Year: 2007

Prayer

Posted on December 31, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Bible without the Holy Spirit is a sundial by moonlight.

Challenge

Pick one of your favorite passages from the Bible and ask God to reveal a deeper message to you through the Holy Spirit. You may receive a greater and more meaningful perspective on a familiar verse.

Verse

Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation, for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God.

Reference

2 Peter 1:20-21

Discipleship

Posted on December 28, 2007

THOUGHT:

I did not go through the Book. The Book went through me.

Challenge

Do you find yourself reading the Bible as if it were a history book? Take time today to read The Bible for what it is: God’s personal letters to you. Let it sink in to your heart and change your life.

Verse

For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the holy Spirit and [with] much conviction. You know what sort of people we were [among] you for your sake.

Reference

1 Thessalonians 1:5

Forgiveness

Posted on December 27, 2007

THOUGHT:

Sometimes when you are angry you have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give you the right to be cruel.

Challenge

Ask God’s help to avoid seeking revenge, but instead to seek understanding and the ability to calm yourself. This will help you down a path of forgiveness and forgetting.

Verse

Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your own people. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

Reference

Leviticus 19:18

Change

Posted on December 26, 2007

THOUGHT:

Without the Christmas spirit, there would be no Holy Spirit.

Challenge

Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire the Christmas spirit to be with you throughout the year.

Verse

As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Life in the Christian Community.

Reference

Acts 4:31

Compassion

Posted on December 24, 2007

THOUGHT:

Christmas without Christ is like a sunset without the sun.

Challenge

Keep the Lor⁤ s Son shining in your Christmas by remembering the Reason For The Season† remind others also. Merry CHRISTmas… The TAGteam.

Verse

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Reference

Matthew 1:21

Marriage

Posted on December 21, 2007

THOUGHT:

A truly rich person is one whose family and friends run into their arms when their hands are empty.

Challenge

This holiday season, count your true riches as you spend time with your family and friends. They are your greatest gifts.

Verse

One acts rich but has nothing; another acts poor but has great wealth.

Reference

Proverbs 13:7

Evangelism

Posted on December 20, 2007

THOUGHT:

When God guides, God provides.

Challenge

If you want to talk about Jesus, but you're not sure what to say, don't worry. Even if you think the words are jumbled and sloppy, God can find the way to touch an open heart with your comments.

Verse

Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. IV. Advice to the Persecuted - Trial of Persecution.

Reference

1 Peter 4:11

Discipleship

Posted on December 19, 2007

THOUGHT:

Possessions pamper the mind; deprivation trains and strengthens it.

Challenge

Christ often spoke of the dangers of wealth and possessions, and how this can weaken our relationship with Him. Especially remember this during the gift-giving season. Focus less on how much you are giving and spending on stuff, and think more about how you are reflecting the true gift of the season – Christ’s love.

Verse

The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”

Reference

Matthew 19:20

Praise

Posted on December 18, 2007

THOUGHT:

When you feel like your life is not a garden of roses, remember who wore the thorns.

Challenge

The purpose of remembering who wore the thorns is not to diminish the pain of your life’s challenging times by comparing them to Jesus’ trials. It is to provide you with hope, knowing Jesus provided the ultimate sacrifice in order that you would have an opportunity to spend eternity with our Saviour. Take a moment and thank Him for His sacrifice and ask him for strength to optimistically confront your hard times.

Verse

For David says of him: ‘I saw the Lord ever before me, with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

Reference

Acts 2:25

Discipleship

Posted on December 17, 2007

THOUGHT:

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.

Challenge

Nothing we possess on earth will be worth anything once our life here is over, but we will never lose God’s love. Express your appreciation for His gift by passing along your blessings to someone in need this holiday season.

Verse

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

Reference

Luke 9:24

Attitude

Posted on December 14, 2007

THOUGHT:

Well done is better than well said.

Challenge

Let your actions speak for you this week and make sure they say you are a Christian loud and clear.

Verse

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

Reference

James 2:22

Prayer

Posted on December 13, 2007

THOUGHT:

Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.

Challenge

When stressful situations surround you, don't look down, look up. Open a dialogue with God and ask for His guidance. He has the ability to help you see past your adversity and provides you with the strength to get you through it.

Verse

Thanksgiving. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God.

Reference

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Faith

Posted on December 12, 2007

THOUGHT:

In the Garden of Eden, the apple on the tree wasn't the problem, it was the pair on the ground.

Challenge

Temptation will always be around you, and the serpant comes in all shapes and sizes. Be strong in your faith, and remember to Think About God before you act today. He is stronger than any of the devil's assistants that are lurking around you.

Verse

Exhortation and Greetings. Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.

Reference

1 Corinthians 16:13

Courage

Posted on December 11, 2007

THOUGHT:

WE are the reason for the season. Jesus came to redeem us from sin and to adopt us into His family.

Challenge

Knowing Christ came for you, how are you going to show gratitude this Christmas Season? Don't just walk around saying Happy Holidays, Say Merry Christmas and show others through your actions that you are excited about what the season represents.

Verse

The descendants of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zephi, Gatam, Kenaz, Timna, and Amalek.

Reference

1 Chronicles 1:36

Determination

Posted on December 10, 2007

THOUGHT:

Integrity is revealed when character is tested; keep true and never be ashamed of doing what is right.

Challenge

We all have a reasonably good internal barometer of what is right and wrong. Ask God for the fortitude to stay true to your values and make good choices that would be pleasing to him, especially when times are tough.

Verse

On a good day enjoy good things, and on an evil day consider: Both the one and the other God has made, so that no one may find the least fault with him.

