Month: February 2012

Stewardship

Posted on February 29, 2012

THOUGHT:

Generosity is both an action and a trait. It is an act of giving without the expectance of requital. It is the trait of humbleness and charity in a person.

Challenge

Give of yourself. Give your time, talent, and treasure. Do not expect anything in return. The sense of joy that bursts through your heart as you do this is beyond the necessary amount of recompense.

Verse

It is good for the man gracious in lending, who conducts his affairs with justice. For he shall never be shaken; the righteous shall be remembered forever.

Reference

Psalm 112.5-6

Character

Posted on February 28, 2012

THOUGHT:

People of character do the right thing, not because they think it will change the world, but because they refuse to be changed by the world. Change starts with you.

Challenge

If you’re doing something you’re uncomfortable talking to your parents about, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.

Verse

Better to be poor and walk in integrity than rich and crooked in one’s ways.

Reference

Proverbs 28:6

Attitude

Posted on February 27, 2012

THOUGHT:

No one is in charge of your happiness, but you.

Challenge

Take charge of your happiness today by having a positive attitude, spending time with those you love, and doing good deeds. This will not only bring you happiness, but inner peace AND draw you closer to God.

Verse

Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that if they speak of you as evildoers, they may observe your good works and glorify God on the day of visitation. Christian Citizens.

Reference

1 Peter 2:12

Character

Posted on February 24, 2012

THOUGHT:

A person is like a body of water; it should not be admired for the reflection of the world on its surface, but for the beneficial treasures in its depth.

Challenge

You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, or you'll miss out on many great stories.  Focusing on something other than outward appearance, pick a talent or gift that you admire about someone and praise them for it today.

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

Discipleship

Posted on February 22, 2012

THOUGHT:

In every community there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.

Challenge

Acknowledge daily that there is work to be done. God gave us all the power to make the world a better place. Use your God given talents to improve the lives of those around you. Start with something small and let the work build from there.

Verse

So with yourselves: since you strive eagerly for spirits, seek to have an abundance of them for building up the church. Need for Interpretation.

Reference

1 Corinthians 14:12

Attitude

Posted on February 21, 2012

THOUGHT:

Don't worry about tomorrow until tomorrow, because tomorrow brings a new day.

Challenge

Live in the present, not the future, not the past.  Do not dwell on your past mistakes, or worry about what tomorrow will bring, because it is unknown.   Live, always, in the "precious" present.

Verse

Chapter 27 - Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what any day may bring forth.

Reference

Proverbs 27:1

Forgiveness

Posted on February 20, 2012

THOUGHT:

Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin; all hope consists in confession. In confession, there is mercy.

Challenge

As you go through your day, do not only notice and acknowledge your sins, but go to God, confess and ask for His forgiveness. God's grace and mercy are abundant. Jump off your busy train today and take just a minute to reflect and then ask God for His help and forgiveness.

Verse

For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.

Reference

Romans 10:10

Goals

Posted on February 17, 2012

THOUGHT:

In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia.

Challenge

It is not unusual for many of us today to find ourselves rushing around and chasing our tails. Ask God to give you the energy and willpower to rise above the clutter and to establish some personal goals worth pursuing.

Verse

The plans of the diligent end in profit, but those of the hasty end in loss.

Reference

Proverbs 21:5

Discipleship

Posted on February 16, 2012

THOUGHT:

It is ironic that the Son of God visited this planet, and one of the main complaints against Him was that he was not religious enough.

Challenge

Jesus was radically different from the religious leaders of the time. Is your love for Jesus so radically different that you stand out from the crowd? Be radical and reach out to those who need to know Christ.

Verse

He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Reference

Matthew 9:12-13

Discipleship

Posted on February 15, 2012

THOUGHT:

The Bible was never intended to be a book for scholars only. From the very beginning it was intended to be everybody’s book.

Challenge

Don’t rely solely on someone else’s interpretation of the Bible’s teachings. Instead, read the Gospels and let its message sink into your soul. Feel the humanness of Jesus and learn from His emotions, His actions, and His Word.

Verse

For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.

Reference

Romans 15:4

Love

Posted on February 14, 2012

THOUGHT:

The eskimos had fifty-two names for snow because it was important to them: there ought to be as many for love.

Challenge

Love was so important to God that he gave his only Son and that Son taught us the most important thing we can do is love one another. How many ways can you tell [or show] those around you that you love them this Valentine’s day? The rest of the year? HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY – The TAGteam.

Verse

Chapter 5 - Advice to Presbyters. So I exhort the presbyters among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed.

Reference

1 Peter 5:1

Wisdom

Posted on February 13, 2012

THOUGHT:

God will always give us answers to the questions we ask, ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS LISTEN.

Challenge

In everything you do today, LOOK AND LISTEN FOR GOD'S VOICE.

Verse

Get wisdom, get understanding! Do not forget or turn aside from the words of my mouth.

Reference

Proverbs 4:5

Wisdom

Posted on February 10, 2012

THOUGHT:

Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. – Steve Jobs

Challenge

Hold firm against peer pressure and those who would promote sin. God gave you the free will to make your own decisions. Make them in His honor.

Verse

The Ministry of Reconciliation. Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we are clearly apparent to God, and I hope we are also apparent to your consciousness.

Reference

2 Corinthians 5:11

Attitude

Posted on February 9, 2012

THOUGHT:

You were created perfect in every way, God doesn’t make mistakes.

Challenge

Always see the best in yourself. Do not let other’s judgments get the best of you. Seek God's strength when you feel your worth is being challenged.

Verse

I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.

Reference

Psalm 139:14

Empathy

Posted on February 8, 2012

THOUGHT:

There is nothing wrong with having nothing to say unless you insist on saying it.

Challenge

Pay extra attention to those around you today. Instead of rambling about nothing, empathetically listen to everyone. After reflecting on their situation use your words to show your understanding and encourage them.

Verse

For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed,

Reference

Romans 15:18

Forgiveness

Posted on February 7, 2012

THOUGHT:

God is willing to give you His forgiveness.  Are you willing to sincerely ask for it?

Challenge

Get down on your knees and ask God to forgive you of all your sins.  Trust that God will listen and be kind and merciful towards you.

Verse

Peter [said] to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit.

Reference

Acts 2:38

Gratitude

Posted on February 6, 2012

THOUGHT:

Salvation gives you the opportunity to live forever with God.

Challenge

Think About God and all that he does for you. Do you do anything in return? Do a good deed and spread His Word. Remember, the smallest action can go a long way.

Verse

VI - Blessed be the Lord day by day, God, our salvation, who carries us. Selah

Reference

Psalm 68:20

Discipleship

Posted on February 3, 2012

THOUGHT:

I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up asking Him to do His work through me.

Challenge

Today, look for ways to be God’s eyes, mouth, hands and feet. Just ask, and He will equip you with whatever you need to be His servant.

Verse

May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will. May he carry out in you what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever [and ever]. Amen.

Reference

Hebrews 13:20-21

Peace

Posted on February 2, 2012

THOUGHT:

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction.

Challenge

The complexity of your life can become a crutch and an excuse. Find the courage to speak and act in a way that embraces simplicity and peace.

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

Discipleship

Posted on February 1, 2012

THOUGHT:

Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

Challenge

Only God knows each of our journeys and what each of us needs. Focus on making your journey worthy of God's approval and let it be an example to others.

Verse

The priest said to them, “Go in peace! The journey you are making is under the eye of the LORD.”

Reference

Judges 18:6