“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 NKJV
What is quality of life for the Christian? How does Christ define quality living? He gives abundant life, but what does this look like for those who love the Lord? Abundant life begins by receiving the gift of God in the life of Jesus Christ. “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” (1 John 5:11). Quality of life begins with eternal life as the end goal. God gives us eternal life to be lived more abundantly on earth.
Quality of life means we live life motivated by what outcomes will live on into eternity. Perhaps I get less and give more. By adjusting down my standard of living, I am able to give more toward what matters to Jesus. The Lord modeled well for us a life of quality. One example was His unselfish service, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:4-5). Service to others brings quality of life to all parties.
Quality of life may not lead to ease and comfort, as our culture likes to advertise. Paul described his life of obedience to the Lord as a dangerous way, “I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers” (2 Corinthians 11:26). You face danger by faith, but knowing you live for Christ sake you persevere and trust Him.
“How is my quality of life? Is it abundant in its obedience to Christ? Is He my life to the point His priorities are my priorities? Do I let go of earthly indulgences so others can gain eternal rewards?” “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3). Quality of life is experienced by Christ’s life at work in and through me.
Related Readings: Amos 6:1-7; Isaiah 54:2; 2Peter 1:3; Revelation 2:7-10
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
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My thoughts!
You face danger by faith, but knowing you live for Christ sake you persevere and trust Him. I love this! It makes me feel so loved.
5.18.2009
5.15.2009
Boyd Bailey: Unfriendly Faith…
“An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.” Proverbs 18:1
Why are some people unfriendly? Are they just shy, or is there selfish intent? If I am fearful of being embarrassed because of my words, the focus is all on myself and not on Christ and others. There is a need for me to get over me, and get on with God. It is not about self, but about selfless love of people. If Christ is the center of my thinking, then I totally trust Him in growing my social skills. Silence can send the wrong message.
If someone silently judges another, without seeking to understand and clarify their position, there follows conceit and arrogance. Conversely, friendliness can facilitate a safe environment so that relationships can emerge and grow in grace. However, an attitude of contempt tends to make matters worse by not extending grace and understanding. “When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace” (Proverbs 18:3)
An unfriendly face can release selfish signals. It repels warmth and rejects intimacy. What does the expression on your face communicate, acceptance or rejection? Do you invite others into your emotional space with a pleasant expression, or do you dismiss them with a face without feeling. How we look is a translation of our heart. Therefore, be friendly and attractive, so that your faith in Christ can be expressed with grace and love.
A friendly countenance says you are open to hearing a person’s hurts and fears. You are not easily frustrated, because your focus is on serving and not being served. Friendly faith is forever reaching out, and sincerely seeking to understand another’s perspective. “Does my attitude portray being a friend of Jesus, or a friend of the world?” Friendly faith facilitates faith. Thus, “Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy” (1 Peter 3:15, TM).
Related Readings: Proverbs 16:21; 24; John 15:14-15; Philippians 2:3; James 4:4
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
God! Please help me to not have an unfriendly face! :)
Why are some people unfriendly? Are they just shy, or is there selfish intent? If I am fearful of being embarrassed because of my words, the focus is all on myself and not on Christ and others. There is a need for me to get over me, and get on with God. It is not about self, but about selfless love of people. If Christ is the center of my thinking, then I totally trust Him in growing my social skills. Silence can send the wrong message.
If someone silently judges another, without seeking to understand and clarify their position, there follows conceit and arrogance. Conversely, friendliness can facilitate a safe environment so that relationships can emerge and grow in grace. However, an attitude of contempt tends to make matters worse by not extending grace and understanding. “When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace” (Proverbs 18:3)
An unfriendly face can release selfish signals. It repels warmth and rejects intimacy. What does the expression on your face communicate, acceptance or rejection? Do you invite others into your emotional space with a pleasant expression, or do you dismiss them with a face without feeling. How we look is a translation of our heart. Therefore, be friendly and attractive, so that your faith in Christ can be expressed with grace and love.
