Month: March 2019

Courage

Posted on March 29, 2019

THOUGHT:

We each have our own strengths and weaknesses. It's what we do with what we've got - or don't have - that really matters.

Challenge

Don't underestimate your strengths and the good you can do with them in service to others. Use your God-given gifts to make the world a better place. You already have what you need - start today.

Verse

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Reference

1 Peter 4:10

Goals

Posted on March 28, 2019

THOUGHT:

Don't listen to anyone who tells you that your dream is out of reach.

Challenge

No matter how many missteps you have here on earth, your dream of life everlasting is within reach. Repent your sins and have faith in God. Take solace in the reality that we have a forgiving God.

Verse

Temptation. Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.

Reference

James 1:12

Discipleship

Posted on March 27, 2019

THOUGHT:

The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort; you were made for greatness! -Pope Benedict XVI

Challenge

No one is ever going to see you as great because you are comfortable. Achieve greatness today by stretching out of your comfort zone. Find ways to serve the Almighty God that gave you all of your comforts in the first place.

Verse

Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.

Reference

James 1:22

Determination

Posted on March 26, 2019

THOUGHT:

Anything is possible if you are willing to commit yourself to it, mind and body, and do the work.

Challenge

Have you considered committing yourself to a closer personal relationship with God? Do the work - study His Word and put it into practice. Seek Him each and every day. A personal relationship with God is not only possible, but well worth the effort.

Verse

Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.”

Reference

Mark 9:23

Kindness

Posted on March 25, 2019

THOUGHT:

Every single act of kindness, no matter how small, has a ripple effect.

Challenge

Practice the power of kindness today. Like many people who have a daily goal of steps using their Fitbits, start your very own daily "acts of kindness goal" and make sure you follow through. You'll soon see the ripple effects of your efforts.

Verse

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

Reference

Colossians 3:12

Wisdom

Posted on March 22, 2019

THOUGHT:

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

Challenge

Make it your goal to always take the time for reflection and analysis before you act. Reflection allows you the perspective to imitate the right things and to avoid experiences that may lead you away from His plan for you.

Verse

The Benefits of Finding Wisdom - Happy the one who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding!

Reference

Proverbs 3:13

Joy

Posted on March 21, 2019

THOUGHT:

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

Challenge

Share your smile more often during the day. Set a goal to greet at least ___(fill in the blank) people today with a smile. Tomorrow set your goal higher.

Verse

When I smiled on them they could not believe it; they would not let the light of my face be dimmed.

Reference

Job 29:24

Discipleship

Posted on March 19, 2019

THOUGHT:

Instead of talking about how beautiful your faith is, show the world. Instead of lecturing about the truth, live a transformed life.

Challenge

Don't give lip-service about your relationship with God. If people see Christ through your actions, they will hear everything they need very clearly. How will you show your faith today?

Verse

Yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.

Reference

Galatians 2:20

Kindness

Posted on March 18, 2019

THOUGHT:

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

Challenge

Plant the seeds for a future friendship, help someone in need, or show those you love just how much you do. Do these things today to make a better tomorrow for everyone.

Verse

Whoever confers benefits will be amply enriched, and whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Reference

Proverbs 11:25

Habits

Posted on March 15, 2019

THOUGHT:

The best way to predict the future is to create it.

Challenge

Create a better more positive future today by showing your love for one another, strengthening and sharing your faith with others, and remaining full of hope for a better future. Remember God's part in this process by sharing a heartfelt thanks with Him.

Verse

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

Reference

1 Corinthians 13:13

Change

Posted on March 14, 2019

THOUGHT:

The world will change it always does. The question is: will it change for the better? You, one moment at a time, get to answer that question.

Challenge

I'm sure you've noticed that the world is always changing. You get to decide to gossip and complain about the changes, or do something to make the world a better place. What are you going to do right now to show God's love will prevail?

Verse

If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Reference

James 2:15-17

Attitude

Posted on March 13, 2019

THOUGHT:

Staying positive doesn't mean you have to be happy all the time. It means that even on the hard days you know that there are better ones coming.

Challenge

Take a few minutes each day to count your blessings no matter how your day went. Even on tough days God provides us with many blessings - find them and thank Him for his grace. Use this uplifting time to visualize a wonderful blessing filled tomorrow.

Verse

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.

Reference

Psalm 118:24

Discipleship

Posted on March 12, 2019

THOUGHT:

A thousand words will not leave as deep an impression as one deed.

Challenge

If you really want to make the right impression, don't spend a lot of time and energy describing what you plan to do. Just do it! Allow your actions to become your voice to others. Actions speak louder than words - Sound familiar?

Verse

Indeed someone may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.

Reference

James 2:18

Gratitude

Posted on March 11, 2019

THOUGHT:

The gratification of wealth is not found in mere possession or in lavish expenditure, but in its wise application.

Challenge

We all have many blessings to be thankful for in our lives. The best way to show your gratitude is to share your good fortune with others. There is a wealth of opportunities around you. Pick one today!

Verse

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Reference

Colossians 3:17

Change

Posted on March 8, 2019

THOUGHT:

Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.

Challenge

Persistence is present in just about every form and definition of success. However, there will be times that not giving up will be exemplified by your courage to totally start over. Is there an element of your life that needs a complete makeover? When was the last time you applied any effort to improve your relationship with The One who created your entire world? Take a minute and think about that One?

Verse

All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.

Reference

James 1:17

Attitude

Posted on March 7, 2019

THOUGHT:

People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.

Challenge

True happiness comes when you put your faith in God. He has a plan for you, a wonderful plan. Trust in Him and you will have every reason on earth to be happy.

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

Faith

Posted on March 6, 2019

THOUGHT:

It is often said that there are few atheists on their death bed.

Challenge

Not everyone is blessed with the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God while lying on their death bed. What is preventing you from growing closer to Christ right now? Take the time to thank God for all His blessings - especially your salvation through His Son. Don't wait too long.

Verse

Do not delay turning back to the LORD, do not put it off day after day. For suddenly his wrath will come forth; at the time of vengeance, you will perish.

Reference

Sirach 5:7

Discipleship

Posted on March 5, 2019

THOUGHT:

Chance favors the prepared.

Challenge

It has been said that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. What are the things that you're preparing for? You don't need luck to get into heaven, but it sure helps to prepare! Are you prepared? What specific actions will you take today to become more prepared?

Verse

Obedience. Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Reference

1 Peter 1:13

Priorities

Posted on March 4, 2019

THOUGHT:

Until God opens the next door, praise Him for the hallway.

Challenge

Don't take God's ongoing blessings for granted. Thank Him daily for all your many blessings. As you pursue new opportunities in life, recognize the beauty of the hallway He's taken you on. Don't worry or waste your today anticipating tomorrow's doors.

Verse

You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.

Reference

Psalm 16:11

Gratitude

Posted on March 1, 2019

THOUGHT:

Sometimes I just look up, smile and say, "I know that was you. Thank you."

Challenge

Make it a daily practice to look up to the heavens and thank God for all the wonderful gifts He brings you each day. He's always there for you. Always be there thanking Him for his gifts and grace.

Verse

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.

Reference

Psalm 118:24