Reference

Ecclesiastes 7:14

Prayer

Posted on December 7, 2007

THOUGHT:

Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden

Challenge

God is standing by waiting to assist you with all your problems, large or small. The next time you have a concern, no matter how small, turn it over to God in prayer.

Verse

Psalm 7 God the Vindicator - A plaintive song of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, the Benjaminite.

Reference

Psalm 7:1

Evangelism

Posted on December 6, 2007

THOUGHT:

The purist form of religion is love in action.

Challenge

Jesus gave us few commandments while he was here, and they were focused on love. Bring your religion to life by offering acts of love to those around you.

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

Discipleship

Posted on December 4, 2007

THOUGHT:

Be better to your neighbors and you will have better neighbors.

Challenge

Make an effort to reach out to your neighbors with friendship and compassion. Show them through your actions your Christian kindness. Pray to God that they pass on your example to their neighbors. You’ve just begun making the world a better place.

Verse

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

Reference

Matthew 20:37-40

Discipleship

Posted on December 3, 2007

THOUGHT:

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.

Challenge

God made each of our private charts. It is our job to please him by making the most of the opportunities he’s given us. Start today by giving your all when you are called upon by your church, your family and your friends – never let an opportunity to serve God’s world slip by.

Verse

So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith. VI. Conclusion - Final Appeal.

Reference

Galatians 6:10

Habits

Posted on November 30, 2007

THOUGHT:

You can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

Challenge

Think before you speak and think before you act. Then proceed forward in a way that will be pleasing to God. If you follow this simple rule, you will carry less heartache through life.

Verse

Chapter 2 - Plea for Unity and Humility. If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.

Reference

Philippians 2:1-2

Discipleship

Posted on November 29, 2007

THOUGHT:

Your character is not developed overnight, but is molded over your lifetime.

Challenge

Make sure you are always seeking to improve your character. If you need examples, look no further than Jesus Christ. He gave us plenty of examples and He won’t mind if you copy.

Verse

Whoever claims to abide in him ought to live [just] as he lived. The New Commandment.

Reference

1 John 2:6

Discipleship

Posted on November 28, 2007

THOUGHT:

If you were given a nickname descriptive of your character, would you be proud of it?

Challenge

Reflect for a moment on the actions that truly define you. Remember the example Christ gave us and try to emulate His character traits today.

Verse

Chapter 22 - A good name is more desirable than great riches, and high esteem, than gold and silver.

Reference

Proverbs 22:1

Priorities

Posted on November 27, 2007

THOUGHT:

Many people mistake a short memory for a clear conscience.

Challenge

Take a minute and truly examine your recent actions. Ask God for forgiveness, and more importantly for the convictions to live a principle-centered life, avoiding the temptations that conveniently compromise your values.

Verse

Because of this, I always strive to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Reference

Acts 24:16

Wisdom

Posted on November 26, 2007

THOUGHT:

Words must be weighed, not counted.

Challenge

Often times the best advice we give comes when we carefully choose our words instead of speaking in volume. Consider advice you may have the opportunity to give today. Choose your words wisely and give advice that would be pleasing to God.

Verse

How you give counsel to one without wisdom; how profuse is the advice you offer!

Reference

Job 26:3

Attitude

Posted on November 23, 2007

THOUGHT:

After the Thanksgiving holiday, many people shift their thoughts to shopping – yet the only gift you need is the gift of Jesus Christ.

Challenge

Focus your energy on the gift of the birth of your savior – Jesus Christ. Always remember: He is the reason for the season.

Verse

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Reference

Matthew 1:21

Forgiveness

Posted on November 21, 2007

THOUGHT:

To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.

Challenge

Although we are called by God to forgive EVERY sin of our neighbor, this can be difficult. Take account of all of the sins in your life for which God has forgiven you (and He has). Now, think about someone who you have had a hard time forgiving. Extend forgiveness to this person as God has forgiven you.

Verse

Fulfillment Through Christ. In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace

Reference

Ephesians 1:7

Goals

Posted on November 20, 2007

THOUGHT:

Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.

Challenge

Seek God’s blessings today and ask Him to help you to develop your talent and passion for something significant in your life, to find and maintain loving relationships, and lastly, to develop and sustain an optimistic outlook.

Verse

Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing.

Reference

1 Peter 3:9

Anger

Posted on November 19, 2007

THOUGHT:

Every minute you remain angry you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.

Challenge

Ask God to help calm you when anger tries to get the upper hand. Life is too short to waste precious minutes being angry, anxious or stressed.

Verse

The ill-tempered stir up strife, but the patient settle disputes.

Reference

Proverbs 15:18

Determination

Posted on November 16, 2007

THOUGHT:

Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch.

Challenge

Ask God for the motivation to pursue your true passions in order to spark more genuine enthusiasm in your life.

Verse

The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD,

Reference

Isaiah 11:2

Discipleship

Posted on November 15, 2007

THOUGHT:

THANKSGIVING DAY, an American tradition often started out with words such as these: “God bless this food we are about to receive…”

Challenge

These words aren’t a reality for everyone in this country and certainly not throughout the world as many do not have enough food. Let’s each of us donate, at least as much as we’ll spend on our own Thanksgiving dinner, to a local food bank, a soup kitchen or a national charity which feeds the hungry such as: usaharvest.com, feedthechildren.org, secondharvest.org, and others. Let’s make this a Thanksgiving for as many as possible!

Verse

If you lavish your food on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; Then your light shall rise in the darkness, and your gloom shall become like midday;

Reference

Isaiah 58:10