Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.
Kind thoughts + kind words + kind deeds is a great formula for happiness… Resolve to make this your mantra in 2014. Happy New Year - The TAGteam.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
James 3:18
We have no more right to put our discordant states of mind into the lives of those around us and rob them of their sunshine and brightness than we have to enter their houses and steal their silverware.
It is understood that some days bring more joy than others; however, make sure that you always try to reflect the light of Jesus to everyone you meet by recognizing all the blessings He has provided you.
Chapter 3 - See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1
Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships.
Superglue yourself to Christ. Put your trust fully in Him and reap the benefits of a better relationship with God and others.
Since you, Lord GOD, are truly God and your words are truth and you have made this generous promise to your servant,
2 Samuel 7:28
The time is always right to do what is right.
Never procrastinate about doing the right thing – it may be risky to stand up for what you believe, but the greater risk is remaining silent. What are you waiting for? Do the right thing now.
But as for you, be strong and do not slack off, for there shall be a reward for what you do.”
2 Chronicles 15:7
The world needs a "stable" influence.
In all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, take time to reflect on the calm, simple and humble surroundings of the birthplace of Jesus. Allow this mental image to help you focus on what really matters during this special season and provide you with "stability" throughout the year. Merry Christmas from the TAGTeam!
And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
If you make your prayers an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving for the blessings you have already received, instead of requests for what you do not have, you will obtain results a great deal faster.
God knows what you want, and more importantly, what you need. Today, thank God in prayer for the many blessings He has already given you. Live with an attitude of gratitude, confident that God will provide for your wants and needs.
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
A baby is born with a need for love - and never outgrows it.
Find a way to fulfill that need for love with more people. Your capacity to give love grows each time you give it.
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. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:7-8
The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
Celebrate your day with a positive attitude toward everything you do and say. Praise yourself in thought and turn your positive attitude outward to improve the outlook of those around you. Then praise God in prayer for giving you these opportunities.
The crucible for silver, the furnace for gold, so you must assay the praise you receive.
Proverbs 27:21
Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. - Mother Teresa
What small things can you do today to show your love to a stranger? Let your faith shine through your actions and strengthen your walk with God.
He did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God
Romans 4:20
Look at a thoroughbred and a Clydesdale – one built for speed and one for pulling and hauling. Both are horses, but each has their own special gift. Not only did God create them with unique gifts, neither one fully utilizes their gifts until they submit to their master.
Like these horses, God created us with special gifts. Recognize your gifts and submit the use of these gifts to YOUR master. Only then will you use them to their fullest and use them for the glory of the one who gave them to you.
For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
Romans 11:29
I praise loudly. I blame softly.
The challenge could be simply: Praise loudly and blame softly. More precisely, remember to praise those around you for a job well done and do it where others will hear and instill a sense of pride in the recipient. If you have a constructive criticism, share in in private as you would hope someone would do for you.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31
It's the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top.
Attitudes grow and solidify in the grittiness of daily life. Teach yourself to slow down and enjoy the view today. This will ensure that you will be ready to appreciate your goals when you finally attain them.
Temptation. Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.
What a great blessing that God made it so easy to serve in His name. Start being greater each day starting today by reaching out and serving those in need. Share your God given gifts of time, talent, and treasure with someone(s) today.
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
1 Peter 4:10
When all is said and done, success without happiness is the worst kind of failure.
Making it to the top of the ladder doesn't feel good if you are burned out when you get there. It is important along the way to take time to feed your souls, delight in friendship, and laugh at yourself. It may take longer to get to our summit, but we will get there with the personal energy and relationships to really enjoy it.
Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
At the end of each day, you should play back the tapes of your performance. The results should either applaud you or prod you."
We are blessed each day with a fresh start. If you aren't particularly proud of yesterday's performance you have a chance to make amends today. Make today a day you will applaud.
But this I will call to mind; therefore I will hope: The LORD’s acts of mercy are not exhausted, his compassion is not spent; They are renewed each morning— great is your faithfulness!
Lamentations 3:21-23
There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. - Nelson Mandela
God calls us to live a life that is bold and large. Don't settle for less than what God has intended for you. Be bold for Him today. Reach out to someone outside your "comfort zone" and share God's love.
As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Life in the Christian Community.
Acts 4:31
Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.
What element of your life do you wish was better? How about your relationship with God? Make the decision now to make changes for the better?
So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds.
James 4:7-8
The family is one of nature's masterpieces.
For almost all of God's creatures, family is one of the most vital elements of their life. Make an extra effort to show someone in your family this week how much you really care for them.
So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith. VI. Conclusion - Final Appeal.
Galatians 6:10
I began learning long ago that those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.
Do all that you can for others today and reap the intangible benefits of happiness. Choose to be happy today.
Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. Confidence Before God.
1 John 3:18
Don't underestimate the impact of kindness.
Genuine kindness requires no preparation, no political correctness, and no expected recognition. Make a conscience effort to be kind to everyone you encounter today.
Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
Luke 6:38
When you affirm big, believe big, and pray big, big things happen.
What do you want for your life? Be specific, pray big and have true faith. God's blessings are far beyond your imagination.
The Answer to Prayers. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7
The true value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he has.
You were blessed with an abundance of God given talents. Identify someone who would benefit from your talents and share them willingly. You will both be glad you did.
Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands of the presbyterate.
1 Timothy 4:14
Thanksgiving… Thanks, Giving… Give THANKS to God for all your blessings. Be generous in your GIVING to others.
This THANKSGIVING remember to start your meal with praise and THANKS to the Lord our God. Also be GIVING by donating to a local food bank to help them replenish their cupboards for all those in need of continued assistance. Have a blessed THANKSGIVING… the TAGteam.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
Trust in God, but tie your camel.
Trusting in God and asking for His help and intercession is an essential part of our faith. However, we still need to be active in our lives and accountible for our actions and ommisions, so don't let prayer be an excuse for irresponsibilty and laziness.
The plans of the diligent end in profit, but those of the hasty end in loss.
Proverbs 21:5
Never reach out a hand unless you're willing to extend an arm.
Token help is not very helpful. If you really want to help someone or some worthy cause, give it some thought and decide on a specific way you can make a difference. Time is short and finances may be limited, but if you want to get involved, the best way is to have a clear intention and a genuine commitment.
Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend.
Encourage a friend today. Make his/her day by showing you care, they have your support, your belief in them, and your assistance if necessary. It will mean the world to them.
When they had come out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house where they saw and encouraged the brothers, and then they left.
Acts 16:40
We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.
People who focus on the good in every situation tend to have a greater sense of gratitude and are more resourceful. Strengthen your character today by focusing on the positive.
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
Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be.
Wasting your time wishing can become a habit. There's only one way to see your hope turn into reality: decide on the first small step and then take it. Ask God for the perseverance to keep at it, the vision to see the next small step, and the courage to take it.
V. Examples, Discipline, Disobedience Chapter 11 - Faith of the Ancients. Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
Nature does not hurry, yet everything gets accomplished.
When your life gets too busy, just stop, take a deep breath, and ask God to help you recognize what really matters most today. Focus on those things and slow down to a healtier pace.
You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. Instead you should say, “If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that.”
James 4:14-15
People who matter are most aware that everyone else does too.
Focus your attention on those around you today and embrace the simple truth that, as creatures of God, they matter. With this new awareness, treat everyone with the respect they deserve.
Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,
Philippians 2:3