Month: July 2007

Marriage

Posted on July 31, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Ten Commandments: 7 of 10† Do not commit adultery. Horizontal relationships – relationships between people – are crippled at the outset unless the vertical relationship – the relationship between each person and God – is in place. Ed Young

Challenge

Again, Jesus takes one of the commandments one step further. He tells us that if we look at someone else with “lust in our eyes” we have committed adultery in our heart – certainly a challenge for most humans. But we can turn to God to help us strengthen the relationships with our spouses and friends. Ask God today to help you focus your attention to your loved ones.

Verse

Teaching About Adultery. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Reference

Matthew 5:27-28

Anger

Posted on July 30, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Ten Commandments: 6 of 10† Do not murder. What is hatred, after all, other than anger that was allowed to remain? St. Augustine

Challenge

Jesus took this commandment one step further. He warns us by saying “if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment.” Think about the destructive power of hate and the healing power of love. Are you angry with someone today? Contact them right now and reconcile.

Verse

If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

Reference

1 John 4:20

Compassion

Posted on July 27, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Ten Commandments: 5 of 10† Honor your Father and Mother. Where do children learn to respect their parents? From the respect the parents show to each other.

Challenge

As a parent, if you do not show respect for your spouse (or anyone for that matter) as an example to your children, how will they learn to respect others? Examine the way you interact with each other as parents to be certain you are treating each other as well as you would like your children to treat you. (Sound familiar?)

Verse

The just walk in integrity; happy are their children after them!

Reference

Proverbs 20:7

Worship

Posted on July 26, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Ten Commandments: 4 of 10† Keep holy the Sabbath. Jesus gives us the ultimate rest, the confidence we need to escape the frustration and chaos of the world around us. Billy Graham

Challenge

Worship, prayer and meditation is to the spirit what sleep is to the body. God commands that we do this each week so we can renew our souls and strengthen our spirit. This week, make more time than just an hour on Sunday to energize your spirit.

Verse

The Gentle Mastery of Christ. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

Reference

Matthew 11:28

Wisdom

Posted on July 25, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Ten Commandments: 3 of 10† Do not take the Lor⁤ s name in vain. Righteousness not only defines God, but God defines righteousness. Bill Hybles

Challenge

The words we choose to speak are important to God. Of course, we should never take the Lord’s name in vain, but we should not stop there. Today, strive to speak words of encouragement, words that lift others up, and words that honor God. God is always listening.

Verse

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears turned to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against evildoers.” Christian Suffering.

Reference

1 Peter 3:12

Worship

Posted on July 24, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Ten Commandments: 2 of 10† Do not worship any idols. We should not be concerned about working for God until we have learned the meaning and delight of worshiping Him. - A. W. Tozer

Challenge

Worshiping God does not have to be confined to Sundays. Find a new way to worship God today. Better yet, do it openly so that others will see that God is at the center of your life.

Verse

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.”

Reference

John 4: 23-24

Priorities

Posted on July 23, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Ten Commandments: 1 of 10† Do not worship any other Gods. God is an infinite circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere. - St. Augustine

Challenge

Today’s society urges us to worship money, possessions, beauty and power. God commands us to worship Him and Him alone. Put God first today, and everyday. All else in our life is secondary.

Verse

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

Reference

Matthew 6:33

Prayer

Posted on July 20, 2007

THOUGHT:

Prayer should be a dialog, not a monolog.

Challenge

We tend to spend most of our time in prayer speaking to God. As you pray today, pause and listen to what God has to say to you.

Verse

In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.

Reference

Matthew 6:7

Wisdom

Posted on July 19, 2007

THOUGHT:

It’s important, when going after a goal, to never lose sight of the integrity of the journey. – Andy Garcia

Challenge

Today, and everyday, look to God for guidance in meeting your goals in a Christian like fashion. If in doubt, ask yourself, "What Would Jesus Do?

Verse

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

Reference

1 John 2:6

Service

Posted on July 18, 2007

THOUGHT:

Are you full of opinions or convictions?

