Seeking Truth Meditations: Recent Episodes
Shanelle Sargent
Doses of 10 minute meditations. Discussing how to approach verses all throughout the bible to look at scriptures practically that it may help us in our everyday lives. God Bless xx
Talks on what is helpful and what isn't helpful in the depressive state. She goes into the different stages and how to help people in those stages.
Brianna expands on this in her podcast episode: https://embed.sounder.fm/play/479528
God Bless xx
Reflecting on what a rut looks like in your life. Are you in one? We challenge you to get out.
God Bless xx
It's natural to encourage a friend at the Olympics of how good they have persevered, but what about all the other days? What about the last 10 years day after day training? What about the other people? Are you there cheering them on?
Depression can lead to a character capable of life or death, we need to encourage each other to keep going, to keep taking one step after the next.
Encourage during the perseverance, not after the fact when they finally climbed the mountain.
Yes, we know they are capable of getting there, but maybe they don't. Cheer them on, encourage and understand that Christ can carry this burden, you just need to show up.
God bless xx
What is Perseverance? Essential to the Christian Faith? This is the first of three in the the Spiritual Mental Health Series w/ Bri.
Thanks for Listening. I hope hearing life from a different perspective grows empathy within your spirit.
God Bless xx
We talk on the topic of loving those who "Don't Deserve Your Love". We dive into how Christ loved us while we were yet sinners. We discuss what it means to love because he first loved us.
God Bless xx
Bri has fought many suicidal battles this year, leaving her to reflect in a mental hospital for multiple months. She has it on her heart to help others dealing with this, as she has such a huge heart for the Lord, it is inspiring to see her desire to change, her desire to just trust and lean into his plans for her. Below is attached a Podcast Episode explaining the "third stage" and she talks about the reality of what it's like being in the position of someone deep into depression. https://embed.sounder.fm/play/479528 If you or anyone you know is in need of someone who would benefit from someone to talk to, or benefit from a community of followers of Christ, shoot an email to freedominforgivenesstherapy@gmail.com
Brianna shares her tactics learned from her time spent at the Mental Hospital earlier this year. She has struggled with many diagnosis' all her life. She came to follow Christ as a teenager, and has such an inspiring love for God. She continues to struggle, so she opens up about what it is like living with a constant mental health decline. She talks about the three stages of this decline to watch out for. Be a support for those around you, it might do more than you know. God bless xx
Elijah seemed to have everything going for him... until the Queen gave a death sentence. He ran away in fear. He wished his life away. He didn't have the will to keep fighting anymore. Perhaps, not this extreme, but in some way or another I feel we can all relate having high highs, soon followed by low lows. In these moments in time do we turn to Fear or Faith?
We are Humans, sometimes we get into a rut. When we lose the will to do anything that might be important to us, we need to get back up and take on life 1% at a time. Celebrate small victories.
"If you count the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves."
If you read the pages, the wisdom mindset will come.
We are overwhelmed in todays society with data and knowledge that is constantly changing, yet God never changes. God knows what we need, what advice to give, etc. We need to open our bibles though to let him in.
In this episode we talk about statistics of the average christian and what drives a transformation, a true change in heart. This is what God desires of us, not to check boxes, and stop there at the pride.
Large Churches, Small Churches, Meeting at a Building, Meeting in Homes... Should we be asking where he wants us to worship or does he want us to understand HOW and WHY? Let's join as disciples in meeting together and having Fellowship together with the Bread and Wine, with all HUMILITY, Remembering our Saviour.
Has your brook ever dried up? The brook that brought many "blessings" in your life: family, friends, comfort, encouragement, stability, etc. ...
God will wake us up in many ways. Does he have to dry up your brook to get through to you? And when he dries up your brook, will you choose to walk in faith, or get bitter? Reflect.
The Bible is a Light for our Feet.
It would be nice to have a light to see where we are going but Faith doesn't work this way. So, let's trust in him with all our heart, mind, and soul.
He's got this, way better than we ever could by the way.
God Bless.
xx
Christ is the Good Shepherd.
The Wise take advice. Constant growth means to accept counsel, accept advice.We also talk about giving advice. Check for truth in any advice. Thrive for growth, not complacency.
Meet Mama. Episode One. Talks on Tough Love. Tips for Seeking Truth Bible Study. Topic of Endless Mercy. Love Rejoices in the truth, Always Perseveres. Standing for Truth IN Love.
1 Cor. 13 - John 10
Quote (Dec. 31, 2020): ---
1 Peter 2:9
"But ye are a chosen generation,
a royal priesthood,
an holy nation,
a peculiar people;
that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his Marvelous Light."
Let's walk out in the New Year as Lights. Being tranformed daily so our lights and fruits may be acceptable to Him. We are nothing but dirt, but with our God we can be dirt that shines !
Thanks everyone for the support it gives comfort knowing that there is community all around us who can be there for one another as we all strive for the same purpose... to be blameless children of light for a dark world.
God Bless xx
Quote (Dec. 30, 2020): "It's time to Travel."
Psa. 119:19
"I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me."
Eph. 1:4
"Even as he chose us in him before the foundations of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him."
Quote (Dec. 28/29, 2020): "Your big opportunity may be right where you are now." (Napoleon Hill)
Eph. 5:15-16
"Look carefully then how you walk, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
James 4:14
"Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring... You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."
Quote (Dec. 27, 2020): "Never forget to Smile. Be Happy."
Romans 12:12
"Be Joyful in Hope, Patient in Affliction, Faithful in Prayer."
Quote (Dec. 26, 2020): "The pen that writes your life story must be held in your own hand." (Irene C. Kassorla)
Gal. 6:5 (MSG)
"Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."
Prov. 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart... Lean NOT on your own understanding. In all your way sacknowledge Him, and he'll make straight your paths."
Jer. 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you... to give you a Future and a Hope."
Quote (Dec. 25, 2020): "Seek first to understand, then be understood." (Steven Covey)
Matt. 7:7
"Ask and it will be given to you,
Seek and you will find;
Knock and the door will be opened to you."
Quote (Dec. 24, 2020): "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." (Mother Teresa)
Isa. 32:17 "The work of righteousness will be peace..."
Romans 12:5 "So in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
Quote (Dec. 23, 2020): "The World Awaits You."
Mark 16:15
"He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to ALL creation."
Quote (Dec. 21/22, 2020): "Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions." (Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.)
2 Cor. 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here."
Psa. 92:12-14 "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will GROW like a cedar of Lebanon... Still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green."
1 Sam. 2:26 "And the boy Samuel continued to GROW in stature and favour with the LORD and with people."
Quote (Dec. 20, 2020): "When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy." (Jalal Ad-Din Rumi)
1 Sam. 12:24
"Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you."
Deut. 11:13
"...Love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."
Quote (Dec. 19, 2020): "We acquire the strength we have overcome." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
1 John 5:4
"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even OUR FAITH."
Romans 12:21
"Don't be overcome by evil, but overcomes evil with good."
Isa. 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. Uphold you with my righteous hand."
Quote (Dec. 18, 2020): "Wherever you go, go with all your heart." (Confucius)
Col. 3:23-24
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for man, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritence as your reward."
Ruth 1:16
"But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.' "
Quote (Dec. 17, 2020): "Every day may not be good... But there's something good in every day." (Alice Morse Earle)
1 Thess. 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Psa. 13:6 "I will sing to the Lord for he has been good to me."
Quote (Dec. 16, 2020): "Strength is a matter of a made up mind." (John Beecher)
2 Chron. 32:8 -> Confidence that God will Help us.
Phil. 1:6 -> Confidence that God won't give up on us.
Phil. 4:13 -> Confidence God gives us Strength.
Psa. 20:7 -> Confidence we're on the Winning Team.
Quote (Dec. 14/15, 2020): "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
Galatians 1:10
"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Proverbs 12:16
"Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult."
Quote (Dec. 13, 2020): "It's easier to go down a hill than up it, but the view is much better at the top." (Henry Ward Beecher)
-1 Peter 5-
"Lazy hands make for Poverty,
but diligent hands bring wealth." (Prov. 10:4)
Quote (Dec. 12, 2020): "Tough times never last but tough people do." (Robert Schuller)
1 Peter 5:10
"The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while."
Quote (Dec. 11, 2020): "Do less with more focus."
1 Tim. 6:6-8
"Godliness with contentment is great gain... For we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it..."
Quote (Dec. 10, 2020): "Do what makes your soul shine."
Matt. 5:16
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Quote (Dec. 9, 2020): "Never regret anything that made you smile." (Mark Twain)
Ecc. 7:14
"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future."
Psa. 94:19
"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."
Quote (Dec. 07/08, 2020): "Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher." (Oprah Winfrey)
Prov. 13:20 -> "Who walks with the wise becomes wise."
Prov. 27:17 -> "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
1 Thess. 5:11 -> "So encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Quote (Dec. 6, 2020): "Time to reach your goals."
