Game of Thorns

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Satan sends messengers to inflict thorns of temptation into the most spiritual followers of Jesus. His timing is shameless, as he attacks those most susceptible to spiritual pride. Perhaps a significant prayer has been answered or a loved one has just come to faith. Be on guard for the tormentor does not sit still when we experience special moments with the Lord and His people. Satan tempts mature believers, so if they fall they fall far,  disillusioning the faith of novices.

It is these thorns in the flesh the Lord uses to keep us humble and faithful. Pride yearns to take credit and feed conceit, but humility gives all credit to Christ and remains meek. What’s best for us is not the removal of our afflictions, but the integration of God’s grace into our heart and mind. We can plead in prayer for relief, but not grouse in disappointment when our condition remains the same or worsens. God’s grace is sufficient in our weaknesses to perfect His power.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Furthermore, health issues can be the thorn in your physical flesh that challenges your faith. Fatigue and feeling bad wears you down and demoralizes your determination. You weary over time as you get sick and tired of being sick and tired. Chemo can kill your spirit in the process of killing your cancer, thus you cling to Christ and trust Him in your torment. Turn treatment and therapy into a platform of God’s grace to share with your caregivers. Trust in God triumphs over thorns!

Above all, look to the cross at the crown of thorns Christ wore for you. Each drop of His precious blood was shed for your soul’s salvation and for your hope and healing. Thorns in the flesh are not foreign to your Savior. Indeed, He suffered through their pain, but rose victorious from the grave. You win the game of thorns when you rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace. He makes you the most powerful for Him, when you feel the weakest within. Bow at His throne of grace, unperturbed by a thorn of disgrace. Yes, God’s glory shines through your surrendered life!

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to appropriate Your grace in the middle of temptations and trials.

Related Readings: Numbers 33:55; Job 1:6-12; Matthew 4:10; John 19:2-5; 2 Corinthians 4:15

Post/Tweet today: God’s grace makes you the most powerful for Him, when you feel the weakest within.

© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

The Light

“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

Significance

 

Friday, September 27th, 2013

Read Psalm 8:1-9

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them . . . . Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor.

- Psalm 8:3-5 (NRSV)

 

A few days ago while I was driving, I saw the most beautiful sunset. I had just read Psalm 8 that morning, so it was fresh in my mind and I pulled over to watch. The sun was a vibrant orange as it sank over the horizon, painting the clouds with gorgeous shades of gold, red, and purple. I spent some time praising God for this beauty, and I was reminded of the pictures recently taken by the Hubble space telescope that orbits our planet. I marveled at the gigantic swirling clouds of colorful galaxies that are simply the work of God’s fingers. Sometimes I wonder as the psalmist did, “What are human beings that you are mindful of them?”
 Looking at the vastness of our universe can make me feel quite small and insignificant. But God reassures us that we are “crowned with glory and honor.” Throughout God’s word we are assured that God loves us and we are significant. What an honor!

 

The Author  Suzie Tors (California, USA)  from The Upper Room

Thought for the Day

As insignificant as we may seem within our vast universe, God cares intimately for us. Though we may be angry with God, God always loves us.

Prayer

Loving Creator, thank you for the beauty that you created and for being mindful of us. Amen.

Prayer focus    For an awareness of God’s creation

Living in the Moment

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

- Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

 

 

Our cousin’s daughter shared an insight she had while watching her father and her young son eating ice cream cones together.

Her father was battling dementia, each day a bit less cognizant of what was happening around him. Her son was growing more aware of his surroundings and his place in the world with each passing day. Now they have passed each other — her father sliding downward and her son growing upward. But for a moment they met around those two ice cream cones; for that short time, they were both in the same moment.

Our moments are just that, moments. They don’t last; they disappear and we move on. We live in the moment, and those moments keep changing. God is with us in the moment, even in our difficult moments. Our troubles are far outweighed by the eternal glory ahead. God of our past and God of our future is right here with us — in the moment.

 

The Author  Roger C. Palms (Florida, USA)  from The Upper Room

 Thought for the Day  Wherever this moment finds me, God is here.

