Be kind, for everyone you know is facing a great battle.
A true community is something you will have to fight for. You'll have to fight to get one, and you'll have to fight to keep it afloat. But you fight for it like you bail out a life raft during a storm at sea. You want this thing to work. You need this thing to work. You can't ditch it and jump back on the cruise ship. This is the church; this is all you have. Without it, you'll go down. Or back to prison.
Suddenly all those "one another's" in Scripture make sense. Love one another. Bear one another's burdens. Forgive one another. Acts of kindness become deeply meaningful because we know we are at war. Knowing full well that we are all facing battles of our own, we give one another the benefit of the doubt. Leigh isn't intentionally being distant from me - she's probably under an assault. That's why you must know each other's stories, know how to "read" one another. A word of encouragement can heal a wound; a choice to forgive can destroy a stronghold. You never knew your simple acts were so weighty. Its what we've come to call "lifestyle warfare."
We check in regularly with one another, not out of paranoia ("Do you still like me?"), but in order to watch over each other's hearts. "How are you doing?" But be careful about what you are looking for from community. For if you bring your every need to it, it will collapse. Community is no substitute for God. I left our annual camping trip absolutely exhausted and disappointed. As we drove home, I realized it was because I was looking to them to validate me, appreciate me, fill this aching void in my heart. Only once in ten days did I take time to be away with God, alone. I was too busy trying to get my needs met through them. Which is why community cannot live without solitude.
Source: Ransomed Heart Ministries by John Eldredge
9.21.2010
Boyd Bailey: A Fruitful Family
“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord.” Psalm 128:1-4
The fruit from a family who fears the Lord is tasty and delicious. However, this type of fruit does not happen immediately, but is cultivated over time. A fruitful wife sets the tone for the home. By God’s grace she weeds out criticism and replaces it with creativity. The home is her “pride and joy”. It is a reflection of her, as it is her nest.
A home to the wife is like an office to the husband. Things need to be just right or she feels violated. Indeed, be grateful for a conscientious wife who wants to express herself through the home. The fruit of a clean, decorated and ordered home is calming. It provides an environment of stability and frees family members to focus on each other and other people. A husband is free to do what he does best at work with a supportive wife at home.
A mother’s influence spreads like a lovely vine throughout the house. No area is left untouched. The children are nurtured and encouraged by her sensitivity. When instilled from birth, the fruit from children become obedience to God and love for the Lord. Their heart for God grows when parents read Bible stories to them as they wait in the womb.
The warm embrace of their little arms around your neck is the fruit of trust. The look of their kind and trusting eyes is the fruit of consistent love from mom and dad. Their bent toward love for God and people is fruit from their parent’s example of following Jesus.
Furthermore, family fruit flourishes when the man of the house models faithfulness. A husband’s intentional effort to follow the Lord ignites faith at home. A fruitful wife has no problem submitting to a husband—who submits to God. A God fearing man is quick to confess sin to his Heavenly father and to his family. It is not uncommon for him to say, “I am sorry” or “I was wrong”. Authentic confession encourages confession in others.
Confessed up hearts are family fruit. It is probable the family will pray, read their Bible and go to church, if the leader of the home does the same. Family fruit has a direct correlation to the faithfulness of the family head. Family fruit flourishes when the man fears God. Regardless of the circumstances he is committed to doing what God expects.
Therefore, your home becomes a hot house of character. The fruit threatens to bust through the glass panels for all to see. People are encouraged when they visit your hospitable home. Sinners need a safe environment, as acceptance comes from the fruit of Christ’s acceptance. Heavens dew and rainfall keep the fruit coming to a home submitted to Christ. Jesus says, “This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8). Fruit is proof of faithful families.
Does my character cultivate fruit that glorifies God in my family?
Related Readings: Genesis 7:1; Proverbs 31:15; Mark 5:19; Acts 10:2
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
The fruit from a family who fears the Lord is tasty and delicious. However, this type of fruit does not happen immediately, but is cultivated over time. A fruitful wife sets the tone for the home. By God’s grace she weeds out criticism and replaces it with creativity. The home is her “pride and joy”. It is a reflection of her, as it is her nest.
