An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25
Worry is wearisome. It is fatigue to our emotions like physical pain is to our bodies. Worry can trigger stomachaches, high blood pressure, headaches, anxiety disorders and depression. It is an enemy to executing a joy filled and productive life. Worry can so weigh you down that you are immobilized for lack of energy and because of fear.
Your family tree may have borne the fruit of worry over generations, but you can purge out obsession with negative thinking through trust in the Lord. Jesus’ teaching is very clear, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34).
Exercised trust energizes the weary. Your personality may lend itself to worry. You can see it in your furrowed brow, or in your brooding countenance. You worry about the economy and its effect on your retirement. You wring your hands over the war and wonder when it will ever end. You are stressed out over work, because of situations and people you are unable to change. Anxiety may have paralyzed you as a parent, because you don’t feel qualified to carry out your responsibilities.
Alcohol has become your outlet for those things that you cannot control, but the gnawing fear is still there the next day. One simple solution is to make a two-column prayer list with the headings ‘Things I can’t change’ and ‘Things I can change’. Ask God for faith and patience with the former and wisdom and courage to act on the later. Prayer is your time-tested prescription for worry:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).”
Furthermore, look for those who long to be encouraged, who feel trapped by the anxieties of life (Luke 21:34). They need the truth of God’s word, because the cares of this world try to marginalize the truth. Truth can be forgotten in the fearful suffering of severe trials. Your kind words remind them of Christ’s care and concern for their health, their family and their faith.
Lift yourself and others out of the downward spiral of depression by cheering them up with truth. Read the Bible out loud with a friend and meditate on its promises that are filled with hope and encouragement. Use uncertainty as a reason not to worry, but rest in the Lord. You are freed up when you don’t fret, but apply faith instead. Above all else, His word wins over worry and gives strength for your faith journey!
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
What promise from the Lord can I rest in and trust to overcome my chronic worry?
Related Readings: Luke 1:37; 5:1; 11:28; Acts 13:7; Ephesians 6:17
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
6.22.2011
Influence
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
James 3:10-12
Be intentional today about what you say and how you say it. You never know who might be listening and how they might be impacted by your commentary.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
James 3:10-12
Be intentional today about what you say and how you say it. You never know who might be listening and how they might be impacted by your commentary.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
6.20.2011
Effort
Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:8b-10
Notice that this passage doesn't say "do what is pleasing to the Lord," it says "try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord." He's not asking for perfection from you, so don't beat yourself up if you're not perfect. He's asking for effort, so put forth that effort and rest in knowing that He will honor that.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Ephesians 5:8b-10
Notice that this passage doesn't say "do what is pleasing to the Lord," it says "try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord." He's not asking for perfection from you, so don't beat yourself up if you're not perfect. He's asking for effort, so put forth that effort and rest in knowing that He will honor that.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
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. These all may be very true. However, 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 abandon. 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.
Taken from the June 16th reading in the 365 day devotional Seeking Daily the Heart of God.
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. These all may be very true. However, 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 abandon. 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.
Taken from the June 16th reading in the 365 day devotional Seeking Daily the Heart of God.
5.26.2011
Avoidable Pain
"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception." Proverbs 14:8
Pain is inevitable in life—but some pain can be avoided with proper preparation. There is no need to add unnecessary pain to relationships with unwise decisions and foolish behavior. For example, in marriage it takes much more than a grand wedding to create a great marriage. Promises need the backing of preparation to carry out commitments.
Wise couples get beyond the emotion of romantic love and become a student of each other. They truly accept one another for who they are, believe the best in their intentions and understand how to best communicate with their spouse. Pre-marriage preparation is a prescription for a productive and healthy life of marital maturity, however, ignoring past pain causes present pain. Avoid compounding pain by being healed of past relational hurt.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
Furthermore, avoid the pain of regrets. Be wise not to create habits or routines that later cause guilt. For instance, during the parenting season of caring for your children at home—how will you adjust your schedule? Can you maintain a heavy travel schedule and be available for them? Will some hobbies need to be put on hold until a later date?
