Month: April 2016

Courage

Posted on April 29, 2016

THOUGHT:

The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

Challenge

Ask God not only for the courage to pursue big dreams, but also for the perseverance to chip away a portion of the path each day on your journey.

Verse

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.”

Reference

Matthew 17:20

Love

Posted on April 28, 2016

THOUGHT:

A home's temperature is best maintained by warm hearts, not cold words.

Challenge

Work on the thermostat at your home tonight. Find an opportunity to heat things up with a warm comment and loving actions.

Verse

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

Reference

Colossians 3:12

Praise

Posted on April 27, 2016

THOUGHT:

Most of us have much trouble praying when we are in little trouble, but we have little trouble praying when we are in much trouble.

Challenge

Praise God right now for all the things that are going well in your life, and thank Him for giving you few troubles to concern you.

Verse

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Reference

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Faith

Posted on April 26, 2016

THOUGHT:

Trusting God's faithfulness dispels our fearfulness.

Challenge

Faith versus Fear – the epic battle. Today, trust God and let your faith conquer your fears.

Verse

But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind.

Reference

James 1:6

Wisdom

Posted on April 25, 2016

THOUGHT:

If you are ever in doubt about what to do, stop and ask yourself what you will wish tomorrow that you had done.

Challenge

Simple advice for all of us. When you are confronted with decisions today, remember that God is with you and make a decision that would be pleasing to Him.

Verse

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.

Reference

1 Peter 2:21

Change

Posted on April 22, 2016

THOUGHT:

Sometimes if you want to see a change for the better, you have to take things into your own hands.

Challenge

Take things in your own hands today – Start by getting down on your knees. Pray to God asking His guidance to change things that can really make a difference: your attitude, your health, your loving of others, and your charitable acts of kindness. Don't wait until tomorrow!

Verse

While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.

Reference

Luke 9: 29

Goals

Posted on April 21, 2016

THOUGHT:

Reality is a product of our dreams, decisions & actions.

Challenge

What is your dream for yourself today? What is your vision of how to get there? Where you are today is a direct result of your goals, your choices and your willingness to actually pursue your dreams. Are you where you want to be? Are you where God wants you to be? If not, what are you waiting for?

Verse

When you make a vow to God, delay not its fulfillment. For God has no pleasure in fools; fulfill what you have vowed.

Reference

Ecclesiastes 5:3

Priorities

Posted on April 20, 2016

THOUGHT:

If you're bored with life, if you don't get up every morning with a burning desire to do things - you don't have enough goals.

Challenge

No matter what phase of life you're in, it's easy to find yourself just going through the motions. Take some time this week and reflect on what really matters the most in your life. Ask God for the strength and the will to rededicate yourself to the goals that once motivated you. Rekindle the fire in your belly and the Spirit in your heart!

Verse

God’s Response - Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision; Make it plain upon tablets, so that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is a witness for the appointed time, a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint. If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.

Reference

Habakkuk 2:2-3

Guidance

Posted on April 19, 2016

THOUGHT:

Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, and sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.

Challenge

Sometimes you may feel that God's plan for your life is not as easy to see and understand as you would like. You may even feel like your life has been derailed at times. In order to get back on track, find a quiet place and reflect on what really matters the most to you and recognize all the things for which you are thankful. His plan for you will begin to reveal itself. Repeat tomorrow.

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

Attitude

Posted on April 18, 2016

THOUGHT:

A stumbling block to the pessimist is a stepping stone to the optimist.

Challenge

Your attitude dictates your perspective. With a positive spirit, you can achieve things you never dreamed possible. Recognize that through God all things are possible.

Verse

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

Reference

Philippians 4:13

Faith

Posted on April 15, 2016

THOUGHT:

Life is like photography - develop from the negatives.

Challenge

Life's exposures can be challenging, and at times overwhelming. With God's help you can properly frame every situation and circumstance. Never picture yourself without Him.

Verse

The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ [Jesus] will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little.

Reference

1 Peter 5:10

Integrity

Posted on April 14, 2016

THOUGHT:

Ninety-nine percent of the failures comes from people who have the habit of making excuses.

Challenge

It has been said that if you are good at making excuses, you are seldom good at anything else. Stop making excuses and stop rationalizing to yourself "why things are the way they are" The first step is to surround yourself with positive people. Then, ask God for the courage to hold yourself accountable and for the will to pursue your goals more fervently.

Verse

The false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever utters lies will not escape.

Reference

Proverbs 19:5

Change

Posted on April 13, 2016

THOUGHT:

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

Challenge

Your attitude always has room for improvement. Challenge yourself every day to improve your outlook and your future will become brighter, happier, and more fulfilling for you and those around you.

Verse

The Signs Come to Pass. As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed his heart. That very day all these signs came to pass….

Reference

1 Samuel 10:9

Success

Posted on April 12, 2016

THOUGHT:

Climb the mountain so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.

Challenge

Are you doing things for the right reasons? Seek God's help and His example to make you more sincere, more compassionate and more humble. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having aggressive personal goals and working hard to reach the top. Just be sure to find ways to help others along the way and do it all for the glory of God. If you do so, the journey will be more rewarding and the view at the top will be so much better too.

Verse

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

Reference

Matthew 23:12

Joy

Posted on April 11, 2016

THOUGHT:

A smile is the lighting system of the face, the cooling system of the head and the heating system of the heart.

Challenge

It is so easy to underestimate the power and positive effect of your smile. And the beauty of its magic is that its impact works equally well on both the giver and the receiver. Smile more - it's good for everyone.

Verse

A glad heart lights up the face, but an anguished heart breaks the spirit.

Reference

Proverbs 15:13

Change

Posted on April 8, 2016

THOUGHT:

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Challenge

Everything we do has a ripple effect that goes on and on. Carry yourself in a Christian-like manner, doing good, and spreading a positive attitude. The world will become a brighter place because of your efforts.

Verse

And said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Reference

Matthew 18.3

Encouragement

Posted on April 7, 2016

THOUGHT:

People are complicated and flawed. Root for their better angel.

Challenge

From the words of Oscar Wilde, "Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future." Don't focus on the flaws of others. When you leave a room or a conversation, be sure that those you encountered feel better due to your presence. You will feel better too.

Verse

No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear.

Reference

Ephesians 4:29

Change

Posted on April 6, 2016

THOUGHT:

They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.

Challenge

In the equation of change, time is neutral. Only you can affect the outcome. Make the best of your time here by studying the bible, being more active in your church, and helping others whenever you can. If you change these in a positive fashion the world is better off for everyone.

Verse

And said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Reference

Matthew 18.3

Guidance

Posted on April 5, 2016

THOUGHT:

Reason is the steering wheel. Emotion is the gas pedal.

Challenge

As you try to drive forward in your life, ask God for the guidance to help you steer in the right direction. Also, ask Him for the energy, enthusiasm and grit to accelerate His mission for you.

Verse

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.

Reference

Proverbs 3:5-6

Priorities

Posted on April 4, 2016

THOUGHT:

I wake up in the morning unsure of whether I want to savor the world or save the world.

Challenge

What is it today...Savoring or Saving? The answer is both. First and foremost, focus less on yourself and find a way to help someone today. At the same time, take time to breathe in the moment and enjoy the simple things life has to offer.

Verse

Whoever pursues justice and kindness will find life and honor.

Reference

Proverbs 21:21

Wisdom

Posted on April 1, 2016

THOUGHT:

Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.

Challenge

Ask God to point you down the road to wisdom by giving you the humility to focus on being kind to others.

Verse

From afar the LORD appears: With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you.

Reference

Jeremiah 31:3