Month: July 2009

Attitude

Posted on July 31, 2009

THOUGHT:

I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying.

Challenge

Don't be discouraged by life's obstacles. Some of the greatest successes spawned from what individuals thought were failures. Take an active role today and make sure you are doing everything you can to succeed. Only God knows where you'll end up.

Verse

But we pray to God that you may not do evil, not that we may appear to have passed the test but that you may do what is right, even though we may seem to have failed.

Reference

2 Corinthians 13:7

Change

Posted on July 30, 2009

THOUGHT:

Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.

Challenge

Allow your personal frustration to be a wakeup call. Seek God’s help to help you visualize where you want to go and the best route to get there. You’ll find that you’ll sleep a lot better!

Verse

‘It will come to pass in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour out a portion of my spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.

Reference

Acts 2:17

Attitude

Posted on July 29, 2009

THOUGHT:

God Himself doesn't propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?

Challenge

Follow God's example by discovering the good in others and treating them without prejudice. Leave the judging up to God.

Verse

Chapter 7 - Judging Others. “Stop judging, that you may not be judged.

Reference

Matthew 7:1

Goals

Posted on July 28, 2009

THOUGHT:

Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

Challenge

Take a moment and think about your personal goals. Set aside some time this week to overcome the challenges necessary to reach at least one of your goals. You may not completely accomplish your goal this week, but you will definitely add more purpose and meaning to your life.

Verse

Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of [your] faith, the salvation of your souls.

Reference

1 Peter 1:8-9

Discipleship

Posted on July 27, 2009

THOUGHT:

While your effort does not earn you ultimate salvation, it has much to do with your spiritual growth.

Challenge

We all know salvation through God's grace and our acceptance of Him; however, this doesn't excuse our efforts to grow closer to Him. Spend a quiet moment in prayer defining something specific you will do today to grow spiritually. Now go and do it for the Lord's sake.

Verse

The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.

Reference

Romans 3:22-23

Character

Posted on July 24, 2009

THOUGHT:

Every problem is a character-building opportunity, and the more difficult it is, the greater the potential for building spiritual muscle and moral fiber.

Challenge

As you encounter problems, remember they are actually opportunities to prove yourself. Make sure you address them "head-on" and use the opportunity to strengthen your relationship with God.

Verse

So that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Reference

1 Peter 1:7

Discipleship

Posted on July 23, 2009

THOUGHT:

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Challenge

Start treating all people like Christ would. Make every effort to stop judging, make every effort to start showing empathy, kindness, and understanding regardless of their situation in life. Simply put - Love your neighbor.

Verse

So that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Reference

-      Romans 13:9

Attitude

Posted on July 22, 2009

THOUGHT:

Bad habits are like a comfortable bed; easy to get into, but hard to get out of.

Challenge

Remind yourself that the road to Christ may not always be comfortable on the way, but you can't accomplish anything if you just lay around. Focus on changing your attitude toward your behavior.

Verse

That he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,

Reference

Ephesians 3:16

Worship

Posted on July 21, 2009

THOUGHT:

Every act can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory, and pleasure of God.

Challenge

We all have menial tasks that we do each day. While it may seem strange at first, keep the joy of the Lord with you and do everything for Him. Be happy and enjoy your blessings.

Verse

Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others,

Reference

Colossians 3:23

Priorities

Posted on July 20, 2009

THOUGHT:

We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.

Challenge

Always remember we are children of God, and what a blessing that is. While our human journey may at times include both difficulty and joy, seek His will and you'll stay on the path of righteousness.

Verse

Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Reference

Romans 12:11

Peace

Posted on July 17, 2009

THOUGHT:

When we feel we are overwhelmed is when we need to remember that God is always with us.

Challenge

Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds... Relax and know that God is beside you no matter what you face today.

Verse

But you have given my heart more joy than they have when grain and wine abound.

Reference

Psalm 4:8

Stewardship

Posted on July 16, 2009

THOUGHT:

If you treat everything you have on earth as God's, He promises affirmation, promotion and celebration when you enter heaven.

Challenge

How often do you use the word "mine" in an average day? Think about it today and watch what you say. When you arrive in heaven will God say, "Well done" when you discuss His gifts?

Verse

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.’

