Month: August 2007

Comfort

Posted on August 31, 2007

THOUGHT:

The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.

Challenge

Count your blessings and live your life to the fullest today and everyday. There is nothing to be gained by waiting.

Verse

III. Specific Exhortations Chapter 4 - General Exhortations. Finally, brothers, we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please God—and as you are conducting yourselves—you do so even more.

Reference

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Attitude

Posted on August 30, 2007

THOUGHT:

I honestly think it is better to fail at something you love than to be a success at something you hate.

Challenge

No matter where your talents lie, if you like to paint… paint, cook... cook, garden… garden. Find joy in these endeavors, God has given you just the right amount of skill in each one to provide you the ultimate joy.

Verse

You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.

Reference

Psalm 16:11

Goals

Posted on August 29, 2007

THOUGHT:

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.

Challenge

God created you to utilize the skills He has given you. Examine your goals and take some action today (and everyday) towards acheivement of those goals.

Verse

He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.

Reference

Luke 10:2

Service

Posted on August 28, 2007

THOUGHT:

The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.

Challenge

God has given you tremendous talents. Use them to improve the lives of those around you and your contribution to life will outlast you.

Verse

He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.

Reference

Luke 10:2

Anger

Posted on August 27, 2007

THOUGHT:

An eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind.

Challenge

When we are hurt by someone, our natural, human reaction is to hurt that person in return. Instead, remember what Jesus taught us – love your enemies. This will allow you to begin to replace your hurt with healing.

Verse

To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic.

Reference

Luke 6:29

Priorities

Posted on August 24, 2007

THOUGHT:

We think much more about the use of our money, which is renewable, than we do about the use of our time, which is irreplaceable.

Challenge

The Bible repeatedly warns us about the dangers of loving money, and for good reason. Focusing our attention to the accumulation of earthly wealth, will reduce the amount of time we can spend serving the Lord. Make a commitment today to devote more time to service in your local church. The time we spend NOT serving Him is irreplaceable.

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

Courage

Posted on August 23, 2007

THOUGHT:

Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.

Challenge

We all experience defeat in our life. Recognize the defeats for what they are - learning experiences. Ask God for the courage to try again, and again until you experience victory.

Verse

And so that the majority of the brothers, having taken encouragement in the Lord from my imprisonment, dare more than ever to proclaim the word fearlessly.

Reference

Philippians 1:14

Goals

Posted on August 22, 2007

THOUGHT:

A ship in harbor is safe - but that is not what ships are for.

Challenge

Ask God for the courage to take a risk that you have been avoiding. With God on your side, you can set sail to achieve any goal.

Verse

Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you.

Reference

Deuteronomy 31:6

Faith

Posted on August 21, 2007

THOUGHT:

I have held many things in my hands and lost them all; but the things I have placed in God's hands, those I always possess.

Challenge

What do you need to turn over to God? Your finances? Your time? Your family? As you think about what's important to you, ask God for guidance on what is important and let Him lead you.

Verse

On this account I am suffering these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know him in whom I have believed and am confident that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.

Reference

2 Timothy 1:12

Attitude

Posted on August 20, 2007

THOUGHT:

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.

Challenge

Try this today (and everyday) and those around you will feel God’s rays shining through you.

Verse

But those with insight shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.

Reference

Daniel 12:3

Wisdom

Posted on August 17, 2007

THOUGHT:

I regret often that I have spoken; never that I have been silent.

Challenge

As you go through your day today make sure you listen before you speak.

Verse

Where words are many, sin is not wanting; but those who restrain their lips do well.

Reference

Proverbs 10:19

Patience

Posted on August 16, 2007

THOUGHT:

Haste manages all things badly.

Challenge

Practice patience today, particularly with your family and friends. Take time to listen to their concerns and share in their joys. Your relationship with them will grow stronger.

Verse

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; better is a patient spirit than a lofty one.

Reference

Ecclesiastes 7:8

Forgiveness

Posted on August 15, 2007

THOUGHT:

I can forgive, but I cannot forget is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a canceled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one.

Challenge

Make sure you clean the slate with those around you. Don't bring up the past in discussions with others, as this is a sign that it's not forgotten. The true test is to actually let it go, as God does for us.

