The average church in the U.S. is built to hold 40% - 50% of the congregation. Where is the other half supposed to sit?
Invite someone to go to church with you this Sunday.
Observe the sabbath day—keep it holy, as the LORD, your God, commanded you.
Deuteronomy 5:12
Some complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses on thorns.
Each day you have a choice to face your challenges with optimism or pessimism. The Bible teaches us to be optimistic. Today, choose optimism!
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a sporting event makes you a better athlete.
Stop going through the motions in your faith journey... Try to identify at least one meaningful element each time you attend worship that will be a building block to make you a better Christian.
We are not boasting beyond measure, in other people’s labors; yet our hope is that, as your faith increases, our influence among you may be greatly enlarged, within our proper limits,
2 Corinthians 10:15
Trusting in others and even in God is especially difficult when we are vulnerable. Yet, it is when we are most vulnerable that we can experience trusting in others fully for the first time.
Share one thought, fear or burden with a friend or God today. You will feel your heart lighten.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely;
Proverbs 3:5
Remember happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.
Start each day by thanking God for at least 3 things He has blessed you with in your life.
He reveals deep and hidden things and knows what is in the darkness, for the light dwells with him. To you, God of my ancestors, I give thanks and praise, because you have given me wisdom and power. Now you have shown me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the king’s dream.” So Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not put the wise men of Babylon to death. Bring me before the king, and I will tell him the interpretation of the dream.” Arioch quickly brought Daniel to the king and said,
Daniel 2:22-24
It is easy to be in awe of God’s power; however, it is God’s gentleness that should really move us.
Recognize the awesome power of God and allow God's gentle spirit into your heart today. Focus your thoughts, words and actions on encouragement to those around you.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5: 22-23
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath way.
Breathe more life into your spirit by breaking out of your daily routine more often with activities that not only warm your heart, but increase your heart rate.
III - Many say, “May we see better times! LORD, show us the light of your face!” Selah
Psalms 4:7
The Lord doesn't give wisdom on credit. He doesn't advance you a bundle of insight. God provides us with the words, wisdom and insight at the very instant they are required according to His plan.
Continue to seek God's wisdom each day, but have faith He will deliver on time.
When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
Matthew 10:19
Jesus told the leper to keep his healing a secret, but in his joy, he told everyone. Jesus tells us to tell everyone, but in our timidity, we keep it a secret.
Don't be afraid to show others that you believe in God. Forward this TAGline to someone else to show them you are Thinking About God.
And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness,
Acts 4:29
One who is too busy to pray, is too busy.
What activities can you eliminate to make time for prayer? Find a way to squeeze prayer into your busy schedule today.
Those who sit in the gate gossip about me; drunkards make me the butt of songs.
Psalms 69:13
On days where everything seems to go wrong, remember that help is only a prayer away. God is listening, and if you listen to His response, you will find comfort.
If nothing goes wrong in your life today, thank God. If it does, know He is waiting for your prayers.
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 34:15
Falling down doesn’t make you a failure, but staying down does.
You display your faith by showing others your strength during times of adversity. God will supply you with the strength you need, so ask in prayer.
Though the just fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble from only one mishap.
Proverbs 24:16
People know what you are by what they see you do, not what they hear.
Let your actions speak louder than your words. Instead of telling someone about your acts of kindness, act kindly to them.
Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:16
If you are like most people, you may have asked yourself – “If I know my life would end in a week, would I change my priorities?” The answer is usually Yes.
Are your priorities in order? The answer is usually no. Take time today to evaluate your priorities.
But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
Matthew 6:33
God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.
Who do you know that needs comfort? Find a way to comfort them today.
You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God,
2 Corinthians 9:11
We commit the Golden Rule to memory and forget to commit it to life.
Count the number of times you practice the Golden Rule today.
He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:37-39
“I must do something” will always solve more problems than “Something must be done.”
There are numerous opportunities everyday to do something nice for someone. Determine what "must" be done today and commit to do it.
Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share,
1 Timothy 6:18
Two things are hard on the heart – running up stairs and running down people. When you concentrate on speaking badly of others, the one who truly gets rundown is you.
Find someone who you have recently "rundown" and pick them up with your kind words.
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.
Ephesians 4:29
A pessimist, they say, sees a glass of water as being half empty; an optimist sees the same glass as half-full. But a giving person sees a glass of water and starts looking for someone who might be thirsty.
What small act of kindness can you do for someone today? Find someone who is thirsty today, and give them a glass of water.
If I say to a young woman, ‘Please lower your jug, that I may drink,’ and she answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels, too,’ then she is the one whom you have decided upon for your servant Isaac. In this way I will know that you have dealt graciously with my master.”
Genesis 24:14
Encouragement is one of the most underrated forces in the world.
Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A word of optimism and hope. Share praise and encouragement with others today and leave them with an "I can do it" attitude. Repeat tomorrow.
Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.
1 Thessalonians 5:11