Month: July 2004

Praise

Posted on July 30, 2004

THOUGHT:

How often do you have trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend? Yet, you can't find a word to say when you're praying...

Challenge

Remember, Jesus is your friend and He loves you very much. Talk to him today about nothing; and everything.

Verse

II - I call upon you; answer me, O God. Turn your ear to me; hear my speech.

Reference

Psalm 17:6

Attitude

Posted on July 29, 2004

THOUGHT:

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.

Challenge

Choose to go beyond ordinary and give that little extra effort to strengthen your relationship with God. Pray a little more, talk about Him a little more and make a little more time to do His will.

Verse

Anything you can turn your hand to, do with what power you have; for there will be no work, no planning, no knowledge, no wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

Reference

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Comfort

Posted on July 28, 2004

THOUGHT:

God intervenes in the affairs of people by invitation only.

Challenge

Don't wait for a special occasion to invite God into your life. He will provide you comfort.

Verse

“‘“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.

Reference

Revelation 3:20

Parenting

Posted on July 27, 2004

THOUGHT:

The best inheritance any parent can leave their children is a good example.

Challenge

Consider your behavior and actions when you are around your children. Eliminate those you would not like to pass along to the next generation.

Verse

As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children,

Reference

1 Thessalonians 2:11

Faith

Posted on July 26, 2004

THOUGHT:

I believe in the sun even if it isn’t shining. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is silent.

Challenge

Remember that even when God is silent he is with you. It is your challenge to maintain the faith when you feel you are alone in the journey. Do you?

Verse

Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand. With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor.

Reference

Psalm 73:23-24

Attitude

Posted on July 23, 2004

THOUGHT:

Some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to.

Challenge

Be determined to stand your ground when it comes to your faith. Express your Christianity through your words and actions.

Verse

Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate,

Reference

Ephesians 6:13-14

Comfort

Posted on July 21, 2004

THOUGHT:

Failure is an event, not a person

Challenge

The next time you see a failure, remember to see it for what it is; a situation in which things did not turn out as expected. Use the opportunity to comfort whomever is struggling with their losses instead of rejoicing in their shortcomings.

Verse

Then all his brothers and sisters came to him, and all his former acquaintances, and they dined with him in his house. They consoled and comforted him for all the evil the LORD had brought upon him, and each one gave him a piece of money and a gold ring.

Reference

Job 42:11

Anger

Posted on July 20, 2004

THOUGHT:

Swallowing angry words is much better that having to eat them.

Challenge

Think before you speak. If you find yourself angry with someone today, calm yourself before you express yourself.

Verse

Fools give vent to all their anger; but the wise, biding their time, control it.

Reference

Proverbs 29:11

Faith

Posted on July 19, 2004

THOUGHT:

True faith in God is the ultimate confidence builder.

Challenge

Is there something today weighing heavy on your mind? Allow your faith in God to calm your anxieties.

Verse

Sing out, heavens, and rejoice, earth, break forth into song, you mountains, For the LORD comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted.

Reference

Isaiah 49:13

Priorities

Posted on July 16, 2004

THOUGHT:

The grass may look greener on the other side, but it still has to be mowed. In a world that tells us we should be younger, thinner and richer, it is difficult to be content with the things God has blessed us with in our lives.

Challenge

Think of something that you have been wanting but really don’t need. Let go of that desire and pray for the strength to be content with what you have.

Verse

Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.”

Reference

Hebrews 13:5

Faith

Posted on July 15, 2004

THOUGHT:

When things get tough, always remember... Faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it!

Challenge

Have you thanked God for helping you through your troubles? Sometimes we just ask and forget to thank. Thank God today.

Verse

Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God,

Reference

2 Corinthians 3:5

Fellowship

Posted on July 14, 2004

THOUGHT:

The company you keep will determine the trouble you meet.

Challenge

Seek to involve yourself more with those who can strengthen your spiritual walk. Consider joining a new Bible Study or fellowship group at your church.

Verse

Do not be friendly with hotheads, nor associate with the wrathful, Lest you learn their ways, and become ensnared.

Reference

Proverbs 22:24-25

Anxiety

Posted on July 13, 2004

THOUGHT:

Anxiety is an expensive habit. Of course, it might be worth the cost if it worked. But it doesn't. Our frets are futile. Worry has never brightened a day, solved a problem or cured a disease. God leads us. God will do the right thing at the right time. And what a difference that makes.

Challenge

If you stopped worrying for just one day how would you spend that time more productively? With family? Helping others? Praying?

Verse

Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?

Reference

MATTHEW 6:26-27

Praise

Posted on July 12, 2004

THOUGHT:

If the only prayer you say in your whole life is "Thank You", that would suffice.

Challenge

Thank God today, through your words and through your actions, for everything he has given you.

Verse

VI - Praise the God of heaven, for his mercy endures forever.

Reference

Psalm 136:26

Worship

Posted on July 9, 2004

THOUGHT:

True religion is meant to be bread for our daily use, not cake for special occasions.

Challenge

Don't ignore your faith when things are going well, and recognize the need for God's presence in your life everyday.

Verse

Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Reference

Luke 9:23

Kindness

Posted on July 8, 2004

THOUGHT:

Kindness is a hard thing to give away; it keeps coming back to the giver.

Challenge

Be aware of all the opportunities you have to be kind to someone today. Take advantage of as many of the opportunities as you can.

Verse

Now then, swear to me by the LORD that, since I am showing kindness to you, you in turn will show kindness to my family. Give me a reliable sign

Reference

Joshua 2:12

Courage

Posted on July 7, 2004

THOUGHT:

Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.

Challenge

Set a goal to do something you have been avoiding because you fear a negative outcome. Share your goal with someone close to you so you won’t lose the courage to follow through.

Verse

Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.

Reference

Matthew 14:28-29

Charity

Posted on July 6, 2004

THOUGHT:

Christ never said being a Christian would be painless, in fact; it's a long and hard road to follow the example of Christ.

Challenge

Give something you care about to someone who will appreciate it today and thank God for the opportunity to share your blessings.

Verse

They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

Reference

Acts 14:22

Praise

Posted on July 2, 2004

THOUGHT:

Remember to thank God each day. Understand that God may not give us everything we want. More importantly, help us to have the wisdom to understand that God will give us everything we need.

Challenge

Today during your daily prayer remember to thank God more and ask for less.

Verse

My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Reference

Philippians 4:19

Faith

Posted on July 1, 2004

THOUGHT:

True faith is like a kite - an opposing wind raises it higher.

Challenge

Be watchful for adversity in your life and embrace it. God may use this trial to strengthen your faith and draw you closer to Him.

Verse

They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.

Reference

Isaiah 40:31