What Could I Possibly Do?

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Linda Bailey in Proverbs Leave a comment

Proverbs 28

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. Proverbs 28:27 (NIV Bible)

What Could I Possibly Do?

Submitted by Ps Linda Bailey

Observation: When you stand in the middle of a slum you can’t hide from the stench of decay that fills your nostrils, you can’t shake off the dust that shades everything into a dreary grey, and you can’t mistake the suffocating wave of hopelessness as a whole community struggles to make it to the end of another day.
Whether we see it on the TV, hear about it on the radio or read of it in the newspaper we are well aware that parts of our world live in poverty. However, when the need is so overwhelming we are often left asking, “What could I possibly do?”
While making a personal contribution does help to alleviate the pain of those in developing countries, our impact can be multiplied when we work together as a whole church.

Application: Over the last five years I have led a number of church mission teams to the Philippines through International Needs . On these mission trips different churches have witnessed first hand the plight of those struggling to survive in poverty stricken areas. But because this was experienced within a faith community there have been new plans put in place for longer-term, sustainable changes. Feeding programs have been maintained; new child sponsorship programs have been created; international church partnerships have been established; and church worship instruments have been purchased. There is nothing greater than seeing lives changed to fulfil the purpose they were meant to have. And yet, none of this would have happened if we had have worked on a solo mission. We’re not created to do these things on our own.
Through working as a team, each group was able to bring their first-hand experience back home to encourage their own faith community to help those in need in tangible and practical ways. Every member of the church did not have to fly half way across the world to contribute to the need of others. Through a small group experiencing life in a developing country, they were able to come home and facilitate the whole church to live out the call of Jesus and care for those in need.
When you play a part in transforming someone else’s life you cannot help but have your own life transformed too.

Prayer: Lord, help us to work as a unified body to bring peace and wholeness to all people. Amen.

Is there an extra way you can help support someone in need? Is there a church or organization that you can add your gifts and resources to?

Ps Linda writes a Daily Devotional everyday. Check it out!

Rubbing Off On Others

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Linda Bailey in Proverbs 2 Comments

Proverbs 27

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV Bible)

Rubbing Off On Others

Submitted by Ps Linda Bailey

Observation: Before I got married I lived in a house with a few other girls. Although we called it ‘The Cubby’ it was actually a huge house in the outer suburbs. It was the first time, since leaving home, that I had lived with Christians and each of us played a different role in our respective churches. One had the gift of creativity and teaching, another had the gift of music and encouragement, and still another had the gift of hospitality and compassion. As I look back on those three years I lived with these fabulous females I realise that their gifts and diligence in serving God rubbed off on me. Every time I start something new I wonder how Penny would have creatively communicated it. Every time I gather a group of people together I wonder how Gaylene would have made them feel welcome. Every time someone is in need I wonder how Fiona would have cared for them. Each of my housemates rubbed off on me in a different way and helped to make me a better person.

Application: The people we surround ourselves with makes a big difference in how we learn, grow and develop. I did not move in with my old housemates to strategically learn from them. In the beginning they were just a group of friendly, hilarious girls who needed an extra person to help cover rent. However, the longer I lived there the more I realised how supportive and nurturing they were. Sometimes you may find yourself in a similar place to me, where you are surrounded by good quality people. It’s in those times that you learn all you can and become open to growing more. However, sometimes you may find yourself surrounded by people who only tear you down and place a great burden upon you. It’s in those times that you need to find a strong support network and place yourself in other spheres that encourage you and build you up. When we associate ourselves with others it’s not just about the time we spend with them in person, but the impact they have on us long term. The people we are surrounded by will rub off on us, it’s up to us to discern whether that is a positive thing or not.

Prayer: Lord, it is important for us to help those in need. However we also know that we need to have the support and encouragement to continue on the work for You. Open our eyes to those places of restoration. Amen.

Who are the people that are rubbing off on you? Are you in a good place or do you need to find some more positive people to be around?

Ps Linda writes a Daily Devotional everyday. Check it out!

