Month: November 2023

God's Love

Posted on November 30, 2023

THOUGHT:

Though God has brought many blessing into your life, their is only one that is essential - His presence.

Challenge

Enjoy the good gifts you have received, but don't cling to them. Turn your attention to the giver of all good things, and rest in knowing that you are complete in Him and Him only. The one thing you absolutely need, is the one thing you can never lose - His presence.

Verse

all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.

Reference

James 1:17

Guidance

Posted on November 29, 2023

THOUGHT:

Jesus' presence with you is both a promise and a protection.

Challenge

The way to stay on the path of life is to keep your focus on Christ. Many voices clamor for your attention, but even well-meaning friends can lead you astray. Be aware that remaining in his presence is your best protection.

Verse

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Reference

Matthew 28:19-20

Hope

Posted on November 28, 2023

THOUGHT:

Are you feeling down because people don't "get you?"

Challenge

Rejoice in the fact that God "gets you" perfectly and knows exactly what you are experiencing. As you continue communication with Him, your mood will gradually lighten. Awareness of Gods' marvelous companionship can infuse joy into the grayest day.

Verse

You make him the pattern of blessings forever, you gladden him with the joy of your face.

Reference

Psalm 21:7

Empathy

Posted on November 27, 2023

THOUGHT:

Any fool can know. The point is to understand. -Albert Einstein.

Challenge

Understanding a person’s situation can go a lot further than knowing their situation. The next time a disagreement arises, try to understand the reason for the tension before bringing up points to shut them down. Listening empathetically to understand goes a long way to resolution.

Verse

Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you;

Reference

Proverbs 2:11

Forgiveness

Posted on November 24, 2023

THOUGHT:

Forgiving others is like riding a bike. It may be hard at first, but you only get better as you begin to practice it.

Challenge

Forgiveness isn't easy. Start by genuinely asking God to forgive you for your shortcomings. Then with a liberated soul, serve God by finding within yourself a way to forgive others.

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

Gratitude

Posted on November 22, 2023

THOUGHT:

Let our lives be full of both THANKS and GIVING.

Challenge

Find a way this Thanksgiving weekend to reach out to others in need and share with them your blessings. Expect nothing in return. Then turn to God and thank Him for His grace and showing you the path to helping others. HAPPY THANKSGIVING - the TAGteam.

Verse

You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God,

Reference

2 Corinthians 9:11

Grace

Posted on November 21, 2023

THOUGHT:

The WILL of God will never take you where the GRACE of God will not protect you.

Challenge

Take a close look at how you are living your life. Repent your sins and make a commitment to God to live by Christ's teachings. Start your day with the strength, courage, and knowledge that God's grace will help you live a more Christian life.

Verse

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God;

Reference

Ephesians 2:8

Faith

Posted on November 20, 2023

THOUGHT:

Thank God for what you have. Trust God for what you need.

Challenge

Each morning get up and count your blessings from the day before. With that fresh in your mind, look forward to a new day filled with God's grace and His blessings. Trust that God will be at your side.

Verse

Blessed are those who trust in the LORD; the LORD will be their trust.

Reference

Jeremiah 17:7

Comfort

Posted on November 17, 2023

THOUGHT:

Do not long for the absence of problems in your life. That is an unrealistic goal.

Challenge

You have an eternity of problem-free living reserved for you in heaven. Rejoice in that inheritance which no one can take away from you, but do not try to seek your heaven on earth. Begin each day anticipating challenges and ask God to equip you for whatever you may encounter.

Verse

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.”

Reference

John 16:33

Trust

Posted on November 16, 2023

THOUGHT:

Do not worry about tomorrow! This is not a suggestion, but a command.

Challenge

God divided time into days and nights, providing us with manageable portions of our life to handle. His grace is sufficient for us, but that sufficiency is better measured one day at a time. Throw off your burdens with one quick thrust of trust.

