin to believe we are in control. However, in reality He knows what is best. He knows how to align everyone’s hearts around His will.
He may eventually use the endorsement, resources and relationships of your biggest critics. Obstacles become opportunities. Adversaries become advocates. Critics become cheerleaders. Enemies become emissaries. And setbacks become a tremendous springboard for God’s will. Take heart and keep your head up. It is the darkest before the dawn. God’s purposes will not be thwarted. Believe it and watch Him work.
“The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
What setback do I need to see as temporary and trust the Lord to see me through?
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 7:9; Isaiah 49:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 3:6
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
6.25.2010
6.24.2010
Boyd Bailey: A Faithful Father
“An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.” Titus 1:6
Second only to his faithfulness to God is a father’s faithfulness to his wife. His faithfulness to his children starts with faithfulness to his bride. The best gift he can give his children is fidelity in his marriage to their mom. A father’s example of faithfulness breeds faithfulness in his family. The generational flow of faithfulness has a higher probability of success, because good values tend to reproduce good values.
“The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation” (Numbers 14:18).
Your faithfulness to your wife sets off security in your son or daughter. Even if your wife has been unfaithful—you remain faithful—because your heavenly Father fuels your faithfulness. There is a higher call for a man whose heart has been captured by heaven. You do not lower your standards to what everyone else does on earth. Faithfulness remains faithful—even when a loved one is unfaithful—as this is the way of the Lord.
“The LORD said to me, "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes” (Hosea 3:1).
What if I have been unfaithful? Return to God in confession and repentance. Take responsibility for your unwise decisions in the past and replace them with wise decisions in the present. Unfaithfulness from a wife or husband does reap a lifetime of consequences, however, in Christ there is healing, forgiveness and the faith to move forward. So, avoid the ugly outcomes of unfaithfulness and remain faithful by faith.
“Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them” (Hosea 14:9).
Above all else, Almighty God is faithful to His children, even in their unfaithfulness. Therefore, fathers go often to your heaven Father for an infusion of integrity and perseverance. Your family, friends and community look to you as an example of what it means to surrender to your Master Jesus Christ. Be a faithful follower of the Lord and your circle of influence will follow you faithfully. A father’s faithfulness forges faith.
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).
As a father how can I be a good model of faithfulness to the Lord and my family?
Related Readings: 1 Samuel 12:24; Psalm 31:23; Proverbs 28:20; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Timothy 2:13
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
Second only to his faithfulness to God is a father’s faithfulness to his wife. His faithfulness to his children starts with faithfulness to his bride. The best gift he can give his children is fidelity in his marriage to their mom. A father’s example of faithfulness breeds faithfulness in his family. The generational flow of faithfulness has a higher probability of success, because good values tend to reproduce good values.
“The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation” (Numbers 14:18).
Your faithfulness to your wife sets off security in your son or daughter. Even if your wife has been unfaithful—you remain faithful—because your heavenly Father fuels your faithfulness. There is a higher call for a man whose heart has been captured by heaven. You do not lower your standards to what everyone else does on earth. Faithfulness remains faithful—even when a loved one is unfaithful—as this is the way of the Lord.
“The LORD said to me, "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes” (Hosea 3:1).
What if I have been unfaithful? Return to God in confession and repentance. Take responsibility for your unwise decisions in the past and replace them with wise decisions in the present. Unfaithfulness from a wife or husband does reap a lifetime of consequences, however, in Christ there is healing, forgiveness and the faith to move forward. So, avoid the ugly outcomes of unfaithfulness and remain faithful by faith.
“Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them” (Hosea 14:9).
Above all else, Almighty God is faithful to His children, even in their unfaithfulness. Therefore, fathers go often to your heaven Father for an infusion of integrity and perseverance. Your family, friends and community look to you as an example of what it means to surrender to your Master Jesus Christ. Be a faithful follower of the Lord and your circle of influence will follow you faithfully. A father’s faithfulness forges faith.
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).
As a father how can I be a good model of faithfulness to the Lord and my family?
Related Readings: 1 Samuel 12:24; Psalm 31:23; Proverbs 28:20; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Timothy 2:13
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
6.21.2010
Boyd Bailey: Wife Support
“Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belongs to us and our children. So do whatever God has told you.” Genesis 31:16
Husbands need the support of their wives. Of course, it works both ways, as the wife needs to feel the support of her husband; but for a man, support is huge. A God-fearing husband knows the Lord has placed him in a position of leadership. It is overwhelming sometimes because he can feel squeezed by the pressures of life. The last thing a husband needs to feel is distance or distrust from his wife.
