The average American driver spends six months of his or her lifetime waiting for a traffic signal to go from red to green.
Don't use this God given time for road rage. Instead use it for counting your blessings, saying a short prayer or Thinking About God. What a great untapped resource!
Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Psalm 90:12
Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.
Spend less time today complaining about your circumstances. Spend more time exercising your God-given freedom to control your own destiny in a way that's pleasing to Him.
If I say: I will forget my complaining, I will lay aside my sadness and be of good cheer,
Job 9:27
Belonging to Christ does not immediately eliminate our sins, but it does crucify them.
Reflect on Christ's sacrifice, and understand He did not remove sins from your life, but He did free you from the destructive control they can have over your life. You are human, but what He offers you is divine. Accept His Gift and be eternally thankful.
We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin.
Romans 6:6
When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: "My purpose is to ___________ today."
Take control of your day before it starts. Be clear about your purpose and make sure it will be pleasing to God. With that foundation, embark on your day with confidence.
For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work.
Philippians 2:13
It takes more than just believing in God, even Satan believes in God.
If you haven't done so lately, take a minute and praise God for your salvation through your faith in His Son. It only takes a minute to affirm your trust in Him, but the rewards are eternal.
Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved.
Luke 8:12
The noblest service comes from unseen hands.
Feel the joy of doing good for God alone. Find an opportunity to serve another today without anyone else knowing. Enjoy knowing that you did good and the only one to get the credit will be God.
Willingly serving the Lord and not human beings,
Ephesians 6:7
When I approach God in fear and trembling, I find not a tyrant, but a loving father.
No matter what you have done or said today, go to God knowing that any fear you have will always be washed away by His love.
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
We face another hectic day with barely enough time to do the things we "think we MUST" do. Even worse, then we have excuses not to do the things we SHOULD do.
Make time to Think About God. Pray, read a passage from the Bible and meditate on what God is saying to you. Set aside those things that get in the way of time with Him.
To whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
Colossians 1:27
Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars.
Look up to the stars tonight and imagine your perfect and everlasting life in Heaven with Christ. Then thank God for all your blessings and promise Him you will make the best of your time here on earth.
I. The Story of the Nations - The Garden of Eden. This is the story of the heavens and the earth at their creation. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens—
Genesis 2:4
Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God
Include God in EVERY moment in your life today. He does the same for you.
Psalm 46 God, the Protector of Zion - For the leader. A song of the Korahites. According to alamoth.
Psalm 46:1
Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards.
Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get into harmony with Him. Then, let your day be a masterpiece played for your Lord.
II - Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.
Psalm 98:4
In today's fast paced world, it seems we are more concerned about speed than direction.
Take the time to focus on what is really important in life. Make sure your relationship with God is a top priority in your life.
The plans of the diligent end in profit, but those of the hasty end in loss.
Proverbs 21:5
Good friends are like stars…You don't always see them, but they are always there.
Stop and think about the friends in your life…Make an effort to contact one today just to let them know you are thinking of them. You may not think this will have much impact, but just think how you would feel if you received the call!
The LORD loves the pure of heart; the person of winning speech has a king for a friend.
Proverbs 22:11
Temptation tries everyone, but God is always with us.
When you are tempted today, turn to God. Knowing that God is always standing beside you, ask Him to help you overcome your temptation.
At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.
Mark 1:12-13
It is easier to bear hard times if you say to yourself, "I may not deserve this punishment, but I do deserve others that I have not received.”
Realize that our Lord treats us so much better than we deserve. Thank Him for His grace, and then go treat others as you are treated.
You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons: “My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him;
Hebrews 12:5
When things don't go your way, or when you are challenged by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, remember it's how you react to these challenges that shapes who you are.
When bad things happen, think about how God would want you to deal with it. Improve your attitude and your outcome by seeking His guidance, wisdom, mercy and strength.
You tested us, O God, tried us as silver tried by fire.
Psalm 66:10
If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy.
Take a moment and read today's Thought again slowly. Focus in your mind the images that matter the most to you right now. Take a deep breath and thank God for these blessings. Now, start your day in this positive frame of mind knowing that you already have a wealth of riches.
With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
A man is not old until regrets start taking place of dreams.
Only look back to allow your joyful events of the past fuel your desire to create more great memories. Continue to seek an understanding of God's plan for you through your prayer and actions. He will ultimately make your dreams come true through eternal salvation.
II. The Crisis Between Paul and the Corinthians A. Past Relationships - Paul’s Sincerity and Constancy. For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with the simplicity and sincerity of God, [and] not by human wisdom but by the grace of God.
2 Corinthians 1:12
You get what you look for in life.
Almost every event in our lives can be viewed as negative or positive. Start today on a positive note by recognizing the many blessings God has given you. Pass on your positive spirit to others.
The Levites Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah said, “Arise, bless the LORD, your God, from eternity to eternity!” “And may they bless your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.”
Nehemiah 9:5
Too old to plant trees for my own gratification, I shall do it for my posterity. – Thomas Jefferson
No matter what your age, plant trees of kindness, understanding and empathy and your goodness will flourish now and forever.
Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days.
Psalm 23:6
The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.
Ask God today for the wisdom to slow down and to simplify your life in order that you can enjoy the happiness in this moment. Try it – it's easier and more rewarding than you can ever imagine.
The path of life leads upward for the prudent, turning them from Sheol below.
Proverbs 15:24
In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to be healed. In every heart, there is the power to do it.
You don't have to look hard to find opportunities to serve others. Follow your heart by using the power of your God-given talent to help someone in need.
Hear, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the right way.
Proverbs 23:19