Be wise to not treat every season of life the same. Keep your commitment to Christ a constant, but be willing to flex toward the needs of those around you. People who avoid pain, actively pray for guidance from Almighty God. Indeed, pain will always be a part of life on earth; only in heaven are we pain-free. Fools rush into pain, as if they are some kind of misguided martyr. While the wise learn from pain—but avoid its unnecessary injury.
"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." Proverbs 14:15
Lastly, some pain is unavoidable—it is a product of yours or someone else’s poor decision-making. Do not wallow in self-pity—as a victim of a painful past. By God’s grace confess your sin of holding a grudge and get beyond your anger with forgiveness. Use pain as a platform to proclaim the grace and love of God. Avoid it by making wise decisions, but if faced with pain—leverage it for the Lord’s glory. Wisdom doesn’t waste pain.
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20, NASB).
How can I make wise preparations to avoid relational pain? What pain do I have in my heart that needs the Lord’s healing?
Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 4:10; Job 2:13; 1 Peter 5:10-12; Revelation 21:4
Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
Pain is inevitable in life—but some pain can be avoided with proper preparation. There is no need to add unnecessary pain to relationships with unwise decisions and foolish behavior. For example, in marriage it takes much more than a grand wedding to create a great marriage. Promises need the backing of preparation to carry out commitments.
Wise couples get beyond the emotion of romantic love and become a student of each other. They truly accept one another for who they are, believe the best in their intentions and understand how to best communicate with their spouse. Pre-marriage preparation is a prescription for a productive and healthy life of marital maturity, however, ignoring past pain causes present pain. Avoid compounding pain by being healed of past relational hurt.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
Furthermore, avoid the pain of regrets. Be wise not to create habits or routines that later cause guilt. For instance, during the parenting season of caring for your children at home—how will you adjust your schedule? Can you maintain a heavy travel schedule and be available for them? Will some hobbies need to be put on hold until a later date?
Be wise to not treat every season of life the same. Keep your commitment to Christ a constant, but be willing to flex toward the needs of those around you. People who avoid pain, actively pray for guidance from Almighty God. Indeed, pain will always be a part of life on earth; only in heaven are we pain-free. Fools rush into pain, as if they are some kind of misguided martyr. While the wise learn from pain—but avoid its unnecessary injury.
"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." Proverbs 14:15
Lastly, some pain is unavoidable—it is a product of yours or someone else’s poor decision-making. Do not wallow in self-pity—as a victim of a painful past. By God’s grace confess your sin of holding a grudge and get beyond your anger with forgiveness. Use pain as a platform to proclaim the grace and love of God. Avoid it by making wise decisions, but if faced with pain—leverage it for the Lord’s glory. Wisdom doesn’t waste pain.
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20, NASB).
How can I make wise preparations to avoid relational pain? What pain do I have in my heart that needs the Lord’s healing?
Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 4:10; Job 2:13; 1 Peter 5:10-12; Revelation 21:4
Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
5.11.2011
Evil Exposed
“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” John 3:20-21
Evil lurks in places like the dark crevices of a compassion-less living compound. It schemes to suck life from those who give life. Evil can endure for a season in seclusion, but eventually it will be exposed along with its hellish intentions. A corrupt character thinks it can get away with the obstruction of justice, however, payday does come someday.
Evil not only is an incubator for sinful deeds, but it attacks others with its vile consequences. It is consumed with conquering righteousness with unrighteous actions. However, evil cannot stand in the presence of Almighty God. Satan, the evil one, has been defeated—the roaring lion has been defanged by the word of God living in us.
“Because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14b).
