“In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.” Proverbs 31:19
Sometimes you can make things cheaper and better than you can buy them. This is being resourceful. Do you find yourself trying to make ends meet and just paying the bills? Maybe there are some creative alternatives to cash. Consider bartering with a friend. You can babysit for each other and save the expense of paying someone to watch your child.
In the past at work you have been accustom to a fat budget for generating new business, but now your resources are lean or non-existent. Is there another professional relationship you could trade for your expertise? Perhaps your ability to coach someone in executive leadership could be exchanged for their access to web development. It is during tight times that creativity and resourcefulness reign. Think outside the box and it will grow.
The early church understood how to be resourceful in taking care of one another. “And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met” (Acts 2:43 TM). Is there something you need to sell so that someone else’s needs could be met?
Consider innovative alternatives to current issues and you will be freed from the status quo. Resourcefulness many times requires patience because it takes more time to research and connect the proper relationships, but it is fulfilling knowing you stewarded the Lord’s resources by faith and with frugality. Ask God for wisdom in how to creatively come up with unconventional solutions. He will lead you in ways you may not have even considered.
Cling to Christ, the ultimate Creator. “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things” (Isaiah 45:7). Jesus is radically resourceful. When I run out of ideas do I run to Him for help and think creatively? What are some resourceful ways I can prayerfully meet our pressing needs?
Related Readings: Psalm 111:5; Ezekiel 18:7; Matthew 21:2; Luke 9:13-15
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
10.30.2009
10.29.2009
Boyd Bailey: Character Is Trustworthy…
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31:11-12
Character can be trusted because there is a commitment to integrity in its dealings. There is no going behind someone’s back or disguising the truth. Trustworthiness is straight-forward and very clear with its intentions. It is profitable in its business dealings but not because of compromise with its values. Trust is the result of a track record of honesty.
What happens when someone violates your trust? It could be a broken promise or a betrayed confidence. How does this make you feel? Do you struggle with anger, disappointment and resentment? When you feel violated you lose confidence in the one inflicting its pain. So you have a choice: you can stew in your resentment or you can help renew their status of trustworthiness. For sure a broken trust does take time for grace to mend.
Perhaps you start by lovingly pointing out the place of offense. Jesus said, “So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him” (Luke 17:3). If you do not address indiscretions they will become more frequent and they will grow in their intensity. Grace receives back a repentant friend and helps them build up their trust.
The Lord and leaders are looking for trustworthy followers. A wife longs for a trusted husband and a husband desires a trusted wife. An employer requires a trusted employee and an employee remains with a trusted employer. Christ blesses a trusted follower with more but removes His blessing from someone He can’t trust. Trust equals more.
Jesus said, " 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him” (Matthew 25:28-29). “Can God and others trust me with more?” “Am I a trustworthy follower of Jesus Christ?
Related Readings: Nehemiah 13:13; Proverbs 11:13; Luke 16:11; 1 Timothy 3:11
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
Character can be trusted because there is a commitment to integrity in its dealings. There is no going behind someone’s back or disguising the truth. Trustworthiness is straight-forward and very clear with its intentions. It is profitable in its business dealings but not because of compromise with its values. Trust is the result of a track record of honesty.
What happens when someone violates your trust? It could be a broken promise or a betrayed confidence. How does this make you feel? Do you struggle with anger, disappointment and resentment? When you feel violated you lose confidence in the one inflicting its pain. So you have a choice: you can stew in your resentment or you can help renew their status of trustworthiness. For sure a broken trust does take time for grace to mend.
Perhaps you start by lovingly pointing out the place of offense. Jesus said, “So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him” (Luke 17:3). If you do not address indiscretions they will become more frequent and they will grow in their intensity. Grace receives back a repentant friend and helps them build up their trust.
The Lord and leaders are looking for trustworthy followers. A wife longs for a trusted husband and a husband desires a trusted wife. An employer requires a trusted employee and an employee remains with a trusted employer. Christ blesses a trusted follower with more but removes His blessing from someone He can’t trust. Trust equals more.
Jesus said, " 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him” (Matthew 25:28-29). “Can God and others trust me with more?” “Am I a trustworthy follower of Jesus Christ?
Related Readings: Nehemiah 13:13; Proverbs 11:13; Luke 16:11; 1 Timothy 3:11
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
The Daily Verse: Romans 5:3-5
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Read the passage again and let it soak into the deepest depths of your heart, mind and soul - and be encouraged.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
These are by far some of my favorite verses in the bible, but I prefer the NIV version of Romans 5:1-5
Read the passage again and let it soak into the deepest depths of your heart, mind and soul - and be encouraged.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
++++++++++++++++
My thoughts!
These are by far some of my favorite verses in the bible, but I prefer the NIV version of Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, wehave peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.I personally connect with the line: "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope". Awesome! These verses have helped me through some dark days. I also think these lines might be one of the many secrets to a fulfilling life!
10.28.2009
Five (5) lessons about the way we treat people
This is a bit of a weird post. I got the list below in a chain email. These type of emails usually go straight into my trash folder, but not today! These little stories are precious!
1. First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?” Surely this was some kind of joke.. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, Dark-haired and in her 50’s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question BLANK. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. “Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers, You will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say “hello.”
I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2. Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:30 p.m.., an older African American Woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960’s.. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man’s door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: “Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s’ bedside just before he passed away.... God Bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving Others.”
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole.
3. Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. “How much is an ice cream sundae?” he asked. “Fifty cents,” replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. “Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?” he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. “Thirty-five cents,” she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. “I’ll have the plain ice cream,” he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put t he bill on the table and walked away The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn’t have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4. Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King’s’ wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of Vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The
peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
5. Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts..
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes I’ll do it if it will save her.” As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek.. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He loo ked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away”. Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
Most importantly... “Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody’s watching.” NOW more than ever - Please... Pass It On...
1. First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?” Surely this was some kind of joke.. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, Dark-haired and in her 50’s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question BLANK. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. “Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers, You will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say “hello.”
I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2. Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:30 p.m.., an older African American Woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960’s.. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man’s door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: “Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s’ bedside just before he passed away.... God Bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving Others.”
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole.
3. Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. “How much is an ice cream sundae?” he asked. “Fifty cents,” replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. “Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?” he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. “Thirty-five cents,” she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. “I’ll have the plain ice cream,” he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put t he bill on the table and walked away The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn’t have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4. Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King’s’ wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of Vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The
peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
5. Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts..
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes I’ll do it if it will save her.” As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek.. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He loo ked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away”. Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
Most importantly... “Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody’s watching.” NOW more than ever - Please... Pass It On...
The Daily Verse: Revelation 3:15
I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! Revelation 3:15
Let us not rest in the comfort of mediocrity. Whatever you set your hands to today, whether that be in your work, in relationship with others or with God, make a decision to do it with 100% effort and excellence. We're not going to change the world by being wet noodles. If you have to get realigned or corrected in light of your zeal, at least you can rest in knowing you're moving and shaking rather than passively watching life pass you by.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Let us not rest in the comfort of mediocrity. Whatever you set your hands to today, whether that be in your work, in relationship with others or with God, make a decision to do it with 100% effort and excellence. We're not going to change the world by being wet noodles. If you have to get realigned or corrected in light of your zeal, at least you can rest in knowing you're moving and shaking rather than passively watching life pass you by.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Boyd Bailey: Character Is Industrious…
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” Proverbs 31:17
Character has a sense of seeing things through until they are done. It’s industrious labor that produces results that matter. With conscientious care there is an attention to detail that determines excellent outcomes. Processes are put in place to provide clarity and consistency in the work. Systems are designed around the processes to ensure accountability and implementation. Industrious people do not lack creative energy.
These passionate individuals are not aggressively active just to appear busy. They work vigorously with a focused mission in mind. Come “hell or high water” they remain intensely attentive to the task at hand, until its completion. Other good ideas might invite its attention but without success. They are disciplined to not sacrifice the best for the good.
Industriousness is alert to present productivity, while trusting the Lord to take care of future opportunities. It does not waste time in idle talk, conjecture and complaining. “Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both” (Ecclesiastes 11:6 NLT).
One cautionary question to ask, “Do I keep relational responsibilities a priority as I aggressively pursue achievements?” Tasks are a means to an end, so enjoy the journey by loving on people along the way. Reach the destination alone and you accomplish a sterile goal. Reach the destination with friends and family, and you celebrate an ongoing legacy that honors the Lord and those who helped you arrive. Do you value intimacy?
Character is industrious without losing its intimacy with God and man. The Lord blesses the right kind of busyness, “You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses” (Haggai 1:9 NLT). “Am I busy with industriousness that is blessed by God?”
Related Readings: Proverbs 14:23; Isaiah 32:6; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:9
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
Character has a sense of seeing things through until they are done. It’s industrious labor that produces results that matter. With conscientious care there is an attention to detail that determines excellent outcomes. Processes are put in place to provide clarity and consistency in the work. Systems are designed around the processes to ensure accountability and implementation. Industrious people do not lack creative energy.
These passionate individuals are not aggressively active just to appear busy. They work vigorously with a focused mission in mind. Come “hell or high water” they remain intensely attentive to the task at hand, until its completion. Other good ideas might invite its attention but without success. They are disciplined to not sacrifice the best for the good.
Industriousness is alert to present productivity, while trusting the Lord to take care of future opportunities. It does not waste time in idle talk, conjecture and complaining. “Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both” (Ecclesiastes 11:6 NLT).
One cautionary question to ask, “Do I keep relational responsibilities a priority as I aggressively pursue achievements?” Tasks are a means to an end, so enjoy the journey by loving on people along the way. Reach the destination alone and you accomplish a sterile goal. Reach the destination with friends and family, and you celebrate an ongoing legacy that honors the Lord and those who helped you arrive. Do you value intimacy?
Character is industrious without losing its intimacy with God and man. The Lord blesses the right kind of busyness, “You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses” (Haggai 1:9 NLT). “Am I busy with industriousness that is blessed by God?”
Related Readings: Proverbs 14:23; Isaiah 32:6; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:9
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
10.27.2009
The Daily Verse: Philippians 3:19
Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. Philippians 3:19
Too often, we've got our mind set on earthly things, and not on the big picture of what God is, who He is, and what He's doing in and around us. If you find yourself consumed with life and all of its nuances, pull back a bit and set your mind on what He is doing around you. Allow that to realign the priorities of your thought processes and your heart.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
Too often, we've got our mind set on earthly things, and not on the big picture of what God is, who He is, and what He's doing in and around us. If you find yourself consumed with life and all of its nuances, pull back a bit and set your mind on what He is doing around you. Allow that to realign the priorities of your thought processes and your heart.
Source: The Daily Verse by Kat Davis
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