Medicine heals the body, but faith heals the soul.
Only your faith in Christ as your savior can heal your soul. Ask God to strengthen your faith every day so that the Great Physician can provide the healing you need.
Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Mark 10:52
You cannot unsay a cruel word.
We've all done it. Take a moment to reflect on how you feel after saying something hurtful. Take that feeling with you today and keep the comments positive.
No obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving.
Ephesians 5:4
The best sermons are lived, not preached.
Can you remember the sermon from three weeks ago? How about a recent "Good Samaritan" act? Repeat those positive actions for others so they have a good memory to reflect upon.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9
People can tell more about our faith by the way we react than by the way we act.
Always be mindful of the way you react to others, especially in stressful situations. It is easy to “act like a Christian” when your life is going well, but how well do you reflect Christ when times are tough.
Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. IV. Advice to the Persecuted - Trial of Persecution.
1 Peter 4:11
Faith is meant to be personal, not private.
God wants you to have a very personal relationship with Him, but that doesn't mean you should keep it to yourself. Let those around you know that the joy you know is from this personal relationship.
He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:15-16
Pray with boldness – not because of who you are, but because of who God is.
The creator of the world does everything with boldness and invites you to do the same. Don’t settle for less than what God expects of you! Pray boldly today – ask Him to use you in ways you never thought possible.
And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth [your] hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 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 4:29-31
People can tell more about our faith by the way we react than by the way we act.
Always be mindful of the way you react to others, especially in stressful situations. It is easy to “act like a Christian” when your life is going well, but how well do you reflect Christ when times are tough.
Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. IV. Advice to the Persecuted - Trial of Persecution.
1 Peter 4:11
Our faith in God does not only free us from our fear of death, but from our fear of life.
Don't be afraid to live a life that is trusting, hopeful and compassionate. It will make for a much smoother transition into eternal life.
Chapter 3 Confidence in God Leads to Prosperity - My son, do not forget my teaching, take to heart my commands; For many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you. Do not let love and fidelity forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then will you win favor and esteem before God and human beings. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely;
Proverbs 3:1-5
You are one third of every relationship you build - you, others, and God.
Recognize the presence and influence of God in all your relationships. Let His positive presence strengthen and guide all of your relationships.
If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
1 John 4:20
If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it. Dive in!
The best way to increase your odds of achieving your goal is to take a small step in the right direction toward that goal. Ask God for the faith to dive in.
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.”
Matthew 17:20
Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination to be a successful Christian.
Slow down and be patient, be persistant and never give up on your goals, and don't be afraid to work a little harder, even break a sweat in order to accomplish great things.
II. The Value of Trials and Temptation - Perseverance in Trial. Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.
Take time to examine your values and what you stand for as a Christian. Make sure your actions and values are always in alignment.
The way of loyalty I have chosen; I have kept your judgments.
Psalm 119:30
Sandwich every bit of criticism between two layers of praise.
Look for opportunities to help and encourage others. Make sure any situation you offer is given in the right spirit and has real value to the recipient.
I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like those who raise an infant to their cheeks; I bent down to feed them.
Hosea 11:4
Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.
Sometimes we wait to forgive because we want to do it only when we feel ready. However, forgiveness is actually a choice, something we do on principle. Practice being more forgiving each day… It is a very good habit and skill to develop. Did you ever feel bad after forgiving someone?
Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.”
Luke 17:3-4
One of the great pleasures in life is doing what people say you cannot do.
Begin reaping pleasure today by going above and beyond others expectations. Work harder, play harder, find new ways to help others, and pray more. Be pleased.
Nothing that my eyes desired did I deny them, nor did I deprive myself of any joy; rather, my heart rejoiced in the fruit of all my toil. This was my share for all my toil.
Ecclesiastes 2:10
Laughter is the best communion of all!
A good laugh with others brings everyone into the moment. When was the last time you felt tense, preoccupied, distracted or stressed while you were laughing? Laugh more!
Once more will he fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with rejoicing.
Job 8:21
Trust is to human relationships what faith is to gospel living. It is the beginning place, the foundation upon which more can be built. Where trust is, love can flourish.
Build a foundation for love and trust. A good place to start is living by the gospels, Jesus’ word. Use His teachings to not only strengthen your faith but to show others they can trust in you because of the good moral character you show by following Jesus.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
War is expensive. Peace is priceless.
Pray for the world’s leaders to end wars, to find other ways to settle disagreements, and to peacefully coexist with others. Pray for the world’s leaders to give up their conquest for power and put their energies and monies toward helping those in need. Like Jesus fed five thousand with 2 small fish and 5 loaves of bread, the cost of war, if redirected, can feed many.
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.
John 6:9-11
What the future holds is firmly in God's hands, and I am very happy about that.
Remind yourself daily that God is the map of your future. Trust His guidance, pray to Him that you’ll always read His map correctly, then throw yourself into the journey He has laid out for you.
Though your beginning was small, your future will flourish indeed.
Job 8:7
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.
It's comfortable and safe in our little shells, but I am quite sure God has bigger expectations for you. Ask Him for the courage and the energy to take a few risks that will allow you to help others in a way you could never even imagine while living in the comfort of your "shellfish" life.
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
I love myself when I am laughing.
Never underestimate the joy and power of laughter. God blessed us with humor, find more opportunities to laugh.
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.”
Psalm 126:2