A friendly countenance says you are open to hearing a person’s hurts and fears. You are not easily frustrated, because your focus is on serving and not being served. Friendly faith is forever reaching out, and sincerely seeking to understand another’s perspective. “Does my attitude portray being a friend of Jesus, or a friend of the world?” Friendly faith facilitates faith. Thus, “Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy” (1 Peter 3:15, TM).
Related Readings: Proverbs 16:21; 24; John 15:14-15; Philippians 2:3; James 4:4
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
God! Please help me to not have an unfriendly face! :)
5.13.2009
Boyd Bailey: Focused Follow Through…
“A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.” Proverbs 17:24
Wise leaders focus on follow through, and do not wander around detached from the details. Details are stepping-stones to success or, if ignored, stumbling blocks to failure. Discernment keeps you systematically focused on a sequence of tasks that assure the implementation of every point in a project. You are wise when you promise less and deliver more. Indeed, focused leaders who follow through can be trusted with more.
If the leader is distracted by the next new idea he will not have the energy or mental capacity to follow through with the most strategic pending project. It is a naïve leader who thinks he or she can delegate their way away from staying engaged in the execution of mission critical initiatives. Every week, or even daily, your team needs to hear from you discerning questions that increase their accountability. Follow through engages.
How is the progress related to the agreed upon timeline for completion? What obstacles are in the way, and how can they be removed? Is the cost of the project within budget? What did we decide and who is responsible for its implementation? Wise leaders know enough of the details to know what questions to ask. You keep wisdom in view by focusing on a few mission critical strategies. You bring clarity to the course of action.
Teams clamor to follow a wise leader who is focused on follow through. So model the way by doing what you say. Your servant leadership facilitates follow through for the team. Become their barrier breaker, and give them the confidence to carry on. Follow through creates creditability. Above all, focus on the Lord and follow through with what He tells you to do. Faith follows through. “Am I a leader worth following, because I follow through?” “Can I be trusted with more, because I have been faithful with what I have?” Perhaps you say “no” more, and “yes” less. Jesus said, “Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37).
Related Readings: Psalm 119:37; Proverbs 15:14; John 7:17; 1 John 2:16
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
This is amazingly sound advice! Something I've been working in my professional and personal life! It's difficult, but well worth the effort!
Wise leaders focus on follow through, and do not wander around detached from the details. Details are stepping-stones to success or, if ignored, stumbling blocks to failure. Discernment keeps you systematically focused on a sequence of tasks that assure the implementation of every point in a project. You are wise when you promise less and deliver more. Indeed, focused leaders who follow through can be trusted with more.
If the leader is distracted by the next new idea he will not have the energy or mental capacity to follow through with the most strategic pending project. It is a naïve leader who thinks he or she can delegate their way away from staying engaged in the execution of mission critical initiatives. Every week, or even daily, your team needs to hear from you discerning questions that increase their accountability. Follow through engages.
How is the progress related to the agreed upon timeline for completion? What obstacles are in the way, and how can they be removed? Is the cost of the project within budget? What did we decide and who is responsible for its implementation? Wise leaders know enough of the details to know what questions to ask. You keep wisdom in view by focusing on a few mission critical strategies. You bring clarity to the course of action.
Teams clamor to follow a wise leader who is focused on follow through. So model the way by doing what you say. Your servant leadership facilitates follow through for the team. Become their barrier breaker, and give them the confidence to carry on. Follow through creates creditability. Above all, focus on the Lord and follow through with what He tells you to do. Faith follows through. “Am I a leader worth following, because I follow through?” “Can I be trusted with more, because I have been faithful with what I have?” Perhaps you say “no” more, and “yes” less. Jesus said, “Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37).
Related Readings: Psalm 119:37; Proverbs 15:14; John 7:17; 1 John 2:16
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
This is amazingly sound advice! Something I've been working in my professional and personal life! It's difficult, but well worth the effort!