Beware, as evil tries to estrange you from the eternal truths of God’s word. Do not become cavalier with the truth and arrogantly think that it only applies to the less spiritual—those yet to arrive at your level of spiritual high mindedness. It is the sword of Scripture that keeps the enemy at bay and away from luring you into harboring sin.
Former good Christians have drifted out of the warm love of the Lord’s light into the cold character assault of the devil’s deceptions. He snatches the application of truth from proud hearts and leaves behind false promises immersed in self-denial. It’s a lie to think we can live part of our life in the light and part of our life in the darkness and not ultimately be exposed. What’s hidden comes to light—Christ uncovers cover-ups.
“He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart” (1 Corinthians 4:5b).
Do you escape from fear and worry by drinking too much alcohol? Has someone at work captured your affection in deference to your spouse? Are you driven to make money, as a remedy for past financial irresponsibility? Has the Internet become a playground for evil activity? If so, seek out the light of the Lord to lead you. Darkness cannot coexist in light.
Fortunately, you do not have to live in the fear of being exposed for hiding evil intentions and sinful attitudes and actions. Come clean with Christ and with those who love and admire you. Confession is good for the soul—it also brings authenticity back to your trust in Jesus Christ and transparency to your relationships. Humility walks with Christ on His lighted path. Walk in the light, as He is the light and have fellowship with one another.
“Let us walk in the light of the LORD” (Isaiah 2:5b).
What areas of my life need exposure to the love of the Lord and His illuminating word?
Related Readings: Job 29:3; Psalm 89:15; Matthew 13:19; 1 John 1:7
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
Evil lurks in places like the dark crevices of a compassion-less living compound. It schemes to suck life from those who give life. Evil can endure for a season in seclusion, but eventually it will be exposed along with its hellish intentions. A corrupt character thinks it can get away with the obstruction of justice, however, payday does come someday.
Evil not only is an incubator for sinful deeds, but it attacks others with its vile consequences. It is consumed with conquering righteousness with unrighteous actions. However, evil cannot stand in the presence of Almighty God. Satan, the evil one, has been defeated—the roaring lion has been defanged by the word of God living in us.
“Because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14b).
Beware, as evil tries to estrange you from the eternal truths of God’s word. Do not become cavalier with the truth and arrogantly think that it only applies to the less spiritual—those yet to arrive at your level of spiritual high mindedness. It is the sword of Scripture that keeps the enemy at bay and away from luring you into harboring sin.
Former good Christians have drifted out of the warm love of the Lord’s light into the cold character assault of the devil’s deceptions. He snatches the application of truth from proud hearts and leaves behind false promises immersed in self-denial. It’s a lie to think we can live part of our life in the light and part of our life in the darkness and not ultimately be exposed. What’s hidden comes to light—Christ uncovers cover-ups.
“He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart” (1 Corinthians 4:5b).
Do you escape from fear and worry by drinking too much alcohol? Has someone at work captured your affection in deference to your spouse? Are you driven to make money, as a remedy for past financial irresponsibility? Has the Internet become a playground for evil activity? If so, seek out the light of the Lord to lead you. Darkness cannot coexist in light.
Fortunately, you do not have to live in the fear of being exposed for hiding evil intentions and sinful attitudes and actions. Come clean with Christ and with those who love and admire you. Confession is good for the soul—it also brings authenticity back to your trust in Jesus Christ and transparency to your relationships. Humility walks with Christ on His lighted path. Walk in the light, as He is the light and have fellowship with one another.
“Let us walk in the light of the LORD” (Isaiah 2:5b).
What areas of my life need exposure to the love of the Lord and His illuminating word?
Related Readings: Job 29:3; Psalm 89:15; Matthew 13:19; 1 John 1:7
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
5.04.2011
The Daily Verse on Influence
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:6
Let this passage be an encouraging, yet sobering reminder of how your words affect those around you. What you say and how you say it can change someone's life.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Let this passage be an encouraging, yet sobering reminder of how your words affect those around you. What you say and how you say it can change someone's life.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)