Verse

Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

Reference

Matthew 6:34

Action

Posted on November 15, 2023

THOUGHT:

People are prisoners of their phone… that’s why it’s called a “cell phone."

Challenge

Keep your cell phone in your pocket more today. Instead of surfing social media, make positive waves with those around you. You always have a direct line to God. Ask Him to use you as an active voice as you interact with others today.

Verse

Indeed someone may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.

Reference

James 2:18

Peace

Posted on November 14, 2023

THOUGHT:

Once you have trusted Christ as your savior, He will never distance Himself from you.

Challenge

Sometimes you may feel distant. Recognize it as just that, a feeling. The Bible is full of promises that Jesus will be with you always. His last recorded promise to His followers was: "Surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age." Repeat this to yourself when you feel lonely and let His presence fill you with peace and joy.

Verse

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Reference

Matthew 28:19-20

Compassion

Posted on November 13, 2023

THOUGHT:

Too often people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.

Challenge

Show true compassion by staying focused on those you interact with today. In a spirit of respect and love, truly listen. Let the wisdom and understanding you gain guide your response.

Verse

Whoever answers before listening, theirs is folly and shame.

Reference

Proverbs 18:13

Encouragement

Posted on November 10, 2023

THOUGHT:

Let today be the day…You speak only the good you know of other people and encourage others to do the same.

Challenge

Think how much better the world would be if everyone focused on the good in other people. Lead by example today, speaking positively of others and encouraging others to do the same. Let the positive change start with you.

Verse

No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear.

Reference

Ephesians 4:29

Change

Posted on November 9, 2023

THOUGHT:

When you see a good person, think of becoming more like them. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.

Challenge

It is easy to find good people in the world, people you should want to emulate. It is more difficult to avoid judging others who you believe are not so good. Focus on improving your weaknesses and leave the judging to God.

Verse

Chapter 2 - God’s Just Judgment. Therefore, you are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things.

Reference

Romans 2:1

God's Guidance

Posted on November 8, 2023

THOUGHT:

The easiest thing to be in the world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be.

Challenge

Don't allow them to put you in that position. Avoid the temptation to conform to the whims of this world. Rather, be the best you that you can be - the you that God made you to be. Pray for guidance to live the life God intended for you.

Verse

Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

Reference

Romans 12:2

Faith

Posted on November 7, 2023

THOUGHT:

I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.

Challenge

It is not realistic to eliminate worry from your life. When worry creeps into your day, lean on your faith and turn your fears over to God in prayer. Let your faith in God overcome your fears.

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

Priorities

Posted on November 6, 2023

THOUGHT:

Sometimes I think there are only two instructions we need to follow to develop and deepen our spiritual life: slow down and let go.

Challenge

Set aside some significant time EACH DAY this week to SLOW DOWN, to take a deep breath and to recognize your blessings. LET GO of the daily pressures that create stress in your life. Spend more time and energy feeding your spirituality and peace of mind knowing that God is always present in your life. Make this a priority every day and it will change your life!

Verse

The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace.

Reference

Romans 8:6

Gratitude

Posted on November 3, 2023

THOUGHT:

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, but to live gratitude is to touch heaven.

Challenge

As you wake up, thank God for all your blessings. Take a moment to realize all the good things in your life. It will provide you with a fresh and positive way to start your day. It will change your attitude and make you feel like you're walking on a different altitude.

Verse

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

Reference

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Encouragement

Posted on November 2, 2023

THOUGHT:

How would your life be different if…you stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter?

Challenge

Let today be the day…you look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey. Leave the judging to God.

Verse

“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.

Reference

Luke 6:37 

Courage

Posted on November 1, 2023

THOUGHT:

The strongest people find the courage and caring to help others, even if they are going through their own storm.

Challenge

Look for an opportunity to help someone in need today. The satisfaction you get from helping someone else may take your mind off your own struggles.

Verse

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

Reference

Philippians 2:4