5.08.2009
Boyd Bailey: A Mother’s Work…
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:” Proverbs 31:27-28
A mother’s work is never done. There is always another meal to prepare, a face to wipe, clothes to wash, an errand to run, a room to clean and a dollar to manage. She serves unselfishly like Jesus, “After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (John 13:5). A mother’s work makes those around her look good. She is God’s chosen one in the home.
The law of love and kindness is written on her heart, but some days it’s hard to have the right attitude. The work can become laborious, monotonous and taken for granted. It is at this point of feeling unappreciated that a wise mom reminds herself of heaven’s applause. She is really serving for an audience of one, her loving Lord. Her Savior Jesus smiles at her service and that’s enough. The reward of doing right encourages her heart to do right.
In addition there are the rewards of a child’s smile and warm embrace, “Thank you mommy for being my mommy”. Or a loving husband who genuinely thanks her and serves his wife by listening, serving and giving praise. She takes pride in her work, because she recognizes everything she has is a gift from God. Her home and family are a reflection of her and her Heavenly Father. She manages the home for her Master’s glory.
Lastly, her work is a model for her children to follow. Her actions become a teacher that prepares them for adulthood. Chores done well, create children who work well. Assign them responsibilities so they learn thoroughness, cleanliness and organization. Indeed, her work creates calm in the home, like the Lord quiets her 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 131:2). “Am I content serving my family for Christ’s sake?”
Related Readings: Proverbs 4:3; Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Timothy 5:14; Titus 2:4
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Thank you God for MELISSA (my amazing wife and friend)!
A mother’s work is never done. There is always another meal to prepare, a face to wipe, clothes to wash, an errand to run, a room to clean and a dollar to manage. She serves unselfishly like Jesus, “After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (John 13:5). A mother’s work makes those around her look good. She is God’s chosen one in the home.
The law of love and kindness is written on her heart, but some days it’s hard to have the right attitude. The work can become laborious, monotonous and taken for granted. It is at this point of feeling unappreciated that a wise mom reminds herself of heaven’s applause. She is really serving for an audience of one, her loving Lord. Her Savior Jesus smiles at her service and that’s enough. The reward of doing right encourages her heart to do right.
In addition there are the rewards of a child’s smile and warm embrace, “Thank you mommy for being my mommy”. Or a loving husband who genuinely thanks her and serves his wife by listening, serving and giving praise. She takes pride in her work, because she recognizes everything she has is a gift from God. Her home and family are a reflection of her and her Heavenly Father. She manages the home for her Master’s glory.
Lastly, her work is a model for her children to follow. Her actions become a teacher that prepares them for adulthood. Chores done well, create children who work well. Assign them responsibilities so they learn thoroughness, cleanliness and organization. Indeed, her work creates calm in the home, like the Lord quiets her 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 131:2). “Am I content serving my family for Christ’s sake?”
Related Readings: Proverbs 4:3; Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Timothy 5:14; Titus 2:4
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Thank you God for MELISSA (my amazing wife and friend)!
5.05.2009
Boyd Bailey: A Mother’s Love…
“As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.” 1 Thessalonians 2:7
A mother’s love reflects the love of the Lord, deep in its capacity and generous in its application. She awakes in the middle of the night to nurse a hungry infant, or care for a sick child. Her intuition injects love at points of pain, and in situations that require extensive encouragement. A mother’s love lingers long in conversation and understands with her sensitive heart. She loves, because Christ’s love compels her to love like Him.
Moreover, a mother’s love is loyal and longstanding. A child may be in trouble, but mom is always close by, full of compassion and acceptance. Her love can be blind in its loyalty, but her offspring never doubt where they are welcomed. Jesus was rejected by angry, jealous men and abandoned by His closest friends, but His mother was waiting with Him to the bitter end, “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother… (John 19:25a).
A mother’s love even has the capacity to be a mother to those who are not biologically her own. Amazingly she can informally ‘adopt’ people for a season and love on them emotionally, physically, spiritually and relationally. She opens her home, shares her food, gives her time, dispenses her wisdom, and encourages obedience to follow Christ. Paul experienced this, “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too” (Romans 16:13). Moms sometime mother greatness which is not necessarily their own.