Prayer

Eternal God, we are grateful that you know every one of our moments. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Prayer focus    Children of parents with dementia

Value Others More

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4

The value of something or someone determines its importance. For example, if a hobby is highly valued it gets attention, even to the exclusion of relational investments in a needy child. It’s easier to get lost in leisure than to face the reality of a broken relationship. But by predetermining a high appraisal of someone, a high priority is credited them in hard times.

Indeed, there is a tension between our own interests and the interests of others. After all, doesn’t the Lord want us to take care of ourselves? Of course He does—but it is not hiding behind our own issues and ambitions to the exclusion of placing others above ourselves. Humility esteems the good in others while recognizing its own struggles.

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3).


 




Pride places a lower priority on others and a higher priority on self. Pride does its due diligence and ranks the issues of others much lower in value than its own needs and wants. It’s only from the assumption of a humble heart that we are capable of valuing others as Christ values them. Jesus humbles us so we in turn can humbly serve others. 



Therefore, what interests the people in your life? What are your spouse’s interests? What do your children value? What are the personal goals of your work associates? Perhaps you do a relational audit around their interests and become intentional in helping them fulfill their needs and desires. It takes faith to first fulfill another’s agenda over yours.




Paradoxically, when we place the needs of others above ourselves, God fills in the gaps. His favor shines on servants of Jesus—who without guile—go the extra mile on behalf of those who don’t deserve extra attention. God’s favor flourishes in your life when by faith you keep your faith, family and friend’s interests in high esteem above your own. Jesus is very clear that those who place others above themselves are greatest in His kingdom.

“Within minutes they were bickering over who of them would end up the greatest. But Jesus intervened: "Kings like to throw their weight around and people in authority like to give themselves fancy titles. It's not going to be that way with you. Let the senior among you become like the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant” (Luke 22:24-26, The Message).

Prayer: Whose interests do I need to understand and value above my own?

Related Readings: Ruth 1:16-18; Matthew 23:11; Luke 9:46-48; 22:27-30

Post/Tweet today: It’s easier to get lost in leisure than to face the reality of a broken relationship.


© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Spirit Led Living

“So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel.’ Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6

The Holy Spirit is God’s fuel for living. He leads, convicts, comforts and gives courage. On the other hand the world promotes power and might. The world’s approach is forceful: If the door is closed knock it down, if you have the power and authority use it to make things happen. Lack of faith can panic and prematurely force unrighteous results.

On the contrary, Spirit led living is about dependence. It is dependence on God rather than any other form of reliance. Money, might, and power are cheap imitations of God dependence. These temporal fortresses are fleeting. When all is said and done, they are undependable. Money, control and your title can be here today and gone tomorrow.

But the Spirit of God wants you to grow in His awareness and follow His lead. Like a hurricane that gains strength as time passes, so does God’s Spirit. You cannot accomplish His best without the leadership and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He may even lead you to places of discomfort as His desire is to place you in positions of dependence.

The Holy Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, but the Word of God became Christ’s defense. He deflected the darts of the devil with the truth of God. It was an exercise of faith and obedience that drew Him closer to His heavenly Father. Instead of driving Him from God, it drew Him to God. The Holy Spirit’s goal is to get us to God.

“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him” (Matthew 4:10-11).

Submission to God revives the Spirit of God. Come under the authority of God and you have a source of strength that is limitless and energizing. God’s Spirit also produces fruit and creates character. This is another benefit of Spirit led living. It is not about techniques and tactics. It is first and foremost about the character of Christ transforming your life.

Power explodes from within your heart rather than exploiting others with threats. There is quiet confidence that comes from a deep abiding in Christ. Spirit led moms pray more than they worry. They train and teach their children and all the while trust them with God. Anxiety is replaced with abiding. They do their part and trust God to do His part.

Spirit led living is all about engrafting the Word of God into your life. The Holy Spirit ignites the fuel of God’s Word into a blaze of obedience. This is the power that changes lives and communities for the greater good of God. This exhibition of power may only make the headlines of heaven. Wait on God—Be Spirit led—Watch His power prevail!

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).

Prayer: Where is the Holy Spirit leading me that requires uncommon faith and obedience?

