Year: 2018

Hope

Posted on December 31, 2018

THOUGHT:

The new year can be the beginning of anything you want it to be.

Challenge

Our faith was recently renewed with our celebration of Christ's birth. Renew yourself in the coming year with Hope, Peace, and Christian Love for one another. Wishing you a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, and Faith-filled New Year - The TAGteam.

Verse

So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.

Reference

2 Corinthians 5:17

Encouragement

Posted on December 28, 2018

THOUGHT:

“People are like dirt. They can either nourish you and help you grow as a person or they can stunt your growth and make you wilt and die.”

Challenge

The choice is yours. Choose to encourage everyone you encounter today. It doesn't take much effort on your part but could make a big difference in someone's life. Give it a try.

Verse

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.

Reference

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Faith

Posted on December 27, 2018

THOUGHT:

I believe in the sun even if it isn't shining. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is silent.

Challenge

Just as sure as the sun always shines, God is always present in your life. Take a moment now to reflect on the many ways God is present for you. With his love, you are never alone.

Verse

V. Examples, Discipline, Disobedience Chapter 11 - Faith of the Ancients. Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.

Reference

Hebrews 11:1

Encouragement

Posted on December 26, 2018

THOUGHT:

Happy people don't go through life collecting recognition. They go through life giving it away.

Challenge

Look for opportunities today to give encouragement, praise, and recognition to those around you acknowledging that we are all children of God. Your happiness will be increased exponentially as you see the smiles of pride they reflect back.

Verse

Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others.

Reference

Philippians 2:3-4

Faith

Posted on December 24, 2018

THOUGHT:

Have a baby: Into this world, this demented inn in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ comes uninvited.

Challenge

Through this week of preparation, we hope you have prepared a place for Christ to arrive in your lives. Merry Christmas from the TAGTeam.

Verse

And she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Reference

Luke 2:7

Faith

Posted on December 21, 2018

THOUGHT:

Find a place to stay: Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand Firm.

Challenge

Have we prepared a place for Jesus to arrive? Let those around you know that this season is more about Jesus than the presents under the tree. Remember the reason for the season.

Verse

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.

Reference

John 14:3

Faith

Posted on December 20, 2018

THOUGHT:

Arrival: All you need is the plan, and the courage to press on to your destination.

Challenge

Spend a minute reflecting on the Christmas around you - both at your home and your work. What do you need to add to make this a wonderful place? When Mary and Joseph arrived, they had to make the best of it - will you?

Verse

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.

Reference

Philippians 6:6-8

Faith

Posted on December 19, 2018

THOUGHT:

Begin the Journey: To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.

Challenge

Just as Mary and Joseph had to travel from their comforts, we too must leave our comfortable lives behind to find Jesus. If you haven't, begin the journey today.

Verse

And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,

Reference

Luke 2:4

Faith

Posted on December 18, 2018

THOUGHT:

Prepare for the trip: He who is best prepared can best serve his moment of inspiration.

Challenge

As we enter this final week before Christmas, spend a minute reflecting on your own preperation. How have you prepared? Are you ready for Christ, or Christmas?

Verse

See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Reference

James 2:24

Faith

Posted on December 17, 2018

THOUGHT:

God had a purpose for your life before you ever had a plan for yourself. Sometimes your plans have to fail, so that God's purpose can prevail.

Challenge

Look on the bright side of every failure. If you tried your best and you didn't succeed, then your failure was one of learning. God's plan with your failure may not be for today, tomorrow, or even recognizable. Know from your faith that it was for the best and thank God for his ultimate wisdom and for his purpose for you.

Verse

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.

Reference

Romans 8:28

Attitude

Posted on December 14, 2018

THOUGHT:

When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard" I am always tempted to ask, compared to what?

Challenge

It's easy to complain about the challenges in your life. It is even easier to look around and realize just how blessed you really are in your life. Thank God for your MANY blessings today and watch how it changes your attitude.

Verse

Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world,

Reference

Philippians 2:14-15

Service

Posted on December 13, 2018

THOUGHT:

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me.

Challenge

God blessed you with many talents. Are you using them to serve Him? It is not too late. Begin preparing today for your judgement day by living your life in service to God.

Verse

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.

Reference

2 Corinthians 5:10

Courage

Posted on December 12, 2018

THOUGHT:

Don't limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.

Challenge

Don't shy away from challenges due to laziness or being afraid of failure. Instead, begin today meeting your challenges head-on with determination. God gave you limitless abilities, exercise and strengthen these limits in service of Him today.

Verse

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

Reference

Philippians 4:13

Character

Posted on December 11, 2018

THOUGHT:

Never look down on anyone, only God sits that high.

Challenge

Too often we look down on others due to our own position in life or our own insecurities. Take a close look at yourself and stop judging people today. Tie a ribbon around your finger or wrist as a reminder until it becomes habit. Ask for God's forgiveness whenever you slip up.

Verse

“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.

Reference

Luke 6:37

Service

Posted on December 10, 2018

THOUGHT:

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

Challenge

Always strive to be your best and to do your best, but seek not recognition, rather use your best God given talents to see the needs of others. Then, share your blessings to help others less fortunate.

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

Wisdom

Posted on December 7, 2018

THOUGHT:

Honest and courageous people have very little to say about either their courage or their honesty.

Challenge

If Christians are honest with themselves, they can't help but be humble and give credit to God for their strength of character. Humble yourself today by giving credit where credit is due.