Phil. 3:13-14
"Forget what is behind... press on toward the GOAL to win the prize for which God has called me to heavenward in Christ Jesus."
James 4:14
"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
Luke 12:15
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
Quote (Dec. 5, 2020): "Since everything is in our heads, we had better not lose them." (Coco Chanel)
2 Tim. 1:7
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-control."
Quote (Dec. 4, 2020): "Growth and Comfort do not coexist." (Ginni Rometty)
Nehemiah 1:4
"When I heard these things, I sat down and sept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven."
Nehemiah had a comfortable life but chose God's work that needed to be done over comfort. He had courage and faith to endure in whatever growth that needed to take place.
Quote (Dec. 3, 2020) "We tend to live up to our expectations." (Earl Nightingale)
Philippians 1:20
"It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honoured..."
Prov. 10:28 -> Hope of the Righteous brings joy. Wicked Expectations will perish.
Quote (Dec. 2, 2020): "There is no way to Happiness, Happiness is the way." (Thich Nhat Hanh)
-Ecclesiasties 6-
Wealth is not happiniess. We need to Enjoy our Toil, whatever we may be given.
Quote (Nov. 30 / Dec. 1, 2020): "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." (Paulo Coelho)
Romans 8:28 -> God calls all things to work together for good to those who love him and are called according to His purpose.
Mark 11:24 -> Pray. Ask. Believe, and it will be granted to you.
Quote (Nov. 29, 2020): "You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back." (Barbara de Angelis)
Lev. 26:3-20
"If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; then I will give you rain in due time, the land shall yield her increase, trees of the field shall yield their fruit... Dwell in your land safely... Peace in the land... None shall make you afraid.
If ye don't hearken to me, don't do these commandments, despising my statutes, ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it, ye shall be slain before your enemies... sorrow of heart..."
Quote (Nov. 28, 2020): "If better is possible, good is not enough." (Benjamin Franklin)
Romans 12:1
"By the mercies fo God, present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
Col. 3:23
"Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men;"
Quote (Nov. 27, 2020): "Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit." (Bernard Williams)
James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance."
Prov. 24:16
"For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief."
Quote (Nov. 26, 2020): "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." (Mother Teresa)
James 3:5
"The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!"
Gal. 5:9
"A little leaven leavens the whole lump."
Luke 7:47 -> Many sins forgiven because of the genuine love shown in her small gestures. Those who love lots, are forgiven the many/multitudes of sins.
Quote (Nov. 25, 2020): "Storms don't last forever."
John 16:33
"In me you may have peace.
In the world, you will have tribulation.
For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the World!"
Isa. 43:1-2
"When you pass through the deep, stormy sea, you can count on me to be there with you. When you pass through raging rivers, you will not drown. Walk through fire; the flame shall not consume you."
Quote (Nov. 23/24, 2020): "If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun." (Katharine Hepburn)
Ecc. 2:24
"There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God."
Quote (Nov. 22, 2020): "Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor." (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
James 1:3, 4, 12
"Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life."
Romans 5:4
"Perseverance builds character; and character, hope."
Quote (Nov. 21, 2020): "Take the Risk"
Ecc. 11:4-6
"He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.
In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know what will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good."
Mt. 14:29
"He said, 'come'. So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus."
Quote (Nov. 20, 2020): "You must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing." (Andrew Jackson)
Heb. 10:34
"You showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for youselves a better possession and a lasting one."
Quote (Nov. 19, 2020): "You change the world by being yourself." (Yoko Ono)
Romans 12:6
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
If your gift is prophesying, then prophecy in accordance with your faith..."
Quote (Nov. 18, 2020): "It is choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." (J.K, Rowling)
Matt. 7:13, 14
"Enter by the narrow gate.
For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
Quote (Nov. 16/17, 2020): "Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." (Chinese Proverb)
1 Thess. 5:1-6, 8
The day of the LORD will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
Heb. 12:2
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the JOY set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Quote (Nov. 15, 2020): "As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." (Marianne Williamson)
Gal. 5:13
"For you were called to freedom, brothers; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Gal. 5:1
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
2 Pet. 2:19
"They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever comes a person, to that he is enslaved."
Quote (Nov. 14, 2020): "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Matt. 7:13
"Enter through the Narrow Gate."
John 14:6
"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life"
Psa. 16:11
He will make known to us the Path of LIFE.
Psa. 119:105
"Your word is a light for my feet, a lamp for my path."
Quote (Nov. 13, 2020): "Grow Gratitude"
Col. 1:12
"Giving JOYFUL thanks to the Father... who has qualified us to share inheritance with holy people in the Kingdom of LIGHT."
James 1:17
"Every good and perfect figt is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Psa. 79:13
We, His People, the Sheep of his Pasture, will praise Him FOREVER; from generation to generation we will provlaim His Praise.
Psa. 106:1
"Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
Quote (Nov. 12, 2020): "Don't get discouraged; it's usually the last key in the bunch that opens the lock." (Abraham Lincoln)
Psa. 25:9, 13
"He guides the humble in what's right and teaches them his way.
All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful."
Gal. 6:1
"If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
Quote (Nov. 11, 2020): "Joy is but the sign that creative emotion is fulfilling its purpose." (Charles Du Bos)
Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope FILL you with all JOY and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with Hope."
Neh. 8:10
"Do not grieve, for the JOY of the Lord is your Strength."
John 15:10-12
"If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love.
I have told you this so that my JOY may be in you and that your JOY may be complete.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
Quote (Nov. 9/10, 2020): "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." (Robert F. Kennedy)
John 10:3-4
"To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.
And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
Quote (Nov. 8, 2020): "It's better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life." (Elizabeth Kenny)
Matt. 10:16
"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."
1 Sam. 17:34-36
David said to Saul, "...When a lion or a bear came after it (a sheep), I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it.
I, your servant, have killed both lion and bear; this cirumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God."
1 Pet. 5:8
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
Quote (Nov. 7, 2020): "It takes great courage to faithfully follow what we know to be true." (Sara E. Anderson)
Deut. 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
1 Cor. 16:13
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
Quote (Nov. 6, 2020): "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough." (Og Mandino)
Matt. 6:33
"But seek first his kingdom and his righeousness,
and all these other things will be given to you as well."
Matt. 6:22
"The eye is the LAMP of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body is filled with LIGHT."
Quote (Nov. 5, 2020): "A problem is a chance for you to do your best." (Duke Ellington)
Iniquity is a Problem, what are we going to do about it? Definitely hold yourself accountable in saying that if you LOVE any iniquity around you, it's not true love. It's a lust we are trying to attain (Dollar Store Version of God's Love).
1 Cor. 13:6-7
"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Quote (Nov. 4, 2020): "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
Tit. 2:12 -> "Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"
Quote (Nov. 2/3, 2020): "Whatever you are, be a good one." (Abraham Lincoln)
Romans 7:22-25 -> Delight in God's Law. We are at war with being a prisoner of the law of sin and God's law; but he will deliver us.
2 Kings 18:3-8 -> "He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done."
2 Chron. 31:20-21 -> Hezekiah, throughout all Judah, did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God... He sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered."
2 Chron. 32:26 -> "Then Hezekiah repented of the PRIDE of his heart, as did the people of Jersualem; therefore the Lord's wrath did not come on them during the days of Hezekiah."
Quote (Nov. 1, 2020): "Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others." (Rosa Parks)
Gen. 4 -> Cain and Abel (The first siblings)
1 John 3:12 -> "Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. ... Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous."
Prov. 9:8 -> "Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you."
Prov. 17:10 -> "A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool."
Quote (Oct. 31, 2020): "The harder you fall, the higher you bounce." (Doug Horton)
James 1:13-17
... God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed...
Don't be deceived...
Gal. 6:7-10
Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked.
A man reaps what he sows.
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction;
Whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Quote (Oct. 30, 2020): "A rainbow is the product of physics working for your appreciation of beauty." (Kyle Hill)
"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." (Gen. 9:13)
Jer. 33:20-21
"If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night no longer come at their appointed time, then ... and David will no longer have a descendant to rign on his throne."
Hos. 2:19-20
"I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD."
Quote (Oct. 29, 2020): "The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams." (Oprah Winfrey)
Matt. 1
v. 3 Tamar
v. 5 Rahab
v. 5 Ruth
v. 6 Bathsheba
v. 16 Mary
Quote (Oct. 28, 2020): "The less you open your heart to others, the more your heart suffers." (Deepak Chopra)
Psa. 68:4-6
"Sing to God, sing in praise of his name...
A father to the fatherless,
a defender of widows...
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads out the prisoners with singing..."
Quote (Oct. 26/27, 2020): "Let life surprise you."
-1 John 3:1-10-
v.1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
v. 4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. (5) But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins.
v. 9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them...
v. 10 The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way:
All who do not do what is right are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters.
