Month: June 2007

Service

Posted on June 29, 2007

THOUGHT:

If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.

Challenge

Although God does not require our sacrifice to receive Him, we should be willing to do His will in thanksgiving for such a precious gift we have received in eternal life. We can never match His sacrifice, but look for an opportunity to serve Him today.

Verse

VI. The Duties of Christians Chapter 12 - Sacrifice of Body and Mind. I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.

Reference

Romans 12:1

Evangelism

Posted on June 28, 2007

THOUGHT:

Since many people will never step foot in a church, you are the church to them. When they hear you talking about your church do they hear the voice of Christ?

Challenge

Talk to someone about the positive things that are going on at your church today. Let them know that you support your leaders and all they are doing to make the church a better place.

Verse

So with yourselves: since you strive eagerly for spirits, seek to have an abundance of them for building up the church. Need for Interpretation.

Reference

1 Corinthians 14:12

Service

Posted on June 27, 2007

THOUGHT:

Use what talent you possess – the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang the best.

Challenge

God doesn't care how well you sing. Remember to use your God given talents to the maximum today and don’t forget to use them for the sake of others in need.

Verse

For in a severe test of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For according to their means, I can testify, and beyond their means, spontaneously, they begged us insistently for the favor of taking part in the service to the holy ones,

Reference

2 Corinthians 8:2-4

Praise

Posted on June 26, 2007

THOUGHT:

God will not always answer your prayers in ways you expect.

Challenge

Just as the Jews expected their savior to be a king, not an infant, we often don't understand how our prayers are answered. Thank God for answered prayers today, even if you don't understand them - at least not yet.

Verse

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.

Reference

2 Corinthians 12:9

Joy

Posted on June 25, 2007

THOUGHT:

Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.

Challenge

Stop for a moment today and think of things that make you happy. Ask God to help you find ways to enjoy them more often... Sound too simple? Try it and see if your happiness meter increases!

Verse

For to the one who pleases God, he gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; but to the one who displeases, God gives the task of gathering possessions for the one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chase after wind.

Reference

Ecclesiastes 2:26

Service

Posted on June 22, 2007

THOUGHT:

The better you know Jesus, the better you'll know yourself.

Challenge

Christ called us to follow Him. You can't obey if you don't know what to do. Get involved in your church or another Christian group. Make sure you listen to what you are called to do, so you can do it better.

Verse

Inheritance Through the Spirit. In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.

Reference

Ephesians 1:11-12

Priorities

Posted on June 21, 2007

THOUGHT:

I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older. Then, it dawned on me, they were cramming for their finals.

Challenge

Pick up your Bible and start reading today – don’t wait. The benefits are like compounding interest – the earlier you start the bigger the benefit.

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

Attitude

Posted on June 20, 2007

THOUGHT:

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything."  Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Challenge

Focus on an attitude of gratitude for the blessings God has given you.He has given you more than enough.

Verse

For what is our hope or joy or crown to boast of in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming if not you yourselves? For you are our glory and joy.

Reference

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

Discipleship

Posted on June 19, 2007

THOUGHT:

Repentance is not changing your actions to become more righteous. Repentance is totally changing the direction you are headed.

Challenge

Take a hard look at your life today. How would Jesus think you are doing at following him? Make a concerted effort to be more Christ like today.

Verse

Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” The Question About Fasting.

Reference

Luke 5:31-32

Stewardship

Posted on June 18, 2007

THOUGHT:

Money is an excellent servant, but a horrible master.

Challenge

Take a moment today [and all this week] to pause and think each time before you spend money. Ask yourself whether you really need this “thing”, whether it is serving your needs or being lead by your wants. How would God rate your use of His money this week?

Verse

Psalm 23 The Lord, Shepherd and Host - A psalm of David. I - The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

Reference

Psalm 23:1

Prayer

Posted on June 15, 2007

THOUGHT:

The HAND of God - 5 of 5: And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others.

Challenge

As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinky should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Verse

Chapter 11 - The Lord’s Prayer. He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”

Reference

Luke 11:1

Prayer

Posted on June 14, 2007

THOUGHT:

The HAND of God - 4 of 5: The fourth finger is our ring finger.

Challenge

Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

Verse

In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Reference

ACTS 20:35

Prayer

Posted on June 13, 2007

THOUGHT:

The HAND of God - 3 of 5: The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders.

Challenge

Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and all those in a position of power. These people shape our world and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

Verse

Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people: “Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Now I am healing you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD.

Reference

2Kings 20:5

Prayer

Posted on June 12, 2007

THOUGHT:

The HAND of God - 2 of 5: The next finger is the pointing finger.

Challenge

Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

Verse

Psalm 134 Exhortation to the Night Watch to Bless God - A song of ascents. O come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD You who stand in the house of the LORD throughout the nights.

Reference

Psalm 134:1

Prayer

Posted on June 11, 2007

THOUGHT:

The HAND of God - 1 of 5: Your thumb is nearest you.

Challenge

So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

Verse

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.

Reference

Luke 1:13

Attitude

Posted on June 8, 2007

THOUGHT:

By truly loving God and others, every one of God's rules is fulfilled.

Challenge

It's really simple when you think about it. The challenge is to think about it each and every day, and more importantly, to let your actions reflect it.

Verse

One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! 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 12:28-31

Patience

Posted on June 7, 2007

THOUGHT:

An angry person is seldom reasonable; a reasonable person is seldom angry.

Challenge

Never respond in anger. Ask God for the patience to hold your tongue in times of anger and the strength to reason through the issues before speaking.

Verse

III. Exhortations and Warnings - Doers of the Word. Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.

Reference

James 1:19-20

Worship

Posted on June 6, 2007

THOUGHT:

Frustration is trying to find your glasses without your glasses.

Challenge

Don’t try finding God without your Bible. Pick it up today and read His word. Pray for the ability to find more of God in every verse you read.

Verse

II - I wait for the LORD, my soul waits and I hope for his word.

Reference

Psalm 130:5

Evangelism

Posted on June 5, 2007

THOUGHT:

Aspire to inspire before you expire.

Challenge

Inspire others with your Christian faith - be it through your actions or your words. Start today, as only God knows how much time we have of this earth.

Verse

And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well.

Reference

2 Timothy 2:2

Discipleship

Posted on June 4, 2007

THOUGHT:

"With hurricaines, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?" - by Jay Leno

Challenge

Pledge your allegiance to God in everything you do. Set an example to others by speaking out against those trying to remove God from our schools and other public places.

Verse

In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel.

Reference

1 Corinthians 9:14

Priorities

Posted on June 1, 2007

THOUGHT:

The best way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time.

Challenge

Close your eyes and now imagine Jesus helping you to prioritize your To Do List today. He is there everyday to help you sort it out... Are you too busy to Think About God?

Verse

So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Reference

Hebrews 4:16