Month: September 2008

Wisdom

Posted on September 30, 2008

THOUGHT:

(2 of 5) The first step in acquisition of wisdom is silence, the SECOND is LISTENING…

Challenge

Make a conscious effort to truly listen today to everyone you encounter. Make sure you listen with understanding, listen with empathy, listen not only with your ears, but also your heart. Truly listening is a very inexpensive way to show respect for your fellow man.

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,

Reference

James 1:19

Wisdom

Posted on September 29, 2008

THOUGHT:

(1 of 5) The FIRST STEP in acquisition of wisdom is SILENCE…

Challenge

Silence is not easy. Sometimes it is just plain impossible. Start practicing silence today by taking a few moments before prayer to just be silent and connect with God. Then try to remember that wonderful feeling of closeness to God. Begin doing this every night.

Verse

He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm.

Reference

Mark 4:39

Character

Posted on September 26, 2008

THOUGHT:

A sharp tongue can cut my own throat.

Challenge

Pay extra attention to your words today. Make sure God would be proud of what you say.

Verse

A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.

Reference

Luke 6:45

Determination

Posted on September 25, 2008

THOUGHT:

The harder you work, the luckier you get.

Challenge

Although God's hand is present in all we do, ask Him for the inspiration and energy to motivate you to aggressively pursue your goals.

Verse

My strength and my refuge is the LORD, and he has become my savior. This is my God, I praise him; the God of my father, I extol him.

Reference

Exodus 15:2

Joy

Posted on September 24, 2008

THOUGHT:

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.

Challenge

Spend less time today trying to accumulate more and more time enjoying what you already have.

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

Security

Posted on September 23, 2008

THOUGHT:

Finding God does not mean building a house in a land of no storms, but building a house that no storm can destroy.

Challenge

Life is not without challenges, but no challenge is greater than God. Face all your challenges head on with the confidence that God will be at your side.

Verse

The Two Foundations. “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.

Reference

Matthew 7:24

Attitude

Posted on September 22, 2008

THOUGHT:

Act the way you wish you felt, and eventually you'll feel the way you act.

Challenge

Focus your energy today on what feels right in your life. Don't allow your circumstances to change your view. When challenges occur, ask God to help you stay focused on how you want to feel.

Verse

I recognized that there is nothing better than to rejoice and to do well during life.

Reference

Ecclesiastes 3:12

Hope

Posted on September 19, 2008

THOUGHT:

Let us learn to appreciate there will be times when the trees will be bare, and look forward to the time when we may pick the fruit. – Anton Chekhov

Challenge

Through good times and bad, always remember to carry along the fruit of the Holy Spirit inside you. With this plan you can’t go wrong.

Verse

In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

Reference

Galatians 5:22

Faith

Posted on September 18, 2008

THOUGHT:

Faith neither denies the facts nor limits God.

Challenge

There are those in our world who attempt to limit God and thus challenge our faith. Don’t be discouraged. Instead, use these times to show others that you love a God whose love for you (and them) is limitless.

Verse

God’s Plan for Assyria - The LORD of hosts has sworn: As I have resolved, so shall it be; As I have planned, so shall it stand:

Reference

Isaiah 14:24

Wisdom

Posted on September 17, 2008

THOUGHT:

Humility is the constant awareness that you need God in your life.

Challenge

Self-sufficience is important, but don't forget where you get the ability to sustain. Be cognizant of all the blessings you have today and make sure to thank God as you go through your day.

Verse

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Reference

James 3:13

Priorities

Posted on September 12, 2008

THOUGHT:

Jesus Christ is not valued at all until He is valued above all.

Challenge

Do you value Jesus above all? Do your actions and words support such? Be honest with yourself. If the answer is not yes, examine your values.

Verse

What difference does it make, as long as in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed? And in that I rejoice. Indeed I shall continue to rejoice,

Reference

Philippians 1:18

Prayer

Posted on September 11, 2008

THOUGHT:

Keep praying, but be thankful that God's answers are wiser than your prayers !

Challenge

As you pray today, ask for God's wisdom and for His will to be done. Have faith that God will provide you what you need, if not what you want.

Verse

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. The Corinthians and Paul.

Reference

1 Corinthians 1:25

Priorities

Posted on September 10, 2008

THOUGHT:

Ideas  won't work unless ' I ' do.

Challenge

Review your day and prioritize how you are going to get your work done today. Did any of your ideas involve Christ? He needs you to work for Him some today.

Verse

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

Reference

Matthew 6:33

Stewardship

Posted on September 9, 2008

THOUGHT:

The best inspiration is not to out do others, but to out do ourselves!

Challenge

When you focus on your God-given talents, it is amazing what you can do. Concentrate your energy on doing more for God this week. Do t just "do your job", truly excel at it.

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

Character

Posted on September 8, 2008

THOUGHT:

It is strange that while praying, we seldom ask for a change of character, but always a change of circumstances.

Challenge

Ask God to help you be the best you you can be. If you do, your circumstances will take care of themselves.

Verse

The justice of the honest makes their way straight, but by their wickedness the wicked fall.

Reference

Proverbs 11:5

Courage

Posted on September 5, 2008

THOUGHT:

Courage is not the towering oak that see storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow. – Alice Mackenzie

Challenge

Take the courage today to honestly identify your challenges and concerns. Ask God for His help in working through the issues that keep you from blossoming.

Verse

“Because you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build him a house, your servant dares to pray before you.

Reference

1 Chronicles 17:25

Prayer

Posted on September 4, 2008

THOUGHT:

Anything big enough to occupy our minds is big enough to hang a prayer on.

Challenge

Involve God through prayer in all aspects of your life today. Nothing you do today is too big or too small to involve God.

Verse

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.

Reference

Romans 12:12

Comfort

Posted on September 3, 2008

THOUGHT:

There are always uncertainties ahead, but there is always one certainty--God's will is good.

Challenge

Start every day with the comfort and acknowlegement that God's will is good. With that foundation, you will be able to face all of life's uncertainties.

Verse

So I said, “See; I come with an inscribed scroll written upon me.

Reference

Psalm 40:8

Evangelism

Posted on September 2, 2008

THOUGHT:

We are pleased that our daily TAGlines now reach into 44 states.

Challenge

As a "labor of love" today, please take time to encourage someone you know in the states listed below to sign up so these positive messages can stretch across all 50 states. Alaska, Delaware, Maine, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Vermont

Verse

And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness,

Reference

Acts 4:29

Goals

Posted on September 1, 2008

THOUGHT:

To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first.

Challenge

Next time you start out on a big project, take a time out and ask God to be with you as you map out the road to achieving your goal. Take plenty of time to think about the little things you are going to have to do. Then get going – achieve!

Verse

And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, as our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, also wrote to you,

Reference

2 Peter 3:15