Wives, your encouragement may be the only thing that is preventing him from giving up, so do not underestimate the strength of your support. Your affirmation is valuable and powerful for the ongoing success of your husband. Men are not as self-sufficient as they may seem. On the outside he may seem invincible, but on the inside he is needy and desperate for recognition and validation.
A man needs to know his wife trusts his decision-making and his ability to provide for his family. Her confidence in him propels his self-confidence to higher levels. Your belief in your husband builds him up to believe in himself. It is difficult for a man to rise any higher than the opinion of his helpmate. Men long to be built up by their brides, so brag on him in public and affirm him in private.
Look to your husband as the leader God has placed in your life. Pray for him to lead lovingly and wisely. Be patient, so as not to usurp his authority when things are not getting done. Trust him with God, for He can handle him. Give him over to God and trust in the accountability of the Almighty. Sometimes a man needs to fail before he can be successful.
As a husband, it is imperative in God’s sight that you lovingly lead your wife and children. You may feel your wife is more qualified, smarter, and more spiritual than you, and while these all may be very true, God’s plan is for you to take the position of leadership in the home. She is looking for you to do whatever God has told you.
Prayer is your mantle of responsibility. See it as a privilege to enjoy and not an obligation to tolerate. She will trust you more and more as you remain trustworthy. It takes time to overcome a track record of distrust. Remain in the process of listening to God, following His commands, and then leading your family to do the same.
There are days you don’t feel like leading or even listening to the Lord. Life can be overwhelming. It can get you down to the point of wanting to walk away from all your responsibilities. But by grace, you carry on in your commitment to Christ, your wife, and your children.
It is foolish to flee from your responsibilities as a husband and father. Fools give up, but God has you in this position so you can learn about Him and His plan for you and your family. Do what He says with passion and abandonment. It may mean moving to another country. It may mean downsizing for a season. It may be organizing a family vacation. It may mean planning the calendar and budget for the upcoming year.
Men, love leads. Love follows God and leads his family. Give your wife the assurance that you listen to and follow God. She will respect you and trust you for this. Wives, support your husbands in ways that make him feel supported. Wife support is life support.
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
Husbands need the support of their wives. Of course, it works both ways, as the wife needs to feel the support of her husband; but for a man, support is huge. A God-fearing husband knows the Lord has placed him in a position of leadership. It is overwhelming sometimes because he can feel squeezed by the pressures of life. The last thing a husband needs to feel is distance or distrust from his wife.
Wives, your encouragement may be the only thing that is preventing him from giving up, so do not underestimate the strength of your support. Your affirmation is valuable and powerful for the ongoing success of your husband. Men are not as self-sufficient as they may seem. On the outside he may seem invincible, but on the inside he is needy and desperate for recognition and validation.
A man needs to know his wife trusts his decision-making and his ability to provide for his family. Her confidence in him propels his self-confidence to higher levels. Your belief in your husband builds him up to believe in himself. It is difficult for a man to rise any higher than the opinion of his helpmate. Men long to be built up by their brides, so brag on him in public and affirm him in private.
Look to your husband as the leader God has placed in your life. Pray for him to lead lovingly and wisely. Be patient, so as not to usurp his authority when things are not getting done. Trust him with God, for He can handle him. Give him over to God and trust in the accountability of the Almighty. Sometimes a man needs to fail before he can be successful.
As a husband, it is imperative in God’s sight that you lovingly lead your wife and children. You may feel your wife is more qualified, smarter, and more spiritual than you, and while these all may be very true, God’s plan is for you to take the position of leadership in the home. She is looking for you to do whatever God has told you.
Prayer is your mantle of responsibility. See it as a privilege to enjoy and not an obligation to tolerate. She will trust you more and more as you remain trustworthy. It takes time to overcome a track record of distrust. Remain in the process of listening to God, following His commands, and then leading your family to do the same.
There are days you don’t feel like leading or even listening to the Lord. Life can be overwhelming. It can get you down to the point of wanting to walk away from all your responsibilities. But by grace, you carry on in your commitment to Christ, your wife, and your children.
It is foolish to flee from your responsibilities as a husband and father. Fools give up, but God has you in this position so you can learn about Him and His plan for you and your family. Do what He says with passion and abandonment. It may mean moving to another country. It may mean downsizing for a season. It may be organizing a family vacation. It may mean planning the calendar and budget for the upcoming year.
