Month: March 2009

Discipleship

Posted on March 31, 2009

THOUGHT:

Never mistake a clear view for a short distance.

Challenge

If we sincerely seek God’s will, He will make our path clear to us. Be mindful that your journey may not always be short or easy. As you go along, continuously pray that God will be with you so that your view of the future will remain clear.

Verse

Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse;

Reference

Romans 1:20

Evangelism

Posted on March 30, 2009

THOUGHT:

God's job is to give - our job is to nurture, grow and spread His gifts.

Challenge

Does your life reflect this job description? Review how effectively you cultivate and spread the gifts God entrusted to you. Think of at least one thing you can do better today to act on your responsibilities.

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

Discipleship

Posted on March 27, 2009

THOUGHT:

Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.

Challenge

Believing Christ is our Savior is the most important thing we can do. Once accomplished, believe, really believe you can lead a life that would make him proud – now go out and do it.

Verse

She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

Reference

John 11:27

Courage

Posted on March 26, 2009

THOUGHT:

Try not to become a man of success but a man of value.

Challenge

Although our present culture encourages success at all cost, Christ taught us that our “treasures in heaven” have much more value. Pray for the inspiration to set aside something that has earthly value to make room in your life for something that has heavenly value. God will show you the way.

Verse

For, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future.

Reference

1 Timothy 4:8

Character

Posted on March 25, 2009

THOUGHT:

Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God knows of us.

Challenge

The next time you become concerned about what an acquaintance or co-worker thinks of you, Think About God and imagine what He thinks about you. Focus on developing a good character and your reputation will follow.

Verse

Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Reference

Romans 5:3-5

Integrity

Posted on March 24, 2009

THOUGHT:

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.

Challenge

Remember that honesty is one of the Ten Commandments. Begin making it a habit today and develop a trust fund that you always count on to grow.

Verse

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Reference

Exodus 20:16

Discipleship

Posted on March 23, 2009

THOUGHT:

No great man ever complains of want of opportunities.

Challenge

Today, you will have many opportunities to show others that you follow Christ. Make certain in the way you act and speak, you are reflecting what Christ has taught you. Strive to be great in God’s eyes.

Verse

Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you should respond to each one.

Reference

Colossians 4:5-6

Character

Posted on March 20, 2009

THOUGHT:

The human body was wisely designed; we neither pat our own backs nor kick ourselves too easily.

Challenge

Find a happy medium in your self esteem. Take inventory of your strengths, use them for good, but do not boast. Give yourself some slack on your weaknesses and use your energy to improve in those areas rather than wasting your time focusing on the negative.

Verse

The king of Israel replied, “Tell him, ‘Let not one who puts on armor boast like one who takes it off.’”

Reference

1 Kings 20:11

Love

Posted on March 19, 2009

THOUGHT:

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will be a better place.

Challenge

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to show others your love for them rather than your control over them. Do this every day and you will see a much better world around you.

Verse

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your kind spirit guide me on ground that is level.

Reference

Psalm 143:10

Comfort

Posted on March 18, 2009

THOUGHT:

It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.

Challenge

If you have a load to carry, make certain you carry it with help from our Lord. He doesn’t promise to take your load away, but he does promise to make it easier to carry.

Verse

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your kind spirit guide me on ground that is level.

Reference

Matthew 11:28 and 11:30

Character

Posted on March 17, 2009

THOUGHT:

Our character is but the stamp on our souls of the free choices of good and evil we have made through life.

Challenge

Each day we are faced with decisions which impact our character and ultimately our soul. Continue to make those decisions that bring you closer to God. Moreover, let your decisions be an example to others who are seeking to be closer to God.

Verse

A good person brings forth good out of a store of goodness, but an evil person brings forth evil out of a store of evil.

Reference

Matthew 12:35

Wisdom

Posted on March 16, 2009

THOUGHT:

Make peace with your past, so it won't mess up the present.

Challenge

Learn from the past, but don't let it define you. Live in the present, it is the gift God has given you and will soon enough become your new past. Make it a past you will be proud of.

Verse

I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him. For that will mean life for you, a long life for you to live on the land which the LORD swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give to them.

Reference

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Praise

Posted on March 13, 2009

THOUGHT:

Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: "I am thankful for…", "Today I accomplished …"

Challenge

Do this exercise every night. Acknowledging what you are thankful for and what you have accomplished will bring about more of the same. Remember to give thanks to God.

Verse

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Reference

Philippians 4:6

Attitude

Posted on March 12, 2009

THOUGHT:

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

Challenge

How many times have you heard someone say life isn't fair? The reality is, with right thinking, it is still pretty good. Make the most of your circumstances and thank God for your many blessings. Life is good.

Verse

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Reference

Philippians 4:6

Fellowship

Posted on March 11, 2009

THOUGHT:

Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Challenge

Never underestimate the value of friendships. Call or visit today with a friend you have lost touch with over the years. Don't forget your best friend - God.

Verse

And, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’

Reference

Luke 15:6

Evangelism

Posted on March 10, 2009

THOUGHT:

Goodness is uneventful. It does not flash, it glows. It is deep, quiet, and very simple. It may be felt in the touch of a friendly hand or the look of a kindly eye.

Challenge

All too often the news presents us with the negative things that are around us. Go out and find a piece of "Good News" and make sure you tell everyone the other side of the story.

Verse

He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.

Reference

Mark 16:15

Faith

Posted on March 9, 2009

THOUGHT:

If you depend wholly on God, you will find Him wholly dependable.

Challenge

Others in your life may let you down, but you can always count on God. Depend on Him and allow your faith to help you follow His will. Do so, and you will always feel blessed.

Verse

God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not fall.

Reference

Psalm 62:7

Faith

Posted on March 6, 2009

THOUGHT:

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.

Challenge

For most things in life, nothing stays the same; you are either moving ahead or falling behind. Ask God for the perserverance to keep the faith and to never stop rowing no matter how strong life’s currents are flowing against you.

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

Goals

Posted on March 5, 2009

THOUGHT:

Are you fit company for the person you wish to become?

Challenge

Most of us desire and wish for self-improvement. One of the most effective ways to strive and achieve is to begin acting the way you want to be right now. Ask the Holy Spirit to not only guide your goals, but to motivate your actions to be consistent with them.

Verse

It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus].

Reference

Phillipians 3:12

Priorities

Posted on March 4, 2009

THOUGHT:

After a visit to the beach, it's hard to believe that we live in a material world.

Challenge

God has blessed us with a landscape of amazing beauty. Truly satisfy your senses by replacing your trip to the mall with a quiet view of one of God’s gifts.

Verse

They speak of the splendor of your majestic glory, tell of your wonderful deeds.

Reference

Psalm 145:5

Service

Posted on March 3, 2009

THOUGHT:

Well done is better than well said.

Challenge

Turn your intentions and words into ACTIONS today. If your actions speak for themselves, there is no need to interrupt.

Verse

Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. Confidence Before God.

Reference

1 John 3:18

Comfort

Posted on March 2, 2009

THOUGHT:

While God’s doings are often beyond our understanding, His love for us is beyond all measuring.

Challenge

It is often hard for us to understand why we encounter difficulties in our lives, but one thing we should know for certain is that our God loves us beyond all understanding. Go forward with joy today knowing that no cup, no ruler or no scale can measure the love that God has for you.

Verse

Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Reference

Ephesians 3:20-21