Month: October 2013

Goals

Posted on October 31, 2013

THOUGHT:

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off of your goals.

Challenge

Stay focused on your goals and the priorities in life that really matter and you will be amazed how the hurdles get lower and often disappear. Make sure that developing a more intimate relationship with God is one of those goals.

Verse

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Reference

Matthew 17:20

Discipleship

Posted on October 30, 2013

THOUGHT:

Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open.

Challenge

When you ask, make sure your actions are guided by your character and values in order to sustain meaningful relationships with God and those who mean the most to you.

Verse

The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Reference

1 John 2:3-4

Attitude

Posted on October 29, 2013

THOUGHT:

If you don't celebrate the exquisiteness of each day, you've lost something you will never get back.

Challenge

Enjoy the small, subtle, beautiful elements of each day. Slow down and speak with God and let Him know that you appreciate His creation and your many blessings. Don't just go through the motions, listen to your words – it will help you begin to really celebrate each day.

Verse

Those to whom God gives riches and property, and grants power to partake of them, so that they receive their lot and find joy in the fruits of their toil: This is a gift from God.

Reference

Ecclesiastes 5:18

Comfort

Posted on October 28, 2013

THOUGHT:

In order to mold His children, God sometimes has to melt them down.

Challenge

When you encounter troubling times don’t lose faith. Let your destiny be molded by God’s perfect hands. Trust that God’s grace will never waiver and His plan for your outcome is just what you needed.

Verse

And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.

Reference

Romans 8:27

Faith

Posted on October 25, 2013

THOUGHT:

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Challenge

Think of the staircase as your life ahead of you. Have the faith you can climb to the top with God at your side and that he’ll carry you up any of the steps which seem overwhelming.

Verse

The human heart plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps.

Reference

Proverbs 16:9

Habits

Posted on October 24, 2013

THOUGHT:

Saying thank you is more than good manners.  It is good spirituality. 

Challenge

Remind yourself that every time you thank someone you are thanking one of God’s creations, a person who is a direct reflection of Him. Thank the Creator today by thanking His creations.

Verse

God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Reference

Genesis 1:27

Attitude

Posted on October 23, 2013

THOUGHT:

Impossible only describes the degree of difficulty.

Challenge

Never give up!  "All things are possible with God. "

Verse

I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.

Reference

Philippians 4:13

Discipleship

Posted on October 22, 2013

THOUGHT:

There are spiritual, mental, and emotional benefits that come only to those who give anonymously

Challenge

Perform some act of kindness today with no expectation of anything in return. Take solace in the fact that you made the world a better place.

Verse

But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

Reference

Matthew 6:3-4

Discipleship

Posted on October 21, 2013

THOUGHT:

Giving never moves in a straight line – it always travels in circles.

Challenge

It never fails… The rewards of being a giver always come back around to you. Be a joyful giver and you will find true happiness.

Verse

Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Reference

2 Corinthians 9:7

Attitude

Posted on October 18, 2013

THOUGHT:

If you want to know what a person is like, take a good look at how they treat those they perceive as inferiors, not their equals.

Challenge

How would you measure up? Everyone is a child of God – treat them as such.

Verse

Give honor to all, love the community, fear God, honor the king.

Reference

1 Peter 2:17

Attitude

Posted on October 17, 2013

THOUGHT:

Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest.

Challenge

Each day, you will be faced with situations that need to be taken seriously, but learn to laugh throughout your day. With God in your life, every day should be filled with joy.

Verse

Then our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues sang for joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD had done great things for them.”

Reference

Psalm 126:2

Attitude

Posted on October 16, 2013

THOUGHT:

A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.

Challenge

Look for ways to be kind to others today. It can be as simple as a smile, holding a door open for someone, or giving someone the right of way. Sure, others can use your treasure, but more importantly share your time and talent.

Verse

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

Reference

Colossians 3:12

Comfort

Posted on October 15, 2013

THOUGHT:

Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they are supposed to help you discover who you are.

Challenge

When life’s challenges hit you, turn to God. Ask for his comfort and guidance through prayer and meditation. Then address your challenges with God as your guide. Through His presence within you, you will come to see His plan for you and who you really are.

Verse

Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth.

Reference

1 Corinthians 3:7

Praise

Posted on October 14, 2013

THOUGHT:

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel. 

Challenge

Remember to stitch plenty of thanks into your conversations with God. Without His blessings your life would be threadbare.

Verse

Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose love endures forever;

Reference

1 Chronicles 16:34

Faith

Posted on October 11, 2013

THOUGHT:

To doubt everything or to believe everything are two equally convenient solutions;  both dispose with the necessity of reflection.

Challenge

The Bible challenges us to be reflective with our thoughts and our actions.  Make sure your actions clearly reflect the presence of Jesus in your heart.  If you feel the need to totally believe in something; believe that He believes in you!

Verse

We earnestly desire each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of hope until the end, so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises.

Reference

Hebrews 6:11-12

Gratitude

Posted on October 10, 2013

THOUGHT:

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

Challenge

First and foremost, God deserves our gratitude for all His blessings, large and small. Stop right now and think of the many blessings in your life. Say a prayer of thanks to God.

Verse

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the invocation of God in prayer.

Reference

1 Timothy 4:4-5

Discipleship

Posted on October 9, 2013

THOUGHT:

Changed lives change lives.

Challenge

Continue opening your heart to God and let Him create a new you. This change in your life will move you to want to impact others’ lives and truly become a disciple of Christ.

Verse

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,

Reference

Matthew 28:19

Kindness

Posted on October 8, 2013

THOUGHT:

Spiritual maturity results in verbal responsibility.

Challenge

Let what you say reflect that you are a follower of Christ; not just the absence of vulgar language, but by speaking kind words to others and about others. Ask yourself: What would Jesus say?

Verse

Showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be criticized, so that the opponent will be put to shame without anything bad to say about us.

Reference

Titus 2:7-8

Character

Posted on October 7, 2013

THOUGHT:

It’s not about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself.

Challenge

You’re not lost because God knows right where you are and what His plan is for you. Talk to Him about it. Seek his guidance. Then with Him as your foundation, begin creating the best you you can be. Build your good character word by word, deed by deed.

Verse

Fear the LORD, you his holy ones; nothing is lacking to those who fear him.

Reference

Psalm 34:10

Attitude

Posted on October 4, 2013

THOUGHT:

I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do."

Challenge

Do not refuse to do the something you can do today. Any action you take, large or small, will have an impact on those around you (and beyond). Act now.

Verse

Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.

Reference

Galatians 6:9

Wisdom

Posted on October 3, 2013

THOUGHT:

Learning to trust is one of life's most difficult tasks.

Challenge

Take the time to learn from life’s best teacher – Christ. Take some quiet time each day, maybe after reading a few verses in you well-worn bible, and listen to God. Ask Him to help you find the ability to learn how to trust in Him, others, and yourself more each day.

Verse

I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry.

Reference

1 Timothy 1:12

Kindness

Posted on October 2, 2013

THOUGHT:

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Challenge

Remember the last time someone shared some small gift of kindness to you? Remember how wonderful you felt inside? Start immediately in spreading this feeling by: “Do unto others…”

Verse

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Reference

Luke 6:31

Attitude

Posted on October 1, 2013

THOUGHT:

A man without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs – he is jolted disagreeably by every little pebble in the road.

Challenge

Your attitude determines your outlook on life. See the glass half full today.

Verse

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Reference

Philippians 4:6