Bad examples can be effective teachers. You may have been exposed to poor parenting as a child. Let this be a lesson on how not to parent. Do not default to the bad habits of your mom and dad. They did what they could, but now you know better. Do not stay mad at them for their poor example. Rather, learn from them. Display the opposite of their attitudes and behaviors that were counterproductive and relationally destructive.

Your supervisor at work may not be the best in the world. In fact, he may be a jerk. Humility and patience are the only things keeping you from lowering yourself to his volatile temper and demanding spirit. One day you will be the boss, and because you have been a victim of the wrath of an insecure leader, you will not do the same. You do not wish their dysfunctional management on another. You are learning from this leader, who is a bad example. Do not stay angry with them, but thank God instead, that by His grace you will not be the same. Instead, you will be a loving and loyal leader.

Or, maybe your lessons from a bad example stem from a friend or colleague. You have witnessed the pain and the sad consequences of their poor choices. Their example of bad decision-making is loud and clear. Their impulsiveness and inability to receive advice is literally destroying everything and everyone around them. Others have chosen to worship the gods of this world. Sexual immorality, money, ingratitude and busyness have all eroded their ability to enjoy God, enjoy people and enjoy life. You can learn from their mistakes. Use this time to take notes of what not to do. Whatever someone of ill repute does, simply do the opposite. Over time your good example will shine as a light of hope to those who walk in the darkness of their bad example.

There may come a time when you seem to be the only hope for those who have stumbled around in their bad choices. Be there for them. Your current ability to refrain from caustic criticism will earn you the right to help them when they finally turn from living badly. You are no better than them, just better off. Do not let your good example in many areas go to your head. It is only by the grace of God that you are not a poster child for behaving badly. Your good example is an asset that God has blessed you with, and as such it is not to be taken for granted. Also, do not let your good standing become a pulpit to preach down to those who are poor examples. Your life already speaks louder than your words. In a good way you are providing hope for those around that seem hopeless.

Bad examples do not need a lecture over the plight of their errors. They already feel the hollowness of self-absorbed living. What they need is someone who will accept them but not their lifestyle. Bad examples are really searching for good examples. You have been blessed with the moral authority to help. Bad examples need help badly. Do not do what they do or say. Do the opposite. Learn from their failures and mistakes. Be there for them as a good example. Bad examples can be good teachers. Therefore, go to school and learn from them!

Taken from Dose 59 in the 90-day devotional book, Infusion.

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Releasing on Labor Day the 90-day devotional book, Seeking God in the Psalms.

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Jacob gave his dying instructions to his sons as they waited at his beside. They lingered there out of love and respect. They had observed his life. And though not perfect by far, it was a life of overall faithfulness to God. The sons of the father wanted to receive his blessing and they were proud of the legacy left to them, a legacy of faithfulness to God.

What legacy will you leave? If you died today, how would you be remembered? These are important questions for your children’s sake. Maybe your parents did not leave you a godly heritage. Nevertheless, you have a wonderful opportunity to start a new tradition, one based on the principles of Scripture. Lord willing, your legacy will start a godly lineage that will reach across the future for generations to come. Yes, your name will probably be forgotten, but what you stand for will be held in high esteem for all to remember.

Perhaps you can start by documenting your family vision and mission. Write out outcomes you are praying for related to your family. Pray that your parental example of character compels your children to walk with Christ. Hold the Bible in such high regard that its commands and principles are lived out in love and obedience. Love your children with acceptance, discipline, training, and kindness. Follow the ways of God, and your children will see and secure a clear path of purpose to pursue.

Moreover, consider a family credo that defines what you value as a family. Character traits like humility, hard work, community, forgiveness, communication, and relationship. Weave these beliefs throughout the language and behavior of your family. Challenge each child to be intoxicated by Scripture, so much so that God’s word is on their breath and seen through their behavior. Slow down and be intentional in legacy building. Then your children and your children’s children are more apt to love Christ.

“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children” (Psalm 103:17).

Do I live my life with legacy in mind, and do I uniquely and fully bless each child?