Quote (Oct. 25, 2020): "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's Courage." (Anais Nin)
2 Cor. 8:9 -> By the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for our sake he became poor. So that by his poverty, we might become rich.
Matt. 18:23-25 -> Unforgiving servant. Shows importance of Forgiveness and Mercy.
Lk. 10:29 -> The Good Samaritan.
Luke 15:11-32 -> Prodigal Son.
Strong's G4697 Splagchnizomai:
To have bowels yearn, FEEL sympathy, to pity - Be MOVED WITH COMPASSION.
Quote (Oct. 24, 2020): "The price of greatness is responsibility." (Winston Churchill)
Matt. 15:29-34 ->
Faith of the two blind men who called out to Jesus.
Christ had compassion on them.
Matt. 15:14 ->
Blind man leading blind man. Leading only to the pit.
No Salvation found here.
Quote (Oct. 23, 2020): "Unplug"
Psa. 85:7-13 ->
... Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
The Lord will indeed give what is good.
Righteouness looks down from Heaven.
Righteouness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps...
Quote (Oct. 22, 2020): "A weed is a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Psa. 146
Praise the Lord.
Who upholds the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets prisoners free, gives sight to the blind, lift up those bowed down, love the righteous.
He WATCHES over the foreigner, sustains the fatherless and the widow.
"You reign forever, O Zion, for all generations."
Quote (Oct. 21, 2020): "For success, attitude is equally as important as ability." (Walter Scott)
Ex. 23:13 He is our God. Let's KNOW Him, so that in turn we can love him. We are His people and He is our God.
Faith without Works is Dead.
Attitude of Mercy, Grace, Patience, Goodness, Truth, and Forgiveness.
To have the Ability to do these things we must reflect on them and learn to KNOW what they are... WHO our God is.
Quote (Oct. 19/20): "You'll never find a better sparring partner than adversity." (Golda Meir)
Gal. 3:26-29 -> "Children of God through faith..."
If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seek, and heirs according to the promise.
Isa. 43:6-7 -> "... everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Quote (Oct. 18, 2020): "Sometimes even to live is an act of courage." (Lucius Annaeus Seneca)
"... as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Col. 3:12)
Quote (Oct. 17, 2020): "Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire." (Jennifer Lee)
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isa. 30:21)
"The Lord will GUIDE you ALWAYS;
he will SATISFY your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail."
(Isa. 58:11)
Quote (Oct. 16, 2020): "Nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so." (William Shakespeare)
Jer. 31:2 -> Told the disciples of old that he loved them with an everlasting love, and this loving kindness is what drew the people to our God.
2 Tim. 1:7 -> He gives us not a spirit of Fear, but rather of power, love, and a sound mind.
God created everything Good. It was our Flesh that messed it up.
Nothing is good unless we think it so. God gives us many factual reasons to know he is GOod and offers a hope and good things to come out of even "evil" things in our eyes.
Truly no one or nothing is bad except for what is of the Flesh. Everything else has reason and God will blossom it in its time. Let's fully put our trust in Him.
Quote (Oct. 15, 2020): "If you can't make a mistake, you can't make anything." (Marva Collins)
"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God." (3 John 1:11)
Deliberately doing a mistake (evil) over again, he has NOT even seen God. Mistakes that are unintentional in life are inevitable. But when we have the knowledge and ability to change, we will, we will unless we have not truly found nor seen God. God's perfect love makes this change so worth it. Submission to him is ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction.
Quote (Oct. 14, 2020): "The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions." (Confucious)
Humility of Christ:
Phil. 2:7 -> Emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant.
Matt. 13:55 -> Viewed only as carpenter, Mary's son, and brother of James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.
Luke 9:58 -> Son of Man has no where to lay His head.
Heb. 4:15 -> Hight Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses.
Heb. 5:7 -> Offered prayers and supplications with LOUD CRYING and TEARS.
Thankfulness:
1 Tim. 4:4-5 -> He created everything and created it GOOD.
Psa. 100:3 -> We are Sheep of HIS Pasture.
Psa. 107:8-9 -> He satisfies our every NEED.
Col. 3:17 -> In ALL we do, give thanks in Christ's Name.
2 Cor. 9:11 -> Giving generously blooms from a thankful heart.
1 Thess. 5:16-18 -> Rejoice ALWAYS and pray CONTINUALLY.
Phil. 4:6-7; 1 Pet. 1:7 -> Thankfulness produces peace and grows our faith and trust in GOD.
Quote (Oct. 12/13, 2020): "The time is always RIGHT to do what is RIGHT." (Martin Luther King JR.)
(~Gal. 5:22-26~)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
Quote (Oct. 11, 2020): "If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time." (Zig Ziglar)
Romans 14:19 (NLT):
"So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up."
Quote (Oct. 10, 2020): "We do not remember days, we remember moments." (Cesare Pavese)
Matt. 5:7 -> For it is the Merciful who shall obtain Mercy.
1 Chron. 16:34 -> Give thanks to the Lord, for His MERCY endures Forever.
Quote (Oct. 9, 2020): "You are not old until REGRETS start taking place of DREAMS." (John Barrymore)
Ecc. 5:19-20
"When God gives someone wealth and possessions,
AND the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil
-This is a gift of God.
They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart."
Quote (Oct. 8, 2020): "Courage is like love; it must have hope for nourishment." (Napoleon Bonaparte)
Psa. 37:4-5
"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."
Quote (Oct. 7, 2020): "The power of imagination makes us infinite." (John Muir)
Luke 1:26-35; 2:1-20
Mary's faith gave her opportunity. God knew no one could take on this task except if they had the faith to put all their confidence in God working through them. She knew she wasn't worthy in her eyes but she had the faith and obedience to follow through.
Quote (Oct. 5/6, 2020): "Opportunities multiply as they are seized." (Sun Tzu)
1 Cor. 3:9-13
"For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. By the grace God has given me...
...It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work."
Quote (Oct. 4, 2020): "Make your life a mission, not an intermission." (Arnold H. Glasour)
Gal. 1:10
"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?
Or am I trying to please people?
If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Quote (Oct. 3, 2020): "Every Moment Matters."
Eph. 5
v. 8-9 You were a time in darkness, but now are ye in light in the Lord: Walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
v. 14-16 Awake; and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Quote (Oct. 2, 2020): "The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection." (Michelangelo)
Job 12:7-16 ->
"ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell you: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach you: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.
The hand of the Lord who shall know that in his hand is the soul of EVERY living thing, and the breath of all mankind.
With him is wisdom and strength, he has counsel and understanding."
Quote (Oct. 1, 2020): "Make every step count."
Heb. 2:18 -> Christ tempted in all ways as we are.
Heb. 5:2 -> He understands our weaknesses, but he overcame.
Luke 22:39-46 -> Christ's prayer to overcome temptation. Warns Disciples.
Quote (Sept. 30, 2020): "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another." (Walter Elliot)
Acts 16 -> Jailer and Lydia Baptisms.
Luke 15:7 -> Rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents...
Romans 6:16 -> We are slaves of whoever we obey. Whatever we follow after. We make the choice whether it be life or death. Purpose or vanity.
Quote (Sept. 28/29, 2020): "Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers." (Alfred Lord Tennyson)
(1 Peter 2)
Quote (Sept. 27, 2020): "It is easy to be brave from a safe distance." (Aesop)
(Psa. 147)
"Praise the Lord... He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name..."
Quote (Sept. 26, 2020): "Although there is no progress without change, not all change is progress." (John Wooden)
(PSALM 73)
v. 1-14 The Psalmist's temptation of Envying the Wicked and Arrogant.
v. 15-20 Seeing the Light and Truth.
v. 21-28 How he Profited by it.
Quote (Sept. 25, 2020): "A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition." (William Aruther Ward)
Psa. 51 ->
v. 1 "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgresions.
v. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness, let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
v. 10-12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a stedgast spirit within me."
"Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
Quote (Sept. 24, 2020): "Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life." (Sophia Loren)
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:8-9)
Quote (Sept. 23, 2020): "Hello, Autumn."
Ecc. 3 ->
v. 1,2 "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die;"
v. 11 "He has made everything beautiful in his time."
Quote (Sept. 21/22, 2020): "Every artist was first an amateur." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Luke 5
v. 8 -> "When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."
v. 10 -> "And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men."
Quote (Sept. 20, 2020): "You don't have to be great to start. But you have to start to be great." (Zig Ziglar)
"...Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fuly to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labout is not in vain." (1 Cor. 15:58)
Quote (Sept. 19, 2020): "Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." (Oprah Winfrey).
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord... since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward..." (Col. 3:23-24)
"Do your best to present yourselves to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15)
Quote (Sept. 18, 2020): "A wise man travels to discover himself." (James Russell Lowell)
Joshua 1:9 -> "Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
John 15:16 -> "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed YOU so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."