A home to the wife is like an office to the husband. Things need to be just right or she feels violated. Indeed, be grateful for a conscientious wife who wants to express herself through the home. The fruit of a clean, decorated and ordered home is calming. It provides an environment of stability and frees family members to focus on each other and other people. A husband is free to do what he does best at work with a supportive wife at home.
A mother’s influence spreads like a lovely vine throughout the house. No area is left untouched. The children are nurtured and encouraged by her sensitivity. When instilled from birth, the fruit from children become obedience to God and love for the Lord. Their heart for God grows when parents read Bible stories to them as they wait in the womb.
The warm embrace of their little arms around your neck is the fruit of trust. The look of their kind and trusting eyes is the fruit of consistent love from mom and dad. Their bent toward love for God and people is fruit from their parent’s example of following Jesus.
Furthermore, family fruit flourishes when the man of the house models faithfulness. A husband’s intentional effort to follow the Lord ignites faith at home. A fruitful wife has no problem submitting to a husband—who submits to God. A God fearing man is quick to confess sin to his Heavenly father and to his family. It is not uncommon for him to say, “I am sorry” or “I was wrong”. Authentic confession encourages confession in others.
Confessed up hearts are family fruit. It is probable the family will pray, read their Bible and go to church, if the leader of the home does the same. Family fruit has a direct correlation to the faithfulness of the family head. Family fruit flourishes when the man fears God. Regardless of the circumstances he is committed to doing what God expects.
Therefore, your home becomes a hot house of character. The fruit threatens to bust through the glass panels for all to see. People are encouraged when they visit your hospitable home. Sinners need a safe environment, as acceptance comes from the fruit of Christ’s acceptance. Heavens dew and rainfall keep the fruit coming to a home submitted to Christ. Jesus says, “This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8). Fruit is proof of faithful families.
Does my character cultivate fruit that glorifies God in my family?
Related Readings: Genesis 7:1; Proverbs 31:15; Mark 5:19; Acts 10:2
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
9.13.2010
The Daily Verse: Prayer
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16
Do not underestimate the power of your prayers. If there is a situation you're aware of that needs prayer, be intentional to take it to the Father. The situation will be impacted by your intercession, and you will be impacted by spending time in communion with God.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Do not underestimate the power of your prayers. If there is a situation you're aware of that needs prayer, be intentional to take it to the Father. The situation will be impacted by your intercession, and you will be impacted by spending time in communion with God.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
9.03.2010
Holy Spirit Compelled
“For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me…” Job 32:18
God wants us to live a life compelled by His Spirit. When the Spirit within us says yes, we are obliged to follow His lead. It may interfere with our comfort. It may cause us to say no to other good opportunities and it may require us to sacrifice. But because Christ compels us, we come alive to live for Him and to unselfishly serve others.
If it is to speak, then speak with grace and boldness. If it is to teach, then teach with accuracy and relevance. If it is to make deals, then make deals with those you trust and within your area of expertise. If it is to share the gospel, then share the gospel with love and acceptance. If it is to mentor others, then mentor others with humility and wisdom.
If it is to invest in your family, then invest in your family with energy and abandonment. Time is short—so do not waste it on projects and people that are not compelling to you. It may compel others, but not you. Go after those things that motivate you to excellence. You are compelled by the Spirit of God inside you to influence the world outside you.
“These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke” (Acts 6:9b-10).
A compelling life compels others. Your compelling life lifts others out of their apathy and hesitation. You are a force field of hope and courage. Your life becomes more compelling the deeper you go with God. Your character overflows with the fruit of the spirit. People can taste the fruit of the Spirit through your life and it tastes delicious.
So, what does it look like to be compelled by the Holy Spirit? Certainly you are comfortable with God’s purpose for your life. Maybe you broker people for Kingdom purposes. You may be a homemaker, a lawyer, a secretary, a salesman, a software developer, a banker, a mechanic, a teacher or a politician. Your vocation is not ministry, but your ministry is your vocation. Wherever God has called you—do it in a compelling fashion, or don’t do it at all. A Spirit compelled life compels others to follow Jesus.
Barnabas was a Spirit-led man of God, “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24).