Related Readings: Exodus 31:3; John 3:34; Acts 4:25-31; 2 Timothy 1:7

Post/Tweet today: Lack of faith can panic and prematurely force unrighteous results. But trust in God waits on His best

© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Fear of Death

Fear of Death

and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Hebrews 2:15

Jesus has conquered death; therefore, followers of Jesus need not fear death. You may have a fear of dying, but not of death. For the believer in Christ, death is a pass through, a transition from this life to the next.


Death is not final for it is the doorway to eternity. Indeed, it is the beginning of an eternity in the physical presence of Jesus. Everything we have experienced with Christ on earth is an appetizer of what is to come. Our faith can only digest a mere morsel of what God has in store for those who love Him. Do not let the prospects of death get you down, as it is a commencement to be celebrated. You have remained faithful in this school of life, and now God has a glorious graduation in store for you. Yes, there is some fear of the unknown, but there is a lot we do know that keeps fear in check.
   
We know that death, for the followers of Christ, places them in an environment of sinless bliss. You can live and breathe without the fear of AIDS, murder, adultery, homosexuality, lying, cheating, pain, hunger, abortion, or poverty. Life in heaven is not good; it is great. Death releases you from the pain of your current suffering. Your suffering has perfected your character and faith in Christ. Now you are ready to be received back home. Your suffering has drawn you into an incredible intimacy with your Savior. As a consequence, many others beyond your comprehension have been drawn close to your Lord. Nurses, doctors, friends, and relatives stand in awe and fall on their knees before your God.
   
Your death will not only set you permanently free, but will do the same for others who believe. Death is freedom, it is not to be feared. So, in the meantime, make every effort to prepare yourself and others for death. The fear of death creeps in where there has been no preparation. You can ignore its reality but you will still die. You can deny death, but not its consequences. You may have a chance to repent on your deathbed, but why wait? Why take the chance of choosing hell over heaven? Death is not a lottery ticket; so don’t gamble with your soul. Go with God’s sure thing, faith in Jesus Christ. He has died and risen from the dead, so He can be trusted. He has been there, dealt with death, and reigns over all in heaven.
   
Moreover, love the dying. Everyone is dying; but reach out to those closer to death’s door. The depth of wisdom that comes from the dying has the aroma of heaven. That which is important falls from their lips, as priorities are aligned and lived. Being with the dying prepares you for dying, as it is preparation for the one receiving care and for the caregiver. Death is an absolute. It may come suddenly or at the end of a long process, but either way God can be trusted. You have questions about the timing of death that may only be answered in heaven. Above all, God is good and God is great. Thank him for every breath you take. Enjoy and celebrate death’s release. Because Jesus died and rose again, you will do the same. Fear only God, and enjoy the benefit of death’s freedom.

The Bible teaches, “‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54b-57). Walk with the dying for their edification and for your own.


© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Hesitation to Listen

1 Samuel 8:1-9 (NIV)

Israel Asks for a King

8 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. ² The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. ³ But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.

⁴ So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. ⁵ They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
⁶ But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. ⁷ And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. ⁸ As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. ⁹ Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”

 

  1 Samuel 9:15-17,

¹⁵ Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed this to Samuel: ¹⁶ “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over my people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.”  17 When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord said to him, “This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.”

1 Samuel 10  (NIV)

10 Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?^{[a] 2} When you leave me today, you will meet two men near Rachel’s tomb, at Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you set out to look for have been found. And now your father has stopped thinking about them and is worried about you. He is asking, “What shall I do about my son?”’

 

Samuel heard the Lord speak clearly. He didn’t hesitate or question; he followed through immediately and anointed Saul as king. Samuel knew what God desired because Samuel listened. However, our reading for today tells of Samuel’s wicked sons who failed to walk in the ways of their father.

When I read that chapter I wondered why Samuel’s sons had not followed his example. I don’t know. I feel sure that this godly man prayed for his family. But I know sometimes I’ve felt like a failure as a parent, even though I’ve tried to be a good example. I’ve prayed for myself and for my children, asking for wisdom about how to rear them. But still they don’t always choose wisely, and sometimes I feel that their mistakes are my fault.




Then I remember Samuel. His problems with his sons could have caused him to waver and doubt his ability to hear God. Instead, he continued to listen to God and to obey. I have that same choice: I can let my failures, perceived or real, keep me second guessing my ability to hear God; or like Samuel, I can choose to listen and obey.

