Month: August 2023

God's Love

Posted on August 31, 2023

THOUGHT:

Though God is the Lord of lords and King of kings, he also desires to be your intimate Friend.

Challenge

God longs for you to trust Him enough to fully be yourself with Him, just as you would with your closest friend. When you are real with God, He will be able to bring out the best in you. Relax and enjoy God's friendship.

Verse

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.

Reference

John 15:13-15

Empathy

Posted on August 30, 2023

THOUGHT:

What does love your neighbor as yourself really mean?

Challenge

God's idea of a neighbor is broader than ours - it is everyone. When you see people in the world who are not like you, find an opportunity to engage with genuine empathy and look for an opportunity to show everyone that we are one family of God.

Verse

God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Reference

Genesis 1:27

God's Guidance

Posted on August 29, 2023

THOUGHT:

You don't always need to understand your journey in life, you just need to trust that you are going in the right direction.

Challenge

The best way to assure you are going in the right direction is to follow God. He is the truth and the way. God provides direction for an amazing life through His teachings in the Bible. Take advantage of His wisdom by spending some quiet time in your bible today.

Verse

Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Reference

John 14:6

Wisdom

Posted on August 28, 2023

THOUGHT:

Most people commit the same mistake with God that they do with their friends: they do all the talking.

Challenge

God speaks to us in many ways; through scripture, through others, through reflections and sermons, etc. Make sure you spend as much time listening to God as you do talking about your ideas.

Verse

Chapter 2 The Blessings of Wisdom - My son, if you receive my words and treasure my commands, Turning your ear to wisdom, inclining your heart to understanding; Yes, if you call for intelligence, and to understanding raise your voice; If you seek her like silver, and like hidden treasures search her out, Then will you understand the fear of the LORD; the knowledge of God you will find;

Reference

Proverbs 2:1-5

Gratitude

Posted on August 25, 2023

THOUGHT:

Today I give thanks to everyone who has been a part of my life's journey.

Challenge

Think how your life would change if you started every day with gratitude for those who have been a part of your life's journey. With that renewed attititude of gratitutde, repay the favor by trying to better someone else's life each and every day.

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 August 24, 2023

THOUGHT:

I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.

Challenge

Be youreself no matter what and do not change for anyone. Do not conform to society's norms, just be who you want to be and who you truly are. God will guide you if you listen.

Verse

But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Reference

1 Peter 2:9

Anger

Posted on August 23, 2023

THOUGHT:

A wise man asked, What is Anger? He gave a beautiful answer: it is a punishment we give to ourselves, for someone else's mistake.

Challenge

Don't punish yourself by harboring anger against someone who has wronged you. Forgive them and relieve yourself of the anxiety that comes from harboring ill will. Take a deap breath, smile, and be greatful for the Blessings God has given you.

Verse

Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.

Reference

Matthew 18:21-22

Compassion

Posted on August 22, 2023

THOUGHT:

What comes easy won't last long, and what last long won't come easy.

Challenge

What lasts long is eternal salvation with our Lord and Savior. Do the hard work while here on earth. Stand up for injustice, serve the less fortunate, and do what is right, even when it is not popular. The reward will be well worth it.

Verse

Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ.

Reference

Colossians 3:23-24

Change

Posted on August 21, 2023

THOUGHT:

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

Challenge

Look at everyone you encounter today as a child of God, because they are. With humility, rethink your attitude towards the poor, the homeless and the downtrodden. Instead of looking down on them, try helping them up.

Verse

God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Reference

Genesis 1:27

Discipleship

Posted on August 18, 2023

THOUGHT:

The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions.

Challenge

Your goodness, how you treat others, and your empathy extends out in all directions. Want to make a big difference? Spread a fragrance of goodness everywhere you go and it will travel to places you'll never see.

Verse

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Reference

Luke 6:31

Character

Posted on August 17, 2023

THOUGHT:

It is impossible to learn that which one thinks one already knows.

Challenge

You can't learn if you think you already know. You cannot discover the true answers if you are too self-confident and self-assured to ask the right questions. Ask God today for humility to avoid deceiving yourself and inflating your own self worth. Always remember that your talents, strengths and good fortune are the result of God's blessings. Honor that by using your God-given abilities to better serve Him.

