It's the little things in life that determine the big things.
Don't under estimate the little things you do today - they collectively determine the big things. Evaluate each of your actions today and ask yourself if God would be pleased.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’
Matthew 25:21
One Joy scatters a thousand griefs – an old Chinese saying.
Scatter Joy! Do this every day through a smile, a compliment or an act of love. The world will be a better place and God will be pleased.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22
The best teacher is the one who suggests rather than dogmatizes, and inspires his listener with the wish to teach himself.
Sound like anyone you know? How about Jesus? Be a better mentor, boss, parent, or leader in your church by emulating the ways of Jesus and inspiring those around you.
When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
Matthew 7:28
At times, faith does not know where it is being led, but it always loves and knows the One who is leading.
As a Christian, you have likely uttered the phrase, “I don’t know where God is leading me.” You may not receive a good answer to that question, but continue to follow the one who is leading you, and you will surely love the destination.
Saying of Faith. And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to [this] mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. Attitude of a Servant.
Luke 17:5-6
Many acts of service cost nothing and take little time: encouragement, compliments, listening, gratitude, and compassion. Anytime you affirm the worth of others, you serve.
Start a habit today by showing everyone you encounter a compliment, encouragement, listening, gratitude, or compassion. By doing so, you will affirm that they are worthy and they have value as one of God’s children.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.
Hebrews 13:16
Princes, kings, and other rulers of the world have used all their strength and cunning against the Church, yet it continues to endure and hold its own.
From the time of Genesis to the present, many powerful people have attempted to topple the Church. It is a miracle that it has survived, and that miracle is Jesus Christ. Support your Lord and ruler by supporting your church. Find a new way to serve so that you can help it endure.
Your house and your kingdom are firm forever before me; your throne shall be firmly established forever.
2 Samuel 7:16
A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.
You likely know someone who is headed down a wrong path. Don't be afraid to be a true friend. Stand in their way and guide them back to God.
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, but by grief the soul is torn asunder.
Proverbs 27:9
Trying to please everyone is impossible, but we often try. As Judy Garland once said, "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."
Don't define yourself by trying to meet the expectations of others. Use your God given talents to serve Him today.
God added his testimony by signs, wonders, various acts of power, and distribution of the gifts of the holy Spirit according to his will. Exaltation Through Abasement.
Hebrews 2:4
Our varied backgrounds and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for whom we become.
Ask God for the attitude to use your background and circumstances as building blocks for self improvement. Stay focused on your faith and use your thank God for all that you do have.
Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble.
1 Peter 3:8
The Church is the one institution that exists for those outside it.
A healthy church is one that is always seeking to draw in those who are lost and need to hear the Good News. Do your part. This week, reach out to someone who does not have a church home and invite them to attend church with you this weekend.
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,
Matthew 28:19
He who has a pure heart will never cease to pray, and he who will be constant in prayer shall know what it is to have a pure heart.
Be constant in prayer. God does not expect you to be in the perfect time and place to speak with Him. Simply speak from your heart where ever you are – anytime - anywhere.
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.
Acts 2:42
Many who plan to seek God at the eleventh hour die at 10:30.
Check your watch. What time is it? Is it time to seek the Lord’s will for your life? Don’t be late!
IV - Let the groaning of the imprisoned come in before you; in accord with the greatness of your arm preserve those doomed to die.
Psalm 79:11
Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.
Take a moment to reread this Thought. Then, say a prayer of thanksgiving that you are faith-filled and destined to receive the reward God has promised you through Jesus Christ.
The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction;
Romans 3:22
The best mirror is an old friend.
Don't be afraid to be honest and candid with your friends today. Welcome the same from them in return.
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, but by grief the soul is torn asunder.
Proverbs 27:9
Ability is like a check, it has no value unless it is cashed.
God made us each unique with a unique set of talents. Take a few moments to perform a reality check on yourself - make sure you are living your life to the fullest of your abilities and in a way pleasing to God.
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,
2 Corinthians 8:3-4
Today is the last day of your life – so far.
You never know when your time here on earth will end. Live a life of faith here on earth and obey God’s commands so that when it is your last day it will actually be your first.
For whoever finds me finds life, and wins favor from the LORD;
Proverbs 8:35
You can’t tell which way a train went by looking at the track.
Likewise, you cannot live your life by the Gospel by looking at your bible on the bookshelf. Get it out. Open it up. Turn to the New Testament. Begin studying. Start to enjoy a closer relationship with God.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.
John 14:12
The Boy Scout Motto: Be Prepared.
Think and act like a Boy Scout and be prepared to enter the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Maintain your faith, pray for forgiveness, and love your fellow man. Focus on these three things in order to better prepare yourself for eternal life.
The Rich Man. As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Mark 10:17
True friendship is a plant of slow growth...
Take the time to cultivate your friendships, old and new. Jesus gave us a perfect example as he interacted with his friends. It took years before some of his closest companions truly understood Him.
But all this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled. Jesus Before the Sanhedrin.
Matthew 26:56
To walk with God, we must first make it a practice to talk with God.
Most of us make it a practice to talk with God at least once during our day. If this is the case with you, consider adding another regular conversation with God at some other time during your day so you can walk a little closer to Him.
I - To you we owe our hymn of praise, O God on Zion; To you our vows must be fulfilled,
Psalm 65:2
Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.
To lead, you must first learn how to serve. This may sound foolish, but it is the example Christ gave us as our leader. Lead like Christ and others will follow you.
But among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.
Luke 22:26