Quote (Sept. 17, 2020): "Surviving is important. Thriving is Elegant." (Maya Angelou)
Ezek. 16:7 -> He made his people thrive like plants of the field, growing up and maturing, becoming very beautiful... they started out as stark naked.
Ezek. 17:9-10 -> Will it Thrive? Even in winds and trials?
Ezek. 17:24 -> The Lord brings down the tall tree and makes the low tree grow tall. He is the Lord.
Quote (Sept. 16, 2020): "Go for the journey of a thousand miles."
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this:
To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)
Quote (Sept. 14/15, 2020): "The Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
"..put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (Col. 3:10)
Quote (Sept. 13, 2020): "I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." (Thomas Calyle)
"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:6, NIV)
Quote (Sept. 12, 2020): "Minds are like parachutes, they only function when they are open." (Thomas Dewar)
"For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Tim. 1:7)
Quote (Sept. 11, 2020): "Let the adventure begin"
Psa. 30:4-5 ->
"Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
For his anger endures but a moment; in his favour is life:
Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning."
Quote (Sept. 10, 2020): "I believe the greater the handicap, the greater the triumph." (John H. Johnson)
James 1:2-4 ->
Consider it pure JOY when faced with trials of many kinds.
For the testing of our faith produces perseverance.
With patience, perseverance will finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Quote (Sept. 9, 2020): "Make your dreams happen."
Prov. 22:1-4
"A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Rich and poor have this in common:
The Lord is the Maker of them all.
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Humility is the fear of the Lord;
its wages are riches and honour and life."
Quote (Sept. 7/8, 2020): "The best way to FIND yourself is to LOSE yourself in the Service of Others." (Mahatma Gandhi)
Heb. 10:1 -> The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming - not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.
Psa. 1:1-3 -> Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nore sits in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; meditating on it day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.
Quote (Sept. 6, 2020): "Dwell in Possibility." (Emily Dickinson)
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matt. 19:26)
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)
Quote (Sept. 5, 2020): "Excellence is rarely found, more rarely valued." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
Phil. 4:8 -> Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, if there is ANY EXCELLENCE, worthy of praise, Think on these things.
Phil. 1:9-10 -> ...Approving what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.
2 Cor. 8:7 -> As you EXCEL in everything - in faith, speech, knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you - see that you EXCEL in this act of grace also.
other Excellence bible verses:
Dan. 6:3; 5:12;
Tit. 2:7
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me." (Psa. 23:4)
Quote (Sept. 4, 2020): "Sometimes questions are more important than answers." (Nancy Willard)
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matt. 7:7)
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jer. 33:3)
Quote (Sept. 3, 2020): "Never Give Up!"
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matt. 6:33)
Quote (Sept. 2, 2020): "If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins." (Benjamin Franklin)
Romans 12
v. 6 -> We all have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us...
v.9 -> Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Quote (August 31 / September 1, 2020): "A work of art is above all an adventure of the mind." (Eugene Ionesco)
2 Kings 6:1-7-> Miracle of the Lost Axe-Head. Elisha as Leader.
Quote (August 30, 2020): "Success doesn't make you and Failure doesn't break you." (Zig Ziglar)
Romans 12
v. 1-2 -> Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is a reasonable service. Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
v. 9 -> Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
v. 12 -> Rejoice in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
Quote (August 29, 2020): "Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character." (Albert Einstein)
Phil. 2:1-3 -> Agree wholeheartedly, love one another, "work together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try impress others. Be humble, think of others better than yourselves."
Phil. 2:14-15 -> "Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people."
Quote (August 28, 2020): "Everything you can imagine is real." (Pablo Picasso)
"Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you." (Isa. 35:4)
Quote (August 27, 2020): "Have Courage and be Kind."
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Col. 3:12)
Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Quote (August 26, 2020): "You never lose by loving. You lose by holding back." (Barbara de Angelis)
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8)
Quote (August 24/25, 2020): "Conquer from within!"
"For our of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man." (Matt. 15:19-20)
"When you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey - whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness." (Romans 6:16)
Quote (August 23, 2020): "Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?" (Mark Twain)
We pray that His Beautiful Creation itself can be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of Glory. (Romans 8:21).
Quote (August 22, 2020): "Be the best version of you."
"May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." (2 Thess. 3:5)
The best versions of ourselves is teaming up with our Creator :) .
Quote (August 21, 2020): "To measure a man, measure his heart." (Malcolm Forbes)
"... for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7)
Quote (August 20, 2020): "It is a kingly act to assist the fallen." (Mother Teresa)
Luke 10:25-37 -> The Good Samaritan.
"As God's chosen people, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience... Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Col. 3:12-14)
"Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13)
Quote (August 19, 2020): "Follow your Heart."
Jer. 17:9 -> Heart is deceitful above all things, desperately sick.
Prov. 3:5-7 -> Trust in Him with all your Heart, lean not on own understanding, acknowledge Him in all our ways. For then He will make straight our paths.
Psa. 37:4 -> Take Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your Heart.
Quote (August 17/18, 2020): "Find out who you are and do it on purpose." (Dolly Parton)
"... to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men." (Daniel 4:17)
Quote (August 17/18, 2020): "Let's get lost!"
"Seek first His Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you." (Matt. 6:33)
If we are feeling lost, let's seek first his kingdom, and the way will appear!
Quote (August 15, 2020): "Throw your heart over the fence and the rest will follow." (Norman Vincent Peale)
"Give me thine HEART, and let thine eyes observe my ways." (Prov. 23:26)
"Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good, acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)
"And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:7)
Quote (August 14, 2020): "Live out of your imagination, not your history." (Stephen Covey)
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past..." (Isa. 43:18-19)
"...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13-14)
Quote (August 13, 2020): "The only limits are, as always, those of vision." (James Broughton)
"Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law." (Prov. 29:18 ESV)
Quote (August 12, 2020): "A whole stack of memories never equals one little hope." (Charles M. Schulz)
"Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding." (Prov. 3:13)
"... Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us... Joy set before him (Jesus), he endured the cross..." (Heb. 12:1-2)
"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.... that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." (Heb. 12:14-15)
Quote (August 10/11, 2020): "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." (Abraham Lincoln)
"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Blessed is the one who fears the Lord, always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity." (Prov. 28:13-14)
Quote (Aug. 9, 2020): "Where there is love there is life." (Mahatma Gandhi)
1 Cor. 16:14 -> "Let all you do be done in love."
1 John 4:16 -> "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
Psa. 143:8 -> "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."
Col. 3:14 -> "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony."
1 Cor. 13:4-5 -> "Love is patient, kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
Quote (August 8, 2020): "When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt." (Henry J. Kaiser)
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." (James 3:13)
Quote (August 7, 2020): "We will either find a way or make one." (Hannibal Barea)
"God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (1 Peter 5:10)
Quote (August 6, 2020): "Achieve your life stream."
"For everything that was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)
Quote (August 5, 2020): "Fortune befriends the Bold." (Emily Dickinson)
"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." (Prov. 13:4)
Quote (August 3/4, 2020): "The healthiest response to life is joy." (Deepak Chopra)
"...we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
Quote (August 2, 2020): "You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it." (Margaret Thatcher)
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psa. 139:23, 24)
Quote (August 1, 2020): "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." (Henry Ford)
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." (John 15:4)
Quote (July 31, 2020): "Enjoy every Sunset."
"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised." (Psa. 113:3)
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psa. 19:1)
Quote (July 30, 2020): "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." (Albert Einstein)
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23)
"For the righteous fall seven times, and rise again. But the wicked stumble when clamity strikes." (Prov. 24:16)
"Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." (Psa. 37:24)
"In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Quote (July 29, 2020): "Actually, I can."
Gal. 5:2-6 -> "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ..."
Quote (July 27/28, 2020): "What man's mind can create, man's character can control." (Thomas Edison)
Matt. 23:2-7 -> Scribes and Pharisees were hypocrites and their characters weren't strong enough to contol what their minds were telling them in boastfulness.
Jer. 17:5-8 -> Having Hope in the Lord.
Romans 2:17, 28-29 -> He is a Jew that boasts in the Lord, not himself. Who is one inwardly and circumcision is in the heart, in the spirit. Whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Quote (July 26, 2020): "High expectations are the key to everything." (Sam Walton)
James 1:19 -> Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
James 4:6-10 -> God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.
Prov. 11:2 -> Pride comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Prov. 12:15 -> The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
Psa. 25:9 -> He guides the Humble in what is right and taches them the way.
Quote (July 25, 2020): "Be kind whenever possible. It is Always Possible." (Dalai Lama)
"And let the PEACE of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Col. 3:15)
Quote (July 24, 2020): "Create the Future."
"But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance..." (Gal. 5:22, 23)
Quote (July 23, 2020): "In the middle of Difficulty lies Opportunity." (Albert Einstein)
"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant." (Psa. 25:9-15)
(Matt. 5)
Quote (July 22, 2020): "Virtue is its own reward." (John Henry Newman)
"Let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." (1 Thess. 5:8)
Prov. 10 -> Wise vs. Foolish
Quote (July 20/21, 2020): "Human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes." (William James)
"Has not my hand made all these things,
and so they came into being? declares the Lord...
