We're not in the land of the living moving toward the land of the dying, rather we're in the land of the dying moving toward the land of the living.
Prepare yourself for the land of the living. Read the Bible. Pray. Serve others. Be a better example of Christ's undying love and start living more today.
And he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”
Luke 20:38
Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
With God at your side, there is nothing you will encounter today that you can't handle. Take a deep breath and let go of the worry. Focus on the tasks and let God handle the schedule.
When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
Luke 12:11-12
It is nice to be important, but more important to be nice.
If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in a position of authority or leadership, lead like Jesus in a kind, encouraging and positive manner.
III. Problems of Discipline Chapter 2 - Prayer and Conduct. First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior,
1 Timothy 2:1-3
A single line in the Bible can inspire you more than all the books you have ever read.
Forward this TAGline to a friend and share your favorite Bible verse with them.
And that from infancy you have known [the] sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:15
"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you into my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always." – Mother Teresa
Recite, think about and believe this Easter-centric prayer throughout this Easter week and then live it throughout the rest of the year. Happy Easter – the TAG Team.
But the one whom God raised up did not see corruption. You must know, my brothers, that through him forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, [and] in regard to everything from which you could not be justified under the law of Moses,
Acts 13:37-38
Holy Week – Friday – If they gave our Master a crown of thorns, why would we always expect a crown of roses?
Jesus suffered in the worst way to show His love for us, so don’t be disheartened if showing your love for Him may be painful. Look for a way to honor Him today regardless of the pain you may have to endure in doing so.
But the one whom God raised up did not see corruption. You must know, my brothers, that through him forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, [and] in regard to everything from which you could not be justified under the law of Moses,
Mark 15:17 and 20
Holy Week – Thursday – God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, and broken bread to bring salvation.
In obedience to God, Jesus allowed himself to be broken for the sake of our broken souls. The next time you break bread in remembrance of His sacrifice, close your eyes and imagine Jesus putting your broken life back together, then thank Him for this eternal gift.
The Lord’s Supper. While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.
Mark 14:22-24
Holy Week – Wednesday – Spirit filled souls are ablaze for God. They love with a love that glows. They serve with a faith that kindles. They serve with a devotion that consumes. They rejoice with a joy that radiates.
Even while being ridiculed, the woman who anointed Jesus did so because her spirit was on fire for her Lord. Is there a way you can serve Him that you have avoided because you might be ridiculed? Don’t allow others to extinguish your flame.
Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you make trouble for her? She has done a good thing for me. The poor you will always have with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them, but you will not always have me.
Mark 14:6-7
Holy Week – Tuesday – If faith does not grow, unbelief will.
Even though Christ knew He was nearing His crucifixion, He remained steadfast to God’s will, even taking the opportunity to teach His disciples how big their faith can be. Let your faith grow big and tall so it can choke out any doubt or unbelief.
Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him.
Mark 11:22-23
Holy Week – Monday – It is no great thing to be humble when you are brought low; but to be humble when you are praised is a great and rare attainment.
Christ sought to remain humble even while receiving praise as He entered Jerusalem. In contrast, we often find this example at odds with our human nature – to seek praise even when praise isn’t due. Start this week giving praise where it is due. Praise your Savior by posting a comment on this page. (…by forwarding this message to someone close to you.)
Those preceding him as well as those following kept crying out: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come! Hosanna in the highest!”
Mark 11:9-10
Don't be too busy making a living to live.
As you reflect over the past week take a hard look at your priorities. What can you do better next week, to show God that his values are shared in you.
For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:9
The Bible grows more beautiful as we grow in our understanding of it.
In a world that can be ugly at times, isn’t it great to know that we can ALWAYS find beauty in God’s word? Discover more of that beauty today.
For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
Speak Out - Don't Sneak Out.
Christ calls us to speak out for Him. When an opportunity presents itself today, don't skip out. Be strong and take a stand for Christ.
Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:38
While it may be comforting to be around those who agree with you, discover opportunities for growth from those who are not.
As you spend time with people who have a different viewpoint today, be courtious and respectful of their opinion so you may have an opportunity to learn and grow. Ask God to always keep your heart open.
Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Jesus is God spelling Himself out in a language we can understand.
Let His name be written on your heart so that you can have a clear understanding of His perfect L-O-V-E. Act in a language that everyone can understand by clearly translating His Love to others today.
That he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him
Ephesians 1:8-9
The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy.
It is said you reap what you sow. Sow seeds of faith and love today, and when they return, you will be in much better shape to receive them.
Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
2 Corinthians 9:6
"A little bit more" - Four short words sum up what has lifted most individuals above the crowd. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more.
Do a little bit more today to show those around you that you are strong in your Christian faith. Rise above the crowd and make Him proud.
If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it!
1 Corinthians 9:16
Not only do we know God through Jesus, we only know ourselves through Jesus.
Read and reflect on John’s Gospel this week, and as you do, pray for the wisdom to get to know Jesus better. You never know what God might reveal to you about yourself in the process.
So Jesus said [to them], “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me.
John 8:28
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
We all face uncertainty, and at times it can almost paralyze us from making the decisions necessary to achieve our goals. Ask God today for the faith to keep taking the next step.
But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.
Matthew 6:33-34
Bigness comes from doing many small things well.
Serving God does not always require dramatic action. Consistent acts of kindness, no matter how small, will accumulate and have a significant impact over you and others.
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
1 Peter 4:10
Try His Sundays. They are better than Baskin-Robbins.
Go to Church and enrich your spirituality with the many flavors your faith has to offer. Treat yourself to this every Sunday.
Some people God has designated in the church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then, gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:28