Verse

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

Reference

Proverbs 11:2

Character

Posted on August 16, 2023

THOUGHT:

We are like tea bags – we don't know our own strength until we're in hot water.

Challenge

Sometimes in order to grow and improve, we must submerge ourselves completely into the problems and challenges we encounter in our life. Ask God for the courage to dive in deep to find the answers and resolutions instead of just brewing on the surface.

Verse

to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.

Reference

Colossians 1:10-12

Charity

Posted on August 15, 2023

THOUGHT:

We “get” to make a living; we “give” to make a life.

Challenge

We all have heard and likely believe the fact that “the more we give, the more we receive.” Then why are we so obsessed, stressed and focused on how to get more for ourselves? Spend this week seeking opportunities to be “uncomfortably generous” with the many gifts God has provided you. You will soon discover your reluctance to give dissipate while your heart inflates with peace and happiness.

Verse

If you are righteous, what do you give him, or what does he receive from your hand?

Reference

Job 35:7

Action

Posted on August 11, 2023

THOUGHT:

The only true gift is a portion of thyself.

Challenge

The more you are able to give of yourself in service to others, the more genuine happiness you will realize. Make a focused effort today to find a way to give a meaningful part of yourself to someone.

Verse

In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

Reference

Galatians 5:22

Humility

Posted on August 10, 2023

THOUGHT:

Worshipping your own good works can be a subtle form of idolatry.

Challenge

Be careful not to be too proud of your works even when done to serve our Lord. This puts the spotlight on you instead of the One who gave you your skill and wisdom to serve Him. Shift your focus from your performance to God's power that enables you to serve. Your calling is to use your gifts as God leads you.

Verse

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast.

Reference

Ephesians 2:8-9

Blessings

Posted on August 9, 2023

THOUGHT:

A thankful attitude opens the windows of Heaven.

Challenge

Be thankful in all you do and encounter today. Let spiritual blessings fall freely through those open windows. Moreover, as you look up through those openings you will get a glimpse of the Glory of our Lord shining down upon you.

Verse

I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory. For your love is better than life; my lips shall ever praise you!

Reference

Psalm 63:3-4

Service

Posted on August 8, 2023

THOUGHT:

Giving never happens by accident. It's always intentional.

Challenge

A candle is not diminished by lighting another. Make it your purpose today to find ways to help others. You will be surprised how fulfilled you will feel at the end of the day. And at the end of day, thank God for all the gifts and good fortune He has blessed upon you.

Verse

Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Reference

2 Corinthians 9:7

Discipleship

Posted on August 7, 2023

THOUGHT:

We should be grateful to the Lord for all He has given us. For it is to Him we owe our all.

Challenge

Find time to open your Bible today and reflect on all the sacrifices that the disciples made for Christ. How well are you following their example?

Verse

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

Reference

John 3:16

God's Love

Posted on August 4, 2023

THOUGHT:

The day will come when after harnessing space, the winds, the tides and gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And on that day for the second time in the history of the world, we shall have discovered fire.

Challenge

There is no power greater than love. Warm your heart and those around you by being the spark that initiates goodness and the flame that provides enduring love.

Verse

I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.

Reference

John 13:34

Comfort

Posted on August 3, 2023

THOUGHT:

Knowing who is with you is more important than where you are going.

Challenge

Regardless of where you are going, take comfort knowing God is always with you.

Verse

I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.

Reference

Joshua 1:9

Fellowship

Posted on August 2, 2023

THOUGHT:

Memories never say goodbye.

Challenge

Escape from your everyday routine and find time today to create a memorable moment with someone who is important in your life. Do it again tomorrow. This collection of memories will be a source of happiness for you and many others for the rest of your life.

Verse

We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Reference

Hebrews 10:24-25

Character

Posted on August 1, 2023

THOUGHT:

The workshop of character is everyday life. The uneventful and commonplace hour is where the battle is lost or won.

Challenge

Your character is sculpted with your habits of everyday life. What habits can you develop today that will make you more like Jesus?

Verse

In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Reference

Galatians 5:22-23