I Pity Da Fool

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Linda Bailey in Proverbs Leave a comment

Proverbs 26

Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Proverbs 26:9 (NIV Bible)

I Pity Da Fool

Submitted by Ps Linda Bailey

Observation: Mr T is an American actor who plays a tough guy with a big heart. To those who grew up in the 80s, they’ll know Mr T from his roles in the ‘A-Team’ and ‘Rocky III’. For those who grew up in the ’00s, they’ll know him as the tough guy in the Snickers advertisements. While Mr T’s roles have changed slightly his character and sayings have stayed the same: “I pity da fool!” Mr T can not stand people who are foolish. He even hosted an instructional video instilling positive values in to children so they would not grow up to be a fool.

Application: While Mr T is quite a strong character I never realised how Biblical he was!! As I read through the book of Proverbs, and particularly the 26th chapter, it seems like Godly wisdom also pities the fool. It is pretty blunt about how useless a fool can be. Thousands of years ago they said it like this: ‘Like a lame man’s legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool’ (verse 7). However today we would say, “As useful as a screen door on a submarine.” (There are a few other similar sayings, but I thought I would stick with this one!) If we desire to live a life worthy of God’s calling then we need to veer away from foolish behaviour. It’s not just Mr T who despises foolishness but the Bible warns as clearly away from it too.

Prayer: Lord, you give us life, talents, resources and guidance. So often we make foolish decisions and waste what you have given to us. May we hear your wisdom and apply it to our lives. Amen.

Where have foolish thoughts and ideas crept in to your life? Who can you talk to about rectifying foolish behaviours?

Ps Linda writes a Daily Devotional everyday. Check it out!

Nothing Compares to Him

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Linda Bailey in Proverbs Leave a comment

Proverbs 25

As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. Proverbs 25:3 (NIV Bible)

Nothing Compares to Him

Submitted by Ps Linda Bailey

Observation: We can never fully understand God. Louie Giglio in his DVD Indescribable outlines how incredibly vast the creation is when you start to look in to it all. While we feel so significant and the earth seems so big we are humbled when we here how larger stars and galaxies are beyond ours. And yet God, who put all of these enormous, wonderous and mind-boggling galaxies in to place is keen to know you and me. It’s hard to fully comprehend.

Application: When I first read this verse in Proverbs I thought that it must have been translated incorrectly and that the heart of the King is unsearchable. And yet then I remembered that God is the King of Kings. If a king’s heart is unsearchable that gives us a small glimpse into the immensity of God’s heart. We could never contain God in a blog or a song. He is more wonderous than our eye’s will ever see or our mind will ever know. He is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. And this Almighty Creator desires to know you and me. There is nothing that compares to Him.

Prayer: Lord, You are wonderous and mighty. We are humbled that you would desire to have a relationship with us. Thank you, oh glorious Saviour and Friend. Amen.

When have you noticed the immensity of God?

Ps Linda writes a Daily Devotional everyday. Check it out!

Be Delighted in Your Enemy’s Failures

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Linda Bailey in Proverbs Leave a comment

Proverbs 24

Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice. Proverbs 24:17 (NIV Bible)

Be Delighted in Your Enemy’s Failures

Submitted by Ps Linda Bailey

Observation: I often amaze myself at how petty I can get when I am hurt. There was someone I used to attend church with who hurt me by totally breaking my trust in them. From then on, just within my heart, I always wished bad for them. It’s not like I wanted them to get hit by a bus or anything but I did feel great delight everytime their favourite football team lost. Every little bit of pain they experienced I felt was justified because they had hurt me.

Application: When Jesus was instructing his disciples it will come to no surprise to you to know that He did not say, “Be delighted in your enemy’s failures”. In fact he said that we were to love our enemies. I guess that rules out rejoicing when their footy team loses! Often when we are hurt we easily slip into petty behaviours. The wisdom given to us from the Old Testament and the New Testament instructs us not to do so. It explains that God is to be the judge, not us. While that does not stop us from feeling hurt, it does hold us accountable for our behaviour as we respond to that hurt.

Prayer: Lord, when you walked this earth you were rejected by everyone. You understand what it is to be hurt. May we look to You as we strive to act in a Godly way towards those who hurt us. Amen.

Are you rejoicing over someone else’s failure?

