Month: April 2007

Prayer

Posted on April 30, 2007

THOUGHT:

The power of remembrance can become a meaningless ritual if you allow your actions to become automatic.

Challenge

Take time right now and say the Lord's Prayer. Say it slowly and consciously. Reflect on the meaning of each verse.

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

Courage

Posted on April 27, 2007

THOUGHT:

Faith in God is what sets ordinary people apart - people like Moses, Noah, and Abraham - so they can do extraordinary things.

Challenge

While Moses, Noah and Abraham did some amazing things with God's help, if you read their stories, they were normal people with tremendous faith. God can do amazing things through you. Open your mind and let the Spirit flow through you today. Let Him guide you to greatness.

Verse

V. Examples, Discipline, Disobedience Chapter 11 - Faith of the Ancients. Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Because of it the ancients were well attested.

Reference

Hebrews 11:1-2

Habits

Posted on April 26, 2007

THOUGHT:

Even though you can't see him, hear him, or feel him, you know that as long as you're breathing, God's Spirit is present.

Challenge

Spend a few extra minutes today looking for signs of God around you. Are you creating signs that others can see?

Verse

Where can I go from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee? If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, there you are. If I take the wings of dawn and dwell beyond the sea, Even there your hand guides me, your right hand holds me fast.

Reference

Psalm 139:7-10

Service

Posted on April 25, 2007

THOUGHT:

Any time you reach out to help one of God's children in need, you actually minister to God himself.

Challenge

The harder you look, the more chances you will see to minister for God. Don't spend your day with blinders on. Spend time reaching out to others.

Verse

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Reference

Matthew 25:40

Priorities

Posted on April 24, 2007

THOUGHT:

You need to recognize evil, so you can avoid it like a dangerous hazard in the road.

Challenge

We all watch for hazards when we drive, or walk down a sidewalk, but what about in our faith journey? Pay special attention to the obstacles that are placed in your way today. Don't get tripped up because you were focused on yourself and not the Lord.

Verse

Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil.

Reference

Ephesians 5:15-16

Faith

Posted on April 23, 2007

THOUGHT:

Faith dares the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see.

Challenge

Be daring today. Take a “leap of faith” by committing more of your time, talent and treasure to doing the work of God’s Kingdom here on earth. The rewards will be priceless.

Verse

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Reference

2 Corinthians 5:7

Praise

Posted on April 20, 2007

THOUGHT:

3 Things in Life...(# 5 of 5) Three things that are truly constant: 1. Father 2. Son 3. Holy Spirit

Challenge

Make more of an effort to Think About God today. His love for you is without boundaries and his reward eternal.

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

Goals

Posted on April 19, 2007

THOUGHT:

3 Things in Life...(# 4 of 5) Three things in life that are never certain: 1. Fortune 2. Success 3. Dream

Challenge

Sometimes it is easy to be obsessed and distracted with goals focused on material possessions. Take a few moments as you begin your day to re-evaluate your priorities.

Verse

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

Reference

Matthew 6:25

Attitude

Posted on April 18, 2007

THOUGHT:

3 Things in Life...(# 3 of 5) Three things in life that you should never lose: 1. Hope 2. Peace 3. Honest

Challenge

As you deal with challenges and adversity today, never underestimate the power of optimism, and the genuine peace of mind which comes from personal integrity.

Verse

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.

Reference

Psalm 23:4

Compassion

Posted on April 17, 2007

THOUGHT:

3 Things in Life...(# 2 of 5) Three things in life that can destroy a person: 1. Anger 2. Pride 3. Unforgiveness

Challenge

Focus your attention today away from yourself and try to discover the goodness in those around you. This disposition will lead you away from the path of confrontation and down the road of reconciliation and happiness.

