Month: July 2013

Wisdom

Posted on July 31, 2013

THOUGHT:

Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely.

Challenge

Always listen closely to your heart as that is where the spirit of God lies within you. Your brain can be deceived or confused but your heart always makes choices consistent with the goodness the Lord blessed you with.

Verse

A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.

Reference

Luke 6:45

Guidance

Posted on July 30, 2013

THOUGHT:

Choose to listen to the messages of God and recognize them as such.

Challenge

Take the time today to listen to what God is telling you. Listen to your heart, listen to your conscience, and listen to others. God talks to us in many ways and through many others – find them.

Verse

Show us, LORD, your mercy; grant us your salvation.

Reference

Psalm 85:8

Courage

Posted on July 29, 2013

THOUGHT:

Life is too short to blend in.

Challenge

Don’t keep your Christian values to yourself, make sure you stand out from the crowd by always being seen doing the right thing.

Verse

Exhortation and Greetings. Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.

Reference

1 Corinthians 16:13

Discipleship

Posted on July 26, 2013

THOUGHT:

If you could see the person God intended you to be, you would rise to the occasion and never be the same again.

Challenge

Remember God starts us all out with the innocence of a child and in his image. Pray that you hold onto these traits throughout your life so that you can remain close to whom God intended you to be.

Verse

Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the earth.

Reference

Genesis 1:26

Discipleship

Posted on July 25, 2013

THOUGHT:

There are many who preach Christ, but not so many who live Christ. My aim will be to live Christ.

Challenge

How can you live Christ? Take an inventory today of all your actions and write down each one that is an example of living Christ? Short list? Pray for a longer list and then commit to make it happen.

Verse

So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him,

Reference

Colossians 2:6

Service

Posted on July 24, 2013

THOUGHT:

We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever; the goal is to create something that will.

Challenge

Pay it forward by helping someone in need. This will cause a ripple effect that will change the world forever. Find peace in doing this and don’t look for any recognition.

Verse

Be careful to heed all these words I command you today, that you and your descendants after you may forever prosper for doing what is good and right in the sight of the LORD, your God.

Reference

Deuteronomy 12:28

Discipleship

Posted on July 23, 2013

THOUGHT:

It is not so much great talents that the Lord blesses, as great likeness to Jesus Christ.

Challenge

Look at yourself and your life. Look for those blessings that make you more Christ-like. Exercise those gifts and share them with others at every opportunity. Thank God.

Verse

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

Reference

1 Corinthians 11:1

Discipleship

Posted on July 22, 2013

THOUGHT:

When your life flashes before your eyes, make sure you have plenty to watch.

Challenge

Each day remind yourself that God made these absolutely wonderful, smart, amazing, special creatures called humans and that you are one of them. Make sure the video of your life would get two thumbs up from God.

Verse

Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the earth.

Reference

Genesis 1:26

Attitude

Posted on July 19, 2013

THOUGHT:

Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass; it is learning to dance in the rain.

Challenge

Don’t sit around waiting for something good to happen – go out and make it happen; bring along God and a positive attitude and see the goodness rain down on you.

Verse

You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.

Reference

Micah 6:8

Courage

Posted on July 18, 2013

THOUGHT:

Don’t live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable.

Challenge

Always do more than others expect of you, and more importantly give of yourself beyond what you expect of yourself. Show God and the world that you can go beyond others’ expectations in your generosity, your empathy, and in your helpfulness to others. Be remarkable.

Verse

You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.

Reference

Corinthians 8:2-4

Character

Posted on July 17, 2013

THOUGHT:

Character is not made in a crisis, it is only exhibited.

Challenge

Prepare for life's challenges by building your character today. The best foundation for a strong character is putting Christ first in you life.

Verse

Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope,

Reference

Romans 5:3-4

Service

Posted on July 16, 2013

THOUGHT:

The world is full of two kinds of people: the givers and the takers. The takers eat well-but the givers sleep well.

Challenge

How do you sleep? Christ gave us the perfect example of servicing humbly as He cleaned the feet of his disciples. Don't forget to serve first today.

Verse

Fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.

Reference

John 13:3-5

Attitude

Posted on July 15, 2013

THOUGHT:

Every story has an ending, but in life, every ending is a new beginning.

Challenge

Treat every day as if it were an ending to your life here on earth. Act in such a way that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to begin your new eternal life with God and with Him knowing how you spent your last day here.

Verse

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

Reference

Romans 2:7

Encouragement

Posted on July 12, 2013

THOUGHT:

Never look down on anybody unless you are helping them up.

Challenge

Look for an opportunity to help someone in need today. Encourage them, praise them, or just lend a helping hand. Pick this up as a new habit.

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 July 11, 2013

THOUGHT:

A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. – Mohandas Gandhi

Challenge

Find a cause to help others that moves your spirit. Find a local organization supporting that cause and join with others to make a difference. Ask God to give your group the strength and ability to alter the course of history for someone.

Verse

For many years now, even until today, you have not abandoned your allies, but have taken care to observe the commands of the LORD, your God.

Reference

Joshua 22:3

Praise

Posted on July 10, 2013

THOUGHT:

When you want more of anything, the first thing to do is to give thanks for what you already have.

Challenge

Be mindful of your many blessings. Take time today and thank God for what you have before you ask for what you want.

Verse

Thanksgiving. I give thanks to my God always, remembering you in my prayers,

Reference

Philemon 1:4

Encouragement

Posted on July 9, 2013

THOUGHT:

A man, after all, is not measured by the wealth in his pocket, but by the riches in his heart.

Challenge

Today, find a way to share some of the riches in your heart. You can make a measurable difference.

Verse

Chapter 22 - A good name is more desirable than great riches, and high esteem, than gold and silver.

Reference

Proverbs 22:1

Attitude

Posted on July 8, 2013

THOUGHT:

The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.

Challenge

How can you be better than you were yesterday? Pray more; praise someone; read the bible; help someone in need; show someone encouragement; love.

Verse

I recognized that there is nothing better than to rejoice and to do well during life.

Reference

Ecclesiastes 3:12

Priorities

Posted on July 5, 2013

THOUGHT:

The heart of sin is "I"

Challenge

How often do you come first? Review your actions today and remember that God commands us to serve others. Make sure your heart is in the right place.

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

Courage

Posted on July 3, 2013

THOUGHT:

Liberty, is one of the most valuable blessings that heaven has bestowed upon mankind.

Challenge

Liberty (a.k.a. freedom) is what this country was founded on. It was also founded on “In God We Trust” which is on our money and many of our courthouses and other government buildings. Continue to fight for freedom and make yourself heard whenever anyone challenges the Christian foundations of our great nation. HAPPY 4th of July – The TAGteam

Verse

Exhortation and Greetings. Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.

Reference

1 Corinthians 16:13

Stewardship

Posted on July 2, 2013

THOUGHT:

If you have your tools ready, God will find you work.

Challenge

Organize your toolbox and get ready to go to work for Him.

Verse

But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.

Reference

2 Timothy 4:5

Wisdom

Posted on July 1, 2013

THOUGHT:

I have lived to thank God that all of my prayers have not been answered my way.

Challenge

Just as we don't give our children everything they ask for, the Lord knows when to say no to us. Thank the Lord for specific prayers He knowingly didn't answer.

Verse

Saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.”

Reference

Luke 22:42