Where is the Spirit leading me to serve the Lord? Does my life compel others to Christ?
Related Readings: Acts 16:6-7; Romans 5:5; 15:13-30; 1 Corinthians 2:4-15
God wants us to live a life compelled by His Spirit. When the Spirit within us says yes, we are obliged to follow His lead. It may interfere with our comfort. It may cause us to say no to other good opportunities and it may require us to sacrifice. But because Christ compels us, we come alive to live for Him and to unselfishly serve others.
If it is to speak, then speak with grace and boldness. If it is to teach, then teach with accuracy and relevance. If it is to make deals, then make deals with those you trust and within your area of expertise. If it is to share the gospel, then share the gospel with love and acceptance. If it is to mentor others, then mentor others with humility and wisdom.
If it is to invest in your family, then invest in your family with energy and abandonment. Time is short—so do not waste it on projects and people that are not compelling to you. It may compel others, but not you. Go after those things that motivate you to excellence. You are compelled by the Spirit of God inside you to influence the world outside you.
“These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke” (Acts 6:9b-10).
A compelling life compels others. Your compelling life lifts others out of their apathy and hesitation. You are a force field of hope and courage. Your life becomes more compelling the deeper you go with God. Your character overflows with the fruit of the spirit. People can taste the fruit of the Spirit through your life and it tastes delicious.
So, what does it look like to be compelled by the Holy Spirit? Certainly you are comfortable with God’s purpose for your life. Maybe you broker people for Kingdom purposes. You may be a homemaker, a lawyer, a secretary, a salesman, a software developer, a banker, a mechanic, a teacher or a politician. Your vocation is not ministry, but your ministry is your vocation. Wherever God has called you—do it in a compelling fashion, or don’t do it at all. A Spirit compelled life compels others to follow Jesus.
Barnabas was a Spirit-led man of God, “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24).
Where is the Spirit leading me to serve the Lord? Does my life compel others to Christ?
Related Readings: Acts 16:6-7; Romans 5:5; 15:13-30; 1 Corinthians 2:4-15
John Eldredge: Passivity
One of the saddest of all the sad stories in the history of the people of God comes shortly after the dramatic Exodus from Egypt, as they stand on the brink of a whole new life in the land God had promised:
But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You grumbled in your tents and said, "The LORD hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us. Where can we go? Our brothers have made us lose heart. They say, 'The people are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites there.'" Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you [Not "comfort you." Not "be with you in your distress, defeated by your enemies." Fight for you], as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." In spite of this, you did not trust in the LORD your God . . . Then you replied, "We have sinned against the LORD. We will go up and fight, as the LORD our God commanded us." (Deut. 1:26-41 NIV)
But it was too late. Their decision not to fight is what led to their wandering in the wilderness for forty years. We often cite that part of the story, talking about our own wilderness experiences, embracing the wilderness saga as if it were inevitable. No, that is not the lesson at all. We have forgotten it was avoidable. The reason they took the lamentable detour into the wilderness was because they would not fight. To be more precise, the wilderness was a punishment, the consequence of refusing to trust God, and fight.
(Fathered by God )
Source: Ransomed Heart Ministries by John Eldredge
But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You grumbled in your tents and said, "The LORD hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us. Where can we go? Our brothers have made us lose heart. They say, 'The people are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites there.'" Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you [Not "comfort you." Not "be with you in your distress, defeated by your enemies." Fight for you], as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." In spite of this, you did not trust in the LORD your God . . . Then you replied, "We have sinned against the LORD. We will go up and fight, as the LORD our God commanded us." (Deut. 1:26-41 NIV)
But it was too late. Their decision not to fight is what led to their wandering in the wilderness for forty years. We often cite that part of the story, talking about our own wilderness experiences, embracing the wilderness saga as if it were inevitable. No, that is not the lesson at all. We have forgotten it was avoidable. The reason they took the lamentable detour into the wilderness was because they would not fight. To be more precise, the wilderness was a punishment, the consequence of refusing to trust God, and fight.
