the (maybe)daily bailey
2 months ago

3 words

Let’s face it, life has this way of beating the snot out of you. Everyone needs encouragement. Uplifting words from close friends can alter the course of a day. The Bible is going to teach us that encouragement should be the standard for our communication to one another as believers (Eph. 4:29).

I was thinking today about the most encouraging people I know. What about them makes them so encouraging? What characteristics do they share? I’ve found one thing that they all do that I think shapes their ability to lift others up. Three words: “How are you?” They all ask it, and they all listen to what is said after it.

Sounds simple enough.

3 months ago

Ascend the Hill: return_to_us

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]  20 plays

Ascend the Hill - “Return to Us”

I promise I’ll get back to written and video posts sometime, but for now I’ll provide tastes of the media and music that have ministering to my soul.

3 months ago
Post has 1 notes.

the Resurgence posted this earlier today. I thought it good to share.

3 months ago

Robbie Seay Band Featuring Audrey Assad: Oh, Love That Will Not Let Me Go (Feat. Audrey Assad)

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]  11 plays

“Rejoice, my heart! Rejoice, my soul! My Savior, God, has come to Thee! Rejoice, my heart. You’ve been made whole by Love that will not let me go!”

4 months ago
“If, at mid-day, we either look down to the ground, or on the surrounding objects which lie open to our view, we think ourselves endued with a very strong and piercing eyesight; but when we look up to the sun, and gaze at it unveiled, the sight which did excellently well for the earth is instantly so dazzled and confounded by the refulgence, as to oblige us to confess that our acuteness in discerning terrestrial objects is mere dimness when applied to the sun. Thus, too, it happens in estimating our spiritual qualities. So long as we do not look beyond the earth, we are quite pleased with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue; we address ourselves in the most flattering terms, and seem only less than demigods. But should we once begin to raise our thoughts to God, and reflect what kind of being he is, and how absolute the perfection of that righteousness, and wisdom, and virtue, to which, as a standard, we are bound to be conformed, what formerly delighted us by its false show of righteousness will become polluted with the greatest iniquity; what strangely imposed upon us under the name of wisdom will disgust by its extreme folly; and what presented the appearance of virtuous energy will be condemned as the most miserable impotence.”  - John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion photo by code poet

“If, at mid-day, we either look down to the ground, or on the surrounding objects which lie open to our view, we think ourselves endued with a very strong and piercing eyesight; but when we look up to the sun, and gaze at it unveiled, the sight which did excellently well for the earth is instantly so dazzled and confounded by the refulgence, as to oblige us to confess that our acuteness in discerning terrestrial objects is mere dimness when applied to the sun. Thus, too, it happens in estimating our spiritual qualities. So long as we do not look beyond the earth, we are quite pleased with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue; we address ourselves in the most flattering terms, and seem only less than demigods. But should we once begin to raise our thoughts to God, and reflect what kind of being he is, and how absolute the perfection of that righteousness, and wisdom, and virtue, to which, as a standard, we are bound to be conformed, what formerly delighted us by its false show of righteousness will become polluted with the greatest iniquity; what strangely imposed upon us under the name of wisdom will disgust by its extreme folly; and what presented the appearance of virtuous energy will be condemned as the most miserable impotence.” 

- John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion

photo by code poet

4 months ago
this little nugget was too good to not share

Brothers and sisters, I hope you find it encouraging.

4 months ago
"For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba Father!"

— Romans 8:15, Our(my) Identity

4 months ago

5 lessons learned from 5 minute speeches

Every Wednesday at 2:30, I give a 5 minute speech covering a variety of subjects and styles to whomever is in the office. The exercise was given to me in order to help me grow as a communicator. Thus far, I’ve given a persuasive speech and done a stand-up comedy routine (yep, you read that right). Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

  1. I use 5 sentences to say what can be said in 2.
  2. Its important to lead in strong. First impressions are everything, and often mine is sheepish.
  3. I talk really quick and need to slow down.
  4. I care way too much about what other people think of me which causes stress and anxiety during preparation <— that would be sin, by the way. (I’ve noticed I’m more apt in these situations to remain focused on my ability instead of repenting)
  5. I can fake confidence in front of people - I’m yet to decide if that’s good or not.

Even though these exercises have caused me some duress, I actually think I like them. We’ll see if that stays the case…

5 months ago

#outtamymindtuesday

5 months ago

Persecution in India: Francis’ Response from Cornerstone Church on Vimeo.