Lastly, a mother’s love is gentle like God is gentle toward His children. He calls us to love and to the lead like Jesus. Love serves people and does not rule with rigor. “God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey” (2 Timothy 2:24, TM). “Do I model gentle and patient love?” “Do others feel safe to share their sorrows with me?”
Related Readings: Genesis 47:12; Ruth 4:16; John 21:15-17; James 3:17
A mother’s love reflects the love of the Lord, deep in its capacity and generous in its application. She awakes in the middle of the night to nurse a hungry infant, or care for a sick child. Her intuition injects love at points of pain, and in situations that require extensive encouragement. A mother’s love lingers long in conversation and understands with her sensitive heart. She loves, because Christ’s love compels her to love like Him.
Moreover, a mother’s love is loyal and longstanding. A child may be in trouble, but mom is always close by, full of compassion and acceptance. Her love can be blind in its loyalty, but her offspring never doubt where they are welcomed. Jesus was rejected by angry, jealous men and abandoned by His closest friends, but His mother was waiting with Him to the bitter end, “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother… (John 19:25a).
A mother’s love even has the capacity to be a mother to those who are not biologically her own. Amazingly she can informally ‘adopt’ people for a season and love on them emotionally, physically, spiritually and relationally. She opens her home, shares her food, gives her time, dispenses her wisdom, and encourages obedience to follow Christ. Paul experienced this, “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too” (Romans 16:13). Moms sometime mother greatness which is not necessarily their own.
Lastly, a mother’s love is gentle like God is gentle toward His children. He calls us to love and to the lead like Jesus. Love serves people and does not rule with rigor. “God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey” (2 Timothy 2:24, TM). “Do I model gentle and patient love?” “Do others feel safe to share their sorrows with me?”
Related Readings: Genesis 47:12; Ruth 4:16; John 21:15-17; James 3:17
5.04.2009
Boyd Bailey: A Mother’s Prayer…
“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28
A mother who prays causes Satan to shutter and his demons to take notice. It is her steady stream of supplications to her Savior Jesus that garners the attention of God. Dad may not be around, but her Heavenly Father is there for wisdom and encouragement. She knows the Lord understands, so she seeks Him for grace and comfort. The prayer of a mom punctures the portals of heaven with passionate petitions that provide her peace.
A mother’s prayers mark her family with faith and trust in God. Her overflow of mercy and grace is a reminder that Jesus is the ‘author and finisher’ of the family’s faith. The fruit from her prayers personify Christ’s character, and hell clamors at the calm requests from a mom who trusts God. They pray for their children to obey and worship the Lord, and for their husbands to fear God, hate sin and love people. A mom’s prayer matters.
Lastly, consider a prayer journal to capture Christ’s faithfulness to your faith appeals. Pray for your children by name and lift up each of their unique needs to the Lord. Pray for your husband’s submission to be accountable to Almighty God. Indeed, a wise mother’s first concern is to pray in Jesus name. They ask, ‘Do I constantly worry, or do I apply that same energy in passionate prayer?’ “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Related Readings: Psalm 66:16-19; Isaiah 28:9; Luke 22:2-3; Acts 1:14
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Thank you God for such a prayerful wife!
A mother who prays causes Satan to shutter and his demons to take notice. It is her steady stream of supplications to her Savior Jesus that garners the attention of God. Dad may not be around, but her Heavenly Father is there for wisdom and encouragement. She knows the Lord understands, so she seeks Him for grace and comfort. The prayer of a mom punctures the portals of heaven with passionate petitions that provide her peace.
A mother’s prayers mark her family with faith and trust in God. Her overflow of mercy and grace is a reminder that Jesus is the ‘author and finisher’ of the family’s faith. The fruit from her prayers personify Christ’s character, and hell clamors at the calm requests from a mom who trusts God. They pray for their children to obey and worship the Lord, and for their husbands to fear God, hate sin and love people. A mom’s prayer matters.