Men, love leads. Love follows God and leads his family. Give your wife the assurance that you listen to and follow God. She will respect you and trust you for this. Wives, support your husbands in ways that make him feel supported. Wife support is life support.
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
6.17.2010
The Daily Verse: Effort
For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:8
Perhaps we're in the habit of having everything handed to us, from information at our fingertips to convenience stores that sell everything from gas to coffee mugs. Consider not what you want, but what you actually need. Go to the Father and ask for it.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Perhaps we're in the habit of having everything handed to us, from information at our fingertips to convenience stores that sell everything from gas to coffee mugs. Consider not what you want, but what you actually need. Go to the Father and ask for it.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Boyd Bailey: Generous Dad
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 7:11-13
How much do I give to my children? I can give them too much money, but not too much time. I can give them too much stuff, but not too much love. I can give them too much responsibility, but not too much preparation. I can give them too much freedom, but not too much prayer. A generous dad is able to discern how much is enough for their child.
Each day a giving father prays about the needs of their son or daughter. What does my child need from me today? What are they asking of me with their words, body language, unspoken requests or bad behavior? Extroverted children are not shy to ask for too much, while introverted children need time and space to express their needs. Treat each one according to their unique requirements. A generous dad is able to give good gifts because he understands his child. Gifts are not to compensate for our guilt, but to express our love.
For example a good gift for a son may mean time away with dad at a sporting event, or a great adventure of hunting, fishing or hiking. However, your daughter’s gift motivation may revolve around time with her dad at daddy-daughter camp, a theatrical production or visiting the beach. Discerning dads structure good gifts around a block of quantity time.
Maybe you invest in your child with an every other week date night or father/son time. Ask them to pick the restaurant for dinner and/or the activity for entertainment. Your verbal and written words are a valuable gift at any age. Encourage their tender hearts, discipline their defiant hearts, affirm their humble hearts and chide their selfish hearts. Use birthdays, graduations, proms, ballgames, auditions and weddings to write them notes or letters of how proud you are to be their dad, and how much God loves them.
Lastly, give your offspring good gifts because of how your heavenly Father has lavished His good gifts on you. Pay forward God’s gifts to you of love, patient, holiness, humility, hope and faith. The greatest gift of salvation in Christ Jesus is meant for you to receive and give to your child. There is no greater joy than to see your flesh walking by faith.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
What good gift does my son or daughter need from me? How can I give them the free gift of grace?
Related Readings: Ezra 9:12; Jeremiah 32:39; Luke 10:21; Hebrews 12:7-9
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
How much do I give to my children? I can give them too much money, but not too much time. I can give them too much stuff, but not too much love. I can give them too much responsibility, but not too much preparation. I can give them too much freedom, but not too much prayer. A generous dad is able to discern how much is enough for their child.
Each day a giving father prays about the needs of their son or daughter. What does my child need from me today? What are they asking of me with their words, body language, unspoken requests or bad behavior? Extroverted children are not shy to ask for too much, while introverted children need time and space to express their needs. Treat each one according to their unique requirements. A generous dad is able to give good gifts because he understands his child. Gifts are not to compensate for our guilt, but to express our love.
For example a good gift for a son may mean time away with dad at a sporting event, or a great adventure of hunting, fishing or hiking. However, your daughter’s gift motivation may revolve around time with her dad at daddy-daughter camp, a theatrical production or visiting the beach. Discerning dads structure good gifts around a block of quantity time.
Maybe you invest in your child with an every other week date night or father/son time. Ask them to pick the restaurant for dinner and/or the activity for entertainment. Your verbal and written words are a valuable gift at any age. Encourage their tender hearts, discipline their defiant hearts, affirm their humble hearts and chide their selfish hearts. Use birthdays, graduations, proms, ballgames, auditions and weddings to write them notes or letters of how proud you are to be their dad, and how much God loves them.
Lastly, give your offspring good gifts because of how your heavenly Father has lavished His good gifts on you. Pay forward God’s gifts to you of love, patient, holiness, humility, hope and faith. The greatest gift of salvation in Christ Jesus is meant for you to receive and give to your child. There is no greater joy than to see your flesh walking by faith.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
What good gift does my son or daughter need from me? How can I give them the free gift of grace?
