Month: June 2004

Discipleship

Posted on June 30, 2004

THOUGHT:

Pure olive oil is pure because it has no contaminants, no trace of something else. God asks us to remove any trace of ungodliness in our lives. How much is a trace? A hint, a thought, a glance, a fleeting look?

Challenge

The next time you see a "trace" of impurity entering into your life, stop and pray in Jesus name that he would give you the self-control to resist it.

Verse

Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones,

Reference

Ephesians 5:3

Stewardship

Posted on June 29, 2004

THOUGHT:

No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.

Challenge

Go out of your way today to show someone how much you care - and remember, actions speak louder than words.

Verse

Indeed someone may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.

Reference

James 2:18

Charity

Posted on June 28, 2004

THOUGHT:

The true meaning of any individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good.

Challenge

Don’t underestimate the impact you can have on someone’s life today. Give something to someone today (a kind word, a helping hand, financial assistance) who has nothing to give you in return.

Verse

The Golden Rule. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.

Reference

Matthew 7:12

Attitude

Posted on June 25, 2004

THOUGHT:

You should never let adversity get you down-except on your knees. God does not promise us a trouble-free life, but he does promise comfort in times of trouble.

Challenge

Should you feel any amount of stress today, stop and pray - not that the problem will go away, but that God will grant you the strength to deal it.

Verse

IV. The Power of Prayer - Anointing of the Sick. Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise.

Reference

James 5:13

Discipleship

Posted on June 24, 2004

THOUGHT:

If God loved you as much as you love Him, where would you be?

Challenge

Where would you like to be? What can you do today to close the gap?

Verse

Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

Reference

John 14:23

Stewardship

Posted on June 23, 2004

THOUGHT:

It is good to be a Christian and know it, but it is better to be a Christian and show it.

Challenge

Show some act of kindness to a complete stranger today. Do it, and expect nothing in return.

Verse

This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Reference

John 13:35

Worship

Posted on June 22, 2004

THOUGHT:

No one ever really finds out what they believe until they begin to instruct children. It is said that the teacher can learn more than the pupil. This is truly the case when teaching God’s word.

Challenge

Today, read a passage from the bible to a child. Ask the child what the passage meant to them. Be ready to learn!

Verse

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.

Reference

Ephesians 6:4

Praise

Posted on June 21, 2004

THOUGHT:

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you"?

Challenge

Pause for a few seconds right now to thank God for your many blessings.

Verse

Therefore, our God, we give you thanks and we praise the majesty of your name.

Reference

1 Chronicles 29:13

Determination

Posted on June 18, 2004

THOUGHT:

The desire to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.

Challenge

Almost everyone wants to be successful, but few of us are willing to do what is necessary to reach our goals. Start moving toward your goals today by asking God to give you the strength to turn your wish list into a to do list.

Verse

Obedience. Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Reference

1 Peter 1:13

Service

Posted on June 17, 2004

THOUGHT:

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

Challenge

Exercise your heart today. Pick someone up with a kind word or gesture. You will both feel better as a result of your action.

Verse

So the disciples determined that, according to ability, each should send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.

Reference

Acts 11:29

Attitude

Posted on June 16, 2004

THOUGHT:

Two men look out through the same window; one sees the mud and one the stars.

Challenge

Live today with a positive attitude of gratitude. Identify at least one special gift in your life and thank God for it right now.

Verse

Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,

Reference

Philippians 2:5

Wisdom

Posted on June 15, 2004

THOUGHT:

GODISNOWHERE. What we bring to the passage determines what we see. Open your eyes to see the Lord's work.

Challenge

Look around and realize that "GOD IS NOW HERE" Send this message to people who may be missing the obvious.

Verse

Your way, God, is holy; what god is as great as our God?

Reference

Psalm 77:14

Change

Posted on June 14, 2004

THOUGHT:

Change is inevitable; Growth is optional.

Challenge

Embrace change and experience personal growth by recognizing it’s God’s plan at work.

Verse

But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity. [Amen.]

Reference

2 Peter 3:18

Kindness

Posted on June 11, 2004

THOUGHT:

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.

Challenge

Do something kind for someone today. The world is littered with regrets from those who waited too long.

Verse

I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like those who raise an infant to their cheeks; I bent down to feed them.

Reference

Hosea 11:4

Faith

Posted on June 10, 2004

THOUGHT:

The housefly raced madly back and forth across the screen door searching frantically for a way out. But the fly was so shortsighted it did not notice the door was open and it could easily have flown to freedom.

Challenge

Free yourself today from the self-imposed stress you feel by stopping for a moment, looking around and realizing what is really important to you.

Verse

Dependence on God. He said to [his] disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear.

Reference

Luke 12:22

Habits

Posted on June 9, 2004

THOUGHT:

God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest.

Challenge

Thank God today for all your blessings, but more importantly, demonstrate your appreciation for God's gifts by flying from your nest and taking the initiative to create opportunities for yourself.

Verse

Dependence on God. He said to [his] disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear.

Reference

2 Coronthians 9:8

Compassion

Posted on June 8, 2004

THOUGHT:

Throughout our lives, we encounter people who are lacking in social skills, proper English, or even clean clothes. They may have made bad decisions, but that doesn't make them bad people.

Challenge

When you talk with people today, visualize this across their forehead: Made in the image of God. Handle with care.

Verse

God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Reference

Genesis 1:27

Praise

Posted on June 7, 2004

THOUGHT:

Most people forget God all day and ask him to remember them at night.

Challenge

Schedule at least one appointment with God each morning. Don’t wait until the evening or until you have a problem to think about God.

Verse

But I will call upon God, and the LORD will save me.

Reference

Psalm 55:17

Discipleship

Posted on June 4, 2004

THOUGHT:

Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.

Challenge

The true measure of a Christian is demonstrated by our daily actions, however, God asks us to keep holy the Sabbath. Add some strength and structure to your Faith by attending church more regularly.

Verse

Observe the sabbath day—keep it holy, as the LORD, your God, commanded you.

Reference

Deuteronomy 5:12

Service

Posted on June 3, 2004

THOUGHT:

Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth.

Challenge

Prepay your rent on earth. Make it a daily habit to serve those in need. Start today!

Verse

So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Reference

James 2:17

Security

Posted on June 2, 2004

THOUGHT:

A little encouragement can make the difference between giving up and going on.

Challenge

Help someone today who is struggling. Give them some words of encouragement and offer to help them through their tough times.

Verse

But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him.

Reference

Luke 10:33-34

Vocation

Posted on June 1, 2004

THOUGHT:

A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to a person who isn’t.

Challenge

Can you find some time today to put some wear on your bible?

Verse

Beth - How can the young keep his way without fault? Only by observing your words.

Reference

Psalms 119:9