(Fathered by God )
Source: Ransomed Heart Ministries by John Eldredge
The Daily Verse: Truth
He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." John 9:25
The truth speaks for itself. Don't over-complicate it.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
The truth speaks for itself. Don't over-complicate it.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
9.02.2010
John Eldredge: We Need a Guide
Whatever the details might be, when a man speaks of the greatest gift his father gave him-if his father gave him anything at all worth remembering-it is always the passing on of masculinity.
This is essential, for life will test you. Like a ship at sea, you will be tested, and the storms will reveal the weak places in you as a man. They already have. How else do you account for the anger you feel, the fear, the vulnerability to certain temptations? You know what I speak of. And so our basic approach to life comes down to this: we stay in what we can handle, and steer clear of everything else. We engage where we feel we can or we must-as at work-and we hold back where we feel sure to fail, as in the deep waters of relating to our wife or our children, and in our spirituality.
Masculine initiation is a journey, a process, a quest really, a story that unfolds over time. It can be a very beautiful and powerful event to experience a blessing or a ritual, to hear words spoken to us in a ceremony of some sort. Those moments can be turning points in our lives. But they are only moments, and moments, as you well know, pass quickly and are swallowed in the river of time. We need more than a moment, an event. We need a process, a journey, an epic story of many experiences woven together, building upon one another in a progression. We need initiation. And, we need a Guide.
(Fathered by God , 6-8 )
Source: Ransomed Heart Ministries by John Eldredge
This is essential, for life will test you. Like a ship at sea, you will be tested, and the storms will reveal the weak places in you as a man. They already have. How else do you account for the anger you feel, the fear, the vulnerability to certain temptations? You know what I speak of. And so our basic approach to life comes down to this: we stay in what we can handle, and steer clear of everything else. We engage where we feel we can or we must-as at work-and we hold back where we feel sure to fail, as in the deep waters of relating to our wife or our children, and in our spirituality.
Masculine initiation is a journey, a process, a quest really, a story that unfolds over time. It can be a very beautiful and powerful event to experience a blessing or a ritual, to hear words spoken to us in a ceremony of some sort. Those moments can be turning points in our lives. But they are only moments, and moments, as you well know, pass quickly and are swallowed in the river of time. We need more than a moment, an event. We need a process, a journey, an epic story of many experiences woven together, building upon one another in a progression. We need initiation. And, we need a Guide.
(Fathered by God , 6-8 )
Source: Ransomed Heart Ministries by John Eldredge
9.01.2010
John Eldredge: A True Father
Jesus kept coming back to this central issue, over and over, driving at it in his teachings, his parables, his penetrating questions. If you look again, through the lens that most of us feel fundamentally fatherless, I think you'll find it very close indeed to the center of Jesus' mission. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?" (Matt. 7:9-10 NIV). Well? We rush ahead to the rest of the passage, but I think Jesus is asking us a real question and he wants a real answer. I expect he paused here, his penetrating, compassionate eyes scanning the listeners before him. Well? I hesitate. I guess you're right. I wouldn't, and apart from the exceptionally wicked man, I can't think of any decent father-even if he is self absorbed-who would do such a thing. Jesus continues, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (v. 11 NIV).
He is trying to speak to our deepest doubt about the universe.
Look at the birds of the air. Consider the lilies in the field. Are you not much more valuable to your true Father than they? (Matt 6:26, 28). Hmmm. I'm not sure how to answer. I mean, of course, there's the "right" answer. And then there is the wound in our hearts toward fatherhood, and there is also the way our lives have gone. "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?" (Matt. 18:12 NIV). Yet another question, pressing into the submerged fears in our hearts, another question wanting another answer. Well? Wouldn't he? "And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost" (vv. 13-14 NIV).
Wherever you are in your ability to believe it at this moment in your life, at least you can see what Jesus is driving at. You have a good Father. He is better than you thought. He cares. He really does. He's kind and generous. He's out for your best.
Source: Ransomed Heart Ministries by John Eldredge
He is trying to speak to our deepest doubt about the universe.
Look at the birds of the air. Consider the lilies in the field. Are you not much more valuable to your true Father than they? (Matt 6:26, 28). Hmmm. I'm not sure how to answer. I mean, of course, there's the "right" answer. And then there is the wound in our hearts toward fatherhood, and there is also the way our lives have gone. "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?" (Matt. 18:12 NIV). Yet another question, pressing into the submerged fears in our hearts, another question wanting another answer. Well? Wouldn't he? "And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost" (vv. 13-14 NIV).
