Month: May 2009

Courage

Posted on May 29, 2009

THOUGHT:

Life is a school and you are here to learn; pass all your tests. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

Challenge

You can't fail life as long as you learn from your mistakes and keep trying. If you fall seven times, get up eight. When you think you don't have the strength to get up, look to God in prayer. He will lift you.

Verse

It shall remain with him and he shall read it as long as he lives, so that he may learn to fear the LORD, his God, and to observe carefully all the words of this law and these statutes,

Reference

Deuteronomy 17:19

Worship

Posted on May 28, 2009

THOUGHT:

Bringing pleasure to God is called "worship."

Challenge

Don't just worship God on Sunday. Worship God every day this week. Start today by performing an act of kindness to those around you.

Verse

Psalm 34 Thanksgiving to God Who Delivers the Just - Of David, when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him out and he went away.

Reference

Psalm 34:1

Character

Posted on May 27, 2009

THOUGHT:

Your character will be known by your actions. Nobody will take it upon your word.

Challenge

Your actions, not words, will always be the true reflection of your character. Act in such a way today that those people you encounter can see that you strive to have the characteristics of Christ: compassion, comfort, forgiveness, love…

Verse

To know him and the power of his resurrection and [the] sharing of his sufferings by being conformed to his death,

Reference

Philippians 3:10

Service

Posted on May 26, 2009

THOUGHT:

The future depends on what we do in the present.

Challenge

We make choices everyday that can impact our future. As you make your choices today, remember that your future is with God. Act accordingly.

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

Faith

Posted on May 22, 2009

THOUGHT:

It takes a little rain to enjoy a rainbow.

Challenge

Just because we don't understand God's plan doesn't mean the outcome won't be beautiful. Trust God today with all your decisions and see where He leads you.

Verse

When the bow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature—every mortal being that is on earth.

Reference

Genesis 9:16

Discipleship

Posted on May 21, 2009

THOUGHT:

Realizing that life on earth is just a temporary assignment should drastically change your attitude.

Challenge

God has given you a specific role here on earth. If He paid you a visit today could you justify your activities so far this week? What one thing can you change for the remainder of the week to focus on God's gifts?

Verse

Those using the world as not using it fully. For the world in its present form is passing away.

Reference

1 Corinthians 7:31,35

Wisdom

Posted on May 20, 2009

THOUGHT:

Money is a lousy way of keeping score.

Challenge

No matter who you are, someone has more than you. Don't try to get even. Look for ways to spread your wealth with others, and then let those with more try to keep up with you.

Verse

For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. Exhortations to Timothy.

Reference

1 Timothy 6:10

Change

Posted on May 19, 2009

THOUGHT:

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.

Challenge

If you feel like the world needs changing, the best place to start is with the world immediately around you. The best way to change the world around you is to first change yourself. Prayerfully consider something about you that you need to change. Will the change positively impact the world around you? If yes, then do it.

Verse

In an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Reference

1 Corinthians 15:52

Attitude

Posted on May 18, 2009

THOUGHT:

During our brief stay on earth, we don't really own anything. God just loans the earth to us while we are here.

Challenge

As you talk to people today, reflect on how often you talk about your possessions. Remember you can't take it with you, so look for ways to share God's possessions with others today.

Verse

Psalm 24 The Glory of God in Procession to Zion - A psalm of David. I - The earth is the LORD’s and all it holds, the world and those who dwell in it.

Reference

Psalm 24:1

Anxiety

Posted on May 15, 2009

THOUGHT:

Worrying is paying interest on troubles that may never come due.

Challenge

Improve your spiritual bank account. Avoid worrying about things that may never happen, or are beyond your control. Instead, pray that the Lord will give you the patience and strength to deal with your situation, then focus your energy on things with which you can have a positive impact.

Verse

If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.

Reference

Matthew 6:14

Hope

Posted on May 14, 2009

THOUGHT:

Each time someone stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.

Challenge

Never underestimate the impact of your words and your actions. Ask God’s help to guide your thoughts so that your actions will always be a reflection of His love. Start your own ripple.

Verse

For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees?

Reference

Romans 8:24

Discipleship

Posted on May 13, 2009

THOUGHT:

We do less than we ought, unless we do all that we can.

Challenge

Look for more opportunities today to include God in your conversations. Jesus instructed us to make disciples of others – focus on filling His request.

Verse

When I sing of your righteousness in a great assembly, See, I do not restrain my lips; as you, LORD, know.

Reference

Psalm 40:10

Courage

Posted on May 12, 2009

THOUGHT:

To catch lots of fish, you must first go to the water.

Challenge

Ask God for the strength and courage to turn your good intentions into actions today. Ambitious goals and visions may increase your appetite, but only actions will feed your hungry spirit.

Verse

You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works.

Reference

James 2:22

Kindness

Posted on May 11, 2009

THOUGHT:

A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.

Challenge

Try not to be judgmental and selective when doling out acts of kindness. Reach out more than halfway to others today and touch some unexpecting hearts.

Verse

And you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here, please,” while you say to the poor one, “Stand there,” or “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs?

Reference

James 2:3-4

Leadership

Posted on May 8, 2009

THOUGHT:

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.

Challenge

Don’t waste your time just hoping and complaining. Ask God for the courage and the inner strength to take action. Keep marching forward toward your goals and use both your mind and your heart to adjust your course as necessary.

Verse

See, the LORD, your God, has given this land over to you. Go up and take possession of it, as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Reference

Deuteronomy 1:21

Attitude

Posted on May 7, 2009

THOUGHT:

You can either complain that rose bushes have thorns or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses. It's your choice.

Challenge

Take a positive attitude with every situation you encounter today. When you see something frustrating, don't get discouraged, rather choose to look for the rose.

Verse

I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.

Reference

Joshua 1:9

Joy

Posted on May 6, 2009

THOUGHT:

There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.

Challenge

For it is in giving that we receive, and in dying that we are born to eternal life…Sound familiar? The next time you choose to give, wrap your gift with a joyous and positive attitude, and then discover how it impacts everyone, especially you!

Verse

In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Reference

Acts 20:35

Character

Posted on May 5, 2009

THOUGHT:

We are like tea bags - we don't know our own strength until we're in hot water.

Challenge

Sometimes in order to grow and improve, we must submerge ourselves completely into the problems and challenges we encounter in our life. Ask God for the courage to dive in deep to find the answers and resolutions instead of just brewing on the surface.

Verse

To live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.

Reference

Colossians 1:10-12

Charity

Posted on May 4, 2009

THOUGHT:

We “get” to make a living; we “give” to make a life.

Challenge

We all have heard and likely believe the fact that “the more we give, the more we receive.” Then why are we so obsessed, stressed and focused on how to get more for ourselves? Spend this week seeking opportunities to be “uncomfortably generous” with the many gifts God has provided you. You will soon discover your reluctance to give dissipate while your heart inflates with peace and happiness.

Verse

If you are righteous, what do you give him, or what does he receive from your hand?

Reference

Job 35:7

Leadership

Posted on May 1, 2009

THOUGHT:

Tell me and I forget; show me and I remember; involve me and I understand.

Challenge

Throughout life we all have opportunities to mentor, to teach and to lead. Lead like Jesus by seeking ways to truly inspire others by getting them personally involved and committed. It takes a little more time and effort, but isn’t that true of most things worthwhile?

Verse

May my teaching soak in like the rain, and my utterance drench like the dew, Like a downpour upon the grass, like a shower upon the crops.

Reference

Deuteronomy 32:2