Related Readings: Ezra 9:12; Jeremiah 32:39; Luke 10:21; Hebrews 12:7-9
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
Boyd Bailey: Affectionate Father
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Am I an affectionate father? Like the geyser “Old Faithful” do I spontaneously spew out love and affection over my children? Am I faithful to fill my daughter’s or son’s emotional tank with a warm embrace or a kiss on the head? Or, am I so caught up in my own career and needs that I have no emotional capacity to give them affection? Affection needs to be displayed.
A father with affection reflects his Heavenly Father’s affection for him. It is out of an overflow of being comforted and loved by Christ that redeemed fathers show affection to their children. When the Holy Spirit gives us a warm and secure hug, we can’t help but hug our children and grandchildren. Eternal affection translates into earthly affection.
“Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 10:15).
Perhaps you have a routine of kissing and hugging your children each time you leave home and when you arrive home. There is no rushing out the door until you have made emotional deposits in your most valued relational account. Your child is your lock box of love waiting with a tender heart to be touched by their parents. Be the initiator of hugs and kisses.
When a child’s heart hurts from fear, rejection or physical harm, move closer with care and compassion. Listen with empathic ears and outstretched arms. Affectionate parents are up close and personal, while distant parents are unsympathetic and impersonal. Your seeds of affection reap a harvest of healthy adult children who want to come back home.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20b).
Since He sets His affections on you—you set your affections on Almighty God. A parent—who is first loved by his heavenly Father—then has the capacity to love his children appropriately and fully. Adult children, who have experienced their parent’s affection, more easily show affection. So, seek affection from above and then apply it here below.
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul” (Psalm 143:8).
Do I regularly receive affection from my heavenly Father? How can I intentionally be the most affectionate with my children?
Related Readings: 2 Kings 17:41; Psalm 103:13; Malachi 4:6; Luke 11:13
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
Am I an affectionate father? Like the geyser “Old Faithful” do I spontaneously spew out love and affection over my children? Am I faithful to fill my daughter’s or son’s emotional tank with a warm embrace or a kiss on the head? Or, am I so caught up in my own career and needs that I have no emotional capacity to give them affection? Affection needs to be displayed.
A father with affection reflects his Heavenly Father’s affection for him. It is out of an overflow of being comforted and loved by Christ that redeemed fathers show affection to their children. When the Holy Spirit gives us a warm and secure hug, we can’t help but hug our children and grandchildren. Eternal affection translates into earthly affection.
“Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 10:15).
Perhaps you have a routine of kissing and hugging your children each time you leave home and when you arrive home. There is no rushing out the door until you have made emotional deposits in your most valued relational account. Your child is your lock box of love waiting with a tender heart to be touched by their parents. Be the initiator of hugs and kisses.
When a child’s heart hurts from fear, rejection or physical harm, move closer with care and compassion. Listen with empathic ears and outstretched arms. Affectionate parents are up close and personal, while distant parents are unsympathetic and impersonal. Your seeds of affection reap a harvest of healthy adult children who want to come back home.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20b).
Since He sets His affections on you—you set your affections on Almighty God. A parent—who is first loved by his heavenly Father—then has the capacity to love his children appropriately and fully. Adult children, who have experienced their parent’s affection, more easily show affection. So, seek affection from above and then apply it here below.
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul” (Psalm 143:8).
Do I regularly receive affection from my heavenly Father? How can I intentionally be the most affectionate with my children?
Related Readings: 2 Kings 17:41; Psalm 103:13; Malachi 4:6; Luke 11:13
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
6.15.2010
The Daily Verse: Trust
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
Sometimes we're too hard on ourselves. Be reminded that amidst the pressure you put on yourself, there are plenty of other forces out there looking to give you a hard time. Instead of spending time on self-condemnation, spend that time putting on God's armor so that the true battles to be fought are being met with strategy and protection.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Sometimes we're too hard on ourselves. Be reminded that amidst the pressure you put on yourself, there are plenty of other forces out there looking to give you a hard time. Instead of spending time on self-condemnation, spend that time putting on God's armor so that the true battles to be fought are being met with strategy and protection.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
The Daily Verse: Sovereignty
I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. Revelation 3:8a
When God opens a door for you, walk though. When He shuts a door - take that as a shut door and move along. Trust in what He provides for you; He's not going to lead you astray.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
When God opens a door for you, walk though. When He shuts a door - take that as a shut door and move along. Trust in what He provides for you; He's not going to lead you astray.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Boyd Bailey: A Clean Heart
“But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean'”. Matthew 15:18-20a
Maintaining a clean heart is a daily choice, and one that has a multitude of options. Intellectual images bombard our beliefs like England’s blitzkrieg. Good and bad thoughts compete for our heart’s affection. It is a haven for hellish or heavenly deliberation. If I give in to stinking thinking I soil my soul with unsavory influence and miss my sweet Savior’s soothing protection. A heart given to heaven keeps the hounds of hell away.