Related Readings: Daniel 10:19; Joshua 24:27-29; Luke 2:29; Hebrews 11:13-22

Taken from Reading #3 in the new eBook Wisdom for Fathers (free for June), click here: http://bit.ly/j650BI

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Attention to detail communicates care. When we show intimate interest in something or someone, we value them. This is also the nature of our heavenly Father. No concern is missed by His interest. Every bird is known by God: each cardinal, sparrow, black bird, vulture, robin, eagle, condor, blue bird, humming bird, wren, dove and quail is cared for by God.

Yet the value of a bird compared to the value of a person is really incomparable. It is like comparing the value of a glass sliver to a radiant diamond. It is the cost of a bicycle in contrast to a Mercedes. It is like setting side by side a bird’s nest and a mansion. It is laughable to surmise any kind of similarity in value. Yet God values you like the jewelry, the automobile and the home. Your worth way out weighs all of His other creations.

You are the pinnacle in the portfolio of Christ’s creation. You are His most valued asset—He knows and understands the every detail of your life. You may be right in the middle of a maze of uncertainty. Your life could not be more confusing. Your marriage is in chaos. Your career has hit a dead-end. Your finances are at a new low. Your motivation to move forward is like walking in a malaise of molasses. Life may not be fun right now.

However, the one with an eye on the sparrow also has His heart on you. His care is beyond your comprehension. He is relentless and reassuring in His compassion. Let Him into the details of your life—He already knows and He has your best interest in mind. Your heavenly Father knows what’s best for you. No need to fear—God is near. He is as near as a prayer. His attention to detail invites you to trust and lean into His great love.

Since Jesus values details, shouldn’t we? Of course, thoughtful and responsible people care about details, because they represent what’s important to you or someone else. But details are not always easy to keep up with. They can become cumbersome and cranky. This is why you surround yourself with people who are passionate about the areas which you are not.

It may be time to trust others with the critical details screaming for your attention. They will probably do a better job than you can in managing them anyway. You are still accountable for the details, but give a trusted advisor the responsibility.  You cannot cover all the details well—all alone, but with a gifted few friends you will go far.

Be aware of the overall details and give close attention to the ones only you can manage. Otherwise, you will be average at best in your execution. Most of all, trust God and others with the shepherding of details. However, as you trust, provide friendly follow up. Do for others what God does for you. He gives attention to the details of your life—no need to fear and worry for you are God’s most valued creation in all the world. He cares for you.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matthew 6:31-32).

What details of my life do I need to trust and give to the Lord and what details do I need to focus on?

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Resolve is the result of righteous living. There is a determination deep within a soul to be dependent on God. When you are established in the faith, no one can remove you from Christ’s call. He has appointed you to this post of service. Do not leave until the Lord reassigns you. Righteous resolve decides to stay put; so, by faith, keep on for Christ.

It probably means you disappoint some and invigorate others. However, if your goal is to first trust and obey the Lord, you will be misunderstood by some and rejected by others. Friends may even urge you to move on, but you cannot because Christ has not released you. Your resolve is His resolve. Therefore, you persevere through pain, suffering and uncertainty. Righteous resolve remains, regardless of the consequences, good or bad.

Moreover, there is a righteous resolve that remains in Christ (see John 15:5). Your conversion to Christianity was a resolution to abide under the influence of Almighty God. You stay true to your commitment to Christ because of the joy that comes from following Jesus. The “meek inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5), while the wicked don’t.

Lastly, you cannot lose what you give away, and you cannot keep what you will not release. Indeed, a righteous resolve has a relentless trust in the Lord. Obedience, generosity and contentment all require tenacious trust. Therefore, resolve in your heart to go hard after God. Release your relentless pursuits, only after He has released you. Perhaps you ask, “Is my resolve righteous, or is it contingent on circumstances?”

The Bible says, “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:3).

Where do I need to make a righteous resolve to remain true to my commitment and calling?

Related Readings: Psalm 15:5; Daniel 1:8; Romans 8:35-39; 1 Corinthians 2:2

Taken from Reading #12 in the new 30-day devotional eBook, “Wisdom for Graduates”. Click here to download your copy… http://bit.ly/jHlNX0

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