Just as any friend, to be a friend of God you need to learn to care about what He cares about.
The best way to do this is to listen to Him. Pick up a bible today and read a parable from one of the Gospels. By better understanding His concerns you can gain insight to grow closer to Christ.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.
John 15:13-14
Riches are not an end of life but an instrument of life.
God blesses all of us with some riches. Make sure you use a meaningful portion of your gifts to show him gratitude. If we all work together with Christ as our conductor, we can make a beautiful symphony.
“The fruit you craved has left you. All your luxury and splendor are gone, never again will one find them.”
Revelation 18:14
Do you love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. – Benjamin Franklin
The fact is you can’t get back the last minute, hour or day you just spent. You can, however, make the most of the time ahead. Make a renewed commitment to make more time for God. Carve out an extra minute today to praise God, carve out an extra hour this week to serve God’s people and carve out an extra day this month to attend an additional church service.
For he says: “In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2
When God shuts and bolts the door, don’t try to sneak in through the window.
Avoid the pain of getting your fingers caught in the window or the door getting slammed in your face. Ask God to grant you the wisdom to discern His will in your life.
The human heart plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps.
Proverbs 16:9
God’s blessings are within us and within our reach; but we shut our eyes, and like people in the dark, we fall upon what we are searching for without finding it.
God wants to bless us, but we must open our eyes and hearts to His words, to His commands and to the Holy Spirit. Let prayer, worship and service to His people be the actions that sharpen your vision so you can see the blessings right in front of you.
The Father’s Plan of Salvation. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
Ephesians 1:3
The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk.
The next time you feel stressed or ready to explode, take a time out, and walk away from the situation. While you are cooling off, ask God for the wisdom to keep things in perspective and to find a solution that would be pleasing to Him.
But God being compassionate forgave their sin; he did not utterly destroy them. Time and again he turned back his anger, unwilling to unleash all his rage.
Psalm 78:38
Not only do you need the Body of Christ, the Body of Christ needs you. You are a part of Christ's mission in the world.
With this type of call to action, how can you ignore your internal call? What talents did you receive from God, and how are you going to use them for Him today?
For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. One in Christ.
Ephesians 2:10
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
God wants all of us to be happy. Take charge of your thoughts and actions today and choose to be happy.
They say in their hearts, “We will never fall; never will we see misfortune.”
Psalm 10:6
If you want a deeper, more intimate connection with God you must learn to honestly share your feelings with Him.
When you talk with God today, don't just recite empty words. Truly open up and talk to Him like you would your best friend.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds.
James 4:8
If you could see in a vision the person God meant you to be, never again would you be quiet. You would rise up and succeed.
Don’t let anyone (especially yourself) tell you that you can’t accomplish your goals. First, look to God to know the person He wants you to be, and then rely on Him for the strength to pursue His will. With God, all things are possible.
Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
Don't save everything for a special occasion.
Today is special. Treat it that way. Recognize God's blessings and be grateful and make today memorable.
[For] one person considers one day more important than another, while another person considers all days alike. Let everyone be fully persuaded in his own mind. Whoever observes the day, observes it for the Lord. Also whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while whoever abstains, abstains for the Lord and gives thanks to God.
Romans 14:5-6
Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
Life doesn't always go our way. And it certainly doesn't conform to our timeline. Put your faith in God and take comfort knowing that He has a plan. Trust God and give time, time.
Inheritance Through the Spirit. In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
Ephesians 1:11
All our fret and worry is caused by calculating without God.
The next time you feel stressed over a decision, remember to seek God’s counsel. Say a quick prayer and ask for clarity in your thoughts, then be sure to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in His will.
The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you.
John 14:26
First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do.
Say to yourself today, “I am a disciple of Christ.” Then, recognize and do the things that Christ calls you to do.
I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Consistency over time improves success.
Christ calls us to follow His example, and you can't get more consistent than that. Pick one task you do every day, and focus on doing your best. Consistent focus on doing your best with Christ in mind will ultimately make you more successful.
I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.
John 13:15
The worst thing in this world is to set your goals too low and accomplish them.
God made you exactly how He wants you. Don't sell yourself short today. Review your goals, and adjust up as necessary. Now work with God's help to accomplish them.
I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open.
Look to those around you for good examples of character. Look beyond just their personalities and follow their examples in order to get closer to the real "man of character"
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear. More Parables.
Matthew 13:43
Read your bible prayerfully and obey it joyfully.
Read your bible prayerfully so you can discern God’s will for you. Read it carefully because the Lord urges you to listen and obey. Finally, read it joyfully because it is THE Good News.
He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” The Demand for a Sign.
Luke 11:28
All that matters is people. Your life will be defined by them.
Treat them right. Treat them with understanding. Treat them with respect. Give them encouragement. Show them God’s love.
However, if you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
James 2:8
Everyone created by God reflects his glory in some way.
Can you name your janitor, the waiter at your last meal out, or the receptionist at the last doctor you visited. We can usually remember the name of our doctor, or the president of the company, but they are no more important in God's eyes than the person who vacuums the floor or collects our money at the drive thru. Pay special attention to EVERYONE you meet today and thank them all for serving you.
All who are called by my name I created for my glory; I formed them, made them.
Isaiah 43:7
You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.
If you encounter a struggle today, rather than let it get you down, use the experience to strengthen your character. God may be using this time of suffering to bring you closer to Him. Seek strength from God and persevere.
Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope,
Romans 5:3-4
Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.
True, long-lasting happiness will result from actions that are pleasing to God. Right now, say a quick prayer and ask God to put you in a place today where you can help someone in need. After this encounter, enjoy the happiness you brought to that person’s day and enjoy the happiness you will feel from doing God’s work.
For to the one who pleases God, he gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; but to the one who displeases, God gives the task of gathering possessions for the one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chase after wind.
Ecclesiastes 2:26