It is contemplation on Christ and His character that flushes out unseemly fantasy and fills my mind with the realities of His righteousness. Yes, there is a struggle to keep a clean heart until we see Jesus face to face, however, in the interim it is intimacy with our Lord that invites integrity of heart. “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you” (Psalm 25:1). Intimacy leads to integrity, which creates a clean heart.
One strategy of Satan’s is for Christians to compartmentalize their heart between good and bad, sacred and secular, clean and unclean. This is deceptive because clean and unclean do not mix any more than oil and water blend together. The black oil of an impure heart contaminates a heart cleansed by the saving grace of Christ. Only the power of Almighty God can cap the spewing influence of sin deep in the depths of our heart.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9a).
So—as a follower of Jesus—how do you keep the barnacles of bad behavior from the hull of your heart? Daily surrender and submission to God is an exceptional governor for good behavior. This allows you to harness humility, receive the grace of God and defeat the devil. Battle bad behavior alone and you are overwhelmed, but by grace you overcome.
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:5-6).
Keeping a clean heart is everyone’s battle, so stay accountable to God and people. Perhaps you give permission to a small group that examines your heart with loving questions like, “Are you filling your mind with clean images?” “Are you harboring any anger in your heart?” “Is your heart hurting in need of healing?” A clean heart comes as we submit to Christ, invite accountability from others and confess our sins.
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).
Do I have a regular routine of allowing Christ to cleanse my heart? Am I being accountable?
Related Readings: Psalm 24:3-5; Proverbs 20:7-11; Matthew 22:16; Titus 2:6-8
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
Maintaining a clean heart is a daily choice, and one that has a multitude of options. Intellectual images bombard our beliefs like England’s blitzkrieg. Good and bad thoughts compete for our heart’s affection. It is a haven for hellish or heavenly deliberation. If I give in to stinking thinking I soil my soul with unsavory influence and miss my sweet Savior’s soothing protection. A heart given to heaven keeps the hounds of hell away.
It is contemplation on Christ and His character that flushes out unseemly fantasy and fills my mind with the realities of His righteousness. Yes, there is a struggle to keep a clean heart until we see Jesus face to face, however, in the interim it is intimacy with our Lord that invites integrity of heart. “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you” (Psalm 25:1). Intimacy leads to integrity, which creates a clean heart.
One strategy of Satan’s is for Christians to compartmentalize their heart between good and bad, sacred and secular, clean and unclean. This is deceptive because clean and unclean do not mix any more than oil and water blend together. The black oil of an impure heart contaminates a heart cleansed by the saving grace of Christ. Only the power of Almighty God can cap the spewing influence of sin deep in the depths of our heart.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9a).
So—as a follower of Jesus—how do you keep the barnacles of bad behavior from the hull of your heart? Daily surrender and submission to God is an exceptional governor for good behavior. This allows you to harness humility, receive the grace of God and defeat the devil. Battle bad behavior alone and you are overwhelmed, but by grace you overcome.
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:5-6).
Keeping a clean heart is everyone’s battle, so stay accountable to God and people. Perhaps you give permission to a small group that examines your heart with loving questions like, “Are you filling your mind with clean images?” “Are you harboring any anger in your heart?” “Is your heart hurting in need of healing?” A clean heart comes as we submit to Christ, invite accountability from others and confess our sins.
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).
Do I have a regular routine of allowing Christ to cleanse my heart? Am I being accountable?
Related Readings: Psalm 24:3-5; Proverbs 20:7-11; Matthew 22:16; Titus 2:6-8
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
The Daily Verse: Reassurance
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:1-3
This passage mentions the Lord "...restores my soul." Our God can comprehend everything, so find comfort in knowing that He is aware when you get weary. Take a deep breath - be reminded of the reassurance that this passage provides.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
This passage mentions the Lord "...restores my soul." Our God can comprehend everything, so find comfort in knowing that He is aware when you get weary. Take a deep breath - be reminded of the reassurance that this passage provides.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Boyd Bailey: The Spiritual Leader
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15
What does it mean to be the spiritual leader of my home? Do I have to reach a level of spiritual maturity before I qualify? If my wife is more spiritual than me, shouldn’t she be the spiritual leader? Spiritual leadership is determined by position, not knowledge. God places a man in the role of spiritual leader to lead his wife and children in faith.
