Month: May 2014

Attitude

Posted on May 30, 2014

THOUGHT:

We need Saints # 5 of 5 We need saints who are in this world and who know how to enjoy the best in this world without being callous or mundane. We need Saints! - Pope Francis

Challenge

Being a saint will not limit your ability to have fun. Let your great attitude be reflective of how appreciative you are for all the blessings God has given you… Be a saint!

Verse

There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink and provide themselves with good things from their toil. Even this, I saw, is from the hand of God. For who can eat or drink apart from God?

Reference

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Habits

Posted on May 29, 2014

THOUGHT:

We need Saints # 4 of 5 We need saints to live in the world, to sanctify the world and to not be afraid of living in the world by their presence in it. We need saints that drink Coca-Cola, that eat hotdogs, that surf the Internet and that listen to their iPods. - Pope Francis

Challenge

Allow your sainthood to manifest itself in the most simple things in life. Do the right thing in all things that you do throughout the day.

Verse

So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin.

Reference

James 4:17

Stewardship

Posted on May 28, 2014

THOUGHT:

We need Saints # 3 of 5 We need Saints – Saints for the 21st century with the spirituality appropriate to our new time. We need saints that have a commitment to helping the poor and to make the needed social change. - Pope Francis

Challenge

Be a saint by focusing less on yourself and committing a significant amount of your time each week to helping others.

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

Priorities

Posted on May 27, 2014

THOUGHT:

We need Saints # 2 of 5 We need saints that place God in first place ahead of succeeding in any career. We need saints that look for time to pray every day and who know how to be in love with purity, chastity and all good things. - Pope Francis

Challenge

Re-evaluate your priorities and determine what really matters in your life. Allow those decisions to be driven by values that reflect God's plan for you.

Verse

For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. One in Christ.

Reference

Ephesians 2:10

Discipleship

Posted on May 26, 2014

THOUGHT:

We need Saints # 1 of 5 We need saints without cassocks, without veils – we need saints with jeans and tennis shoes. We need saints that go to the movies, that listen to music, that hang out with her friends. - Pope Francis

Challenge

God made us in his image; therefore, we all have the potential to be a saint. Find a way to be a saint in the everyday things of life.

Verse

Chapter 12 - God Our Father. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us

Reference

Hebrews 12:1

Courage

Posted on May 23, 2014

THOUGHT:

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. – The Cinderella Story

Challenge

Step up to the plate and out of your comfort zone. This is where you can truly find your God given talents. Challenge yourself and make the most of your efforts by pushing them to the limit in God’s name in everything you do.

Verse

For according to their means, I can testify, and beyond their means, spontaneously,

Reference

2 Corinthians 8:3

Faith

Posted on May 22, 2014

THOUGHT:

Only the practice of Faith can verify what we believe.

Challenge

We have all heard that our actions speak louder than our words. When it comes to your Faith … practice, practice, practice!

Verse

So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work.

Reference

Philippians 2:12-13

Courage

Posted on May 21, 2014

THOUGHT:

The poverty of uniqueness is the call of Jesus to stand utterly alone when the alternative is to cut a deal at the price of one's integrity.

Challenge

It often takes courageous determination to overcome temptation and make unpopular decisions, while standing up for what you know is right and just.  Be strong today!

Verse

Make no mistake: God is not mocked, for a person will reap only what he sows,

Reference

Galatians 6:7

Habits

Posted on May 20, 2014

THOUGHT:

Resistance causes pain and anxiety. It is when we practice acceptance that new possibilities appear.

Challenge

When an obstacle or a new idea appears in our life, initially we try to find a way to resist it. Ask God to open your mind and your heart to new ideas so that you can truly enjoy the possibilities that exist beyond your current vision.

Verse

God’s Indomitable Love in Christ. We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Reference

Romans 8:28

Discipleship

Posted on May 19, 2014

THOUGHT:

Are you keeping the Law or living the Law?

Challenge

As Christians, we are called not to just adhere to God’s Law, but to live it in all aspects of your daily life. Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul, and with ALL your strength and with ALL your mind.

Verse

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”

Reference

Luke 10:25-28

Patience

Posted on May 16, 2014

THOUGHT:

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.

Challenge

Patience and persistence pay off in the long run. In a world that craves instant gratfication, ask God for the patience to understand His plan for you. Use this God-given patience to achieve the sweet success of a task competed with the fruits of your labor and your gifts from God.

Verse

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; better is a patient spirit than a lofty one.

Reference

Ecclesiastes 7:8

Habits

Posted on May 15, 2014

THOUGHT:

It is our choice to show who we truly are, far more than our abilities.

Challenge

Choose to be defined for your Christ-like words and deeds. Doing this will show those around you who you truly are.

Verse

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

Reference

1 Corinthians 11:1

Encouragement

Posted on May 14, 2014

THOUGHT:

True happiness does not come from doing easy work, but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.

Challenge

Step up and tackle that big task you’ve been putting off. Pray for God’s help, plan, and persevere. Finally, soak in the afterglow of achievement that you, with God at your side, did your very best.

Verse

And I am giving counsel in this matter, for it is appropriate for you who began not only to act but to act willingly last year:

Reference

2 Corinthians 8:10

Wisdom

Posted on May 13, 2014

THOUGHT:

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. 

Challenge

It is not wise to lie. Be honest in everything you do and with everyone you meet. Never compromise your integrity and others will be inspired to hold true to their values.

Verse

Pe - The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom; his tongue speaks what is right.

Reference

Psalm 37:30

Encouragement

Posted on May 12, 2014

THOUGHT:

Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.

Challenge

As you work with others today think before you speak. Find ways to feed everyone with calm encouragement.

Verse

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.

Reference

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Wisdom

Posted on May 9, 2014

THOUGHT:

Criticism may not be desirable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain on the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.

Challenge

Constructive criticism may feel uncomfortable, but it is how you respond that will determine if you learn or grow from it. Ask God for the humility to be more open-minded to those who are trying to help you.

Verse

The ear that listens to salutary reproof is at home among the wise.

Reference

Proverbs 15:31

Prayer

Posted on May 8, 2014

THOUGHT:

Pray boldly and be prepared to me amazed.

Challenge

Our God likes when we pray boldly. Pray with more conviction and allow your prayers to draw you closer to God. Tap into the energy only God can provide.

Verse

In whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith in him.

Reference

Ephesians 3:12

Patience

Posted on May 7, 2014

THOUGHT:

It isn't the big pleasures that count the most; it's making a great deal out of the little ones.

Challenge

The quality and joy of your life is the accumulation of all your thoughts and actions. Ask God to help you slow down and make the most of every little moment so that your life will be filled with great pleasure.

Verse

God’s Indomitable Love in Christ. We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Reference

Romans 8:28

Joy

Posted on May 6, 2014

THOUGHT:

The most wasted of all days is the one which you have not laughed.

Challenge

Try harder to keep things in perspective and recognize what really matters. This will allow you not to take life so seriously and to find time to laugh with those you care about the most.

Verse

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.

Reference

James 1:2-4

Gratitude

Posted on May 5, 2014

THOUGHT:

Gratitude is the memory of the heart. 

Challenge

Don’t ignore your heart. Show gratitude to those who have helped you even in the smallest way. Include a smile with your thanks to show them your gratitude comes from your heart.

Verse

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Reference

Colossians 3:16

Courage

Posted on May 2, 2014

THOUGHT:

The challenge of the task ahead of you depends upon the power behind you.

Challenge

When you are feeling weak, over-powered or defeated, know that the power of God is behind you. Have faith that He will provide the strength you need to overcome your challenge.

Verse

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

Reference

Philippians 4:13