These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word." (Isa. 66:2)
Beattitudes -> Matt. 5
Quote (July 19, 2020): "Take your work seriously but never yourself." (Margot Fonteyn)
"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose taht prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)
Quote (July 18, 2020): "Always do what you are afraid to do." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Phil. 4:9)
Quote (July 17, 2020): "Your only obligation in any lifetime is to be true to yourself." (Richard Bach)
"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of JOY; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psa. 16:11)
Quote (July 16, 2020): "Don't count the days, make the days count." (Muhammad Ali)
"What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person's heart..." (Mark 7:20-23)
"You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." (Psa. 16:2)
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Prov. 16:18)
Quote (July 15, 2020): "Every burden is a blessing." (Walt Kelly)
"God has not given us a spirit of Fear, BUT of power and of LOVE and of a sound mind." (2 Tim. 1:7)
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above..." (Col. 3:1)
BURDENS:
Matt. 11:28-30 -> "Come to me, all who labour and are beavy burdened... For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Psa. 55:22 -> "Cast your burden on the LORD..."
Gal. 6:2 -> "Bear one another's burdens..."
Quote (July 13/14, 2020): "Turn your wounds into wisdom." (Oprah Winfrey)
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deut. 31:6)
Quote (July 12, 2020): "Put on your Positive Pants."
Phil. 4:8 -> Think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy.
Prov. 17:22 -> A Cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
1 Thess. 5:16-19 -> Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.
Quote (July 11, 2020): "I feel that the greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more." (Jonas Salk)
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." (Heb 12:13-15)
Quote (July 10, 2020): "Motivation is the fuel necessary to keep the human engine running." (Zig Ziglar)
"Be followers of God, as dear children; walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifie to God for a sweetsmelling savour." (Eph. 5:1-2)
Quote (July 9, 2020): "Courage is knowing what not to fear." (Plato)
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (Psa. 119:11)
Quote (July 8, 2020): "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." (Michael Jordan)
"..walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh..." (Gal. 5:16-17)
Quote (July 6/7, 2020): "Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." (Anthony J. D'angelo)
1 Sam. 18:1-4 -> Jonathan and David's relationship centred around sacrifice and genuine love. Lights in one anothers' lives.
Quote (July 5, 2020): "If you can dream it, you can do it." (Walt Disney)
Phil. 2:1-6 -> Encouragement from being united with Christ and the Ecclesia.. Make His Joy complete by being like-minded.
Quote (July 4, 2020): "Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can." (Danny Kaye)
Psa. 27:11-14 -> Teach me thy ways oh Lord. Lead me in a straight path. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart.
Quote (July 3, 2020): "Differences can be a strength."
John 13:34-35 -> "Love one another as I have loved you... By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
1 Peter 3:8 -> "Be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."
Gal. 3:26-28 -> "In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nore free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
1 Cor. 1:10 -> "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
Quote (July 2, 2020): "The Shell must Break before the Bird can Fly." (Alfred Lord Tennyson)
"Let no one despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Tim. 4:12)
Quote (July 1, 2020): "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." (Mae West)
"A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." (Prov. 13:4)
Quote (June 29/30, 2020): "Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations." (Zig Ziglar)
"Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way whcih leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matt. 7:14)
Matt. 25:1-13 -> 10 Virgins Parable
Quote (June 28, 2020): "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." (Henry Ford)
"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." (Col. 3:13)
Quote (June 27, 2020): "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." (Mother Teresa)
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." (Prov. 16:24)
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." (Mt. 5:9)
Quote (June 26, 2020): "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." (Albert Einstein)
"For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth." (Job 19:25)
Quote (June 25, 2020): "Excellence always sells." (Earl Nightingale)
"Bring forth therefore FRUITS meet for repentance." (Mt. 3:8)
Let us bring forth fruits that we might finally gain Excellence with our God working through us.
Quote (June 24, 2020): "The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter." (Anne Frank)
Isa. 32:17 -> The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness is quietness and confidence forever.
Prov. 3:1-3 -> Establish and keep his Commandments on our Hearts.
Col. 3:15 -> Let His Peace rule in our Hearts.
Quote (June 22/23, 2020): "Hitch your wagon to a star." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." (Matt. 2:2)
"If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above"
"be renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
(Col. 3:1-13)
"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." (Matt. 16:27)
Quote (June 21, 2020): "SUMMER LOVIN' "
(Mt. 5:45-48) -> "That ye may be the children of your Father in heaven: who makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust... be perfect, even as your Father is perfect."
(Eph. 5:1) -> "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children."
(1 Cor. 13:4-5) -> "Love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
(1 John 4:7-21) -> GOD IS LOVE.
Quote (June 20, 2020): "Count your blessings! Things can always get better and could always be worse." (Donald Neviaser)
Mt. 2237 -> Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul and mind.
1 Cor. 3:21 -> No more boasting about human leaders... present or future... all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
2 Cor. 10:17 -> Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.
Matt. 6:24 -> No one can serve two Masters... You cannot serve both God and Money.
Romans 12:1 -> Present Yourselves a Living Sacrifice. Holy, and Acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Quote (June 19, 2020): "Don't let yesterday take up too much of today." (Will Rogers)
"...friendship with the world is enmity with God... God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:4-6)
Quote (June 18, 2020): "Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go." (William Feather)
"So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.. We love because he first loved us..." (1 John 4:16-21)
Quote (June 17, 2020): "Always do your best. What you plant now you will harvest later." (Og Mandino)
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, endures all things. Love never ends." (1 Cor. 13:4-8)
Quote (June 15/16, 2020): "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken." (Oscar Wilde)
"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." (Ecc. 5:18-20)
Quote (June 14, 2020): "To change and to change for the better are two different things." (German Proverb)
"Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (Gal. 5:26)
"As you hold firmly to the word of life. Then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run nor labour in vain." (Phil. 2:16)
Quote (June 13, 2020): "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." (Winston Churchill)
"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry..." (Eph. 4:26)
Quote (June 12, 2020): "It is not length of life, but depth of life." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isa. 40:31)
Quote (June 11, 2020): "People do not lack strength, they lack will." (Victor Hugo)
"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Josh. 1:8)
Quote (June 10, 2020): "Find Yourself"
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:7-8)
Quote (June 8/9, 2020): "What is not started today is never finished tomorrow." (Johann Wolfgang)
"... Seek first His Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Mt. 6:30-34)
Quote (June 7, 2020): "No Rain, No Flowers."
Mt. 5:16 -> Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.
Mt. 10:32-33 -> Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
Phil. 2:16 -> Hold firmly to the word of life, and then boast on the day of Christ that I did not run nor labour in vain.
Rev. 22:17 -> ... let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
Quote (June 6, 2020): "Live Like You Were Dying." (Tim Mcgraw)
"..because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.."
"..it is by grace you have been saved... through Faith - not by your works, so that no one can boast, for we are God's handiwork, create in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us." (Eph. 2:3-5, 8-10)
Quote (June 5, 2020): "The optimist sees opportunity in every danger; the pessimist sees danger in every opportunity." (Winston Churchill)
"Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.... He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn...." (Psa. 37:1-11)
Quote (June 4, 2020): "Time Flies. It's up to you to be a navigator." (Robert Orben)
"There remains, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, Just as God did. So let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience..."
"...for the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword..." (Heb. 4:9-13)
Quote (June 3, 2020): "There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history to be made." (Michelle Obama)
"... turn your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding - look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God..." (Prov. 2:1-6)
Quote (June 1/2, 2020): "Attitudes are more important than Facts." (Charles R. Swindoll)
"Love one another, for love comes from God... God is love..." (1 Jn. 4:7-10)
"If you see a brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life... We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin..." (1 Jn. 5:16-21)
Quote (May 31, 2020): "Let's go see the World."