Our wife and children may know more of the Bible, but the Lord still holds us responsible for their spiritual well being. So as a husband and a father we have to ask ourselves, “What are we doing to lead our family spiritually?” This non-optional assignment from Almighty God forces us into faith-based behavior. We want to model daily time in Bible reading and prayer. Spiritual leaders show the way in knowing God.
“The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family” (Acts 16:34).
Spiritual leadership does not require a graduate degree in theology, but it does require a degree of planning and preparation. Spiritual leaders create a prayerful plan of intentional actions that expose their family to faith opportunities. You spend time looking for houses of worship that meet the needs of your wife and child, much like you would want them to live in the right home or attend the right school. Spiritual leadership seeks out a church.
"Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool“ (Psalm 132:7).
Men who make it a big deal to lead their family spiritually make the most difference at home and in the community. Your investment in family Bible study, your example of faith under fire, and your Christ-like character are living testaments to the truth of God.
Talk about the Lord when you linger in traffic with your children, pray with them when they are fearful and upset, hold your wife’s hand and listen to her heart, sign up for the next marriage retreat and serve others unselfishly. You can’t control the culture, but you and your house you can serve the Lord. Spiritual leaders lead their family to love God.
“For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything” (Ephesians 5:23-24).
How can I take responsibility to lead my family spiritually? How can I leave a legacy for the Lord?
Related Readings: 2 Samuel 12:20; Psalm 100:4; Acts 18:7; 2 Timothy 1:16
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
What does it mean to be the spiritual leader of my home? Do I have to reach a level of spiritual maturity before I qualify? If my wife is more spiritual than me, shouldn’t she be the spiritual leader? Spiritual leadership is determined by position, not knowledge. God places a man in the role of spiritual leader to lead his wife and children in faith.
Our wife and children may know more of the Bible, but the Lord still holds us responsible for their spiritual well being. So as a husband and a father we have to ask ourselves, “What are we doing to lead our family spiritually?” This non-optional assignment from Almighty God forces us into faith-based behavior. We want to model daily time in Bible reading and prayer. Spiritual leaders show the way in knowing God.
“The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family” (Acts 16:34).
Spiritual leadership does not require a graduate degree in theology, but it does require a degree of planning and preparation. Spiritual leaders create a prayerful plan of intentional actions that expose their family to faith opportunities. You spend time looking for houses of worship that meet the needs of your wife and child, much like you would want them to live in the right home or attend the right school. Spiritual leadership seeks out a church.
"Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool“ (Psalm 132:7).
Men who make it a big deal to lead their family spiritually make the most difference at home and in the community. Your investment in family Bible study, your example of faith under fire, and your Christ-like character are living testaments to the truth of God.
Talk about the Lord when you linger in traffic with your children, pray with them when they are fearful and upset, hold your wife’s hand and listen to her heart, sign up for the next marriage retreat and serve others unselfishly. You can’t control the culture, but you and your house you can serve the Lord. Spiritual leaders lead their family to love God.
“For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything” (Ephesians 5:23-24).
How can I take responsibility to lead my family spiritually? How can I leave a legacy for the Lord?
Related Readings: 2 Samuel 12:20; Psalm 100:4; Acts 18:7; 2 Timothy 1:16
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
6.14.2010
The Daily Verse: Effectiveness
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
Most of us want to make a difference, whether it be on a global scale, or simply in our one-on-one relationships. Re-read this passage - it describes the tools that continually need sharpening in order to be effective. Get them out, sharpen them and live life in such a way that these qualities continually increase in measure. Don't hold yourself to perfection, but insist on forward motion.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Most of us want to make a difference, whether it be on a global scale, or simply in our one-on-one relationships. Re-read this passage - it describes the tools that continually need sharpening in order to be effective. Get them out, sharpen them and live life in such a way that these qualities continually increase in measure. Don't hold yourself to perfection, but insist on forward motion.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
6.01.2010
The Daily Verse: Perspective
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8
Consider that you and God process very differently. Step outside of your own ways of thinking, and attempt to see things in the way He sees them. You will be amazed at what different perspective you will stumble upon.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Consider that you and God process very differently. Step outside of your own ways of thinking, and attempt to see things in the way He sees them. You will be amazed at what different perspective you will stumble upon.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
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