Verse

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

Reference

Matthew 23:12

Guidance

Posted on December 6, 2018

THOUGHT:

Beginning your day alone with God is essential preparation for success.

Challenge

Reign in your impulse to plunge into the day's activities. Just as a great athlete takes time to prepare himself mentally for the feat ahead of him before he moves a muscle, you should be still in God's presence and allow Him to equip you for the day ahead. Only He knows what is in store for you today.

Verse

For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. One in Christ.

Reference

Ephesians 2:10

Comfort

Posted on December 5, 2018

THOUGHT:

"Everything can change in the blink of an eye – but don't worry, God never blinks.

Challenge

Life can change in an instant. We may not understand why things happen, but with God as our focal point we can rest assured that He isn't going to miss anything. Trust God today with all the things that come your way.

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

Security

Posted on December 4, 2018

THOUGHT:

The degree to which God strengthens you is based on two variables: the difficulty of your circumstances and your willingness to depend on Him for help.

Challenge

Do not let any set of circumstances intimidate you. The more difficult your day, the more God will put His power at your disposal. Assess the difficulties ahead of you today, and then ask God for the strength needed to meet your challenges.

Verse

May the eyes of [your] hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens,

Reference

Ephesians 1:18-20

Peace

Posted on December 3, 2018

THOUGHT:

Quietness is the classroom where you begin to hear God's voice.

Challenge

Today and every day, seek a quiet place to be still, clear your mind and listen for God's voice. As you do this more often, you will learn to carry this stillness wherever you go so that you will hear God's voice above the noise.

Verse

Reference

Psalm 23 2-3

Goals

Posted on November 30, 2018

THOUGHT:

Dreams don't work unless you do.

Challenge

It's great to dream and to think big. It is definitely worthwhile to set ambitious goals and to visualize your success. Ask God today for the will to turn your good intentions and plans into something real by actually working towards them.

Verse

The appetite of the sluggard craves but has nothing, but the appetite of the diligent is amply satisfied.

Reference

Proverbs 13:4

Courage

Posted on November 29, 2018

THOUGHT:

Action will destroy your procrastination.

Challenge

Procrastination is the 1st cousin to Fear and Doubt. Don't allow this "Unholy Trio" to paralyze you from obtaining your daily dose of happiness. Ask God for the courage to take a firm step forward toward your goals, and the trio's unwanted presence and power will be destroyed.

Verse

“Gird your loins and light your lamps

Reference

Luke 12:35

Character

Posted on November 28, 2018

THOUGHT:

As a leader, it's a major responsibility on your shoulders to practice the behavior you want others to follow.

Challenge

God gave all of us the potential to be leaders. Use that potential to its fullest. Be a leader by practicing the behavior you'd want others Christians to follow.

Verse

For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. One in Christ.

Reference

Ephesians 2:10

Character

Posted on November 27, 2018

THOUGHT:

Adversity doesn't build character; it reveals it.

Challenge

It's easy to do "the right thing" when everything is going your way. What does adversity reveal about you? Have the courage to always do the right thing knowing that God is by your side.

Verse

Did you fail in a day of adversity, did your strength fall short?

Reference

Proverbs 24:10

Goals

Posted on November 26, 2018

THOUGHT:

To achieve goals you've never achieved before, you need to start doing things you've never done before.

Challenge

Ask yourself today, "What do I need to start doing to be a better Christian?" Seek God's guidance on how to better serve Him. Identify specific ways to change to your daily habits to reach your new goals. Hold yourself accountable. Start today!

Verse

Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.

Reference

Philippians 3:13-14

Gratitude

Posted on November 23, 2018

THOUGHT:

Let our lives be full of both THANKS and GIVING.

Challenge

Find a way this Thanksgiving weekend to reach out to others in need and share with them your blessings. Expect nothing in return. Then turn to God and thank Him for His grace and showing you the path to helping others. HAPPY THANKSGIVING - the TAGteam.

Verse

You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God,

Reference

2 Corinthians 9:11

Forgiveness

Posted on November 21, 2018

THOUGHT:

Forgiving others is like riding a bike. It may be hard at first, but you only get better as you begin to practice it.

Challenge

Forgiveness isn't easy. Start by genuinely asking God to forgive you for your shortcomings. Then with a liberated soul, serve God by finding within yourself a way to forgive others.

Verse

Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.

Reference

Matthew 18:21-22

Grace

Posted on November 20, 2018

THOUGHT:

The WILL of God will never take you where the GRACE of God will not protect you.

Challenge

Take a close look at how you are living your life. Repent your sins and make a commitment to God to live by Christ's teachings. Start your day with the strength, courage, and knowledge that God's grace will help you live a more Christian life.

Verse

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God;

Reference

Ephesians 2:8

Faith

Posted on November 19, 2018

THOUGHT:

Thank God for what you have. Trust God for what you need.

Challenge

Each morning get up and count your blessings from the day before. With that fresh in your mind, look forward to a new day filled with God's grace and His blessings. Trust that God will be at your side.

Verse

Blessed are those who trust in the LORD; the LORD will be their trust.

Reference

Jeremiah 17:7

Courage

Posted on November 16, 2018

THOUGHT:

Real courage isn't limited to the battlefield. It can be as simple as remaining faithful when nobody's looking.

Challenge

We've all done the wrong thing when we thought no one was there to notice – well, God does. Act as if God were on your shoulder with you for every decision. Rely on yourself (and count on God) to have the courage to always do the right thing!

Verse

I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.

Reference

Joshua 1:9