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psa. 34:17-18)
Quote (May 30, 2020): "The question should be is it worth trying to do, not can it be done." (Allard Lowenstein)
"... gentleness and self-control (Fruits of the Spirit), Against such things there is no law." (Gal. 5:23)
Quote (May 29, 2020): "Half a man's wisdom goes with his Courage." (Thomas Jefferson)
"God is light; in him there is no darkness." (1 John 1:5-7)
"I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
"For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness"... He made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory..." (2 Cor. 4:6)
Quote (May 28, 2020): "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." (Frank A. Clark)
"So FLEE youthful passions and PURSUE righteousness, faith (courage), love (fruits of the spirit), and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (2 Tim. 2:22)
Quote (May 27, 2020): "The best way out is always through." (Robert Frost)
"...For it is God who works in you to will and act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky." (Phil. 2:12-15)
Quote (May 25/26, 2020): "Experience is the child of thought, and thought is the child of Action." (Benjamin Disraeli)
"If a man therefore keeps himself pure, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." (2 Tim. 2:21)
Quote (May 24, 2020): "I take nothing for granted. I now have only GOOD days or GREAT days." (Lance Armstrong)
"Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honour." (Prov. 21:21)
Quote (May 23, 2020): "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." (Napoleon Hill)
"Make every effort to live in PEACE with everyone and to be HOLY; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." (Heb. 12:14-15)
Quote (May 22, 2020): "See the GOOD"
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16)
Quote (May 21, 2020): "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." (Buddhist Proverb)
"if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach." (James 1:5-6)
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matt. 7:7-8)
Quote (May 20, 2020): "Everyone enjoys doing the kind of work for which he is best suited." (Napoleon Hill)
~Parable of the Bags of Gold~
(Matt. 25:20)
Quote (May 18/19, 2020): "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years." (Abraham Lincoln)
"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
"If you love me, keep my commandments." (v. 15)
Quote (May 17, 2020): "There's always something to be Thankful for."
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess. 5:16-18)
Quote (May 16, 2020): "The most creative act you will ever undertake is the act of creating yourself." (Deepak Chopra)
"We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Rom. 5:3,4)
Quote (May 15, 2020): "The mystery of life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced." (Frank Herbert)
"Work out your own salvation... For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings; That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God... shine as lights in the world... Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice with you all and have joy and faith..." (Phil. 2:12-16)
Quote (May 14, 2020): "You must play Boldly to win." (Arnold Palmer)
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
Quote (May 13, 2020): "Never tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon." (Paul Brandt)
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:4-7)
Quote (May 11/12): "Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still." (Chinese Proverb)
"Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32)
Quote (May 10, 2020): "Stand tall, don't Fall."
"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved... How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:13, 15)
Quote (May 9, 2020): "He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
"Let love be without dissimulation..." (Rom. 12:9)
"Rejoice in hope; patient in tribulation; constant in Prayer" (v. 12)
"If it be possible, live peaceably with all men." (v. 18)
Quote (May 8, 2020): "Hope is a Waking Dream." (Aristotle)
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:6-9)
Quote (May 7, 2020): "You were born an original. Don't die a copy." (John Mason)
"Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil." (Prov. 3:7)
Quote (May 6, 2020): "Life is an Adventure."
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
Let's submit ourselves to God, and resist the Devil, to exceed each level of the Adventure of Life!!
Quote (May 4/5, 2020): "What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" (Vincent Von Gogh)
"So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord." (Acts 9:28)
Let's have courage to fulfill the purpose God has for each and every one of us!!
Quote (May 3, 2020): "Do not let what you can't do interfere with what you can do." (John Wooden)
"Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Eph. 6:10,11)
Quote (May 2, 2020): "You can do what you want to do. You can be what you want to be." (Dave Thomas)
So let's be intentional with WHO we want to be.
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18)
Quote (May 1, 2020): "Stay Wild, Go Travel."
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal. 2:20)
"Being found in fashion as a man, he HUMBLED himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Phil. 2:8)
Quote (April 30, 2020): "Big results require big Ambitions." (Heraditus)
"Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
(Matt. 6:20-21)
The Kingdom is a huge Result that we should be Desiring, so lets be intentional and recognize the need for the big Ambition towards it !!
Quote (April 29, 2020): "Simple is Good."
"But without Faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11:6)
Quote (April 27/28): "Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail." (Charles Kettering)
"make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, LOVE." (2 Peter 1:5-7)
Quote (April 26, 2020): "If you're going to be thinking, you may as well think big." (Donald Trump)
"...Since we have such a hope, we are very bold." (2 Cor. 3:12)
"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)
Quote (April 25, 2020): "You know it's Spring when Nature comes Alive."
"Thou are worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Rev. 4:11)
Quote (April 24, 2020): "Be Bold, and mighty forces will come to your Aid." (Basil King)
"... let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help him in time of need."
(Heb. 4:16)
"... in me ye might have PEACE. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Quote (April 23, 2020): "Start with the End in Mind." (Stephen R. Cover)
"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Prov. 19:21)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
(Romans 8:28)
Quote (April 22, 2020): "Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries." (James A. Michener)
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" (Col. 1:16)
Quote (April 20/21, 2020): "Mind over Matter"
"Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city." (Ecc. 7:19)
"I searched everywhere, determined to find wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to myself that wickedness of folly and the foolishness, that is madness." (Ecc. 7:25)
Quote (April 19, 2020): "The road to success is always under construction." (Lily Tomlin)
"...Be filled with the spirit. Always speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always..." (Eph. 5:15-20)
Quote (April 18, 2020): "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." (Mitton Berle)
"Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee." (Psa. 143:8)
Quote (April 17, 2020): "Life is Tough, but so are You"
"...we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith." (2 Thess. 1:11)
Quote (April 16, 2020): "As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
"Those who know your name TRUST IN YOU, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." (Psa. 9:10)
"But I TRUST in your UnFailing Love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." (Psa. 13:5)
Quote (April 15, 2020): "A stumble may prevent a Fall." (Thomas Fuller)
"For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt thou not deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?" (Psa. 56:13)
"Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." (Psa. 37:24)
"For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling," (Psa. 116:8)
"Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees." (Job 4:4)
Quote (April 13/14, 2020): "Chase the Sunset"
"Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds... the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2)
"Blessed is the one who God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty" (Job 5:17)
Quote (April 12, 2020): "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." (Mark Twain)
"Blessed (Happy) are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold." (Prov. 3:13-14)
Quote (April 11, 2020): "Doubt whom you will but never yourself." (Christian Nestell Bovee)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt...
...because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do." (James 1:5-8)
Quote (April 10, 2020): "Courage is going from failure to failure without losing Enthusiasm." (Winston Churchill)
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isa. 21:10).
Quote (April 9, 2020): "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." (Beverly Sills)
"Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you." (Psa. 25:4-5)
Quote (April 8th, 2020): "Sometimes you have to be your own hero."
Ecclesiastes 11:4-10 -> Whose who wait for perfect weather will never plant seeds; those who look at every cloud will never harvest crops.... You don't know what God is doing, or how, so do just take action.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "Plans for Good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer. 29:11)
Christ has already sent the invitation to be our Hero, we just need to accept and choose to save ourselves. We need to take up our cross and follow him to be our own Heroes for our worldly bodies.
Superman doesn't exist, but Christ does. So lets take up our cross and stop waiting for happiness or a perfect life without action.
Quote (April 06/07, 2020): "Push Yourself"
Isaiah 53 talks of the coming Messiah's struggles with men but how he overcame the world in the end. God allowed one of his sheep to be led to the slaughter but only to save the many other sheep that God has called and wants in His Kingdom.
Isaiah 54 gives us a hope for future Israel. Yes, they have been through a lot at this point but God tells them to continue pushing on because he is their God and in the end they will prevail.
We need to push ourselves with absence of the fear of men. God is our God and we need to push ourselves to shape our characters and be the best we can be for his soon coming Kingdom.
Quote (April 5, 2020): "Be Scared, and do it Anyway."
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isa. 41:10)
"for you have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 John 4:18)
Quote (April 4, 2020): "The purpose of life is to be happy." (Dalai Lama)
(Ecc. 9:7-10)
Quote (April 3, 2020): "A man of Courage is also full of Faith." (Marcus Tullius Cicero)
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." (Eph. 3:16-19
Quote (April 2, 2020): "He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." (Thomas Carlyle)
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me... he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19)
"And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." (Romans 5:4)
"For I know the plans I have for you." Declares the LORD. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you Hope and a Future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Quote (April 1, 2020): "Your only Limit is You."
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, be rooted and established in love..." (Eph. 3:16-17)
Quote (March 30/31, 2020): "Ambition Never Comes to an End." (Kenneth Kaunda)
"God, who is Rich in Mercy, because of His Great Love with which He loved us," (Eph. 2:4)
"No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit." (John 3:5)
Quote (March 29, 2020): "Nothing will work unless you do." (Maya Angelou)
"For it is God which works in you to do his good pleasure... in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world..." (Phil. 2:13-18)
Quote (March 28, 2020): "Shake it off"
Deut. 4:39-40 -> Let's keep his decrees and commands, that we may live long in the land the LORD your God gives you.
Romans 10:17 -> Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Hebrews 11:6 -> Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him... Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Quote (March 27, 2020): "Great Hopes make Great Men." (Thomas Fuller)
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD, trust in Him; and he shall bring it to pass." (Psa. 37:3-5)
"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isa. 40:31)
Quote (March 26, 2020): "If you want to leave Footprints in the Sands of Time, Don't Drag Your Feet." (Sir A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)
Let us retain his words: keeping his commandments to live. Let us pray for wisdom and understanding, forgetting it not... Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting you shall receive understanding... When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
"Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." (Prov. 4)
Quote (March 25, 2020): "Nothing can dim the Light which Shines from within." (Maya Angelou)
Isaiah 40:31 -> Strong.