 

The Author  Georgia Bruton (Florida, USA) - from The Upper Room

Thought for the Day

We don’t have to be perfect to hear God’s voice.

Prayer

Dear Lord, sometimes, even when we seek your direction, failure comes and we question if we really heard you. Help us to listen when we feel like hesitating. Amen.
 

Prayer focus  Parents of prodigals

A Place in Heaven

 

  

A New Heaven and a New Earth

21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”^[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. ² I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’^[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

⁵ He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
 Revelation 21:1-5

The psalmist wrote, “Even if my father and mother left me all alone, the Lord would take me in.”

- Psalm 27:10 (CEB)

 

When my mother was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer, she was given only weeks to live. The news was devastating. Suddenly, I felt alone, sad, and totally disconnected. I had no idea what would happen to me after my mother died. The emptiness would be enormous.






At that moment, I remembered Psalm 27:10. I was comforted to remember that God is always with
me. During the 18 months my mother endured her illness, God sustained me with the psalm quoted above. I was able to interact fully with her. When my mother breathed her last, I simply asked God to stand by me. God gave me the strength and wisdom to carry on. As always, God was faithful, remained close, and never let me falter. Now, months after my mother’s death, I continue to feel the pain of her absence. However, I am grateful to God that my mother’s suffering has turned to joy and her pain has ceased. I am at peace, secure in the knowledge that both my mother and I rest in God’s loving arms.

 

The Author   Georgina Mattute Henze (Federal District, Mexico)  from The Upper Room

Thought for the Day

God can turn our sorrow into joy.

Prayer

Loving God, when we experience loss, help us to remember that you remain with us to console and sustain us. Amen.

Prayer focus   Cancer patients and their families

Priority Living

“Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways.’ Haggai 1:5

Priority living is based on what God deems necessary and important. He deserves our very best. Followers of Christ are honored not to give the Lord leftovers, but the first fruits. First fruit giving and living means Jesus receives the best of everything about us. We give Him the best of our time and money. Priority living is defining priorities as God defines them and then planning our actions, goals and living around these priorities.

Without intentionally living out God’s priorities, we default to reactionary living. Whatever comes our way then becomes our default for living. This may take less thinking and praying, but it is no way to honor the Lord. Priority living asks the question, “Am I defining priorities as God defines priorities and am I living these out for His glory?” Once His priorities are defined the goal is to execute His priorities for His glory.

Priority living is prayerful living. It is aligning with God’s heart the best you know how and then trusting Him with your time and money. Priority living is giving God, first and foremost, what He deserves and expects from His children.
 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Kingdom living is priority living. The priorities of God’s Kingdom are clearly stated. The greatest commands are to love Him and to love people (Matthew 22:38-39). Loving God is priority. You spend time with whom you love. It is seeking God’s face daily to love and be loved. It is sending up quick prayers throughout the day as a reminder to ourselves that He is in control and we are not. Indeed, loving God is obeying God. He says,





 “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience is God’s love language.




Loving God also requires listening to God. You listen to whom you love and respect. God has a lot to say. He is all knowing and all wise. Thus, it is of course very, very worthwhile to listen to your heavenly Father. What is He saying to you through a specific Scripture passage?

A soiled Bible facilitates a clean heart, so harvest His priorities from His word. Priorities for you may vary from the priorities for someone else. Your age and stage of life demand a different focus. Be adaptable and nimble to reprioritize as needed.

Priority living not only involves loving God, it involves loving people. Our motive is to love them to Jesus. Like Andrew with Peter (John 1:40-42), if we can get them to Jesus, He can handle their needs and wants. Therefore, love takes time. It is an investment. People do not change overnight. We are called to make disciples and disciple making is best implemented in an environment of loving patience. People are a priority. What a privilege and compelling calling to love God and to love people. This is priority living!

Prayer: What are the Lord’s top priorities for my life?

Related Readings: Psalm 86:12; Matthew 7:12: Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 2:12

Post/Tweet today: First fruit giving and living means Jesus receives the best of everything about us.

© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

He is faithful

“Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because He is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.” -Joel 2:23