Ps Linda writes a Daily Devotional everyday. Check it out!

Memorable Meals

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Linda Bailey in Proverbs Leave a comment

Proverbs 23

Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. Proverbs 23:3 (NIV Bible)

Memorable Meals

Submitted by Ps Linda Bailey

Observation: Our family never do meals by halves. When it is time to celebrate there is no expense spared for great food and enjoyable wine. If my mother knows someone enjoys something, she will have it prepped and ready for intake. With my parents gifts of hospitality and generosity, it always makes for a memorable meal. However, if you were to drop by unexpected at a meal time you would see my parents consuming a simple meal of chops and vegetables. While the food is different their attitude is not. They would still invite you to stay and Mum would just pop another couple of potatoes in the pot to help the meal go around. While the food is fantastic during times of celebration I can now see that my parents attitudes of hospitality and generosity can make any meal special.

Application: So often we can fixate on what we can see and taste rather than the attitude behind the meal. Someone can try to impress you by the type of restaurant they take you to, however their true intentions will always come out in the end. We must not just look at the meal but the emotions behind the gift. The meal may be divine and yet their intentions may be to deceive. Whereas another meal may be very basic but the intention is to share life. Don’t just look at the tangible but the intention behind each gift. Then you will see the real person behind the food.

Prayer: Lord, may we share meals with others with an attitude of love and thanksgiving. Amen.

Who do you know is a generous giver? How do you see through the gift and look to the intention?

Ps Linda writes a Daily Devotional everyday. Check it out!

Common People

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Linda Bailey in Proverbs Leave a comment

Proverbs 22

Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. Proverbs 22:2 (NIV)

Common People

Submitted by Ps Linda Bailey

Observation: When I was at university I went along to a friend’s party. At one point during the night the host came up to me with another friend and said, “Linda, this is Donna. Donna, this is Linda. You two have something in common. By the time I come back I want to see if you have worked it out.” And with that our ‘friend’ turned around and disappeared in to another room. After some awkward conversation we started going through the things that we may have in common. It was clear from our outward appearance that we were both female, but we figured there was something more to our similarities. We were both studying but different courses at different universities. Neither of us liked seafood but we didn’t think our friend even knew that about us. I grew up in the country whereas Donna grew up in the city. So, I finally bit the bullet and asked the question that I suspected would reveal our similarity, “Do you go to church?” “Yes,” said Donna, “and you?” “Yes,” I said. “And I suspect that is the reason that our ‘friend’ has brought us together. Let’s get all the Christians in the one corner, shall we?!” We had a bit of a chuckle, asked a few general questions about our churches and then headed back to our respective friendship circles. Donna was nice but I think we were both keen to just hang out with our friends, the people we connect with best. Just because we were both Christians was not going to make us instant BFFs!

Application: While it is often nice to meet someone who has a similar view about faith it does not mean that we are going to be better friends with them than with our non believing friends. Sometimes we think that our faith makes us so much better than other people, and sometimes other people are inclined to group us “religious” people together. However, when we do believe in God we realise that God has created us all as equals. We are all God’s children, He made us all and we all fall short of His glory. We may connect better with some people or have more in common with others, but God has created us all equally. When we come in contact with the shop assistant, our boss, the neighbourhood children or a politician, it’s important for us to remember: The Lord is the Maker of us all.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see all people as equal and to treat them all with the love that You have for us. Amen.

When have you not been treated equally? How did that make you feel? Is there someone that you do not treat as an equal?

Ps Linda writes a Daily Devotional everyday. Check it out!

Millionnaire Mindset

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Linda Bailey in Proverbs Leave a comment

Proverbs 21

All day long he (the sluggard) craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing. Proverbs 21:26 (NIV Bible)

Millionnaire Mindset

Submitted by Ps Linda Bailey

Observation: I know a guy who would love to be a millionnaire. While he is currently working a standard job, he is always on the look out for a quick way to make money. I bumped in to this guy after one of my mission trips to the Philippines. He asked me about what it was like over there and I told him about the child sponsorship areas we had visited and some of the affects that poverty has had on thousands of the Filipino people. “You see,” he said to me, “when I’m a millionnaire I’d give money to help those kind of people.” Now, I don’t know if this guy will ever become a millionnaire but I could be pretty sure that if he does he wont be giving his money away to those in need. This guy had a ‘millionnaire mindset’. He thought that everything would be smooth sailing once he was a millionnaire so he would suddenly change his attitude and be more generous. However, generosity is not about the amount of money in your wallet, generosity is an expression of your heart. If you are not generous with the little you have, it is unlikely you will become generous when you have more.

