Spiritual Thoughts

The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you. To gain that which is worth having, it may be necessary to lose everything else. -Bernadette Devlin Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. May God's blessings and guidance surround you in your daily live in the coming year!

Peace with God brings the peace of God. It is a peace that settles our nerves, fills our minds, floods our spirits and, in the midst of the uproar around us, gives us the assurance that everything is all right. Bob Mumford Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

No man is capable of self-improvement if he sees no other model but himself." --Conrado I. Generoso 1 Peter 2:21-22 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 The man who believes this has calm quiet confidence, but because his confidence is based upon God's power and not his own power, there is never the slightest speck of egotism. Clinton Davidson

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet. -Anonymous Psalms 119:133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.

GIFTS THAT DON’T COST YOU ANYTHING!!! Give the gift of affection – be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends. Give the gift of laughter – clip cartoons, share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.” Give the gift of a written note – it can be a simple “Thanks for your help” note or a full letter. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime and may even change a life. Give the gift of a compliment – a simple and sincere “You look great in red,” “You did a super job on tidying up.” Or “That was a wonderful meal - it had great flavor” can make someone’s day. Give the gift of listening – but you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening. Give the gift of a favor – everyday, go out of your way to do something kind. Give the gift of solitude – there are times when we want noth...

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town Not a sign of Baby Jesus was anywhere to be found. The people were all busy with Christmas time chores Like decorating, and baking, and shopping in stores. No one sang "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed." Instead, they sang of Santa dressed-up in bright red. Mama watched Martha Stewart, Papa drank beer from a tap. As hour upon hour the presents they'd wrap. Then what from the TV did they suddenly hear? 'Cept an ad. Which told of a big sale at Sears. So away to the mall they all flew like a flash... Buying things on credit... and others with cash! And, as they made their way home from their trip to the mall, did they think about Jesus? Oh, no ... not at all. Their lives were so busy with their Christmas time things No time to remember Christ Jesus, the King. There were presents to wrap and cookies to bake. How could they stop and remember who died for their sake ? To pray to the Savior... they had n...

How wonderful is our God! So wonderful, that he sent His only Son, to be born in a dirty stable amongst farm animals. Yet, this special child would grow and be loved, adored, rejected, hated and despised. This special child would eventually be brutally killed upon a wooden cross and victoriously rise again on the third day! This was so that we may have the opportunity to obtain eternal salvation. THAT is how wonderful OUR GOD is! For those of you who celebrate Christmas (and even if you don't!), during these final days to Christmas, please, make each day a remembrance of how wonderful our God is. Don't let yourself get so caught up in the "things" of Christmas that you miss the real reason that we celebrate life every day. It's not the day that matters, but our God and His Son, and their love. " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his...

"It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper is omnipotent." - Jeremy Taylor Isaiah 40:25-31 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.

If your efforts are sometimes greeted with indifference, don't lose heart. The sun puts on a wonderful show at daybreak, yet most of the people in the audience go on sleeping. --Ada Teixeria MAR 16:2 -6 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.

People are very interested in diets. Always a popular subject, an ice breaker when you meet someone new, and of course fun to discuss with old friends. Have you lost weight? I tried this new diet! I cannot eat 'that' because it's not on my diet. Too much protein. Not enough protein. Too much fat. Not enough fiber. Too many carbs. Too many calories. Even though these issues are important, God is much more interested in what comes out of our mouth, than what goes into our mouth. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure. Publius Cornelius Tacitus Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.

Psalm 127:1-2 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. This psalm was written by Solomon, David's son, who was noted for his wealth and wisdom. In Solomon's wisdom, he writes this psalm to give us a better perspective on the purpose of our life. In Solomon's time watchmen were kept around the city to guard it against enemy attacks. However, Solomon tells us that it is useless to put guards around the city if God is not watching over it. We spend most of our waking hours "building" and "guarding" our lives. Most of our days are spent working to make ends meet and to make our lives better. It is so easy to get so caught up in this "building" process that we begin to miss the joy of living. Solomon tells us that unless we let God build our...