Wherever you are in your ability to believe it at this moment in your life, at least you can see what Jesus is driving at. You have a good Father. He is better than you thought. He cares. He really does. He's kind and generous. He's out for your best.
Source: Ransomed Heart Ministries by John Eldredge
Boyd Bailey: Forgetful Friends
“The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” Genesis 40:23
Sometimes friends forget. They forget birthdays, anniversaries, commitments and what’s important to their friends. The forgetfulness of friends facilitates frustration and disappointment. After all, some of these friends have been past recipients of your help and encouragement. You have been there for them during their days of discouragement. Now when the tables have turned and you are in need, but they don’t seem to be near.
Maybe they are too busy with life, maybe they are buried in their own troubles, or maybe they have simply forgotten you. Unfortunately, some friendships are tentative and unpredictable. When adversity strikes you are able to filter out false friends from forever friends. Fair weather friends will fly in and out of your life. Some friendships are expedient for the moment, while others compound in loyalty and love as the years pass.
However, be careful to not place expectations on your friends. Expectations increase the chances for disappointment. A friend will let you down if you hold over them lofty expectations. If your friend feels the pressure to perform a certain way they will push back in fear or resentment. Friendships are meant for release—not control.
Companions are a gift from Christ. Steward them well, so you can be trusted with more. It is tempting to take our friends for granted. Especially long term friendships, because they are low maintenance and they tend to get the least attention. But, in reality even old friends need nurturing. They need a phone call, a visit or written correspondence. They need time. Friendships grow or atrophy, but care and attention fertilize a friendship.
Moreover, make it a goal for your spouse to become your best friend. You and your spouse sleep and eat together. You raise children together. You manage the home together. You budget money together. You hurt together. You laugh together. You vacation together. You are growing old together. Since you spend so much time together “doing life” it is imperative you fortify your friendship. You are not just tolerating each other for the children’s sake. Your goal is to become best friends, so when the children move out, you are not bored and relationally bankrupt. Fun friendships are intentional.
The marriage relationship is a friendship not to forget. If you ignore this friend you will wake up one day with regrets. Remember their birthday, your anniversary, and all those little things that make them feel special. When you remember a friend, you honor a friend. When you remember a friend, you feed a friendship. Friendships fatigue for lack of attention. Remember a friend today. Remind them of how special they are to you and to God. Love on them and expect nothing in return. Be a friend and you will have friends.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV).
Am I a friend worthy of friendship? What friend do I need to love on and encourage?
Related Readings: 1 Samuel 20:42; Job 16:20-21; Proverbs 27:10; John 15:13-15
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
Sometimes friends forget. They forget birthdays, anniversaries, commitments and what’s important to their friends. The forgetfulness of friends facilitates frustration and disappointment. After all, some of these friends have been past recipients of your help and encouragement. You have been there for them during their days of discouragement. Now when the tables have turned and you are in need, but they don’t seem to be near.
Maybe they are too busy with life, maybe they are buried in their own troubles, or maybe they have simply forgotten you. Unfortunately, some friendships are tentative and unpredictable. When adversity strikes you are able to filter out false friends from forever friends. Fair weather friends will fly in and out of your life. Some friendships are expedient for the moment, while others compound in loyalty and love as the years pass.
However, be careful to not place expectations on your friends. Expectations increase the chances for disappointment. A friend will let you down if you hold over them lofty expectations. If your friend feels the pressure to perform a certain way they will push back in fear or resentment. Friendships are meant for release—not control.
Companions are a gift from Christ. Steward them well, so you can be trusted with more. It is tempting to take our friends for granted. Especially long term friendships, because they are low maintenance and they tend to get the least attention. But, in reality even old friends need nurturing. They need a phone call, a visit or written correspondence. They need time. Friendships grow or atrophy, but care and attention fertilize a friendship.