Challenge

When we just talk about issues in the world, then we have opinions. When we act, then we have convictions. Get convicted this week about helping someone in need. Turn your blessings into convictions this week.

Verse

The land will never lack for needy persons; that is why I command you: “Open your hand freely to your poor and to your needy kin in your land.”

Reference

Deuteronomy 15:11

Attitude

Posted on July 17, 2007

THOUGHT:

You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind.

Challenge

Simple thought…Ask God’s help to convert your good intentions into actions today. WARNING: This may become habit forming!

Verse

We are not boasting beyond measure, in other people’s labors; yet our hope is that, as your faith increases, our influence among you may be greatly enlarged, within our proper limits,

Reference

2 Corinthians 10:15

Attitude

Posted on July 16, 2007

THOUGHT:

Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

Challenge

Given the complexities of our daily lives, it is easy to keep our head spinning and lose sight of what really matters. Ask God to slow things down for you today so you can enjoy the ride.

Verse

Whoever pursues justice and kindness will find life and honor.

Reference

Proverbs 21:21

Goals

Posted on July 13, 2007

THOUGHT:

In the hopes of reaching the moon, men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet.

Challenge

There is nothing wrong with ambitious goals and the aggressive pursuit of them; however, today - take a break for a few minutes and seek God’s help to appreciate the simple beauty that surrounds you everyday.

Verse

Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.

Reference

Matthew 6:28-29

Attitude

Posted on July 12, 2007

THOUGHT:

Exert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire.

Challenge

Think About God’s plan and expectations for you. Model your actions around His plan and your presence on this earth will someday be sorely missed.

Verse

Chapter 11 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Reference

1 Corinthians 11:1

Attitude

Posted on July 11, 2007

THOUGHT:

There are two ways to look at life and the world. We can see the good or the bad, the beautiful or the ugly. Both are there, and what we focus on and choose to see is what brings us feelings of joy or feelings of despair. – Lloyd Newell

Challenge

Make a conscious effort today to find the bright side in every situation, the good in everyone you encounter and a positive attitude in everything you do and say.

Verse

Golden apples in silver settings are words spoken at the proper time.

Reference

Proverbs 25:11

Wisdom

Posted on July 10, 2007

THOUGHT:

Choose character over charisma.

Challenge

In a world heavily influenced by politics and entertainment, it is easy to become persuaded by the charisma of some of the “characters”. When choosing who you will allow to influence you, examine their character instead of being enamored by their charisma.

Verse

Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope,

Reference

Romans 5:3-4

Determination

Posted on July 9, 2007

THOUGHT:

Constant dripping hollows out a stone.

Challenge

Never underestimate the power of persistence. Ask God to continue to inspire you to seek your goals. You are accruing rewards you are not even aware of during your journey.

Verse

Calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father,

Reference

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Habits

Posted on July 6, 2007

THOUGHT:

I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow. – Woodrow Wilson

Challenge

Join with others at work, at church and at home and discover the exponential achievements made possible through God’s blessing of those around you.

Verse

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.

Reference

Matthew 18:20

Forgiveness

Posted on July 5, 2007

THOUGHT:

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.

Challenge

Try to be more empathetic today by spending more of your personal energy learning about the circumstances instead of exhausting yourself overreacting to it. Ask for God’s help to make you less judgmental.

Verse

There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save or to destroy. Who then are you to judge your neighbor? Warning Against Presumption.

Reference

James 4:12

Priorities

Posted on July 3, 2007

THOUGHT:

If you have love, you don't need to have anything else, and if you don't have it, it doesn't matter much what else you have.

Challenge

Why do we spend so much of our time worrying about “things”? Stop for a minute and focus on the people you love the most…Make more of an effort today to touch their hearts, instead of reaching out for more things.

Verse

And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.

Reference

1 Corinthians 13:2

Worship

Posted on July 2, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Holy Scriptures are our letters from home. -Augustine

Challenge

Think of the excitement you have when you receive a personal letter in the mail... Use this same level of enthusiasm when you read a passage from the Bible today. Share God’s letter with someone you know.

Verse

For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.

Reference

Romans 15:4