Month: December 2013

Kindness

Posted on December 31, 2013

THOUGHT:

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.  Kindness in giving creates love.

Challenge

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.

Verse

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.

Reference

James 3:18

Discipleship

Posted on December 30, 2013

THOUGHT:

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.

Challenge

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.

Verse

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.

Reference

1 John 3:1

Discipleship

Posted on December 27, 2013

THOUGHT:

Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships.

Challenge

Superglue yourself to Christ. Put your trust fully in Him and reap the benefits of a better relationship with God and others.

Verse

Since you, Lord GOD, are truly God and your words are truth and you have made this generous promise to your servant,

Reference

2 Samuel 7:28

Courage

Posted on December 26, 2013

THOUGHT:

The time is always right to do what is right.

Challenge

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.

Verse

But as for you, be strong and do not slack off, for there shall be a reward for what you do.”

Reference

2 Chronicles 15:7

Attitude

Posted on December 24, 2013

THOUGHT:

The world needs a "stable" influence.

Challenge

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!

Verse

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.

Reference

John 1:14

Prayer

Posted on December 23, 2013

THOUGHT:

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.

Challenge

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.

Verse

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Reference

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Love

Posted on December 20, 2013

THOUGHT:

A baby is born with a need for love - and never outgrows it.

Challenge

Find a way to fulfill that need for love with more people. Your capacity to give love grows each time you give it.

Verse

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.

Reference

1 John 4:7-8

Attitude

Posted on December 19, 2013

THOUGHT:

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.

Challenge

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.

Verse

The crucible for silver, the furnace for gold, so you must assay the praise you receive.

Reference

Proverbs 27:21

Love

Posted on December 18, 2013

THOUGHT:

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

Challenge

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.

Verse

He did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God

Reference

Romans 4:20

Discipleship

Posted on December 17, 2013

THOUGHT:

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.

Challenge

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.

Verse

For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.

Reference

Romans 11:29

Wisdom

Posted on December 16, 2013

THOUGHT:

I praise loudly. I blame softly.

Challenge

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.

Verse

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

Reference

Luke 6:31

Habits

Posted on December 13, 2013

THOUGHT:

It's the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top.

Challenge

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.

Verse

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.

Reference

James 1:12

Service

Posted on December 12, 2013

THOUGHT:

Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.

Challenge

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.

Verse

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Reference

1 Peter 4:10

Habits

Posted on December 11, 2013

THOUGHT:

When all is said and done, success without happiness is the worst kind of failure.

Challenge

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.

Verse

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.

Reference

Colossians 3:23-24

Habits

Posted on December 10, 2013

THOUGHT:

At the end of each day, you should play back the tapes of your performance. The results should either applaud you or prod you."

Challenge

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.

Verse

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!

Reference

Lamentations 3:21-23

Discipleship

Posted on December 9, 2013

THOUGHT:

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

Challenge

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.

Verse

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.

Reference

Acts 4:31

Attitude

Posted on December 6, 2013

THOUGHT:

Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.

Challenge

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?

Verse

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.

Reference

James 4:7-8

Discipleship

Posted on December 5, 2013

THOUGHT:

The family is one of nature's masterpieces.

Challenge

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.

Verse

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.

Reference

Galatians 6:10

Service

Posted on December 4, 2013

THOUGHT:

I began learning long ago that those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.

Challenge

Do all that you can for others today and reap the intangible benefits of happiness. Choose to be happy today.

Verse

Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. Confidence Before God.

Reference

1 John 3:18

Kindness

Posted on December 3, 2013

THOUGHT:

Don't underestimate the impact of kindness.

Challenge

Genuine kindness requires no preparation, no political correctness, and no expected recognition. Make a conscience effort to be kind to everyone you encounter today.

Verse

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.”

Reference

Luke 6:38

Prayer

Posted on December 2, 2013

THOUGHT:

When you affirm big, believe big, and pray big, big things happen.

Challenge

What do you want for your life? Be specific, pray big and have true faith. God's blessings are far beyond your imagination.

Verse

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.

Reference

Matthew 7:7