Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.
Let Halloween be a reminder to you of deceit in the world. Remember to think before you act and make sure your actions reflect honesty. The trick is to be honest with yourself and others. The treat is the Holy Spirit moving through you when you do.
You shall not steal. You shall not deceive or speak falsely to one another.
Leviticus 19:11
A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
Make all your actions and words a constant reminder to your family that you love them unconditionally. Even during times where tough love is necessary, make sure your actions of discipline reflect your sincere love and care.
You have a mighty arm. Your hand is strong; your right hand is ever exalted.
Psalm 89:14
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.
Surround yourself with positive people. Don't allow your enthusiasm and drive to be diminished by the naysayers. Allow your spirit to be inspired by the Holy Spirit and always know that "With God All Things are Possible."
I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Philippians 4:13
What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.
Your reward is the journey, not the destination. Ask God for the strength and the determination to fight through the adversities on your way to your goals. It is overcoming these trials that will shape you in the form HE planned for you.
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.
James 1:2-4
Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening.
Start your day by talking with God and He will open your heart for a positive start. Close your day with words of thanks for all your blessings and it will help you to fall asleep with a focus on your blessings, not tomorrow's stresses.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
Philippians 4:6
Don't judge folks by their relatives.
All too often, we judge people before we really get to know them. Look at every person you meet today as a child of God, and ensure you treat them that way first.
Chapter 7 - Judging Others. “Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
Matthew 7:1
To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.
God wants you to succeed, so don't be afraid to dream. Don't be afraid to stand up for what matters the most to you in your life, and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself along the way. Find a balance in your life and be true to yourself.
Chapter 11 - False scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an honest weight, his delight.
Proverbs 11:1
The miracle is not that we do His work, but that we are happy to do it.
Don't do God's work because you feel you have to; rather, look at all the good that is coming from your service. Be happy that you are serving the One that has blessed you so generously.
Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. IV. Advice to the Persecuted - Trial of Persecution.
1 Peter 4:9-11
Be the living expression of God's kindness: Kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.
Let your first act of kindness today begin without saying a word.
Delivered in Babylon by Elasah, son of Shaphan, and by Gemariah, son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah, king of Judah, sent to the king of Babylon, the letter read:
Jeremiah 29:3
It is not what you say, or wish, or hope, or intend, it is only what you do that counts.
Live your life like a Christian. Do what you know is right. Your actions WILL speak louder than your words.
In their actions even children can playact though their deeds be blameless and right.
Proverbs 20:11
There is nothing in this world that can compare with the Christian fellowship; nothing that can satisfy but Christ.
Too often we look at possessions to satisfy our wants and needs, but we often find this a short term solution. Find true satisfaction by spending more time in the fellowship of Christians. Openly share your faith journey with those you meet.
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.
Acts 2:42
I surrendered unto Him all there was of me; everything! Then for the first time I realized what it meant to have real power.
Take the time to truly be free by trusting God and allowing all of your decisions to be His. This new understanding of whose you are will give you total power.
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.
Romans 8:28
I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.
The best way to actually achieve your goals is to set specific goals. Then develop a specific plan to achieve them. God has a specific plan for you. The best way to discover it is through prayer and actions. Don't just sit around wishing things were better or different. Do something about it. Start today.
Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. The Way of Love. But I shall show you a still more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 12:31
A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure.
There are defining moments throughout your life that challenge you and either make you stronger or make you weaker. How are you defining your life?
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.
1 Peter 5:10
From a sign In Mother Teresa's Office: If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives, DO GOOD ANYWAY.
Remember to always do good no matter what the pressures may be for you to take another path. This is what Jesus taught us and He is the right path.
For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish people.
1 Peter 2:15
We are all pencils in the hand of God.
Write a life script for yourself that is pleasing to God. Do unto others, love your neighbor and continue growing in your faith. Do this and you'll show God how sharp your pencil is.
III - I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel with my eye upon you.
Psalm 32:8
Feed your faith and starve your fears.
You get what you focus on in life. Focus on your faith and the strength you get from it and your fears and negativity will fade away. Remember that with God all things are possible.
“Ah, LORD, remember how faithfully and wholeheartedly I conducted myself in your presence, doing what was good in your sight!” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Isaiah 38:3
Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.
The time is ripe now to begin showing love to all those around you. Reach out to those in need with loving, caring words of kindness. The fruit of your labors will not go unnoticed.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22
From a sign In Mother Teresa's Office: People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered, LOVE THEM ANYWAY.
Make a conscious effort to be more patient with people knowing that no one is perfect, including yourself. Love thy neighbor as Jesus taught.
The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:31