Why not go out on a limb? That is where the fruit is.
Step away from the crowd and follow Christ’s teaching to do right thing. Don’t turn away from those in need. Help others and lead by example. Your actions will bear fruit you never dreamed of.
Chapter 11 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.
Don’t let so called “common sense” distract you from what you know to be true. Bad influences, temptation and sin can often times be hiding behind the veil of common sense. Keep strong in your faith and you can’t go wrong.
No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. Warning Against Idolatry.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Imagination is stronger than knowledge.
Imagine a life everlasting with Christ in Heaven - do this daily. Let this powerful image strengthen your faith and knowledge of Christ’s love.
And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:19
When God paints, He uses the yellow of the sun, full of illuminating warmth to comfort us all throughout our days.
Take comfort each day that God is with you to guide you throughout your day. Make sure you thank Him each day with the same illuminating warmth that His SON brings to you each day.
God set them in the dome of the sky, to illuminate the earth,
Genesis 1:17
Thanking God in your trials turns burdens into blessings.
The next time you are facing a trial, thank God that you are a Christian, that you know Him and that he will be with you through your pain. Take comfort in knowing that you will always have His love and support, especially in difficult times.
But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name.
1 Peter 4:16
When God paints, He uses shades of purple to remind us of the royal majesty of His blessings all around us.
From now on whenever you see the color purple, Think About God, count your blessings, and thank Him for providing for your needs.
Yours, LORD, are greatness and might, majesty, victory, and splendor. For all in heaven and on earth is yours; yours, LORD, is kingship; you are exalted as head over all.
1 Chronicles 29:11
We play the hand life gives us... And the worst hand can make us the best player.
Choose to convert your challenges into opportunities to learn, better yourself, and be prepared for the next time a challenge comes your way. Pray for the wisdom and determination to be up to the task.
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
When you have nothing left but God, then you become aware that God is enough.
When you are weak, seek God’s strength. When you are strong, share your God given blessings with someone else.
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 12:9
The children are the future, show them kindness
Smile to every young person you meet. Exhibit compassion, love and kindness in every possible way. Every small act of kindness helps build their future.
But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.
No matter how big or small, don’t let your adversities bring you down today. Simply remind yourself that as Christians, our source of joy and enthusiasm is Christ. His victory paved the way to your ultimate success.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
As a Christian, you believe in God. Do you accept that God believes in you?
God has placed you on this earth to be His eyes, mouth and hands so you can care for His children and spread His word. He would not give you this commission if He didn’t believe in you and your ability to carry out His will. Today, focus on HIS belief in YOU.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,
Matthew 28:19
Mother Teresa: “Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.”
Be watchful of not only what you say, but how you say it. Don't allow angry, hateful and condescending words to cast a shadow on those around you today. Instead, provide a glow of God's presence by speaking respectfully and kindly to everyone you meet.
And I saw that wisdom has as much profit over folly as light has over darkness.
Ecclesiastes 2:13
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Increase your knowledge today by picking up your bible and educating yourself about Christ’s life. Embrace His teachings, apply them to your life and you will have a positive influence on others. You've just changed the world.
But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to live [just] as he lived. The New Commandment.
1 John 2:5-6
The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated.
We are all creations of God, worthy of appreciation. Make a conscious effort to show appreciation towards all those you encounter today. Your actions will have a much greater impact than you recognize.
Thanksgiving. We ought to thank God always for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater.
2 Thessalonians 1:3
He who laughs…lasts.
Joy and laughter are great remedies for stress and grief. Find opportunities to laugh, and be one who spreads joy to others.
Shout with exultation, City of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!
Isaiah 12:6
It is said that God won’t give you more than you can handle. Better said: God will help you handle what you get.
When you encounter strife in your life (and you will), know that God is with you and ready to provide the strength you need to handle it. Prepare yourself now by enriching your relationship with God so your faith will not be shaken when the trial comes.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
There is no drop of water in the ocean, not even in the deepest part of the abyss, that does not know and respond to the mysterious forces that create the tide.
Always remember that God is the "mysterious" force that created it all. Recognize all the tides in your life are blessings from God. Give Him thanks daily.
All these blessings will come upon you and overwhelm you when you obey the voice of the LORD, your God:
Deuteronomy 28:2
Success is the world’s criterion of merit; faith is God’s.
Never let your worldly successes overshadow your ultimate reward. Thank God for your joyful experiences on earth, and always remain faithful as you strive to “store up treasures in heaven.”
But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
Greed makes us stupid, blind to fear, or to the need for anything else.
Avoid greed at all costs. Instead, be rich in your faith and fill your heart and actions with service to others.
All the days of the poor are evil, but a good heart is a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:15
God uses our downtime to build us up.
Our bodies can’t remain healthy if we are active 24/7/365. God created us in a way that we require rest. It is also in this quiet time that we can listen more closely to God. Take a “Sabbath” day this week and give yourself a chance for renewal, physically and spiritually.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.
Exodus 20:11
If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.
Remember to thank others with sincere gratitude throughout your day. This is not only good and right, but is a part of God’s “do unto others…” command. Thus, you can’t go wrong.
The Golden Rule. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:12
Go often to the house of thy friend, for weeds choke the unused path.
Our closest friends share our burdens and double our joy. It takes time and effort to cultivate these relationships. Forward this TAGline to a good friend this week and let them know how much you value their friendship.
Two are better than one: They get a good wage for their toil. If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one. But woe to the solitary person! If that one should fall, there is no other to help.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10