2 Sam. 13 28 -> Valiant.
Prov. 31:25 -> Fearless.
Psa. 46:5 -> She is Enough.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my Heart, be acceptable in thy sight, Oh LORD, my Strength, and my Redeemer." (Psa. 19:14)
Quote (March 23/24, 2020): "Great ideas need landing gear as well as wings." (C.D. Jackson)
Let us shine as lamps of the truth so others may be drawn to it and rejoice (John 5:35). Let us pray for one another, sing psalms, and confess our shortcomings (James 5:13).
Quote (March 22, 2020): "If not Now, then When?"
"And now, what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name." (Acts 22:16)
Quote (March 21, 2020): "We must Embrace Pain and Burn it as Fuel for our Journey." (Kenji Miyazawa)
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isa. 55:8-9)
God has much bigger plans than we even have for ourselves!!
Quote (March 20, 2020): "The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings." (Dave Weinbaum)
Because of His Great Love we are not consumed, for His Compassion never fails. His Mercies are new every Morning; Great is His Faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-24)
Quote (March 19, 2020): "It is not the Mountains that we conquer, but ourselves." (Edmund Hillary)
Let us not love in only word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
If we have faith the size of a Mustard Seed, we can do anything; we can move Mountains. (Matt. 17:20)
Quote (March 18, 2020): "Action is the real measure of intelligence." (Napoleon Hill)
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Prov. 9:10)
"Fear of the Lord, is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." (Job. 28:28)
"Fear of the Lord is beginning of wisdom; a good understanding is who keeps commandments." (Psa. 111:10)
"Who is wise and has understanding? Let him show by his good behaviour and deeds in the gentleness of wisdom." (James 3:13)
Quote (March 16/17, 2020): "The harder I work, the luckier I get." (Thomas Jefferson)
"...the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favour to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all." (Ecc. 9:11)
"We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
"Give us this day our daily bread." (Matt. 6:11)
Quote (March 15, 2020): "We have to do the best we can. This is our sacred human responsibility." (Albert Einstein)
"God is love" (1 John 4:8)
Let's chase after the manifestation of God's character, being love. I truly believe this is doing the best we can for ourselves and others.
Quote (March 14, 2020): "Where there is determination, the way can be found." (George S. Clason)
James 1:12 -> Persevering under trials, receiving the Crown of Life.
1 Cor. 16:13 -> Stand firm. Be Strong. Be Courageous.
Romans 12:11-12 -> Joyful, Patient, and Faithful in Prayer.
Quote (March 13, 2020): "Trust Your Gut"
"The Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom" (Eph. 1:17)
"If any of you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5)
"Confess your faults to one another... a fervant prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
Quote (March 12, 2020): "The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them." (Robert Frost)
"By Grace are ye Saved through Faith."
-(Romans 12)-
Quote (March 11, 2020): "Will is Character in Action."
"But the fruit of the Spirit is Love: Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control; against such things there is no law." (Gal. 5:22-23).
Quote (March 9/10, 2020): "Enjoy it all."
"Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you." (Isa. 12:6)
Quote (March 8, 2020): "Never settle for anything less than your best." (Brian Tracy)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Col. 3:23)
Quote (March 7, 2020): "Well done is better than well said." (Benjamin Franklin).
1 John 3:18 "Love in DEED and in TRUTH."
James 2:17 "Faith without WORKS is dead."
Matt. 5:16 "Let your light shine... that they may SEE your good WORKS."
(1 Peter 1)
Quote (March 6, 2020): "Live for Now"
"In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your consolations delight my soul." (Psa. 94:19)
Quote (March 5, 2020): "When you've got something to prove, there's nothing greater than a challenge." (Terry Brennan)
"Blessed is the man whom the Lord chasteneth, taught by God's law" (Ps. 94:11-13)
Quote (March 4, 2020): "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." (C.S. Lewis)
"No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62)
Forget the former things. Don't dwell on the past. Look forward to the way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isa. 43:18-19)
Seek glory, honour, and immortality that we might inherit eternal life with our Lord and Saviour. (Rom. 2:7)
Quote (Feb. 2/3, 2020): "We Rise by Lifting Others."
Let us build up one another, as the ecclesia in Thessalonia (1 Thess. 5:11). Let us encourage what is good for building up, in each occasion what is needed, that it may give grace to those who hear (Eph. 4:29). Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (Rom. 14:19).
Quote (March 1, 2020): "Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground." (Theodore Roosevelt)
"... I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments... with my whole heart have I sought thee: Oh let me not wander from thy commandments... I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways... Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors..." (Psa. 119:1-27)
Quote (Feb. 29, 2020): No Quote. Leap Year.
"Be not wise in thine own eyes: FEAR THE LORD, and depart from evil." (Prov. 3:7)
Quote (Feb. 28, 2020): "We must not allow other people's limited perceptions to define us." (Virginia Satir)
God desires truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden parts God shall make us to know wisdom. We pray to hear joy and gladness, and for God to create in us pure hearts (Psa. 51:6-15).
Quote (Feb. 27, 2020): "You Change your Life by Changing your Heart." (Max Lucado)
"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is done in heaven." (Mt. 6:10)
Let us change our Hearts to desire the things that God desires. Let us align our Will to God's for any success at eternal life.
Quote (Feb. 26, 2020): "The Best Things in Life are Free."
"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old... I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isa. 43:18-19)
Quote (Feb. 25, 2020): "You don't just stumble into the future. You create your own future." (Roger Smith)
Luke 5:27-39 -> Levi, the Publican, rose up, left everything, and followed Christ. He intentionally chose his future to follow Christ.
Quote (Feb. 24, 2020): "If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it." (Lucy Larcom)
"You are the light of the world, a town built on a hill, that cannot be hidden... Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds..." (Matt. 5:13-16)
Quote (Feb. 22, 2020): "It is not the Position but the Disposition." (Susan Sontag)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (2 Cor. 1:3,4)
Quote (Feb. 21, 2020): "Always do RIGHT. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest." (Mark Twain)
"I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed your ordinances before me... Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts." (Psa. 119:30, 172)
"Lord, let us choose for ourselves what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good." (Job. 34:4)
Quote (Feb. 20, 2020): "WORK Hard, DREAM Big, NEVER Give Up."
"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD." (Prov. 29:25-26)
Quote (Feb. 19, 2020): "The odds of hitting your target go up dramatically when you aim at it." (Mal Pancoast)
"Set your minds on things above." (Col. 3:2)
"Look directly forward, so our gaze will be straight." (Pv. 4:25)
"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit set their minds on the things of the spirit." (Rom. 8:5)
Quote (Feb. 18, 2020): "Patience is the art of hoping." (Luc de Clapiers).
"Be still before the Lord and wait PATIENTLY for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways when they carry out their wicked schemes." (Psa. 37:7)
Quote (Feb. 16, 2020): "Character develops itself in the stream of life." (Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe)
"We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope makes none ashamed;" (Romans 5:2-5)
Quote (Feb. 15, 2020): "Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others." (Robert Louis Stevenson)
"In all they ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." (Prov. 3:6)
Quote (Feb. 14, 2020): "All you need is Love."
The Lord has placed us in an ecclesia or "body" with many members. He has blessed us with all these members with different gifts, and by one spirit we were all baptized. Let us encourage one another in Love. (1 Cor. 12:12-14)
Quote (Feb. 13, 2020): "Change your thoughts and you will change your world." (Norman Vincent Peale)
"Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of a man does not produce the righteousness of God." (Jas. 1:19-20)
Quote (Feb. 12, 2020): "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." (Mahatma Gandhi)
S-see
M-miracles
I-in
L-life
E-everyday
(Deut. 10)
Quote (Feb. 11, 2020): "Be strong"
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Josh. 1:9)
Quote (Feb. 10, 2020): "Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." (John D. Rockefeller)
"From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the LORD's name is to be praised." (Psa. 113:3)
Quote: "The Miracle is not to fly in the air or walk on water, but to walk on Earth." (A Chinese Proverb)
"The Heaves declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." (Psa. 19:1)
Quote (Feb. 7, 2020): "You don't have to be perfect to be amazing."
"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Eph. 4: 32)
"For he is merciful, gracious, patient; full of love and truth." (Ex. 4:6)
Quote (Feb. 6, 2020): "Anyone who thinks the sky is the limit, has limited imagination." (James Maxwell)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Prov. 3:5-6)
We need to think beyond all logistics to grow and develop. God has much bigger plans for us than we have for ourselves. Let's trust in him, knowing that he knows best.
Quote (Feb. 4, 2020): "Always take the scenic Route"
God is an artist. We wake up to the sunrise and finish off the day as the sun sets. He is there working, painting each of our canvas', so lets enjoy the process and see the beauty in his work.
