Faith doesn't change God's mind about us, Faith changes us.
Renew your faith and trust in the Lord, and allow it to change you…from the inside out.
For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous by faith will live.”
Romans 1:17
Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
Spend a little time each night before prayer going over your day's experiences and write down what you have learned.
Chapter 5 - Special Cases for Purification Offerings. If a person, either having seen or come to know something, does wrong by refusing as a witness under oath to give information, that individual shall bear the penalty;
Leviticus 5:1
Life is way too short to waste time doing average things, since average things produce average results. I would rather search for the greater things in life and die searching; better this than to never search and always wonder.
God is never satisfied with mediocrity. Give 100% to everything you do. Expect great things from yourself – God does.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’
Matthew 25:23
It takes some of us a lifetime to learn that Christ, our Good Shepherd, knows exactly what He is doing with us. He understands us perfectly.
As difficult as it is to understand why some things happen in our life, seek solice knowing it is all part of God's perfect plan. Pray for the strength to accept what life deals us, and the confidence that God is always by our side.
The Praise of the Father. At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.
Matthew 11:25
Gratitude may be one of the least of the virtues, but ingratitude is the worst of vices.
Don't take anything for granted. Live every day in an attitude of gratitude.
So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7
Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it by the handle of anxiety, or by the handle of faith.
You can't always control your circumstances, but you can control your attitute. Approach today and every day with a positive attitude resulting from your faith.
Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,
Philippians 2:5
Dependence upon God makes heroes of ordinary people like you and me!
With God you can do extraordinary things. Don't go it alone today. Depend on God and see how much greater your life will become.
Psalm 62 Trust in God Alone - For the leader; ‘al Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
Psalm 62:1
Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.
The trail to success is most often littered with adversity. Turn these obstacles into building blocks on your journey and it will fuel your determination. Enliven your spirit by making God a more meaningful part of each day.
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.
James 1:12
In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.
The next time you experience anxiety, grab you bible and find the positive influence of God's Word. Try the Gospel or Psalms as a good place to start. Replace your anger with peace today.
For the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.
James 1:20
If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead.
Are your daily actions consistent with your ultimate goal - eternal life with God? Think About God more often every day and put Him first in all you do.
But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
Matthew 6:33
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
If you truly understand even the most complicated subjects, you can break them down and explain it to someone in the most basic of terms. We often complain that our lives have become much too complicated, yet we seldom stop to prioritize what really matters. Ask God for the wisdom and the courage to unclutter and simplify your life. Once you do, you will have a better understanding and appreciation for life.
So turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart.
2 Timothy 2:22
Love is a condition when the happiness of another is essential to your own.
In the arithmetic of love, 1 + 1 = everything; and 2 - 1 = nothing. As you seek the right formula for the relationships in your life, ask God for the wisdom and the humility to recognize that making others happy is the most certain way of achieving your own happiness. Make someone special in your life happy today. Happy Valentine's Day! The TAGteam.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Life magically suits a man to his fortunes, by making them the fruit of his character.
The destination of your life is determined by the thoughts and choices you make everyday. Is the flavor of your character pleasing to God? Allow your Christian values to take control of your destiny.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 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 4:8-9
Speak when you are angry - and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret.
Anger is generally a first response mechanism. Fortunately, it tends to have a short half-life, so always remember to pause when you feel angry. Speak only after you have neutralized your anger like God's sun burns off the morning fog.
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger,
Ephesians 4:26
There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.
Fill the void in your heart by cleaning up the temptation and selfishness in your life. This will allow more time to open up your heart and let God fill it with the goodness of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
You will let me hear gladness and joy; the bones you have crushed will rejoice.
Psalm 51:10
In the Church of Jesus Christ there can and should be no non-theologians.
The Bible is the Word of the Lord. Just like firemen, lawyers, teachers, and farmers need to study the texts of their trade in order to stay current and be the best they can be, we as Christians need to study the Bible and especially the Gospels in order to be the best Christian we can be. You'll find something new and uplifting every time you do.
Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Nothing beats love at first sight except love with insight.
As your relationship with the ones you live evolves, focus on the positive traits that were originally attractive to you. Ask God to help you be a model of His unconditional love.
The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom; whatever else you get, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7
How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?
Don't wait for the ""perfect"" blessing to be grateful. Be grateful for all God's blessings – no matter how small.
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving,
1 Timothy 4:4
Prayer is not a way of establishing God's presence, but a way of responding to God's presence.
Before you pray today, take a quiet moment to recognize God is with you. Break away from your normal prayer routine and simply thank Him for the strength you receive knowing that He is present, now and always.
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.
Isaiah 40:31
We sometimes fear to bring our troubles to God because they must seem small to Him who sitteth on the circle of the earth. But if they are large enough to vex and endanger our welfare, they are large enough to touch His heart of love.
As God's child, no concern you have goes unnoticed. Ask God for comfort, no matter how small your troubles. He is waiting to answer your prayers.
Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.
Mark 11:24
Obstacles can't stop you. Problems can't stop you. Most of all, other people can't stop you. Only you can stop you.
As you face adversity today, remember that God is on your side. Open your heart to His help and you can overcome your challenges.
What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31