Year: 2010

Fulfillment

Posted on December 31, 2010

THOUGHT:

We will open the book.  Its pages are blank.  We are going to put words on them ourselves.  The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. 

Challenge

Be open to every opportunity to fill your book with faith, hope, and love this New Year. Let Christ always be your guide. Happy New Year… the TAGteam.

Verse

Calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father,

Reference

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Guidance

Posted on December 30, 2010

THOUGHT:

Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.

Challenge

Put aside some time today to reflect on your visions and your dreams. Write them down and put them somewhere near at hand. Re-read them each week and make sure you thank Him for helping you work toward realizing them.

Verse

Consider the ramparts, examine its citadels, that you may tell future generations:

Reference

Psalm 48:14

Gratitude

Posted on December 29, 2010

THOUGHT:

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.

Challenge

Remember to start out all your prayers with a heartfelt “thank you” to God for all his many blessings. Do this often.

Verse

VI - Praise the God of heaven, for his mercy endures forever.

Reference

Psalm 136:26

Love

Posted on December 28, 2010

THOUGHT:

Old love does not rust.

Challenge

True love may grow old, but it does not have to grow cold. Make an effort to breathe some fresh air and joy into a relationship you may have taken for granted.

Verse

Do not let love and fidelity forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.

Reference

Proverbs 3:3

Gratitude

Posted on December 27, 2010

THOUGHT:

Gratitude never gets old.

Challenge

Sing gratitude and praise to those around you whenever the opportunity arises. God has supplied you with a lifetime of these opportunities.

Verse

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Reference

Colossians 3:16

Joy

Posted on December 24, 2010

THOUGHT:

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.  - Roy L. Smith

Challenge

Every time you see a wrapped Christmas gift, think of the best give of all: God’s gift of the birth of His son to us. Keep the spirit of Christ Jesus’ birth with you throughout the Christmas season and throughout the year. Happy Birthday Jesus… the TAGteam.

Verse

The Visit of the Shepherds. When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

Reference

Luke 2:15

Love

Posted on December 23, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Love Theme: We are made for loving. If we don’t love, we will be like plants without water.

Challenge

Slow down. Live in the moment. Don’t allow the pace of your everyday life to numb your feelings. Laugh, cry, get excited…Most of all, LOVE someone and replenish and invigorate your life.

Verse

What is desired of a person is fidelity; rather be poor than a liar.

Reference

Proverbs 19:22

Love

Posted on December 22, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Love Theme: The entire law is summed up in a single command, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Challenge

Many man-made laws are bound up in complexity and can be interpreted a number of ways. This law is very simple and easy to understand. Therefore, there is no good excuse or reason not to abide by it!

Verse

Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law. Awareness of the End of Time.

Reference

Romans 13:10

Love

Posted on December 21, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Love Theme: To love and win is the best thing. To love and lose, the next best.

Challenge

Never second guess an opportunity to love…Ask God for the honesty and courage to overcome any self-imposed obstacles you have created which prevent you from living a life of love and happiness.

Verse

Love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.

Reference

Romans 12:10

Love

Posted on December 20, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Love Theme: To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.

Challenge

We all have enjoyed the comfort of the warm sun. Warm your entire spirit by truly opening your heart this Christmas season to the ones you love the most.

Verse

So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Reference

1 Corinthians 13:13

Joy

Posted on December 17, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Joy Theme: Joy to the World, the Lord has come.  Let earth receive her King.  Let every heart prepare him room…

Challenge

Take quiet time this Christmas season to make sure there is time enough and room enough for earth’s King to be received in your heart and in your mind. You will find the true Joy of Christmas by leaving room enough to remember the reason for the season -

Verse

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

Reference

John 15:11

Joy

Posted on December 16, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Joy Theme: A joyful home is a glimpse of heaven.

Challenge

Regardless of how tough the day might be, make certain you go home tonight with the intention to spread the joy of the season in your home. Your joy will be contagious.

Verse

On the eighth day he dismissed the people, who blessed the king and went to their tents, rejoicing and glad of heart because of all the blessings the LORD had given to David his servant and to his people Israel.

Reference

1 Kings 8:66

Joy

Posted on December 15, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Joy Theme: Just as more money never makes anyone give more and more talent ever made anyone volunteer more, more of anything never makes anyone more joyful.

Challenge

Pursue the joy that God offers you. Pray today that the joy of the Christmas season will sink deep into your spirit and show to others that you meet. Maybe they will ask you why you are so happy!

Verse

Then our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues sang for joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD had done great things for them.”

Reference

Psalm 126:2

Joy

Posted on December 14, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Joy Theme: By getting rid of the negative, we create a space for joy to take its space.

Challenge

In prayer today, ask the Lord to free your mind of needless worries. Then, and only then do we create a new space for joy to enter.

Verse

I - LORD, the God of my salvation, I call out by day; at night I cry aloud in your presence.

Reference

Psalm 88:2

Joy

Posted on December 13, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Joy Theme: Lighten up! Spirituality and joy go well together.

Challenge

As you pray today, do so with a sense of joy. Then, let this joy shine through to everyone you see today. Smile, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Verse

A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones.

Reference

Proverbs 17:22

Peace

Posted on December 10, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Peace Theme: How blessed we are to have the peace and comfort of our church community in which to share our faith and values with fellow Christians.

