The new year can be the beginning of anything you want it to be.
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.
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“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.”
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.
Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
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.
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.
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.
Hebrews 11:1
Happy people don't go through life collecting recognition. They go through life giving it away.
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.
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.
Philippians 2:3-4
Have a baby: Into this world, this demented inn in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ comes uninvited.
Through this week of preparation, we hope you have prepared a place for Christ to arrive in your lives. Merry Christmas from the TAGTeam.
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.
Luke 2:7
Find a place to stay: Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand Firm.
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.
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.
John 14:3
Arrival: All you need is the plan, and the courage to press on to your destination.
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?
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.
Philippians 6:6-8
Begin the Journey: To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.
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.
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,
Luke 2:4
Prepare for the trip: He who is best prepared can best serve his moment of inspiration.
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?
See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
James 2:24
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.
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.
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
When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard" I am always tempted to ask, compared to what?
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.
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,
Philippians 2:14-15
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.
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.
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.
2 Corinthians 5:10
Don't limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.
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.
I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Philippians 4:13
Never look down on anyone, only God sits that high.
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.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Luke 6:37
Climb the mountain so that you can see the world, not so the world can see you.
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.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.
Hebrews 13:16
Honest and courageous people have very little to say about either their courage or their honesty.
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.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:12
Beginning your day alone with God is essential preparation for success.
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.
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.
Ephesians 2:10
"Everything can change in the blink of an eye – but don't worry, God never blinks.
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.
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.
Romans 15:13
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.
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.
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,
Ephesians 1:18-20
Quietness is the classroom where you begin to hear God's voice.
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.
Psalm 23 2-3
Dreams don't work unless you do.
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.
The appetite of the sluggard craves but has nothing, but the appetite of the diligent is amply satisfied.
Proverbs 13:4
Action will destroy your procrastination.
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.
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
Luke 12:35
As a leader, it's a major responsibility on your shoulders to practice the behavior you want others to follow.
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.
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.
Ephesians 2:10
Adversity doesn't build character; it reveals it.
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.
Did you fail in a day of adversity, did your strength fall short?
Proverbs 24:10
To achieve goals you've never achieved before, you need to start doing things you've never done before.
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!
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.
Philippians 3:13-14
Let our lives be full of both THANKS and GIVING.
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.
You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God,
2 Corinthians 9:11
Forgiving others is like riding a bike. It may be hard at first, but you only get better as you begin to practice it.
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.
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.
Matthew 18:21-22
The WILL of God will never take you where the GRACE of God will not protect you.
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.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God;
Ephesians 2:8
Thank God for what you have. Trust God for what you need.
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.
Blessed are those who trust in the LORD; the LORD will be their trust.
Jeremiah 17:7
Real courage isn't limited to the battlefield. It can be as simple as remaining faithful when nobody's looking.
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!
I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9