True friendship is like sound health, the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.
Friends are a gift from God. Don't take them for granted. Pick up the phone and call a friend that you haven't talked to in a while. A good conversation can be healthy for both of you.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13
I always wanted to be somebody… Now I realize I should've been more specific!
It is easy to say to yourself that I want to be wealthy… I want to be famous… Or even, I want to be happy. The more difficult part is to clearly identify to yourself what specific things are necessary to become that person. Ask God for the courage and direction to better define who He wants you to be and what steps He wants you to take to become that person.
The human heart plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Our walk with God is personal, but not private.
God desires a personal relationship with each of us so that we can know Him more intimately. As we more fully know God, we must realize that He also desires for us to share His Good News with others. As you interact with others this week, allow God to speak to others through your words, actions and deeds.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, Announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, saying to Zion, “Your God is King!”
Isaiah 52:7
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Look for the good in everything you receive even if it is not exactly what you may have wanted. Remember to thank God for ALL his wonderful blessings and have faith that He will provide you with everything you need.
From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace,
John 1:16
True faith is not simply going to God and asking Him to bless what YOU have decided to do, but coming to God and inviting Him to plant His designs within you.
Look for God to infuse you with a dream that seems beyond your reach. When this journey gets tough, rely on God's wisdom and strength to take you one step at a time towards realizing HIS dream for you.
Jesus said to them in reply, “Amen, I say to you, if you have faith and do not waver, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will be done.
Matthew 21:21
It is right to do good for your fellow man while waiting to begin your future in heaven. The future depends on what we do in the present.
Make sure you show kindness, compassion, empathy and love to your fellow man today. Your earthly future will be brighter as you have shown others the Christ within you AND your example becomes an inspiration for them.
Jesus said to him in reply, “You have said so. But I tell you: From now on you will see ‘the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’”
Matthew 26:64
Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.
Problems are inevitable. Our responses to them are not. Ask God for the courage and wisdom to approach all your problems as opportunities, starting today.
LORD, may you not withhold your compassion from me; May your mercy and your faithfulness continually protect me. B - But evils surround me until they cannot be counted. My sins overtake me, so that I can no longer see. They are more numerous than the hairs of my head; my courage fails me.
Psalm 40:12-13
And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. – St. Augustine
In prayer today, go to your heart and spend time with Jesus. Thank him for His sacrifice that we celebrate this weekend. Have a blessed Easter.
III. Concluding Exhortations Chapter 3 - Request for Prayers. Finally, brothers, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified, as it did among you,
2 Thessalonians 3:1
Take life for gratitude, not for granted.
As you gather with family and friends tomorrow, make sure you take nothing for granted. Remember to thank God often for your many blessings.
But when you have eaten and are satisfied, you must bless the LORD, your God, for the good land he has given you. Be careful not to forget the LORD, your God, by failing to keep his commandments and ordinances and statutes which I enjoin on you today:
Deuteronomy 8:10-11
Serving our world is the best way to reach it.
The best way to model Christ to non-believers is to be selfless and serve others in the community. Seek out an opportunity to serve outside of your church. Others will see Christ in your service.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The Blind Bartimaeus.
Mark 10:45
Greed wants to possess, but is never satisfied.
Pray today that you will desire the things of heaven and not the possessions of earth. You will never be fulfilled when you give in to greed.
Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
Luke 12:15
Every family needs a prayer warrior. What would happen if that warrior was you?
Carve out time from your busy schedule today to be a prayer warrior for your family. Say a specific prayer for each member of your family today. Never underestimate the power of prayer.
Confession and Intercession. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
James 5:16
Courage isn't the opposite of fear; real courage is being afraid and doing what you need to do despite knowing that you're scared.
We are faced daily with challenges to our faith, often more concerned about what man thinks than what God thinks. The next time your faith is challenged, have the courage to stand up for what is right, regardless of the worldly pressures you feel. Turn to God and he will provide you with the strength you need.
I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Philippians 4:13
Forget personal injuries, but never forget kindnesses.
We often talk of forgiving and forgetting, but equally important is thanking and being kind. Go out of your way today to thank someone who has been kind to you, and the next time you have the chance, emulate their kindness toward others.
They celebrate your abounding goodness and joyfully sing of your justice.
Psalm 145:7
Judge each day by the seeds that you plant, not by the harvest you reap.
Spend more time focused on what you're giving, not on what you're getting. If you have the faith and courage to try this today, your harvest will always be plenty.
Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
Make each day your masterpiece.
So often we compromise the potential of today by focusing too much time and attention worrying about tomorrow. Recognize the value of each day and make the most of today in honor of Him.
Chapter 27 - Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what any day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27:1
We're are all just passing through this world, and nothing is forever.
The world is always changing - and not always for the better. The Word of God is always consistent - and always perfect. Spend more time in the Word of God today so you aren't distracted by the false rewards of this world.
Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Don't put yourself down - there are more than enough people in the world who will be happy to do it for you.
Be mindful of the words that come out of your mouth. Look for the good in yourself and others, and use positive words to reinforce that behavior. The world could use more positive reinforcement.
No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
Kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers.
Begin today covering everyone with kindness. Show others you care, help those in need, and recognize their efforts with praise. Your example of kindness will inspire others to cover one another with more kindness.
Pleasing words are a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and invigorating to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
When you tell the truth it becomes part of your past. When you tell a lie it becomes a part of your future.
Don't let falsehoods define who you are, your character, your integrity. Dishonesty will follow you all the days of your life. Others won't remember you as much for telling the truth a hundred times as they will for lying just once. Be honest with others, yourself, and with God. That is a part of God's plan for you and your happiness.
IV. Daily Conduct, an Expression of Unity - Rules for the New Life. Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:25