Application: Some of the most generous people I know are those that only have a little. They may not be able to give large sums of money but they find ways to share what little they have with the others around them. They have a generous spirit. Having large sums of money does not make you generous because large is never enough. If you did not have a generous spirit before you became wealthy, extra money is not going to bring that sort of spirit to life! It is better for us to work less on obtaining a particular figure of money and work more towards being people who are generous… no matter how much money we have.

Prayer: Lord, all things we have come from You. May we not hold on to our wealth and possessions too tightly but be willing to pass them on to others in need. Amen.

Would others say that you have a generous spirit?

Ps Linda writes a Daily Devotional everyday. Check it out!

Loud Actions

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Linda Bailey in Proverbs Leave a comment

Proverbs 20

Even children are known by their actions, by whether their conduct is pure and right. Proverbs 20:11 (NIV Bible)

Loud Actions

Submitted by Ps Linda Bailey

Observation: “I cannot hear a word you are saying, your actions are speaking too loudly.” This is a new take on the saying: Actions speak louder than words. So many people forget this truth. They are so careful about using the correct words and being politically correct and yet their actions are flippant and often offensive. I know a few older people whose language may come across as a little archaic, and because of their history they have been taught stereotypical views on particular nationalities, and yet their actions show that they love and accept all people. On the other hand, there are people who talk up their correct use of language and yet when you look at their actions you see that it is all just head knowledge and their care for others is only skin deep.

Application: In our world of ‘political correctness’ we have to be careful not to jump down people’s throats because of their words. Yes, some people may need to be challenged about what they are saying, however if we observe someone’s behaviour we are much more likely to get a clearer picture of what they really think. It takes longer to observe but we can understand someone better if we recognise their actions rather than just listening to their words.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your actions are still resounding throughout our world today, even though it is 2000 years later. May our actions have a positive impact on our world this week too. Amen.

When have you noticed someone’s words are contrary to their actions?

Ps Linda writes a Daily Devotional everyday. Check it out!

Instruction Manual For Life

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Linda Bailey in Proverbs Leave a comment

Proverbs 19

He who obeys instructions guards his life, but he who is contemptuous of his ways will die. Proverbs 19:16 (NIV Bible)

Instruction Manual For Life

Submitted by Ps Linda Bailey

Observation: There are many hilarious moments happening the world over as people try to construct things without reading the instructions. Ikea has multiplied these occurrences as it sells thousands of pieces of household furniture that need to be put together in the home. How hard can it be, right? Well, many people find they spend hours trying to construct something from their own understanding only to discover an important piece was forgotten near the beginning and so they almost have to start from scratch again. Reading the instructions can often seem like a waste of time but it can save many hours and a great deal of frustration.

Application: I often hear people say that it would be nice to have an instruction manual for life. An easy-to-read manual that helps us through the tricky times of parenting, dating or job interviews. And yet, if we had it, would we read it? Millions of people have the Bible in their home somewhere and yet very rarely pick it up to read it and gain instruction from it. Proverbs is filled with many pearls of wisdom that we can implement in our lives and yet so few people are delving in to it’s instruction. The Bible is a book that we don’t just read through once and receive all the instruction that we need but a guide that we can keep dipping in to that gives us a better understanding of God therefore a greater understanding of who we were created to be. It’s the closest thing we have to an instruction manual for life. Pick it up and start reading, it could save years of wasted time and frustration.

Prayer: Lord, Your Word opens our eyes to the life you would have us lead. It may not give us a step-by-step pictorial example but it teaches us how to love You and love others. May we open it up to receive from You each day. Amen.

What ‘instructions for life’ from the Bible are helpful for you?

Ps Linda writes a Daily Devotional everyday. Check it out!

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