Month: September 2023

Love

Posted on September 29, 2023

THOUGHT:

Love is a verb, not a noun. Love is something we do.

Challenge

For those you love, how true does this statement feel? Have you shown your love to those closest to you? What about God? Reflect on your service to Him and think of ways to improve on this action.

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Reference

John 3:16-18

Priorities

Posted on September 28, 2023

THOUGHT:

God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.

Challenge

God has a plan for you. Look to Him in prayer to determine how He wants you to serve Him. Your life will be much more rewarding when you are walking down the path God chose for you.

Verse

The human heart plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps.

Reference

Proverbs 16:9

Habits

Posted on September 27, 2023

THOUGHT:

It is easier to do the job right than to explain why you didn't.

Challenge

In our hurry to accomplish everything, it is often easy to avoid details and cut corners. Are you cutting corners with your Christian walk as well? Make sure you are accomplishing tasks fully and that God is the cornerstone of your life today.

Verse

Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others,

Reference

Colossians 3:23

Goals

Posted on September 26, 2023

THOUGHT:

Climb the mountain...so that you can see the world, not so that the world can see you.

Challenge

Work hard, reach for the peak, and strive to achieve everything you were meant to achieve. Don't look for recognition, but look for others you can share the fruits of your success with who may not be as blessed.

Verse

each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others.

Reference

Philippians 2:4

Character

Posted on September 25, 2023

THOUGHT:

A real Brother walks with you when the rest of the world walks on you!

Challenge

When we see those in need, it's often easier to ignore them or join the crowd than to offer assistance. Step out of the worldly norm and take time to help those around you today. Don't let the world's view prevent you from walking with those in need.

Verse

“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

Reference

Luke 6:37-38

Anxiety

Posted on September 22, 2023

THOUGHT:

Who is in charge of your life? If it is you, then you have good reason to worry. If it is God, then worry is both unnecessary and counterproductive.

Challenge

Regardless of your circumstances, turn to God. In troubled times seek His comfort, and in prosperous times seek His guidance. Regardless, seek Him every day.

Verse

Dependence on God. He said to [his] disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear.

Reference

Luke 12:22

God's Love

Posted on September 21, 2023

THOUGHT:

As much as our egos get in the way, we must accept that we're accepted for whose we are, not what we are.

Challenge

Take time to thank God this morning. Not for what you have amassed here on earth, but rather for the gift of salvation that He gave you regardless of your worthiness.

Verse

But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Reference

Romans 5:8

God's Guidance

Posted on September 20, 2023

THOUGHT:

We are not given a good life or a bad life. We are given a life. It's up to us to make it good or bad.

Challenge

When life becomes more challenging, seek God through prayer to remind you of the good in your life. Study His word and learn the true meaning of living a good life. A life with God is a good life.

Verse

and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Reference

John 8:32 

Compassion

Posted on September 19, 2023

THOUGHT:

Be the reason someone believes in good people.

Challenge

There is plenty of darkness in the world today. Be the light to brighten someones day. Let them see Jesus in you, so they can believe in the goodness in the world.

Verse

Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Reference

Matthew 5:16

God

Posted on September 18, 2023

THOUGHT:

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

Challenge

How about this suggestion - Do something today that will get you closer to God. The benefits of a closer relationship with God are immensely valuable to your future self.

Verse

Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

Reference

John 17:3

Grace

Posted on September 15, 2023

THOUGHT:

It's never too late to change direction.

Challenge

We are all sinners and none of us deserve salvation. Show your appreciation for His compassion by making changes in your life that align with the teachings of Christ. Take time now to THANK GOD for the blessing of salvation that you have received freely, even though we don't deserve it.

Verse

The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Reference

Luke 23:40-42

Empathy

Posted on September 14, 2023

THOUGHT:

A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open.

Challenge

Open your mind today by really listening to others, showing more empathy to those who may disagree with you, and being more compassionate to those who need you.

Verse

Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble.

Reference

1 Peter 3:8

God

Posted on September 13, 2023

THOUGHT:

The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

Challenge

True happiness comes from a close relationship with God. Focus more on Him and less on earthly things and see how much happier you will be.

Verse

Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart’s desire.

Reference

Psalm 37:4

Integrity

Posted on September 12, 2023

THOUGHT:

If you seek authenticity for authenticity’s sake you are no longer authentic.

Challenge

Find ways to do the right thing today because it is the right thing to do. Don't help someone else just because you want to get noticed and recognized. Always be honest with yourself and it will make it so much easier to be humble and kind to others.

Verse

for we are concerned for what is honorable not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of others.

Reference

2 Corinthians 8:21

Forgiveness

Posted on September 11, 2023

THOUGHT:

Don't expect to be treated fairly in life. Even God did not treat us fairly.

Challenge

Through the sacrifice of Jesus, God wiped out our sins even though we continue to be disobedient to His teachings and commands. This was not fair - it was a pure gift with no strings attached. When others treat you unfairly, forgive as you have been forgiven.

Verse

bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.

Reference

Colossians 3:13-14

Worship

Posted on September 8, 2023

THOUGHT:

The lower you bow before God, the higher He lifts you up.

Challenge

Take a minute at this very moment in reflective prayer. Open your heart and soul and let God lift you up into a more intimate relationship with Him. The joy of living in His presence outshines all other pleasures.

Verse

for it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.”

Reference

Romans 14:11

Empathy

Posted on September 7, 2023

THOUGHT:

Our personal "Manners" are largely just a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that personal awareness of others, it doesn’t matter what fork you use.

Challenge

Focus your awareness on the feelings of those around you. Find a way to restore your personal etiquette with kindness and courtesy today and everyday.

Verse

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

Reference

Colossians 3:12

Encouragement

Posted on September 6, 2023

THOUGHT:

To see things in the seed...Now that is genius.

Challenge

Be open, be optimistic, be hopeful...Look for the goodness and the potential often hidden inside those around you. Find a way to nourish the spirit of these seeds by allowing them to see God's love within you.

Verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit.

Reference

Romans 15:13

Attitude

Posted on September 5, 2023

THOUGHT:

What your mind possesses your body expresses.

Challenge

Focus your mind on honesty and optimism in order that your body will reflect a trustworthy and positive character. Seek God's guidance through daily prayer.

Verse

Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Reference

Philippians 4:9

Service

Posted on September 4, 2023

THOUGHT:

Be the reason someone believes in good people.

Challenge

Live a life in service to God and to your fellow man. Small acts of kindness and good deeds go a long way and do not go unnoticed. Your actions may provide the hope someone around you needs today.

Verse

Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Reference

Matthew 5:16

Priorities

Posted on September 1, 2023

THOUGHT:

The fellow that has no money is poor. The fellow that has nothing but money is poorer still.

Challenge

Take a minute now, and think of your greatest memories. Those memories are more about time spent with family and friends than building your personal wealth. Take time to make more meaningful memories today.

Verse

Do not rely on deceitful wealth, for it will be no help on the day of wrath.

Reference

Sirach 5:8