Challenge

Find someone in your own church community that can use some peace and comfort this season. Help them strengthen their faith by sharing yours. You will find yourself enjoying your own measure of peace from the comfort you offered to them.

Verse

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.

Reference

Colossians 3:15

Peace

Posted on December 9, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Peace Theme: The best place to start practicing peace this Christmas season is in your own home.

Challenge

As you are with your loved ones today, remember to be loving, peaceful, patient, kind, good, gentle…

Verse

In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Reference

Galatians 5:22-23

Peace

Posted on December 8, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Peace Theme: No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.

Challenge

The more you know God, the more you know the peace that comes from understanding what His grace means in your life. Take time today to get to know God better – He wants to know you.

Verse

I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

Reference

John 16:33

Peace

Posted on December 7, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Peace Theme: Worry is like a rocking chair…it gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere. 

Challenge

It may be naïve to think we can eliminate worry completely, but it is not unrealistic to expect better outcomes if we can convert this anxious energy into positive actions. If you are worried about something today, ask God to help you focus on a solution.

Verse

Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your life-span?

Reference

Luke 12:25

Peace

Posted on December 6, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Peace Theme: There may be those on earth who dress better or eat better, but those who enjoy the peace of God sleep better. 

Challenge

This is a hectic time of year. Take time today to focus on the peace that only God can offer rather than the material aspects of the season. Relax.

Verse

And enter into peace; They rest upon their couches, the sincere, who walk in integrity.

Reference

Isaiah 57:2

Hope

Posted on December 3, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Hope Theme: The more impossible the situation, the greater God accomplishes His work.

Challenge

It is when we are at the end of our rope and in a situation that seems hopeless that even the weakest of Christians cry out to God for help. It is at this point that God can accomplish great things – when He has our attention. Start today by giving Him the attention He deserves.

Verse

Slay me though he might, I will wait for him; I will defend my conduct before him.

Reference

Job 13:15

Hope

Posted on December 2, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Hope Theme: “I've always been in the right place and time. Of course, I steered myself there.”

Challenge

Let Hope continue to steer you in the right direction. Stop and say a prayer at this moment that your Hope in life everlasting will guide your faith.

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,

Reference

Colossians 1:10

Hope

Posted on December 1, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Hope Theme: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” …truly the most challenging of these is hope.

Challenge

Although Hope is the most challenging, God promises that we won’t be disappointed. As we celebrate the birth of his son, let this celebration renew our hope in the reason for Christ’s life and death.

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,

Reference

Corinthians 13:12-13

Hope

Posted on November 30, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Hope Theme: It seems hope is most difficult when most necessary. 

Challenge

Take a few quiet moments to ask God to strengthen your faith, make positive your attitude and give you hope whenever you are faced with challenges and pitfalls.

Verse

He shall not fear an ill report; his heart is steadfast, trusting the LORD.

Reference

Psalm 112:7

Hope

Posted on November 29, 2010

THOUGHT:

Advent Hope Theme: When you awaken your awareness of God’s presence within you, you realize that all blessings are not only possible, but probable.

Challenge

Hope is more than wishful thinking. Pray, read God’s word, practice Christ’s teaching, and open your heart to others – all these will help you to better understand the true meaning of hope.

Verse

Then you shall see and be radiant, your heart shall throb and overflow. For the riches of the sea shall be poured out before you, the wealth of nations shall come to you.

Reference

Isaiah 60:5

Faith

Posted on November 26, 2010

THOUGHT:

Faith grows in the field of uncertainty.

Challenge

Nurture your faith each day by feeding it with prayer, scripture and praise. Do so, and you can be certain of a bountiful harvest of grace and love.

Verse

V. Examples, Discipline, Disobedience Chapter 11 - Faith of the Ancients. Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.

Reference

Hebrews 11:1

Praise

Posted on November 24, 2010

THOUGHT:

Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, set in the hearts of honest men. Be careful that you don't take the day and leave out the gratitude."

Challenge

Start your Thanksgiving day with prayful gratitude to God for all his blessings. Remember to say a heart filled prayer before taking your knife and fork upon your Thanksgiving feast. And finally, leave this blessed day with prayer once again. Happy Thanksgiving – the TAGteam!

Verse

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name;

Reference

Psalm 100:4

Peace

Posted on November 23, 2010

THOUGHT:

Patience is a strong antidote to anger.

Challenge

Practice patience. In times of anger or frustration, pause before reacting. You will find a calming effect and discover that you need not react in anger, but instead react with the peace that thoughts of Jesus bring to mind.

Verse

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

Reference

John 14:27

Kindness

Posted on November 22, 2010

THOUGHT:

The soul, while itself invisible, is vividly seen by what it does through the body.

Challenge

Let your soul shine today. The kindness of your soul can pour out through a smile, a hug or a kind word to someone who is down.

Verse

[And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.

Reference

Ephesians 4:32

Joy

Posted on November 19, 2010

THOUGHT:

He who waits for God fails to understand that he possesses Him.

Challenge

What are you waiting for? Believe that God and happiness are one, and put all your happiness in the present moment. Enjoy the moment.

Verse

As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Life in the Christian Community.

Reference

Acts 4:31