Month: August 2015

Priorities

Posted on August 31, 2015

THOUGHT:

All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible.

Challenge

Does a goal of eternal happiness seem too lofty for you? This is God's promise to ALL those who believe in Him and follow His word. Spend more time today allowing your actions to reflect your desire to realize God's ultimate reward for you.

Verse

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

Reference

Philippians 4:13

Wisdom

Posted on August 28, 2015

THOUGHT:

Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.

Challenge

Take the time today to examine your wants, needs, and priorities – ask God for his guidance and wisdom. Which of these do you really want and will make you happy? Take the time to reprioritize.

Verse

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

Reference

Ecclesiastes 3:12

Courage

Posted on August 27, 2015

THOUGHT:

The greatest danger for most of us is not that we aim too high and we miss it, but we aim too low and reach it.

Challenge

Ask God today to provide you with confidence and the will to truly pursue the best version of yourself. That's what He expects of you.

Verse

I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.

Reference

Philippians 3:14

Wisdom

Posted on August 26, 2015

THOUGHT:

Life's biggest challenge is deciding what's important – then disregarding the rest.

Challenge

Ask God for insight to truly identify and prioritize the things in your life that really matter, and for the courage to dismiss the distractions.

Verse

Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that made the gold sacred?

Reference

Matthew 23:17

Attitude

Posted on August 25, 2015

THOUGHT:

Perceive and rejoice that life is abundant, that beauty and goodness are amply available . . . that your happiness is in your hands.

Challenge

You don't have to look very far to sense the beauty of God's creation. Seek God's help to allow you to realize that you can be in control of your attitude and happiness today (and everyday).

Verse

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, Announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, saying to Zion, “Your God is King!”

Reference

Isaiah 52:7

Evangelism

Posted on August 24, 2015

THOUGHT:

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small package.

Challenge

Unwrap your arrogance and focus on being big and bold for God. If arrogance and pride creeps into your day, say the Bible passage below and repeat if necessary.

Verse

The eyes of human pride shall be lowered, the arrogance of mortals shall be abased, and the LORD alone will be exalted, on that day.

Reference

Isaiah 2:11

Joy

Posted on August 21, 2015

THOUGHT:

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.

Challenge

Ask God to lighten your heart today, and seek opportunities to truly enjoy life with those around you. Too much seriousness can slowly diminish your capacity to enjoy life's simple pleasures." REFERENCE: "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Verse

Fill us at daybreak with your mercy, that all our days we may sing for joy.

Reference

Psalm 90:14

Evangelism

Posted on August 20, 2015

THOUGHT:

God does not want your personal relationship with Him to remain private.

Challenge

Throughout the New Testament, we are encouraged to share the Good News with others so they may know Christ as we do. Find an opportunity today to tell someone how happy you are that you have a personal relationship with God.

Verse

And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness,

Reference

Acts 4:29

Joy

Posted on August 19, 2015

THOUGHT:

Happiness is not a matter of events, it depends upon the tides of the mind.

Challenge

Don't wait for something to make you happy – look inward. Take the quiet time to talk with God about what you can do to be more at peace and happy in your life. This time spent in prayer will be a good beginning.

Verse

Psalm 4 Trust in God - For the leader; with stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

Reference

Psalm 4:1

Habits

Posted on August 18, 2015

THOUGHT:

Too often we underestimate the power of touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.† Loe Buscaglia"

Challenge

Begin today by making it a practice to do the positive gestures listed above throughout your day. You will affect everyone in a positive way and likely aid in turning a life or two around in addition to your own!

Verse

However, if you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

Reference

James 2:8

Determination

Posted on August 17, 2015

THOUGHT:

It's never too late to be what you might have been.

Challenge

Throughout history, there are numerous examples of individuals who did not realize their potential until very late in their life. Seek God's inspiration to chase your dreams no matter what stage of life you are in.

Verse

Noah complied, just as the LORD had commanded. The Great Flood. Noah was six hundred years old when the flood came upon the earth.

Reference

Genesis 7:5-6

Courage

Posted on August 14, 2015

THOUGHT:

Swallowing your pride rarely leads to indigestion.

Challenge

The next time you receive praise for something you have done, take the opportunity to give credit to someone else. As a Christian, you should ultimately give credit to the one from which all your strengths and talents flow.

Verse

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Reference

Matthew 23:12

Attitude

Posted on August 13, 2015

THOUGHT:

Live your life so that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shutters and says† Oh no, they are awake‡

Challenge

Make Satan shutter today. Smile, don't frown. Laugh, don't get angry. Encourage, don't criticize. Love, don't hate. Make every interaction with others today an opportunity to please God.

Verse

Then the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Reference

Romans 16:20

Kindness

Posted on August 12, 2015

THOUGHT:

If you want to get the best out of someone – you must look for the best that is in them.

Challenge

Just about everyone you meet is motivated and inspired by positive feedback. Take time today to thoughtfully identify and acknowledge the good things in others.

Verse

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

Reference

Hebrews 13:16

Prayer

Posted on August 10, 2015

THOUGHT:

If God should choose to leave our prayer unanswered, let us listen carefully to His silence.

Challenge

If you find yourself disappointed that God is not answering a prayer, think about some prayers that went unanswered in the past. What pain might have been avoided? What blessing did you receive instead? Find peace in knowing that He is always looking out for you.

Verse

In those days he departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.

Reference

Luke 6:12

Hope

Posted on August 7, 2015

THOUGHT:

Hope: 5 of 5 Hope never loses because it has the divine assurance of final victory.

Challenge

Regardless of the challenges life deals you, stay positive and confident, knowing God has a plan for you and at the end you will be by His side.

Verse

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.

Reference

Jeremiah 29:11

Hope

Posted on August 6, 2015

THOUGHT:

Hope: 4 of 5 Hope discovers what can be done instead of grumbling about what cannot.

Challenge

Find ways to contribute no matter the circumstances. Big or small, you will always make a difference. It may not always be immediately visible, so never give up hope.

Verse

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.

Reference

Romans 12:12

Hope

Posted on August 5, 2015

THOUGHT:

Hope: 3 of 5 Hope is not discouraged by modest gains, realizing the longest journey starts with one step.

Challenge

Stay passionate about your goals. Ask God for the strength to find a way to keep moving forward today regardless of the obstacles.

Verse

They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.

Reference

Isaiah 40:31

Hope

Posted on August 4, 2015

THOUGHT:

Hope: 2 of 5 Hope cherishes no illusions, nor does it yield to cynicism.

Challenge

With a positive spirit, always seek the truth and speak the truth. Don't allow the naysayers to pull you down. Always take the high road.

Verse

Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ,

Reference

Ephesians 4:15

Hope

Posted on August 3, 2015

THOUGHT:

Hope: 1 of 5 Hope draws its power from a deep trust in God and the basic good of human nature.

Challenge

Allow your optimism to shine more brightly today so that others will notice a difference in you. With this attitude, there is no doubt you will harvest the good in those around you. Repeat tomorrow.

Verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit.

Reference

Romans 15:13