Month: November 2016

Goals

Posted on November 30, 2016

THOUGHT:

Many people confuse milestones with goals.

Challenge

This is unfortunate because milestones while important are just steps toward a goal. Go long and create big goals and then actively work on milestones to get there. Leading a good Christian life is perhaps the most rewarding goal. Commit to daily milestones to work toward that goal and you'll lead a happy fulfilling life along the way.

Verse

Although I myself have grounds for confidence even in the flesh. Paul’s Autobiography. If anyone else thinks he can be confident in flesh, all the more can I.

Reference

Philippians 3:!4

Guidance

Posted on November 29, 2016

THOUGHT:

Faith is the complete reliance on the power and goodness of Spirit and the firm belief that you are always connected to this goodness.

Challenge

Always affirm your faith and not your doubt through prayer and your on-going good deeds. Rely on the Holy Spirit to strengthen your faith and guide your actions.

Verse

In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Reference

Galatians 5:22-23

Compassion

Posted on November 28, 2016

THOUGHT:

When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But, if you listen, you may learn something new.

Challenge

Stop always worrying about how you are going to respond or what you should say. The next time you find yourself in conversation, focus and really listen to what is being said. Not only will your answer be more thoughtful and relevant, you may even learn something new!

Verse

Turning your ear to wisdom, inclining your heart to understanding;

Reference

Proverbs 2:2

Character

Posted on November 25, 2016

THOUGHT:

Before you pray - BELIEVE. Before you speak - LISTEN. Before you spend - EARN. Before you write - THINK. Before you Quit - Try AGAIN. Before you die - LIVE.

Challenge

What values guide your life each day? What do you stand for? Are you just going through the motions? Think about it...Think About God more often each day and you will live a more inspired life. Try it for a few weeks and then maybe these questions will be a little easier for you to answer.

Verse

The True Disciple. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Reference

Matthew 7:21

Gratitude

Posted on November 23, 2016

THOUGHT:

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Challenge

As you pause from your hurried life on this day of Thanksgiving, allow your feelings of gratitude to truly permeate your attitude and your approach to your life throughout the year. Let your daily prayers be a reminder of your many blessings and ask God to help you to maintain a grateful heart so you can always focus your life on what really matters. Happy Thanksgiving from the TAGteam!

Verse

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name;

Reference

Psalm 100:4

Prayer

Posted on November 22, 2016

THOUGHT:

SILENT and LISTEN are spelled with the same letters.... Think about it!

Challenge

Find some time today to allow your mind to grow SILENT for just a few minutes and LISTEN for the peaceful whisper of God's plan for you.

Verse

Many are the plans of the human heart, but it is the decision of the LORD that endures.

Reference

Proverbs 19:21

Habits

Posted on November 21, 2016

THOUGHT:

Some complain that ministers today do not know how to preach; but is it not equally true that our congregations do not know how to hear?

Challenge

During this weekend's service, commit your full attention. No daydreaming, no thinking about all you have to do the rest of the day, no distractions, just 100% focus on all that is said and sung. After the service reflect on God's work and find a way to practice the Gospel with your actions.

Verse

He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” The Calming of a Storm at Sea.

Reference

Luke 8:21

Compassion

Posted on November 18, 2016

THOUGHT:

Every good act is charity. A man's true wealth hereafter is the good that he does in this world to his fellows.

Challenge

Perform good acts (of kindness, charity, and compassion) throughout your day. Never hesitate, even if it is as simple as a smile, or listening to someone in need of a compassionate ear. Bring a little goodness to the world around you.

Verse

Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Reference

2 Corinthians 9:7

Change

Posted on November 17, 2016

THOUGHT:

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.

Challenge

Don't wait for change to happen. It needs the catalyst of you. Ask for God's help and guidance to make it happen in a positive Christian way.

Verse

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.

Reference

Philippians 4:8

Faith

Posted on November 16, 2016

THOUGHT:

You never have problems - just opportunities to increase your faith and reliance on God.

Challenge

What opportunities are disguising themselves as problems today? Increase your faith in God and recognize the opportunities He has placed before you. With God All Things Are Possible.

Verse

Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”

Reference

matthew 19:26

Compassion

Posted on November 15, 2016

THOUGHT:

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.

Challenge

Just like bread and water, God programmed us to require love and compassion in our daily lives. Given the unrest in the world today, we all need to share our compassion with those who are hurting. Find a way to practice love and compassion to all those around you.

Verse

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

Reference

Colossians 3:12

Determination

Posted on November 14, 2016

THOUGHT:

A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.

Challenge

Never give up. Stay the course. The next step you take could be the one that allows you to turn the corner toward your dreams. Believe in yourself...God believes in you - What else could you possibly need?

Verse

Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.

Reference

Galatians 6:9

Priorities

Posted on November 11, 2016

THOUGHT:

We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.

Challenge

Always remember we are children of God, and what a blessing that is. While our human journey may at times include both difficulty and joy, seek His will and you'll stay on the path of righteousness.

Verse

Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Reference

Romans 12:11

Stewardship

Posted on November 10, 2016

THOUGHT:

If you treat everything you have on earth as God's, He promises affirmation, promotion and celebration when you enter heaven.

Challenge

How often do you use the word ""mine"" in an average day? Think about it today and watch what you say. When you arrive in heaven will God say, ""Well done"" when you discuss His gifts?

Verse

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.’

Reference

Matthew 25:21

Peace

Posted on November 9, 2016

THOUGHT:

When we feel we are overwhelmed is when we need to remember that God is always with us.

Challenge

Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds… Relax and know that God is beside you no matter what you face today.

Verse

But you have given my heart more joy than they have when grain and wine abound.

Reference

Psalm 4:8

Leadership

Posted on November 8, 2016

THOUGHT:

The founding document of the United States of America acknowledges the Lordship of Jesus Christ because we are a Christian nation.

Challenge

Defend the God of your nation to those naysayers wishing to strip the U.S. of its heritage. Pray for them that they will find Him and finally know the strength behind the words, “One nation under God.”

Verse

My deliverance and honor are with God, my strong rock; my refuge is with God.

Reference

Psalm 62:8

Service

Posted on November 4, 2016

THOUGHT:

What we have done for ourselves alone, dies with us; what we have done for others and the world, remains and is immortal.

Challenge

Leave your mark on the world today. Do something for someone else with no expectation of getting anything in return. You have no idea how big of an impact you may have.

Verse

So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith. VI. Conclusion - Final Appeal.

Reference

Galatians 6:10

Love

Posted on November 3, 2016

THOUGHT:

It is not beauty that endears, it's love that makes us see beauty.

Challenge

God has blessed you with your own unique ability to love and to be loved. Open your heart and discover ways to focus less on "beautiful things" and focus more on seeing the beauty in those around you.

Verse

So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Reference

1 Corinthians 13:13

Guidance

Posted on November 2, 2016

THOUGHT:

Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are pleasing to Him? Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him? I'm not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things† things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him.

Challenge

Totally surrender to God in your everyday life. Let His wisdom guide you in everything you do today. Show Him through your decisions that He is at the forefront of your mind. Always.

Verse

For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you.

Reference

1 Corinthians 1:11

Character

Posted on November 1, 2016

THOUGHT:

Character is much easier kept than recovered.

Challenge

Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength to persevere over temptation. Once temptation gets a foot in the door, its often hard to overcome.

Verse

Whoever walks honestly walks securely, but one whose ways are crooked will fare badly.

Reference

Proverbs 10:9