Month: July 2023

Trust

Posted on July 31, 2023

THOUGHT:

Make peace with the problems in your life.

Challenge

Though many things feel random and wrong, remember that God is sovereign over EVERYTHING! He can fit everything into a pattern for good but only to the extent that you trust Him. Introduce your problems to God - He will not necessarily remove your problems, but His wisdom is sufficient to bring good out of every one of them.

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

Gratitude

Posted on July 28, 2023

THOUGHT:

Let thanksgiving temper all your thoughts.

Challenge

Complaining and grumbling questions the sovereignty of God while a thankful mindset keeps you in touch with Him. Cultivate a thankful heart and recognize all your blessings for this glorifies God and will fill your heart with joy.

Verse

Therefore, we who are receiving the unshakable kingdom should have gratitude, with which we should offer worship pleasing to God in reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire.

Reference

Hebrews 12:28-29

Peace

Posted on July 27, 2023

THOUGHT:

Your goal is not to control or fix everything around you; it is to keep communicating with God.

Challenge

Do not let your to-do list (written or mental) become an idol directing your life. Instead, continuously ask the Holy Spirit to guide and He will lead you down the path of peace and joy.

Verse

In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.

Reference

Proverbs 3:6

God's Love

Posted on July 26, 2023

THOUGHT:

God plants peace in the garden of your heart, but watch out for the weeds.

Challenge

The weeds in your heart's garden are pride, worry, selfishness, and unbelief. Let God in and He will be your Gardener working to rid your heart of those weeds.

Verse

My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Reference

Philippians 4:19

Gratitude

Posted on July 25, 2023

THOUGHT:

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it.

Challenge

Take a moment right now to count your blessings. Express your gratitude by giving thanks to God and by sharing your gifts with others. How better to express your gratitude.

Verse

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Reference

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Adversity

Posted on July 24, 2023

THOUGHT:

Being defeated is often a temporary condition.  Giving up is what makes it permanent.

Challenge

We all suffer temporary setbacks in life.  Ask God to give you the strength to stay the course.  Never give up!

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

Gratitude

Posted on July 21, 2023

THOUGHT:

I am not in control, but I am deeply loved by the one who is.

Challenge

Take comfort knowing God is in control and He loves you. Take a minute now and Thank Him for being your Lord and Savior. With Him, all Things Are Possible.

Verse

Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”

Reference

Matthew 19:26

God's Love

Posted on July 20, 2023

THOUGHT:

When you are at your LOWEST, look to the HIGHEST.

Challenge

We all have low spots in our life. The good news is that we all have someone to turn to when we need comfort. Seek God. He rewards those who seek him.

Verse

But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Reference

Hebrews 11:6

Compassion

Posted on July 19, 2023

THOUGHT:

A polite disagreement is more productive than a loud argument.

Challenge

Too often, social media is filled with anger and vile which is not helpful for anyone. As you encounter people with a difference of opinion today, take a minute to understand their position and then offer your own. A simple dialog can go a long way to defusing arguments before they start.

Verse

A person gains honor by avoiding strife, while every fool starts a quarrel.

Reference

Proverbs 20:3

Fulfillment

Posted on July 18, 2023

THOUGHT:

You can't protect your heart, if you don’t acknowledge it.

Challenge

Dedicate some time today to reflect on your relationship with God. Ask yourself a simple question: "Is my heart fully in my relationship with God or am I just going through the motions?" Your answer will guide your next steps.

Verse

With all vigilance guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life.

Reference

Proverbs 4:23

Wisdom

Posted on July 17, 2023

THOUGHT:

The wise person may appear to have more success in life, but all people have the same status in God's eyes. We are all His children.

Challenge

Instead of using our God-given talents solely for our own earthly success, make sure to share your wisdom with others today. Equally important, listen and learn from them at the same time.

Verse

And I saw that wisdom has as much profit over folly as light has over darkness.

Reference

Ecclesiastes 2:13

Character

Posted on July 14, 2023

THOUGHT:

We are like tea bags. We don't know our own strength until we find ourselves steeped in hot water.

Challenge

When you feel the heat today, remember that God has given you the inner strength to come up with your best personal brew to overcome the pressure. You got this.

Verse

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

Reference

2 Timothy 1:7

Peace

Posted on July 13, 2023

THOUGHT:

Stay in continual communication with God, so that you can live above your circumstances even while you are in the midst of them.

Challenge

Regardless of your circumstances today, present your requests to God with thanksgiving. Take comfort knowing that His peace, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your heart and mind.

Verse

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Reference

philippians 4:7

Humility

Posted on

THOUGHT:

Our humility is easily siphoned off over time when we lose perspective and place ourselves in the center of the universe. However, it is easier to be humble to others when you are honest with yourself.

Challenge

Instead of indulging yourself today, focus your attention on others and away from yourself. Ask God for the strength and courage to always be honest with yourself.

Verse

When pride comes, disgrace comes; but with the humble is wisdom.

Reference

Proverbs 11:2

Prayer

Posted on July 12, 2023

THOUGHT:

Seven days without prayer makes one weak.

Challenge

Pray every day to become a better Christian and you will grow closer to God. Pray to abstain from temptation and bad habits...Don’t abstain from praying.

Verse

Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.

Reference

Mark 11:24

Kindness

Posted on July 11, 2023

THOUGHT:

It is in the shelter of each other that people live.

Challenge

Find a way to offer your personal support to someone you love today. Help them to realize and understand that you are there for them, and their happiness will bring you joy.

Verse

Each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others. Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,

Reference

Philippians 2:4-5

Prayer

Posted on July 10, 2023

THOUGHT:

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.

Challenge

Be alive in your Christian faith. Include prayer in all aspects of your life. God is there in good times and bad. Seek Him through prayer and thank Him for the many blessings He has given you.

Verse

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Reference

Philippians 4:6-7

Trust

Posted on July 7, 2023

THOUGHT:

The more extreme your circumstances, the more likely you are to see God's power and glory.

Challenge

Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, view them as setting the scene for God's glorious intervention. Keep your eyes and mind open wide to all that God is doing in your life. His power will provide more than you can imagine.

Verse

<begin-paragraph /><versenum id="20" /> Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, <versenum id="21" /> to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Reference

Ephesians 3:20-21

Comfort

Posted on July 6, 2023

THOUGHT:

God can fit everything into a pattern for good, including the things you wish were different.

Challenge

Start with where you are right now, knowing that God is with you. You will get through today one step at a time, one moment at a time. Your main responsibility is to let God guide you among your many choices along your journey.

Verse

<begin-paragraph /><b>God’s Indomitable Love in Christ.</b> <versenum id="28" /> We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Reference

Romans 8:28

Fulfillment

Posted on July 5, 2023

THOUGHT:

When you cling to old ways and sameness, you resist God's work within you.

Challenge

Don't try to force-fit today in yesterday's mold. Instead, ask God to open your eyes so you can find all that the He has prepared for you in this precious day.

Verse

<versenum id="17" /> So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.

Reference

2 Corinthians 5:17

Praise

Posted on July 3, 2023

THOUGHT:

July 4th ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. - John Adams

Challenge

As you celebrate the freedoms you enjoyed this weekend, remember that our devotion to God is key to this freedom. Thank God with open prayer when you gather with others to celebrate our independence.

Verse

Let bronze be brought from Egypt, Ethiopia hurry its hands to God.

Reference

1 Peter 2:16