Month: February 2007

Prayer

Posted on February 28, 2007

THOUGHT:

Prayer is simply inviting God to play an active role in your life.

Challenge

Spend a minute right now saying the Lord's Prayer. Take your time and process all the words as you say them.

Verse

The Lord’s Prayer. “This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.

Reference

Matthew 6:9-13

Wisdom

Posted on February 27, 2007

THOUGHT:

The bible is an invitation to connect with God in a personal way - and to learn more about yourself in the process.

Challenge

Have you accepted the invitation lately? Spend a few minutes reading the word of God in private. Then use this knowledge in public.

Verse

Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

Reference

Hebrews 4:12

Comfort

Posted on February 26, 2007

THOUGHT:

The secret of contentment is the realization that life is a gift, not a right.

Challenge

Too often we look to our government, our employer, even our families to "give" us what we deserve. Seek today to live in the joy that your life is a precious gift from God and be content with where God has brought you in your journey.

Verse

For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.

Reference

1 Timothy 6:7-8

Prayer

Posted on February 23, 2007

THOUGHT:

We believe in God, but do we believe that God believes in us?

Challenge

God believes in us MORE than we believe in ourselves. Meditate on this Thought and ask God to provide you with the courage to believe in yourself.

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

Discipleship

Posted on February 22, 2007

THOUGHT:

Christ has no hands on earth now, but ours.

Challenge

Remember to think of your hands as Christ’s hands and let them be used to show love, compassion and empathy to your fellow man.

Verse

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.

Reference

1 Peter 2:21

Prayer

Posted on February 21, 2007

THOUGHT:

As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.

Challenge

Make the best of God’s unlimited calling plan and phone home today. God’s plan promises NO dropped calls!

Verse

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

Reference

Psalm 17:6

Wisdom

Posted on February 20, 2007

THOUGHT:

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

Challenge

Remember today to stop and think about what you are going to say or write before you do it. Remember to include some love, compassion and empathy in all your conversations.

Verse

Those who guard their mouths preserve themselves; those who open wide their lips bring ruin.

Reference

Proverbs 13:3

Habits

Posted on February 19, 2007

THOUGHT:

Simplicity is a way of thinking, feeling and acting in order to offset the modern tendencies that can minimize the spiritual values of God’s Kingdom. Simplicity frees the heart, mind and soul for the work of God.

Challenge

Model simplicity by always choosing the love and inclusion of other people over the trappings of materialism in our world.

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

Faith

Posted on February 16, 2007

THOUGHT:

Faith is believing what we do not see; the reward of this faith is seeing what we believe.

Challenge

Although His plan for us is not always easy to see or understand, ask God to strengthen your faith so your actions will be inspired by His plan and will lead to your ultimate salvation.

Verse

For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous by faith will live.”

Reference

Romans 1:17

Priorities

Posted on February 15, 2007

THOUGHT:

If you are like most people, you may have asked yourself, "If I knew my life would end in a week, would I change my priorities?" The answer is usually Yes.

Challenge

Review your week. If you have not spent enough time on what your priorities SHOULD be, make a commitment to do so next week. Be certain to make more time for God.

Verse

But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.

Reference

Matthew 6:33

Love

Posted on February 14, 2007

THOUGHT:

Love would never be a promise of a Rose Garden unless it is showered with the light of faith, water of sincerity, and the air of passion.

Challenge

On this Valentine's Day, keep your passion for Christ and your family in the forefront of your day so that all can see the sincerity of God's love showing through you.

Verse

We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.

Reference

1 John 4:16

Peace

Posted on February 13, 2007

THOUGHT:

The phrase "Don't worry; Be Happy" is more than a saying. It's a way of life.

Challenge

Take a minute and thank God for the peace we feel through the Holy Spirit within us. God has given us peace, we just need to accept it.

Verse

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

Reference

John 14:27

Peace

Posted on February 12, 2007

THOUGHT:

How blessed we are to have the peace and comfort of our church community in which to share our faith with like minded Christians.

Challenge

Find a way to help others and volunteer at your church today and enjoy the peace it brings you tonight.

Verse

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.

Reference

Colossians 3:15

Peace

Posted on February 9, 2007

THOUGHT:

Worry is like a rocking chair…it gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere. 

Challenge

Let peaceful time alone with God help put a smile on your face and lessen the burden of your worries. Ask God to help you focus on positive solutions instead of dwelling on the problems.

Verse

Keep your tongue from evil, your lips from speaking lies.

Reference

Psalm 34:14

Courage

Posted on February 8, 2007

THOUGHT:

It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.

Challenge

It is often easy to rationalize to ourselves why we should settle for certain things in life. Ask God to give you the will to set higher standards for yourself in all phases of your life, especially your faith.

Verse

Jabez prayed to the God of Israel: “Oh, that you may truly bless me and extend my boundaries! May your hand be with me and make me free of misfortune, without pain!” And God granted his prayer.

Reference

1 Chronicles 4:10

Joy

Posted on February 6, 2007

THOUGHT:

The heart is happiest when it beats for others.

Challenge

Let your heart beat for someone today. Think of someone you haven't talked to recently. Call them just to let them know you are thinking about them and discover a way to do something for them.

Verse

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Reference

1 Peter 4:10

Praise

Posted on February 5, 2007

THOUGHT:

You can add effort to what God has given you, but the basic buliding blocks are all courtesy of Him.

Challenge

Think back over the past week. How many times have you taken credit for your efforts, and how many times did you have the honesty and humility to give the credit to God? Take the opportunity this week to give credit where credit is due.

Verse

The LORD is on high, but cares for the lowly and knows the proud from afar.

Reference

Psalm 138:6

Forgiveness

Posted on February 2, 2007

THOUGHT:

You have no doubt prayed The Lords Prayer many times. In doing so, you have asked to be forgiven of your sins as you forgive others. What kind of shape would you be in if God took you seriously about that pledge?

Challenge

Be certain that you are living up to your part of that pledge. It is often difficult to forgive those who have hurt us, but this is what we pledge to God and what He pledges to us. If there is someone in your life who you need to forgive, take a step today to reach out to that person.

Verse

When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”

Reference

Mark 11:25

Hope

Posted on February 1, 2007

THOUGHT:

“I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful.” - Bob Hope

Challenge

Make someone smile today by giving them your smile, giving them something to laugh about or praising them in a lighthearted way. It will brighten their day, your day and give everyone a little more hope of good things that are out there in God’s world.

Verse

Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. 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 6:9-10