Month: March 2005

Comfort

Posted on March 31, 2005

THOUGHT:

The Lord will either calm your storm or allow it to rage while He calms you.

Challenge

When your world gets crazy and you can't control it, ask for God's peace to carry you through the storm.

Verse

Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm.

Reference

Matthew 8:24-26

Priorities

Posted on March 30, 2005

THOUGHT:

Riches are not an end of life, but an instrument of life.

Challenge

Review your goals this week. How many goals use riches and how many gather them? Adjust accordingly.

Verse

Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds!

Reference

Luke 12:24

Discipleship

Posted on March 29, 2005

THOUGHT:

The heart of sin is "I"

Challenge

How often do you come first? Review your actions today and remember that God commands us to serve others. If you are first: sin is present.

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

Wisdom

Posted on March 28, 2005

THOUGHT:

Can you ever remember a time when you regretted having said a kind word?

Challenge

No risk proposition: Offer some kind words to someone today.

Verse

Pe - The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom; his tongue speaks what is right.

Reference

Psalm 37:30

Love

Posted on March 25, 2005

THOUGHT:

Without the sacrafice of Good Friday, Easter is just another day. . .

Challenge

Don't treat today like any other day. Sacrafice a little of your day to remember what Jesus did for you so many years ago on this holy day.

Verse

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

Reference

John 3:16

Service

Posted on March 24, 2005

THOUGHT:

The world is full of two kinds of people: the givers and the takers. The takers eat well-but the givers sleep well.

Challenge

How do you sleep? Christ gave us the perfect example of service as he cleaned the feet of his disciples. Don't forget to serve first today.

Verse

Fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.

Reference

John 13:3-5

Evangelism

Posted on March 23, 2005

THOUGHT:

If you have your tools ready, God will find you work.

Challenge

Organize your toolbox and get ready to go to work.

Verse

But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.

Reference

2 Timothy 4:5

Praise

Posted on March 22, 2005

THOUGHT:

I have lived to thank God that all of my prayers have not been answered my way.

Challenge

Just as we don't give our children everything they ask for, the Lord knows when to say no to us. Thank the Lord for specific prayers He knowingly didn't answer.

Verse

Saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.”

Reference

Luke 22:42

Discipleship

Posted on March 21, 2005

THOUGHT:

Better to do a good deed near at home than go far away to burn incense.

Challenge

Everyone is a missionary every day. Remember that each action you do is seen as the actions of christians.

Verse

I, the LORD, have spoken; it will happen! I will do it and not hold back! I will not have pity or relent. By your conduct and deeds you shall be judged— oracle of the Lord GOD.

Reference

Ezekiel 24:14

Compassion

Posted on March 18, 2005

THOUGHT:

You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

Challenge

Don't underestimate the impact you can have on those around you. Take some time to show you care about those you see today.

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

Prayer

Posted on March 17, 2005

THOUGHT:

The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.

Challenge

God is always waiting. All we have to do is open the dialogue. Spend a few minutes today with the Lord, and remember to talk to him about everything, and nothing.

Verse

To you, God of my ancestors, I give thanks and praise, because you have given me wisdom and power. Now you have shown me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the king’s dream.”

Reference

Daniel 2:23

Comfort

Posted on March 16, 2005

THOUGHT:

Thank God for what you have. . . Trust God for what you need.

Challenge

God will give us what we need. Say a quick prayer right now to thank Him for all he has given you.

Verse

Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds!

Reference

Luke 12:24

Evangelism

Posted on March 15, 2005

THOUGHT:

There are two ways to spread light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

Challenge

Remember that Christ calls us to be examples of His love. Make sure you're giving or reflecting the light of Christ today.

Verse

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Reference

Matthew 5:14-16

Attitude

Posted on March 14, 2005

THOUGHT:

I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking him to do his work through me.

Challenge

How can the Lord work through you today? Ask Him. A quick prayer to start your day can give you peace.

Verse

Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power.

Reference

Ephesians 3:7

Service

Posted on March 11, 2005

THOUGHT:

The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention.

Challenge

We are called to serve the lord, not just think about it. Fird a chance to do a good deed today. Regardless of how small.

Verse

Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share,

Reference

1 Timothy 6:18

Prayer

Posted on March 10, 2005

THOUGHT:

If a church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

Challenge

Spend some time in prayer for the staff at your church this week. Thank God for the things they do well, and ask God to bless them.

Verse

And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Reference

Ephesians 4:11-12

Patience

Posted on March 9, 2005

THOUGHT:

When God develops character, he works on it throughout a lifetime. He is never in a hurry.

Challenge

When it comes to your Christian character, be patient with the process. Cultivate a habit of doing the little things well, every day. God will transform you throughout your life.

Verse

For the command is a lamp, and the teaching a light, and a way to life are the reproofs that discipline,

Reference

Proverbs 6:23

Courage

Posted on March 8, 2005

THOUGHT:

Goals are dreams with deadlines.

Challenge

It is easy to dream about many things knowing in the back of your mind that it is likely these dreams will never be realized. Set a goal today to move closer to God, knowing in your heart that this dream will come true.

Verse

My strength and my refuge is the LORD, and he has become my savior. This is my God, I praise him; the God of my father, I extol him.

Reference

Exodus 15:2

Discipleship

Posted on March 7, 2005

THOUGHT:

Every Christian in the world is being judged by your actions in front of a non-believer today. How are you doing?

Challenge

Don't let your christian beliefs take second place to your emotions today. Remember that all christians are counting on you. Stop-think-then act consistent with your christian beliefs.

Verse

Shown to be a letter of Christ administered by us, written not in ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets that are hearts of flesh.

Reference

2 Corinthians 3:3

Wisdom

Posted on March 4, 2005

THOUGHT:

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

Challenge

Our perspective is often based on those directly around us. We see those with more than us and forget we are looking at a small piece of the world (God's world). Thank God today for His many blessings. Remember to do your part and give back to God from what He has given to you.

Verse

All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.

Reference

1 Corinthians 9:23

Courage

Posted on March 3, 2005

THOUGHT:

What distinguishes the majority of men from the few is their ability to act according to their beliefs.

Challenge

We are faced with a variety of opportunities each day to demonstrate our beliefs through our actions. Strengthen your character today by allowing your personal values to guide your actions.

Verse

Happy the just, for it will go well with them, the fruit of their works they will eat.

Reference

Isaiah 3:10

Discipleship

Posted on March 2, 2005

THOUGHT:

I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand.

Challenge

Accepting Christ is our salvation; actions are the outward sign that we understand what Christ did for us. Take some action today, large or small, that lets God know you understand.

Verse

You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works.

Reference

James 2:22

Wisdom

Posted on March 1, 2005

THOUGHT:

God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.

Challenge

When you say your prayers today, don't tell God what you need. Ask Him to provide what He feels is best for you.

Verse

From one end of the heavens it comes forth; its course runs through to the other; nothing escapes its heat.

Reference

Psalm 19:7