Month: November 2012

Service

Posted on November 30, 2012

THOUGHT:

Never lie down at night without being able to say, "I have made one human being a little wiser, or a little happier, or at least a little better this day."

Challenge

Make a commitment TODAY to do a generous act for someone. A little assistance from you can go a long way towards improving someone else’s life.

Verse

The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God, for the administration of this public service is not only supplying the needs of the holy ones but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God.

Reference

2 Corinthians 9:10-12

Service

Posted on November 29, 2012

THOUGHT:

A man is called selfish, not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor’s.

Challenge

Acknowledge the good that someone around you is doing. You may be surprised how much your encouragement will inspire and be appreciated.

Verse

Do not those who plan evil go astray? But those who plan good win steadfast loyalty.

Reference

Proverbs 14:22

Discipleship

Posted on November 28, 2012

THOUGHT:

God can heal a broken heart, but He needs all the pieces.

Challenge

Make certain you give your whole heart to God everyday - not just once a week. Do, and you will find comfort with Him.

Verse

My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes keep to my ways,

Reference

Proverbs 23:26

Courage

Posted on November 27, 2012

THOUGHT:

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.

Challenge

Choose to go beyond ordinary and give that little extra effort to strengthen your relationship with God. Pray a little more, talk about Him a little more and make a little more time to do His will.

Verse

Anything you can turn your hand to, do with what power you have; for there will be no work, no planning, no knowledge, no wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

Reference

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Habits

Posted on November 26, 2012

THOUGHT:

The best inheritance any parent can leave their children is a good example.

Challenge

Consider your behavior and actions when you are around your children. Eliminate those you would not like to pass along to the next generation.

Verse

As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children,

Reference

1 Thessalonians 2:11

Faith

Posted on November 23, 2012

THOUGHT:

I believe in the sun even if it isn’t shining. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is silent.

Challenge

Remember that even when God is silent He is with you. It is your challenge to maintain the faith when you feel you are alone in the journey. Do you?

Verse

Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand. With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor.

Reference

Psalm 73:23-24

Courage

Posted on November 22, 2012

THOUGHT:

Some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to.

Challenge

Be determined to stand your ground when it comes to your faith. Express your Christianity through your words and actions.

Verse

Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate,

Reference

Ephesians 6:13-14

Anger

Posted on November 20, 2012

THOUGHT:

Swallowing angry words is much better that having to eat them.

Challenge

Think before you speak. If you find yourself angry with someone today, calm yourself before you express yourself.

Verse

Fools give vent to all their anger; but the wise, biding their time, control it.

Reference

Proverbs 29:11

Prayer

Posted on November 19, 2012

THOUGHT:

True faith in God is the ultimate confidence builder.

Challenge

Is there something today weighing heavy on your mind? Allow your faith in God to calm your anxieties.

Verse

Sing out, heavens, and rejoice, earth, break forth into song, you mountains, For the LORD comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted.

Reference

Isaiah 49:13

Praise

Posted on November 16, 2012

THOUGHT:

If the only prayer you say in your whole life is "Thank You", that would suffice.

Challenge

Thank God today, through your words and through your actions, for everything he has given you.

Verse

VI - Praise the God of heaven, for his mercy endures forever.

Reference

Psalm 136:26

Faith

Posted on November 15, 2012

THOUGHT:

True religion is meant to be bread for our daily use, not cake for special occasions.

Challenge

Don't ignore your faith when things are going well, and recognize the need for God's presence in your life everyday.

Verse

Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Reference

Luke 9:23

Kindness

Posted on November 14, 2012

THOUGHT:

Kindness is a hard thing to give away; it keeps coming back to the giver.

Challenge

Be aware of all the opportunities you have to be kind to someone today. Take advantage of as many of the opportunities as you can.

Verse

Now then, swear to me by the LORD that, since I am showing kindness to you, you in turn will show kindness to my family. Give me a reliable sign

Reference

Joshua 2:12

Faith

Posted on November 13, 2012

THOUGHT:

True faith is like a kite - an opposing wind raises it higher.

Challenge

Be watchful for adversity in your life and embrace it. God may use this trial to strengthen your faith and draw you closer to Him.

Verse

They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.

Reference

Isaiah 40:31

Prayer

Posted on November 12, 2012

THOUGHT:

Pure olive oil is pure because it has no contaminants, no trace of something else. God asks us to remove any trace of ungodliness in our lives. How much is a trace? A hint, a thought, a glance, a fleeting look?

Challenge

The next time you see a "trace" of impurity entering into your life, stop and pray in Jesus' name that he would give you the self-control to resist it.

Verse

Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones,

Reference

Ephesians 5:3

Service

Posted on November 9, 2012

THOUGHT:

No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.

Challenge

Go out of your way today to show someone how much you care - and remember, actions speak louder than words.

Verse

Indeed someone may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.

Reference

James 2:18

Discipleship

Posted on November 8, 2012

THOUGHT:

The true character of any individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good.

Challenge

Don’t underestimate the impact you can have on someone’s life today. Give something to someone today (a kind word, a helping hand, financial assistance) who has nothing to give you in return.

Verse

The Golden Rule. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.

Reference

Matthew 7:12

Prayer

Posted on November 7, 2012

THOUGHT:

You should never let adversity get you down-except on your knees. God does not promise us a trouble-free life, but he does promise comfort in times of trouble.

Challenge

Should you feel any amount of stress today, stop and pray - not that the problem will go away, but that God will grant you the strength to deal with it.

Verse

IV. The Power of Prayer - Anointing of the Sick. Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise.

Reference

James 5:13

Kindness

Posted on November 6, 2012

THOUGHT:

It is good to be a Christian and know it, but it is better to be a Christian and show it.

Challenge

Show some act of kindness to a complete stranger today. Do it, and expect nothing in return.

Verse

This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Reference

John 13:35

Praise

Posted on November 5, 2012

THOUGHT:

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you"?

Challenge

Pause for a few seconds right now to thank God for your many blessings.

Verse

Therefore, our God, we give you thanks and we praise the majesty of your name.

Reference

1 Chronicles 29:13

Determination

Posted on November 2, 2012

THOUGHT:

The desire to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.

Challenge

Almost everyone wants to be successful, but few of us are willing to do what is necessary to reach our goals. Start moving toward your goals today by asking God to give you the strength to turn your wish list into a to do list.

Verse

Obedience. Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Reference

1 Peter 1:13

Service

Posted on November 1, 2012

THOUGHT:

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

Challenge

Exercise your heart today. Pick someone up with a kind word or gesture. You will both feel better as a result of your action.

Verse

So the disciples determined that, according to ability, each should send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.

Reference

Acts 11:29