Quote (Feb. 5, 2020): "The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." (Plutarch)
"Forgive us our trespasses AS WE FORGIVE others who trespass against us." (Mt. 6:12)
Quote (Feb. 3, 2020): "May you live all the days of your life." (Jonathan Swift)
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Eph. 6:11)
Quote (Feb. 2, 2020): "It's not what you've got, it's what you use that makes the difference." (Zig Ziglar)
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
(Matt. 6:19-20)
Quote (Jan. 31, 2020): "The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it." (C.C. Scott)
"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18)
Whatever may come our way, let us walk with all confidence in our Lord. Help us to have a joyful and loving spirit that we might fight the desires of the flesh that will only bring us down; let us go to God daily that we might get re-charged in the spirit.
Quote (Jan. 30, 2020): "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." (George Bernard Shaw)
"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." (Psa. 37:5)
Quote (Jan. 29, 2020): "Get out of your Comfort Zone"
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Eph. 2:10)
Quote (Jan. 28, 2020): "Virtue is like Health: the Harmony of the whole man." (Thomas Carlyle)
(Col. 3:13-15):
13Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14AND ABOVE ALL THESE VIRTUES PUT ON LOVE, WHICH BINDS EVERYTHING TOGETHER IN PERFECT HARMONY.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.…
It is an attractive, desirable, and rare, quality to be someone of good virtue. So let us walk in Love daily, choosing to walk after the fruits of the spirit which will create in us a character of virtue.
Quote (Jan. 27, 2020): "Never stop looking up."
"When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in you." (Psa. 56:3)
"Be gracious and merciful to me, for my soul finds shelter and safety in you, and in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge and be confidently secure until destruction passes by." (Psa. 57:1)
Quote (Jan. 25, 2020): "When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece." (John Ruskin)
"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the LORD will be exalted and safe." (Prov. 29:25)
Quote (Jan. 24, 2020): "Time is NOW"
"Time to plant, pluck, heal, break down, build up, weep, laugh, mourn, dance..."(Ecc. 3:1-8)
"Teach us to number our days so we can have a wise heart... Fill us full every morning with your faithful love so we can rejoice and celebrate our whole life long." (Psa. 90:12-14)
Quote (Jan. 23, 2020): "Stay patient and trust your journey"
"For all this law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; thou shalt LOVE thy neighbor as thyself." (Gal. 5:14)
God's law is fulfilled in Love. Whatever our purpose is, if we love, God's got the rest under control. Be patient and trust the journey !
Quote (Jan. 22, 2020): "Improvement begins with 'I' " (Arnold H. Glasow)
"Lord, teach me your statutes. Help me understand so I can guard your instruction and keep it with all my heart. Lead me on the trail of your commandments because that is what I want. Turn my heart to your laws, not to greedy gain..." (Psa. 119:33-38)
We will help both ourselves AND others when we are putting God first!
Quote (Jan. 21, 2020): "Ambition can creep as well as soar." (Edmund Burke)
"Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you... the gate that leads to life is narrow and the road is difficult, so few people find it." (Mt. 7:7,14)
Quote (Jan. 20, 2020): "Build your own Dreams"
"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38)
Let us align our will to God's will. Our spirit is willing and ready if a vision or dream is truly best for us, but we must put down our fleshly ways of thinking that only prevent us from growth.
Quote (Jan. 18, 2020): "Energy and persistence conquer all things." (Benjamin Franklin)
"And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut." (Matt. 25:10)
Quote (Jan. 17, 2020): "It's how you deal with failure that determines how you achieve success." (David Feherty)
( Psa. 43:1-3 )
Quote (Jan. 16, 2020): "Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall." (Confucious)
"Fret not thyself because of evil doers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity... (v.4) Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass..." (Psa. 37:1)
Don't be envious of those who appear to only succeed in the world's eyes. When we fall, it's an opportunity to rise and it glorifies God's name when we persevere because he is the one who gives us the strength to overcome. Let us not be afraid to rise, with faith in God of all mercy, who can be against us?
Quote (Jan. 15, 2020): "Control your destiny or someone else will." (Noel M. Tichy)
"Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you." (Psa. 25:4-5)
Let us be intentional to follow after God's plan and purpose for us so we don't conform to this temporary world and its temporary vanities.
Quote (Jan. 14, 2020): "Be the Energy you want to Attract"
"Take the shield of faith, to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (Eph. 6:16)
Let's take our shield of faith in the spirit, and go out and create a positive, content, joyful energy for others to see.
Quote (Jan. 13, 2020): "We make way for the man who boldly pushes past us." (Christian Nestell Bovee)
"If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
Let us make way for Christ who is bold in the truth. He is bold in the truth yet will never push past us like he is any better than us. Let us walk humbly while gaining strength and confidence in the Lord.
Quote (Jan. 11, 2020): "The best way to predict the future is to create it." (Abraham Lincoln)
"For God is not unrighteous; he remembers each labour of love shown toward his name." (Heb. 6:10)
Let's make the most of every moment, stepping each foot into a decision of love. For only then can we have a future of true Love and Joy in our lives.
Quote (Jan. 10, 2020): "I think the one lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention." (Diane Sawyer)
"The fowls of the air sow not, reap not, nor gather into barns; yet our heavenly father feeds them. Are ye not much better than they?"
(Mt. 6:26)
We are valuable in God's eyes because he gave you a breath this morning. Pay attention to where he has you in life and be attentive to what you might need to be learning or what might you purpose be to glorify His name and the greater good.
Quote (Jan. 9, 2020): "I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it's only a choice of attitude." (Judith M. Knowlton)
"Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in His own good time. Leave all your worries with him because he cares for you." (1 Pet. 5:6-7)
Humble yourselves for when life brings you a trial of some sort. Give Glory to God and MAKE A CHOICE to choose Joy and be at peace knowing God has got it under control as long as we keep serving the spirit (Gal. 5: love, joy, peace, self-control, etc.).
Quote (Jan. 8, 2020): "Failure is a Detour, Not a Dead-End Street." (Zig Ziglar)
"Be very careful, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Eph. 5:5)
Let's make the most of ever opportunity God has blessed us with and DON'T BE AFRAID of failure because failure is only a detour and God has it under control. Sometimes failure might be a key ingredient for him to put us where we need to be. Let us go out and be lights, glorifying his name, allowing failures to shape us rather than bring us down.
Quote (Jan. 7, 2020): "The awareness of our own strength makes us modest." (Paul Cezanne)
"As each has received a gift, use it to SERVE ONE ANOTHER as good Stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10)
Let us recognize our gifts, and serve, to fulfill our purpose !
Quote (Jan. 6, 2020): "Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today." -Benjamin Franklin
Nehemiah recognizes that people of God are dispersed among the Nations and they are losing sight of what is important. They put off God's commandments and works until they lost sight of their purpose. God is Merciful and will keep his Covenant always to those who love God and keep his commandments. Nehemiah TAKES ACTION and gathers God's people to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Let's intentionally walk in the spirit rather than being wanderers in this strange land where others only abide by time and chance.
Quote (Jan. 4, 2020): "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul" (Emily Dickinson). This hope can give us strength.
1 Sam. 17:4 "And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span." A man that other men were threatened by, he had all the confidence in the world because he was comparing himself to other men.
v. 26 David didn't know who this "champion" was but he just saw all the men very fearful, having no courage. David knew that courage was the only way to overcome at this point. He knew the strength God has given him though past battles and he had the courage to take on whatever this "champion" was. He defeats Goliath.
Quote (Jan. 3, 2020): "Be Fierce"
2 Tim. 3:3 uses "Fierce" in a negative tense. I am more-so talking about the slang term in today's society. This blog post I found looks at certain aspects of the word in a positive tense, kind of in a way twisting its true meaning. We should be PASSIONATE about God's word and what's right, although not in an aggressive way.
We pray for our thoughts to be fixed on only what is pure, true, honourable, right, lovely, and admirable. About things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Phil. 4:8)
Clothe us in strength and honour, as we rejoice in the time to come!
Quote (Jan. 2nd): What happens to a man is less significant than what happens within him. (Louis L. Mann)
"Lead me, Lord, in YOUR righteousness because of MY enemies - make your way straight before me." (Psa. 5:8)
I pray in the coming year we don't get enslaved of the things of this world such as the fear of man nor anything that holds us back from being our best selves. For those who follow after the things of the flesh cannot please God nor his purpose for us. So, guide us to walk after the spirit. (Rom. 8:5)
Quote (Jan. 1): "Rise and Smile"
Proverbs 31 - How to be a virtuous woman in the new year. We pray for courage in Christ, that we may be clothed with dignity and strength, faithfulness, gentleness, thoughtfulness, and good morals. A virtuous woman is worth far more than rubies.
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Have patience with me while I begin this journey. I will try and post daily podcasts to encourage meditation on God's word of truth in the year 2020.