People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
Make sure everyone can see your light from within. Keep the promises of your faith on your mind all day and your light will shine brightly.
You are my lamp, O LORD! My God brightens the darkness about me.
2 Samuel 22:29
God is the creator and controller of the universe, incapable of mismanagement.
When you complain about your lot in life, aren't you acting as if you could run the world better than the One who created it? Instead, acknowlege His sovereignty by giving thanks in ALL circumstances.
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Devoting a little of yourself to everything means committing a great deal of yourself to nothing.
In today’s world with so much to offer and so little time, it is difficult to devote ourselves to one thing. However, there is one thing we should devote ourselves to: Loving God over anything else. Ask God today for the wisdom to align your priorities so you can devote more time to serving Him and His kingdom.
God and Money. “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Dependence on God.
Matthew 6:24
One of the principle elements of human nature is the craving to be appreciated.
Make an extra effort today to show those around you how important they are. A kind word or jesture will go a long way. Don't just do it today, make it part of your daily routine.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
Colossians 3:12
Exercise your soul – walk with the lord.
Remember to keep God at your side today and show him you know the Christian path. Be kind to others, spread His word, love your neighbors, and help those in need.
But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses, the servant of the LORD, commanded you: love the LORD, your God, follow him in all his ways, keep his commandments, hold fast to him, and serve him with your whole heart and your whole self.”
Joshua 22:5
To carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one bee.
Holding a grudge does less to hurt the person with whom you have a grudge than it hurts you. If you are holding a grudge right now, pray that it’s sting will be removed from your life so you can start healing.
If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
Matthew 6:14
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned recently about the bible is that it contains the word “lukewarm.” Such a modern word for such an ancient document. Do you know how it was used?
Jesus was very unhappy and disappointed with those who were “lukewarm” in their faith and beliefs. Starting today, turn up the heat on your faith, your beliefs and your actions so that you will never have the appearance of being “lukewarm.” Pray that your actions influence others to “turn up the heat!”
“I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:15-16
The strength of a man consists in finding out the way in which God is going, and going in that way too.
Stop and think about what you have scheduled today. Are you going in the same way as God? If not, adjust your direction.
Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God.
Galatians 6:16
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your loved ones, but most of all mean it.
The next time you are about to tell someone you love them, pause long enough to reflect on what that means to you and how significant that little word’s bond is in your relationship.
So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
Your weakness is not a deterrent from being filled with God’s power, rather it provides an opportunity for it to shine through more brightly.
In times of weakness, turn to God for strength. It is then when His perfect power will shine through to bring you comfort.
Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
If you are smack-dab in the middle of a crisis today, cry out to God. Tell Him exactly how you feel. He can handle it.
Do you know someone that has a crisis in their life? Let them know you're praying for them by sending them this TAGline.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.
JAMES 1:5
Our relationships with one another mirror our relationship with God.
Take a moment and reflect on how you treat others in your life. Not just those closest to you, but everyone. Remember to give everyone the love and peace of Christ.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9
Those who worry do not trust; those who trust do not worry.
What is bothering you today? What would it take to turn your worries over to the Lord? Prayer is a good place to start.
What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?
Romans 8:31-32
You have no doubt prayed The Lord's Prayer many times. In this prayer, you have asked to be forgiven of your sins as you forgive others.
What kind of shape would you be in if God took you seriously about that pledge?
When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”
Mark 11:25
You don’t have to be timid to be meek.
Meek, in the original Greek, meant to put strength and power under control. God does not ask us to have mild or timid personalities, he asks us to put ourselves under His control. In prayer today, ask God to take control of your strengths and to use them for His purposes.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Matthew 5:5
Prosperity is not without many fears and pitfalls; adversity not without many comforts and hopes.
The world is full of stories of the prosperous who have fallen. The Bible is full of even more stories of the fallen who have been comforted by their faith in our Lord. Regardlesss of your path, make sure God is walking beside you.
Thanksgiving. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement,
2 Corinthians 1:3
Working "the best you can" means working "out from the soul."
Regardless of your profession, perform your job today with the heart of Jesus. Show those around you that you are a Christian by your words AND actions. Let your priorities be inspired by your heart and soul.
Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others,
Colossians 3:23
Forgetting oneself is not a refinement of love. It is a first condition of love.
Jesus is the ultimate example of unconditional and unselfish love. Follow His example and focus attention away from yourself today by serving those around you with unselfish love.
But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
To observe without judging is the highest form of intelligence.
Ask God for the wisdom to be objective and not to judge and evaluate others. Just listen and learn.
Chapter 7 - Judging Others. “Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
Matthew 7:1
My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! -Thomas Jefferson
On this 4th of July, every time you see fireworks, stop and say a quick prayer thanking God for all your blessings, including that of freedom. Ask him to help those less fortunate around the world that they may someday live in freedom too.
For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love.
Galatians 5:13
Life is a journey, not a destination. It should be enjoyed, not endured until the final reward.
Look around you and pick out at least three things God has given you to make your life better. Show Him your appreciation for these blessings by looking for ways to make your journey more enjoyable each day.
From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace,
John 1:16