Reference

Matthew 25:21

Attitude

Posted on July 15, 2009

THOUGHT:

The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today's work superbly well. A job worth doing is worth doing well.

Challenge

You can only do what you can do. Don't spend time worrying about what you should do tomorrow. Spend that time thanking God for His blessings in your life today.

Verse

Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

Reference

Matthew 6:34

Discipleship

Posted on July 14, 2009

THOUGHT:

Disciple - the process of becoming like Christ - always begins with a decision.

Challenge

Renew your commitment to Christ today and feel His presence move through you. When you're tempted to stray, make the decision to follow Christ.

Verse

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

Reference

Matthew 9:9

Courage

Posted on July 13, 2009

THOUGHT:

Life’s a voyage that is homeward bound.

Challenge

If you hit rough seas today, look ahead instead of looking down. Let the strength you receive from knowing God is with you carry you through the trouble. Your reward at the end of the journey is truly great.

Verse

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. The Similes of Salt and Light.

Reference

Matthew 5:12

Faith

Posted on July 10, 2009

THOUGHT:

Don’t accept that others know you better than yourself. Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that the right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results.

Challenge

Remember as you focus forward that the right results are always those that are pleasing to God. Be sure to always show others that God knows you better than anyone.

Verse

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy Spirit; whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by others. Let us then pursue what leads to peace and to building up one another.

Reference

Romans 14:17-19

Anger

Posted on July 9, 2009

THOUGHT:

Sometimes we have the right to be angry, but no one wins if we're cruel.

Challenge

Christ never said following Him would be easy. Whether you are dealing with a mean-spirited action, (or just a bad situation) remember what Christ went through for you. God loves you and He empathizes with your situation. So be angry if you need to, but be strong and remember to focus on Christ, so you don't take your frustrations out on others.

Verse

The ill-tempered stir up strife, and the hotheaded cause many sins.

Reference

Proverbs 29:22

Discipleship

Posted on July 8, 2009

THOUGHT:

Jesus said the way to love Him is to love His family and care for their practical needs.

Challenge

Who is His family? We all are. Make an opportunity to give some of your time to serve the needs of another member of our family; our family of God.

Verse

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Reference

Matthew 25:40

Discipleship

Posted on July 7, 2009

THOUGHT:

Are you exercising to make your life better and to feel better? A good exercise for the heart is to bend down and help another up.

Challenge

Focus your energy on encouraging others today. Whenever you see the opportunity, help those around you with your actions, encouragement, or other kind words. Lift their spirits so they see the Spirit moving in you.

Verse

No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear.

Reference

Ephesians 4:29

Service

Posted on July 6, 2009

THOUGHT:

The Christian life is more than just a commitment to Jesus Christ; it includes a commitment to other Christians.

Challenge

Look for an opportunity this week to serve others. Big or small, all tasks can be a sign of praise if you work in the spirit of the Lord.

Verse

And this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us through the will of God,

Reference

2 Corinthians 8:5

Praise

Posted on July 3, 2009

THOUGHT:

Fourth of July in America stands for fireworks, picnics, and summer, but most importantly it stands for freedom.

Challenge

Before the picnics and the fireworks today and tomorrow, take a few moments to thank God for all your blessings especially the blessing of freedom. Religious freedom, family freedom, freedom of expression – say a prayer for those less fortunate around the world that they may someday have these precious freedoms too.

Verse

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Reference

2 Corinthians 3:17

Habits

Posted on July 2, 2009

THOUGHT:

God wants to work in us before He works through us.

Challenge

Before we can do our utmost for God, we need to allow him deeper into our life so that He can do some “spring cleaning.” Today, ask God to help you remove a habit or addiction from your life that is getting in the way of a deeper relationship with Him and others.

Verse

God’s Indomitable Love in Christ. We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Reference

Romans 8:28

Prayer

Posted on July 1, 2009

THOUGHT:

Prayer – make it a priority before you expect progress.

Challenge

Only 37% of people say they pray once per day. But how often do we ask God to intercede in our lives – to make things better? Start today by increasing the time you spend in prayer. Also, spend more time praising and thanking our Lord than asking for “stuff.” You'll begin to realize and enjoy the benefits of His increased presence in your daily life.

Verse

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

Reference

Romans 12:12