Month: March 2012

Discipleship

Posted on March 30, 2012

THOUGHT:

Having faith does not give us a license to make unwise choices and expect God to save us from harm.

Challenge

God expects you to act in a Christian manner while here on earth; if you do not it may be to your own peril. Think about God before you act and let Christ’s example lead the way and you’ll always make the right choice.

Verse

Chapter 11 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Reference

1 Corinthians 11:1

Discipleship

Posted on March 29, 2012

THOUGHT:

Remember the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

Challenge

Emulate God's perfect love by giving of yourself without expecting anything in return. The blessing of being able to love another is all you need.

Verse

Chapter 2 - Plea for Unity and Humility. If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,

Reference

Philippians 2:1-3

Faith

Posted on March 28, 2012

THOUGHT:

Trust in God and good things will happen.

Challenge

The next time you have a chance to choose between right and wrong, even if wrong is easier, trust God and do the right thing. You might be surprised in where it takes you.

Verse

Psalm 37 The Fate of Sinners and the Reward of the Just - Of David. Aleph - Do not be provoked by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong. Like grass they wither quickly; like green plants they wilt away.

Reference

Psalm 37:1-2

Integrity

Posted on March 27, 2012

THOUGHT:

The devil loves “curing” a small fault by giving you a great one. – C. S. Lewis

Challenge

All faults, no matter how great or small, can make you feel distant from your Lord. Turn to Him today for the strength to fight off these attacks. Avoid the great faults by "curing" the small ones with honesty and God's help.

Verse

Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.

Reference

Ephesians 6:11

Discipleship

Posted on March 26, 2012

THOUGHT:

Spring is the time for planting. What type of seeds are you sowing?

Challenge

Throughout the day, pay special attention to your actions. Plant the right seeds today and see those seeds blossom into examples for others.

Verse

But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”

Reference

Matthew 13:23

Love

Posted on March 23, 2012

THOUGHT:

It is not the nature of love to force a relationship, but it is the nature of love to open the way.

Challenge

God does not force a relationship with Him upon us, but His love leaves the door wide open. Walk through the door.

Verse

He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

Reference

Luke 10:27

Discipleship

Posted on March 22, 2012

THOUGHT:

Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

Challenge

It’s easy to understand the rewards of good financial planning. However, don’t forget to plan for your eternal retirement. Start depositing checks with your acts of generosity and kindness in order to enjoy the ultimate long-term security.

Verse

Treasure in Heaven. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.

Reference

Matthew 6:19-20

Faith

Posted on March 21, 2012

THOUGHT:

Love God and He will love you, trust God and He will trust you, lean on God and he will hold you.

Challenge

Lean on God to strengthen your faith and trust Him completely in difficult times. Your visible acts of faith will inspire others to trust Him.

Verse

Every word of God is tested; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Reference

Proverbs 30:5

Love

Posted on March 20, 2012

THOUGHT:

I believe-That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

Challenge

Be sure th cherish those small daily blessings and be sure to overlook the other "small stuff" that distracts from your peace of mind. Stop and smell the roses today, but fear not the thorns.

Verse

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Reference

John 15:13

Wisdom

Posted on March 19, 2012

THOUGHT:

The wisdom of the Lord is infinite and He's anxious to share it.

Challenge

When you are faced with a difficult choice or a situation that seems to be beyond your control, allow His generous spirit to inspire you to seek His Wisdom and help. His abundant resources are only a prayer away - what are you waiting for?

Verse

For the LORD gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

Reference

Proverbs 2:6

Priorities

Posted on March 16, 2012

THOUGHT:

With money you can buy a book, but not knowledge.

Challenge

It has been said, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Find a way to expand your mind by feeding it each day with some new and useful information. Allow your new tenants of knowledge to evict the residents of clutter, temptation, and anxiety.

Verse

For wisdom will enter your heart, knowledge will be at home in your soul,

Reference

Proverbs 2:10

Discipleship

Posted on March 15, 2012

THOUGHT:

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

Challenge

Be enthusiastic about your relationship with God and great things can be accomplished. Celebrate your accomplishments with prayer.

Verse

Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Reference

Romans 12:11

Discipleship

Posted on March 14, 2012

THOUGHT:

The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want.

Challenge

Decide that you want a better relationship with God. Identify specific actions today that will strenghen your relationship with God.

Verse

No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

Reference

John 1:18

Peace

Posted on March 13, 2012

THOUGHT:

Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Challenge

Being hurried is too familiar to us today and we often wish for more time to do the things we love.  Simplify, slow down and find a way to enjoy more God-given moments each day.

Verse

Eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works,

Reference

Romans 2:7

Discipleship

Posted on March 12, 2012

THOUGHT:

We have a choice every day - to act on yesterday's good intentions or get an early start on tomorrow's regret.

Challenge

What good intentions have you failed to act on? Decide right now to take action. Share your blessings with those less fortunate. Do so and you will avoid tomorrow's regret.

Verse

For godly sorrow produces a salutary repentance without regret, but worldly sorrow produces death.

Reference

2 Corinthians 7:10

Praise

Posted on March 9, 2012

THOUGHT:

There is no such thing as a “self made” person. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed to us or spoken one word of encouragement to us has entered into the make-up of our character and our thoughts as well as our success.

Challenge

Thank God for all the people He has brought into your life. Find ways to bring your God into their lives.

Verse

God’s Love and Christian Life. Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.

Reference

1 John 4:7

Patience

Posted on March 8, 2012

THOUGHT:

The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs… one step at a time.

Challenge

Patience is a virtue and there are no shortcuts to success. Remember this and ask God for the strength and commitment to see things through to reach your goals. With Him at your side you’ll get there one step at a time.

Verse

Strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy

Reference

Colossians 1:11

Wisdom

Posted on March 7, 2012

THOUGHT:

They gave our Master a crown of thorns. Why do we ask for a crown of roses?

Challenge

Often, we ask God to bless us with the things that WE want. The next time you get that urge, ask Him what HE wants. Ask for His will to be done in your life and you will truly be blessed.

Verse

May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.

Reference

Mark 13:36

Service

Posted on March 6, 2012

THOUGHT:

What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.

Challenge

Don't wait for the opportunity to serve God. Start today and continue everyday. Your privilege to serve God is never finished.

Verse

Our twelve tribes hope to attain to that promise as they fervently worship God day and night; and on account of this hope I am accused by Jews, O king.

Reference

Acts 26:7

Attitude

Posted on March 5, 2012

THOUGHT:

Tough question: Why does a good God allow bad things to happen? Better question: Why do we allow bad things to happen?

Challenge

Considering the majority of pain in the world is a result of man’s mistreatment of his fellow man, ask yourself: Are you creating the pain, doing something to stop the pain, or simply observing the pain and doing nothing about it?

Verse

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.”

Reference

Revelations 21:4

Faith

Posted on March 2, 2012

THOUGHT:

The secret to success is to start from scratch and keep on scratching.

Challenge

Persistence. Abraham had it. Moses had it. John the Baptist had it. Join the company of these great ones, never stop trying, never give up, never lose faith.

Verse

Eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works,

Reference

Romans 2:7

Service

Posted on March 1, 2012

THOUGHT:

Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.

Challenge

Don't just do service because you have to... Do it because you want to. Joyfully serve someone today.

Verse

I know, my God, that you put hearts to the test and that you take pleasure in integrity. With a whole heart I have willingly given all these things, and now with joy I have seen your people here present also giving to you generously.

Reference

1 Chronicles 29:17