Lastly, consider a prayer journal to capture Christ’s faithfulness to your faith appeals. Pray for your children by name and lift up each of their unique needs to the Lord. Pray for your husband’s submission to be accountable to Almighty God. Indeed, a wise mother’s first concern is to pray in Jesus name. They ask, ‘Do I constantly worry, or do I apply that same energy in passionate prayer?’ “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Related Readings: Psalm 66:16-19; Isaiah 28:9; Luke 22:2-3; Acts 1:14
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
Thank you God for such a prayerful wife!
Boyd Bailey: Foolish Children…
“To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool.” Proverbs 17:21
Foolish children flail around trying to find themselves. Typically they are terrible at managing money, because they have no concept of conservative spending and consistent saving. Then they look to mom and dad to bail them out. They desire a stimulus package from their parents, without structure or accountability. Childish children become masters of manipulation by subtly saying, “if you really loved me”, as guilt to get their way.
This grieves the hearts of their parents. Their father and mother want to do the right thing, but become conflicted on defining “what’s right”. The dad may be firm and the mom more merciful, so it’s imperative they are unified in their approach in how they love their rebellious child. They cannot allow Satan to drive a wedge of doubt between them; Jesus said, “… a household divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25).
Start with sincere and aggressive prayer for a loved one bound up in foolish behavior. Pray for the Lord to change you, and give you the grace and courage to offer an aggressive love based on the love of your Heavenly Father. You can love the unlovely as you ought, only after receiving His unconditional love. Remember the joy you had when they came into this world as God’s gift. So trust their Creator to bring them back to Christ. He can.
Lastly, confide in the Christian community about your sorrow and hurt. It may be a surprise how many have suffered a similar fate. Move beyond the mistakes of the past and focus on faith in the present. Turn your child over to the Lord’s love and discipline. Pray that your foolish child will fatigue from folly, and return to faith in God. Thus you pray, “Christ give me confidence to let them go and give them to you, and I hope one day for a celebration”, “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:24).
Related Readings: 2 Samuel 18:33; Proverbs 19:13-26; 2 Corinthians 2:3; 3 John 1:4
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
I've never seen two opposite words work so well in describing a difficult situation. Sincere and Aggressive! Start with sincere and aggressive prayer for a loved one bound up in foolish behavior.
Foolish children flail around trying to find themselves. Typically they are terrible at managing money, because they have no concept of conservative spending and consistent saving. Then they look to mom and dad to bail them out. They desire a stimulus package from their parents, without structure or accountability. Childish children become masters of manipulation by subtly saying, “if you really loved me”, as guilt to get their way.
This grieves the hearts of their parents. Their father and mother want to do the right thing, but become conflicted on defining “what’s right”. The dad may be firm and the mom more merciful, so it’s imperative they are unified in their approach in how they love their rebellious child. They cannot allow Satan to drive a wedge of doubt between them; Jesus said, “… a household divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25).
Start with sincere and aggressive prayer for a loved one bound up in foolish behavior. Pray for the Lord to change you, and give you the grace and courage to offer an aggressive love based on the love of your Heavenly Father. You can love the unlovely as you ought, only after receiving His unconditional love. Remember the joy you had when they came into this world as God’s gift. So trust their Creator to bring them back to Christ. He can.
Lastly, confide in the Christian community about your sorrow and hurt. It may be a surprise how many have suffered a similar fate. Move beyond the mistakes of the past and focus on faith in the present. Turn your child over to the Lord’s love and discipline. Pray that your foolish child will fatigue from folly, and return to faith in God. Thus you pray, “Christ give me confidence to let them go and give them to you, and I hope one day for a celebration”, “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:24).
Related Readings: 2 Samuel 18:33; Proverbs 19:13-26; 2 Corinthians 2:3; 3 John 1:4
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
I've never seen two opposite words work so well in describing a difficult situation. Sincere and Aggressive! Start with sincere and aggressive prayer for a loved one bound up in foolish behavior.
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