Verse

Whoever confers benefits will be amply enriched, and whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Reference

Proverbs 11:25

Attitude

Posted on April 16, 2007

THOUGHT:

3 Things in Life...(# 1 of 5) Three things in life that, once gone, never come back: 1. Time 2. Words 3. Opportunity

Challenge

As you start your day today, take full advantage of each minute in order that your words and actions will generate no regrets.

Verse

Also from arrogant ones restrain your servant; let them never control me. Then shall I be blameless, innocent of grave sin.

Reference

Psalm 19:14

Anxiety

Posted on April 13, 2007

THOUGHT:

Peace and worry cannot coexist. Where worry is the potential enemy, peace is the faithful sentinel guarding your mind and heart.

Challenge

Let go of your worry today. Easier said than done, but it's biblical. Restore your inner peace knowing that God has given you everything you need to overcome your anxieties.

Verse

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Reference

Phillippians 4:6-7

Fellowship

Posted on April 12, 2007

THOUGHT:

God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.

Challenge

Pray to God to help you recognize the true character of those who enter your life. More importantly, ask God's help to model your behavior in a way that others will refuse to let you go.

Verse

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely;

Reference

Proverbs 3:5

Wisdom

Posted on April 11, 2007

THOUGHT:

The grass may look greener on the other side, but it still has to be mowed.

Challenge

"If only I had that job...", "If only I lived in that neighborhood...", "If only I had that talent..." For good reason, the Bible teaches us to desire the things of Heaven, not the things of earth. The things of earth that we desire always come with a price. In prayer today, ask God for the strength not to desire things, but to seek a deeper relationship with Christ.

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

Stewardship

Posted on April 10, 2007

THOUGHT:

The rich man is not one who is in possession of much, but one who gives much.

Challenge

Jesus gave all that we could live. Ask God to give you the humility and generosity to understand that your value is measured by the accumulation of your deeds, not your assets.

Verse

Treasure in Heaven. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.

Reference

Matthew 6:19-20

Evangelism

Posted on April 9, 2007

THOUGHT:

Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to share it with.

Challenge

Christ called us to share the greatest joy of all with others - the good news that He died to save us from our sins. Continue to spread the Easter spirit this week by sharing the joy of the resurrection with those around you.

Verse

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,

Reference

Matthew 28:19

Praise

Posted on April 6, 2007

THOUGHT:

Let your Easter devotions measure up to your Easter dress.

Challenge

Although Easter does not rival Christmas for it’s commercialism, be careful not to get distracted by the social aspect of the holy day. Take time to attend church services, read the Easter story and reflect on the unconditional love of the Savior who gave His life so you could live your life to the fullest.

Verse

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,

Reference

Luke 26:46 – 47

Wisdom

Posted on April 5, 2007

THOUGHT:

Be consumed with character, not personality.

Challenge

Do the right thing today because it’s the right thing to do, not to make yourself more popular or to enhance your personal image.

Verse

But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

Reference

Matthew 6:3-4

Discipleship

Posted on April 4, 2007

THOUGHT:

I try, I fail. I trust, He succeeds.

Challenge

One thing never fails - when we try to accomplish things without the Lord, we fail. Trust God today and let Him direct your steps.

Verse

The human heart plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps. An oracle is upon the king’s lips, no judgment of his mouth is false. Balance and scales belong to the LORD; every weight in the sack is his concern. Wrongdoing is an abomination to kings, for by justice the throne endures.

Reference

Proverbs 16:9-12

Priorities

Posted on April 3, 2007

THOUGHT:

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Challenge

Make friendship a priority. Practice it often. Help a friend in need and a friend who isn’t.

Verse

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Reference

Mark 12:30-31

Priorities

Posted on April 2, 2007

THOUGHT:

If you want to test your memory, try to remember the things that worried you yesterday.

Challenge

Not an easy task because today most of them are simply no longer important. Use this newfound knowledge to stop worrying about the little things today. Focus this new worry-free time on positive things that will be worth remembering tomorrow.

Verse

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Reference

Hebrews 13:8