Always remember people who have helped YOU along the way, and don’t forget to lift someone up.
Think back on your life and those who, possibly without even knowing it, have made a positive difference in your life. Do something positive for someone today. The impact could me much greater than you will ever know.
Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Never miss an opportunity to learn. If your actions were good, enjoy the memories and repeat them. If your actions were bad, learn from the experience.
As you are making decisions today, think about the consequences. How will your actions affect those around you now and in the future? We had a wonderful teacher in Jesus. Look to Him for guidance to create a more positive impact for the world.
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.
Colossians 3:17
Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your eyes on Jesus.
Rather than using your energy trying to fix yourself, your circumstances or (worst of all) others, redirect your energy to praising Christ. Let Him change your perspective of yourself. Remember that He sees you clothed in His radiant and perfect love.
Look to him and be radiant, and your faces may not blush for shame. This poor one cried out and the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him.
Psalm 34:6-7
The world applauds quick-witted retorts, but God's instructions about communications is quite different.
God teaches us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. This allows positive discussions to replace potentially negative ones. During your conversations today, say a quick prayer, "Holy Spirit, help me" before you reply or react. Let this discussion be guided by the Holy Spirit who God sent to "teach you all things."
III. Exhortations and Warnings - Doers of the Word. Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath,
James 1:19
Attempting to master your circumstances without God will never bring you peace.
We have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out in order to have mastery over our life. However, the world presents us with an endless series of problems. As soon as you master one another one pops up. So today, instead of trying to master your problems, first seek guidance from your Master - Jesus.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust God in the midst of your messy day. Your peace in His presence need not be shaken.
Though you live in this temporal world, your innermost being is rooted and grounded in eternity. When you start to feel stressed, detach yourself from the disturbances around you and (re)attach yourself to the only one who can bring you peace that surpasses all worldly understanding.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33
Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.
What dreams would you pursue if you knew God had your back? He does! Turn your fears over to God, and focus on living the life you were made to live.
II - I sought the LORD, and he answered me, delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:5
Let the improvement of yourself keep you so busy that you have no time to criticize others.
Focus your effort today on becoming a better person. Praise more and criticize less. Provide a helping hand vs a condescending critique. Lead by example so that others can see the kindness of God in you.
Chapter 7 - Judging Others. “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
Matthew 7:1-2
We wound our souls not only by the evil we do, but also by the good we leave undone.
We all know you can't work your way into heaven, but we are called to work. Strengthen your faith not by simply talking about Christ, but by acting for Christ today so others see Christ through your actions.
For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
James 2:26
Leadership is an act of service – serving the people you lead and serving the purpose that you are collectively working towards.
While no one on earth will ever achieve the ultimate form of leadership we received in Christ, the Queen of England who will be buried today showed many great characteristics of leadership. Spend a few minutes today researching great Christian leaders or reflecting on those who have passed before and find ways to serve those around you with humble and faithful leadership.
But among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.
Luke 22: 26
A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for.
Step outside of your comfort zone today. Offer to help a total stranger or volunteer for an organization that serves the less fortunate. Take a risk in service to God. That’s what YOU were made for.
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
The truth hurts, and so would you if you were stretched so much!
If you are completely honest with yourself, it is much easier to be truthful to others. Ask God today to give you both the courage and the strength to maintain a strong personal integrity in all your actions.
Whoever walks honestly walks securely, but one whose ways are crooked will fare badly.
Proverbs 10:9
No matter what they do, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally they don't know it.
Your actions today, intentional or not, have the potential to change the world in some way. Don’t leave it to chance. Be intentional with your actions today in service to God and change the world in a positive way.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
If you think you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.
If you want to grow as a person, surround yourself with people who can challenge you and make you better. For the record, you are actually NEVER the smartest person in the room because God is always with you. If you really want to improve, listen to His words.
For the LORD gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Proverbs 2:6
Living well is both a discipline and an art.
Concentrate on staying close to God, the divine artist. Discipline yourself to trust God as He works His ways in your life. Pray about everything then leave the outcomes to Him.
And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms.
1 Corinthians 2:13
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
Don't waste your time, energy and opportunities dwelling on what you can't do, don't have, should have done, and could have been. It is never too late to start to become the person you always wanted to be. Ask God for the discipline and positive attitude necessary to filter out your negative thoughts and pessimism and to strive to be the person He designed you to be.
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
Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular.
Take the high road today. Ignore the "group think" and do what you know is right in your heart. Be positive and encourage those around you. Ignore what is popular and focus on what is right in God's eyes.
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
All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.
Be the light that someone needs today. Big or small, find a way to brighten someone's day. Repeat every day until it becomes a habit.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light,
Ephesians 5:8
No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.
Show others through example that God is with you in everything you do. As you begin this Labor Day Weekend, let your work, play, and interactions with others convey your trust in God. Happy Labor Day! The TAG Team
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.
Colossians 3:17
Even if you cannot change all the people around you, you can change the people you choose to be around.
Choose to be around positive, God loving individuals. Avoid negative influences that tempt you to act in a manner that is inconsistent with your values.
Do not be led astray: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
1 Corinthians 15:33