Moreover, make it a goal for your spouse to become your best friend. You and your spouse sleep and eat together. You raise children together. You manage the home together. You budget money together. You hurt together. You laugh together. You vacation together. You are growing old together. Since you spend so much time together “doing life” it is imperative you fortify your friendship. You are not just tolerating each other for the children’s sake. Your goal is to become best friends, so when the children move out, you are not bored and relationally bankrupt. Fun friendships are intentional.
The marriage relationship is a friendship not to forget. If you ignore this friend you will wake up one day with regrets. Remember their birthday, your anniversary, and all those little things that make them feel special. When you remember a friend, you honor a friend. When you remember a friend, you feed a friendship. Friendships fatigue for lack of attention. Remember a friend today. Remind them of how special they are to you and to God. Love on them and expect nothing in return. Be a friend and you will have friends.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV).
Am I a friend worthy of friendship? What friend do I need to love on and encourage?
Related Readings: 1 Samuel 20:42; Job 16:20-21; Proverbs 27:10; John 15:13-15
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
Boyd Bailey: Rock Of God
“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” Psalm 18:30-32
God is rock solid—always dependable—every present. There are no storms of life or surges from sin that dislodge the Lord’s foundation of faithfulness. Christ is a cleft in the rock and the Rock of ages. He protects, provides and perseveres. Skeptics cannot shove Him aside or ignore His works of salvation. He is a righteous Rock for all who believe.
“When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by” (Exodus 33:22).
Some days our weary souls feel like giving up and giving in to the enemy’s enticements. But we have One greater, who goes with us the extra mile and fights our battles for us. The rock of God cannot be penetrated with arrows of apathy or bullets of unbelief. He stands strong, ready to defend His children and give them victory in His son Jesus.
“With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility. But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, because of your father's God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below” (Genesis 49:23-25).
How is your foundation of faith? Is it built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ, or on the shifting sand of circumstances? Circumstantial belief depends on outside forces, while true faith relies on the unchanging inner peace of God. Choices based on obedience to Christ result in outcomes that honor Him and others. Because you have confidence in the foundational principles found in God’s flawless word, you find His perfect way by faith.
So, praise the Lord your everlasting and unchanging Rock of righteousness. He is worthy to receive all glory and gratitude you offer Him. There is none other like your lofty and lifted up Lord of glory. Exalt His holy name and rest in the cleft of your reassuring Rock. As a follower of Jesus: build on His reliable rock of character—faith, hope and love.
"The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior” (2 Samuel 22:47).
Does my faith rest on the unchanging Rock of God or on my ever-changing circumstances?
Related Readings: Psalm 19:14; 40:2; Isaiah 26:4; Matthew 7:24; 1 Corinthians 10:4
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
God is rock solid—always dependable—every present. There are no storms of life or surges from sin that dislodge the Lord’s foundation of faithfulness. Christ is a cleft in the rock and the Rock of ages. He protects, provides and perseveres. Skeptics cannot shove Him aside or ignore His works of salvation. He is a righteous Rock for all who believe.
“When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by” (Exodus 33:22).
Some days our weary souls feel like giving up and giving in to the enemy’s enticements. But we have One greater, who goes with us the extra mile and fights our battles for us. The rock of God cannot be penetrated with arrows of apathy or bullets of unbelief. He stands strong, ready to defend His children and give them victory in His son Jesus.
“With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility. But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, because of your father's God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below” (Genesis 49:23-25).
How is your foundation of faith? Is it built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ, or on the shifting sand of circumstances? Circumstantial belief depends on outside forces, while true faith relies on the unchanging inner peace of God. Choices based on obedience to Christ result in outcomes that honor Him and others. Because you have confidence in the foundational principles found in God’s flawless word, you find His perfect way by faith.
So, praise the Lord your everlasting and unchanging Rock of righteousness. He is worthy to receive all glory and gratitude you offer Him. There is none other like your lofty and lifted up Lord of glory. Exalt His holy name and rest in the cleft of your reassuring Rock. As a follower of Jesus: build on His reliable rock of character—faith, hope and love.
"The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior” (2 Samuel 22:47).
Does my faith rest on the unchanging Rock of God or on my ever-changing circumstances?
Related Readings: Psalm 19:14; 40:2; Isaiah 26:4; Matthew 7:24; 1 Corinthians 10:4
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
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