We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.
Be open to every opportunity to fill your book with faith, hope, and love this New Year. Let Christ always be your guide. Happy New Year… the TAGteam.
Calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father,
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed.
Take stock of the many blessings you have. Be content, realizing that more stuff is not the secret to happiness. Shift your focus from more stuff to better personal relationships, starting with a closer relationship with God. Doing so will provide you with abundance.
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
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
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
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
He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.
Every time you see a wrapped Christmas gift, think of the best give of all: God’s gift of the birth of His son to us. Keep the spirit of Christ Jesus’ birth with you throughout the Christmas season and throughout the year. Happy Birthday Jesus… the TAGteam.
The Visit of the Shepherds. When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”
Luke 2:15
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
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
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
At any moment, you have a choice, that either leads you closer to your spirit or further away from it.
God Blessed us all with the free will to make our own choices. Make decisions today that lead you closer to God. It's your choice, which direction will you head today?
When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart,
Jeremiah 29:13
We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. – Abraham Lincoln
Attitude is everything. Rejoice and thank God that all His blessings have roses!
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s Fidelity and Mercy.
Romans 15:5-6
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