Verse

[And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.

Reference

Ephesians 4:32

Priorities

Posted on August 14, 2007

THOUGHT:

The pleasure of what we enjoy is lost by wanting more.

Challenge

Take time today to think about your material, physical and spiritual blessings. Take one of these blessings which you may be taking for granted, and truly enjoy the pleasure it brings to your life. Do this everyday and you will find yourself wanting less.

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

Love

Posted on August 13, 2007

THOUGHT:

You can give without loving, but you can not love without giving.

Challenge

Giving doesn't have to be a gift. Show those you love just how much you love them by giving them a part of you (your time, your patience, your compassion, your encouragement, your understanding, ...)

Verse

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

Reference

John 3:16

Wisdom

Posted on August 10, 2007

THOUGHT:

The distinction between a manager and a leader is as broad as the distance between control and inspiration.

Challenge

As you lead others at work, at home and elsewhere make sure you are encouraging and inspiring them to discover their blessings. If you need guidance Think About God and visualize what He would do to lead His flock.

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

Peace

Posted on August 9, 2007

THOUGHT:

When Mother Teresa received her Nobel Prize, she was asked, "What can we do to promote world peace?" She replied, "Go home and love your family."

Challenge

World Peace starts at home. Take a few minutes tonight listening to your family. Tell them how much you love them and show them how much you care. These seeds of love will eventually grow far beyond your backyard.

Verse

Do not let love and fidelity forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.

Reference

Proverbs 3:3

Courage

Posted on August 8, 2007

THOUGHT:

Perserverance is courage stretched out over a long period of time.

Challenge

It takes perserverance to live a life in God’s will, but the reward is sweet. Look to the Bible today and everyday of your life for His words of encouragement to help you perservere. God promises to be at your side throughout your long journey.

Verse

But Christ was faithful as a son placed over his house. We are his house, if [only] we hold fast to our confidence and pride in our hope.

Reference

Hebrews 3:6

Priorities

Posted on August 7, 2007

THOUGHT:

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

Challenge

Don’t procrastinate over things – the longer they stay on your “to do” list the longer they are deterrents to your peace of mind and happiness. Ask God’s help to face these tasks and get on with the joy of life.

Verse

I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.

Reference

Philippians 4:13

Courage

Posted on August 6, 2007

THOUGHT:

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet.

Challenge

We all at times in our lives have painted a vision of ourselves, and how we hoped life would turn out for us. This is a healthy exercise. Before you visualize your future today, Think About God and ask His intervention to shape your plans.

Verse

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.

Reference

Romans 8:18

Priorities

Posted on August 3, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Ten Commandments: 10 of 10† You shall not covet. When you worry about what you don’t have, you won’t be able to enjoy what you have. Charles Swindoll

Challenge

We live in a world that puts a great deal of importance on possessions, but Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors, not to envy them. The next time you feel a pang of jealousy enter your thoughts, remind yourself that God has already showered you with so many blessings that you should have no need to be envious of any other person on earth.

Verse

Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another.

Reference

Galatians 5:26

Habits

Posted on August 2, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Ten Commandments: 9 of 10† Do not bear false witness. For Christians, God himself is the only absolute; truth and ethics are rooted in His character. Chuck Colson

Challenge

God is vitally concerned about the truth. His Word teaches the truth, his Spirit reveals the truth, and his Son leads us to the truth. As you live out your life today (and everyday), speak the truth – even when it hurts. God will bless you.

Verse

IV. Daily Conduct, an Expression of Unity - Rules for the New Life. Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Reference

Ephesians 4:25

Stewardship

Posted on August 1, 2007

THOUGHT:

The Ten Commandments: 8 of 10† Do not steal. Do things for others and you’ll find your self-consciousness evaporating like morning dew on a Missouri cornfield in July. Dale Carnegie

Challenge

The best way to combat the temptation to cheat or steal is to be a generous giver. When you are giving, it is difficult to think about being selfish. Make a commitment this week to tithe an additional 1% of your income to your church. You will find that you don’t miss it.

Verse

Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.

Reference

Matthew 10:8