Month: July 2022

Anxiety

Posted on July 29, 2022

THOUGHT:

Stop trying to manage God's responsibilities - the things beyond your control.

Challenge

Find freedom by accepting the boundaries of your domain. Do not miss the joy of God's presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. His burden is light.

Verse

The Gentle Mastery of Christ. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Reference

Matthew 11: 28-30

God's Guidance

Posted on July 28, 2022

THOUGHT:

I used to think I was indecisive, but now I’m not so sure.

Challenge

Usually, indecision is the wrong decision. Decide right now to make God a more meaningful part of your day TODAY. If you do this today, it will be so much easier to make the same decision tomorrow.

Verse

Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” The Authority of Jesus Questioned.

Reference

Matthew 21:22

Priorities

Posted on July 27, 2022

THOUGHT:

It is OK to look at the past and the future. Just don't stare.

Challenge

It can be beneficial to learn from the past and look to the future. However, it is much more rewarding to really be present in the present. Ask God today for the wisdom and the discipline to focus your full attention on the people around you and their needs. Be present in the present.

Verse

You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears.

Reference

James 4:14

Blessings

Posted on July 26, 2022

THOUGHT:

Sometimes the relationship Jesus offers you seems too good to be true. He pours His very life into you and all you have to do is receive it.

Challenge

In a world that admires working and taking, the idea of resting and receiving seems too easy. Believe and receive. As you trust Jesus more and more, your are able to receive His blessings abundantly.

Verse

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God.

Reference

1 Corinthians 2:12

Trust

Posted on July 25, 2022

THOUGHT:

God sees the beginning from the end.

Challenge

God knows we need protection in our daily lives. He knows what we will face in our earthly life from beginning to end but His perspective extends into our eternal life and ours should too. Trust God to fulfill ALL that He has promised you now and forever.

Verse

Those who know your name trust in you; you never forsake those who seek you, LORD.

Reference

Psalm 9:11

Character

Posted on July 22, 2022

THOUGHT:

This may come as a shock, but we are not called to work on our character. We are called to work on our relationship with Jesus and HE will guide us as we develop our character in return.

Challenge

Recognize, as Jesus taught us, that He is the vine and we are the branches. We bear no good fruit without him. Let Christ's love flow through you and your character will blossom.

Verse

I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.

Reference

John 15:5

Change

Posted on July 21, 2022

THOUGHT:

Jesus knows everything about you, far more than you know of yourself. But He restrains His yearning to "fix" you, waiting instead for you to come to Him for help.

Challenge

Seek Jesus with a teachable spirit. Come into this presence with thanksgiving, desiring to be transformed into the person HE wants you to be.

Verse

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.

Reference

Matthew 11:29

Trust

Posted on July 20, 2022

THOUGHT:

Either we will spend our lives trying to take care of ourselves or we will let go and let God take care of us as we put our faith and trust in Him.

Challenge

God promises to take care of us, so why do we hold on tight to the reins, trying to control every aspect of our lives? Let go and let God and experience the freedom that comes with letting Him take charge. Fear not - HE is with you.

Verse

Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Reference

Isaiah 41:10

Service

Posted on July 19, 2022

THOUGHT:

Seek to be worth knowing rather than being well known.

Challenge

Spend more time being truly interested in others instead of trying to be interesting. Find ways to lead like Jesus did in service to others. Everyone will see more of Christ in you, including yourself.

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

Trust

Posted on July 18, 2022

THOUGHT:

Trust God in every detail of your life. Nothing is random in His kingdom.

Challenge

Everything that happens fits into God's plan which ultimately is a pattern for good. Instead of trying to analyze how and why, focus your energy on trusting God and thanking Him constantly.

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

Service

Posted on July 15, 2022

THOUGHT:

Seek to be worth knowing, rather than be well-known.

Challenge

Spend more time today trying to help others than trying to help yourself. You will become well-known as a good and caring person, just as God intended.

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

Courage

Posted on July 14, 2022

THOUGHT:

It is surprising what someone can do when they have to, and how little most will do when they don’t have to.

Challenge

We are all capable of doing more than we think we can, especially during an emergency or when our backs are to the wall. Ask God today for the courage and motivation to push ourselves beyond our normal expectations in order that we may serve Him and others so much better than usual.

Verse

Chapter 28 - The wicked flee though none pursue; but the just, like a lion, are confident.

Reference

Proverbs 28:1

Habits

Posted on July 13, 2022

THOUGHT:

We are what we repeatedly do; therefore, being Christ-like is not an act but a habit.

Challenge

Make it a habit to be a better person. Consciously do something each day in service to someone else. Before you know it, your good deeds will become a habit and your habit will make the world a better place.

Verse

So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith. VI. Conclusion - Final Appeal.

Reference

Galatians 6:10 

Faith

Posted on July 12, 2022

THOUGHT:

Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

Challenge

We are all faced with challenges, some more dire than others. Take comfort knowing that God is in control of all things. Turn to him in prayer, confident He will see you through your challenges. Experience the joy that comes from overcoming life's challenges through faith in God.

Verse

II. The Value of Trials and Temptation - Perseverance in Trial. Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Reference

James 1:2-4

Trust

Posted on July 11, 2022

THOUGHT:

Rest in the stillness of God's presence while He prepares you for this day.

Challenge

Find a time and place to rest in God's presence, focusing on Him. He will quietly build a bond of trust with you. When you respond to the circumstances of your life with affirmation of His trust, you actively participate in the process by letting God guide your words and actions.

Verse

“Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob. Selah

Reference

Psalm 46:11-12

God's Guidance

Posted on July 8, 2022

THOUGHT:

God will never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task.

Challenge

This is why it is so important to seek God's will in everything you do. Keep your eyes on Him, not only for direction but also for empowerment.

Verse

II - I bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart exhorts me. I keep the LORD always before me; with him at my right hand, I shall never be shaken.

Reference

Psalm 16:7-8

Fulfillment

Posted on July 7, 2022

THOUGHT:

The media relentlessly serves up bad news for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A steady diet of this food will sicken your soul.

Challenge

Instead of focusing on the fickle, ever-changing news, tune into the Living Word. Let scripture nourish your mind and heart so you have the strength to walk steadily along the path of life.

Verse

Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand. With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor.

Reference

Psalm 73:23-24

Wisdom

Posted on July 6, 2022

THOUGHT:

Since the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we are fully equipped to be holy.

Challenge

Pause before responding to people or situations giving the Holy Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave little room for the Spirit to impart His wisdom.

Verse

Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. IV. Advice to the Persecuted - Trial of Persecution.

Reference

1 Peter 4:11

Faith

Posted on July 5, 2022

THOUGHT:

When you criticize and complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do. - God

Challenge

From our limited human perspective, it may look as if God is mismanaging things. However, God has designed us to live by faith not by sight. Acknowledge His sovereignty having faith knowing that He is in control of ALL circumstances!

Verse

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Reference

2 Corinthians 5:7

Blessings

Posted on July 1, 2022

THOUGHT:

Independence Day is an important day for our nation, but Jesus was the first to give us our freedom.

Challenge

As we celebrate the 4th of July, be one of the first today to thank Jesus for the freedoms we enjoy and hold dear in this country. Pray that Christ's freedom returns to all mankind. Happy 4th of July - the TAGTeam.

Verse

So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free.

Reference

John 8:36