People have one thing in common – they are all different.
Even though we are all different, God expects us to love one another. Look past the differences in those around you and give them praise and encouragement. Do this every day and the world will begin to seem a little less different.
Golden apples in silver settings are words spoken at the proper time.
Proverbs 25:11
Selfishness has never been admired.
Since you are human, chances are you will be faced with an opportunity to be selfish at least once today. When you are, do the admirable thing and put the other person’s needs ahead of your own – not to be admired, but because it is the right thing to do.
Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,
Philippians 2:3
The trouble with some self-made men is that they worship their creator.
Reflect on the accomplishments in your life. With humility acknowledge that your good fortune is primarily a result of God's blessings. Give credit where credit is due.
The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through [the] eye of [a] needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:24-25
We all know a fool when we see one, but not when we are one.
To avoid being foolish, always seek to do the Lord’s will. On the other hand, remember the Bible tells us we may appear foolish to others who do not know the Lord. In this case, seek to be labeled a lunatic!
Now the natural person does not accept what pertains to the Spirit of God, for to him it is foolishness, and he cannot understand it, because it is judged spiritually.
1 Corinthians 2:14
We are never more Christ-like than when we choose to forgive.
Christ’s ultimate purpose – to die so that our sins would be forgiven. It is no wonder that we are most like Him when we forgive others. Reach out today to someone who needs your forgiveness.
You must know, my brothers, that through him forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, [and] in regard to everything from which you could not be justified under the law of Moses,
Acts 13:38
Amazing isn’t it – that our prayers can move the very heart of God who created the universe.
The next time you prepare to pray, consider this Thought. Let it give you a different perspective on how you pray and what you pray for as you talk with your creator.
And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them,
Acts 4:24
To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
Select a passage from the Bible. Read it slowly and reflect on its message. Make it a habit to do this daily and you will feed your spirit and nourish your faith.
Blessed is the one who reads aloud and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message and heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near. II. Letters to the Churches of Asia - Greeting.
Revelation 1:3
The authority by which a true leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion.
During your lifetime, you will have many opportunities to lead – at work, at church, at home. When this opportunity comes, follow Christ’s leadership formula for success. Lead others with love and respect.
Blessed is the one who reads aloud and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message and heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near. II. Letters to the Churches of Asia - Greeting.
Romans 12:6 and 12:8
Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more. – A. Lou Vickery
Thank God for all your blessings and ask his guidance on sharing “a little bit more” of your time, talent and treasure with those less fortunate. Start giving that little bit more in some way today before you lie down to rest.
Or is he not really speaking for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope, and the thresher in hope of receiving a share.
1 Corinthians 9:10
You can win more friends with your ears than with your mouth.
When you meet with others today, make the extra effort to listen to them. Make an effort to speak as little as possible, and just listen.
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,
James 1:19
The single best word that describes love is the word: giving.
Christ gave us an excellent example of this. Do something today to remind yourself what it means to love unconditionally.
Now as you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you, may you excel in this gracious act also.
2 Corinthians 8:7
Warning: either you control your attitude or it controls you.
Be aware of your attitude today, and make certain it remains aimed in a positive direction. If you find yourself slipping up, seek out the Holy Spirit to assist you in putting your attitude back under your control.
That you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Most of the beautiful things in the world come in twos and threes, by dozens and by hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows…but only one God in the whole world.
God is great, and He provides us several reminders every day. Be mindful as you go through the day of all the beauty that He has put around you. Be grateful and remember to thank Him.
II One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD’s house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD’s beauty, to visit his temple.
Psalm 27:4
You see what you look for.
Carefully look at those around you and look for Christ in them. Christ is all around, all you need to do is open your mind and look.
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.
We all procrastinate. Ask God’s help in overcoming this human flaw and start living your life to the fullest. Make sure that the fullest includes time for God, helping others, and loving one another.
I am prompt, I do not hesitate in observing your commandments.
Psalm 119:60
Those who are successful are known for serving others rather than seeking greatness for themselves.
Look for a way to serve someone today. It doesn't have to be a huge act, just do something for someone without any expectation of anything in return.
Whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by others.
Romans 14:18
What we take with us to the next life is what we shared in this life.
You can't take your posessions with you to the next life, but the help you give others will go with you always. Take every opportunity you get today to help those around you.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31
Wisdom is not a question of learning the facts with the mind; it can only be acquired through perfection of living.
Use the Holy Spirit to guide your life here on earth in the direction of perfection. While obtaining perfection is not of this life, a positive attitude, helping others, sharing with others, and most importantly loving thy neighbor is what God wants of us and it makes the world a better place for everyone.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31
Until you make peace with who you are, you will never be content with what you have.
As Christians, we are called to love God above everything else. God provides you with everything you need. Reflect on the many blessings God has given you, and thank God for the blessings you already have.
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.”
Hebrews 13:5
The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.
Yes, you need long term goals, ambitions, and plans. Remember that is what they are: long term. Live each day to its fullest with a mixture of working toward the long term, but including plenty of “just for today” things too. Stop and smell the roses – you’ll be glad you did!
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.”
- Ephesians 5:15
You can make more friends in two months by becoming genuinely interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.
When you meet with others today, make the extra effort to truly listen to them. You may be amazed with what you learn, and you will be providing a huge service to them.
They did not listen or incline their ears in order to turn from their evil, no longer offering incense to other gods.
Jeremiah 44:5
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be, is moderately important.
Live your life so that those who come into contact with you, will know your Christianity is not moderately important to you. Do something today that will display how important God is in your life.
For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4