A pound a fret can't pay an ounce a debt. Jamaican Proverb Matthew 6:31-34 "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

It's never crowded along the extra mile. -Wayne Dyer Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Psalms 34:9-10 Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The young lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Why? Why doesn't God bless me with that new car? Why doesn't God let me win that sweepstakes? Why doesn't God give me that new high-paying job? Young lions are used in Psalm 34. Why? Young lions are very impatient and careless in their hunting. Because of their inexperience, young lions will often startle their prey and thus lose their opportunity for nourishment. The older, more experienced lions choose their prey wisely and patiently wait for the right opportunity to attack. The older lions adequately provide for the needs of their young. The psalmist uses this illustration to show that God will provide for all of the needs of his children if we take the time to ask of him and wait on him. Verse 10 tells us that those that seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. God will provide his children wi...

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. -Anne Bradstreet Psalms 94:12-14 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law; you grant him relief from days of adversity, till a pit is dug for the wicked. For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance. Psalms 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.

When I am hungry, give me someone that I can feed. And when I am thirsty, give me someone who needs a drink. When I'm cold, give me someone to keep warm. And when I grieve, give me someone to console. Unknown Matthew 25:37-40 "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

Live in such a way that those who know you but don’t know God will come to know God because they know you. -Unknown 1 Corinthians 9:16, 22-23 Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

STEWARDSHIP "Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best." -- Henry Van Dyke Matthew 25:19-21 "After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Psalms 90:10-12 The length of our days is seventy years - or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. How much time do you have left? If you could know, would you really want to know? This psalms reminds us to number our days. It is a fact that our days are numbered. Many of us prefer to file that simple fact away in the back of our mind so that we don't have to think about it. Have you numbered your days lately? If you knew that you only had two weeks left on this earth, what would you do differently? Would those petty problems that seem to consume all of your time matter anymore? Would those arguments and fights within your family continue? The fact is, our days our numbered. We should use them wisely. Number your days, live your life to...

"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." -- Helen Keller Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

“The life you are leading is simply a reflection of your thinking” --Doug Firebaugh Proverbs 23:7 For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. What's in your heart that reflected in your life today?

People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Psalms 92:1-5 is entitled, A Song for the Sabbath. This Psalm is a psalm of praise and gratitude. The psalmist reminds us that it is a "Good Thing" to thank God and to sing His praises. With all of the turmoil that the world is facing, it's easy for us to lose our focus. It's seems that we spend more time praying for understanding rather than praising God for His goodness and mercy. God continues to bless us everyday. Take the time to praise Him for His love and His mercy. "To give thanks to God is but a small return for the great benefits wherewith he daily loads us; yet as David calls it a good thing we must not despise it, or neglect it. We thank men when they oblige us, how much more ought we to bless the Lord when he benefits us. -- C.H. Spurgeon " There is no "inappropriate" time for praising God. Singing a song to God is an incredible way to lift your spirits and put your mind at ease. As you enter your daily battle, start it with praise a...

Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14 It is always possible to be thankful for what is given, rather than to complain about what is not given. One or the other becomes a habit of life. Elizabeth Elliot

You will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments when you really lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love. Henry Drummond 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constrains us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped. --African Proverb There is nothing wrong with making mistakes. Just remember to learn from them and grow. --Anonymous Ephesians 4:15-16 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Never feel self-pity, the most destructive emotion there is. How awful to be caught up in the terrible squirrel cage of self . Millicent Fenwick Speaking from experience, it's such an easy emotion to get caught up in! May we all escape it! 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? -Corrie Ten Boom Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.

"There are two kinds of people: Those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.'" - C.S. Lewis James 4:14-15 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that."

Everyone is kneaded out of the same dough, but not baked in the same oven. Yiddish Proverb 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.

Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. Josh Billings 2 Timothy 2:11-12 It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him. (in the Greek, the word "endure" = persevere, stick to the end)

There are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes. William John Bennett Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. Author Unknown Psalms 92:12 -13 The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon planted in the house of the LORD, They will flourish in the courts of our God. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No test has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

A gossip is one who talks to you about other people. A bore is one who talks to you about himself. A brilliant conversationalist is one who listens to you talk about yourself. Dr. William King Proverbs 11:12-13 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is any thing you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. Edgar Watson Howe Matthew 25:34-36 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

God loves you right where you are but he doesn’t want to leave you there. -Max Lucado James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

When I hear somebody sigh, 'Life is hard,' I am always tempted to ask, 'Compared to what?' Sydney J. Harris 1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. Charles Swindoll Philippians 4:4-7 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 everything, by prayer and petition, 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.

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow". --Anonymous 2 Timothy 2:10-12 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him. . .

A kind word never broke anyone's mouth. -- Irish Proverb Soft words are hard arguments. -- Thomas Fuller Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of. -Anonymous Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near . Let us develop the good habit of associating with those who can build us up, in God's love and Word.

If you kick a stone in anger, you'll hurt your own foot. -- Korean Proverb Temper is one thing you can't get rid of by losing it. --Anonymous Proverbs 30:33 For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife."

The best course is to buy a house across a road from a cemetery and look at it every morning. Reminding yourself where it all ends anyway, you'd never get upset about anything again. Mildred Davis Ecclesiastes 7:2, 4 It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. May all those who mourn this day, and every day, be comforted in their loss, and count their blessings of life every day.

To go with the autumn season- A lady had recently been baptized. One of her co-workers asked her what it was like to be a follower of Christ. She was caught off guard and didn't know how to answer, but when she looked around she saw a jack-o'-lantern on the desk and answered: "It's like being a pumpkin." The worker asked her to explain that one. "Well, God picks you from the patch and brings you in and washes off all the dirt on the outside that you got from being around all the other pumpkins. Then He cuts off the top and takes all the yucky stuff out from inside. He removes all those seeds of doubt, hate, greed, pride, etc. Then He carves on you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all to see." I'll never look at a pumpkin the same way again! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Sandwich every bit of criticism between two layers of praise. Mary Kay Ash Proverbs 25:12-13 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear. Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." -- Denis Waitley Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Psalms 118:13-14 You pushed me violently, that I might fall, But the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. Don't let the world push you to its way, follow the Lord!

isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about. " - Dale Carnegie Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

"The heart is the rudder of the soul, and till the Lord take it in hand we steer in a false and foul way." -- C.H. Spurgeon Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skill to do difficult things easily. Johann Friedrich von Schiller Matthew 25:23 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that speaks proud things, Who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own." Psalm 12:3-4 ***** Mistakes of the tongue have destroyed more people, ruined more marriages, and cost more businessmen their jobs and their futures than any other kind of mistake. O. A. Battista Our lips belong to the Lord, as does our tongue and our whole being. May the words of our mouth be acceptable in our Lord's hearing.

No matter where you live, or how old you are, you can decide to change your life. That's amazing. Angelina Jolie Acts 17:30 - 31 "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent [=change], because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead."

How often do we sight for opportunities for doing good, while we neglect the openings of providence in little things, which would frequently lead to the accomplishment of most important usefulness! George Crabbe Matthew 25:21 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'

Everyone must row with the oars they have. English Proverb Do the best you can, with what you have, wherever you are.

A NEW DAY This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it – or use it for good, but what I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it! When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, and not loss; good, and not evil; success, and not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price that I have paid for it. – Dr. Heartsill Wilson

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would hot have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." Erma Bombeck Matthew 25:22-23 "Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, 'Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.' "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' May we each be able to take the "talents" we are given and use them as best we can, for God's glory.

It is not all bad, this getting old, ripening. After the fruit has got its growth it should juice up and mellow. God forbid I should live long enough to ferment and rot and fall to the ground in a squash. Emily Carr (1871-1945, Canadian artist) May we all grow as David proclaimed in the Psalms: Psalms 92:12-15 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Wonder of Wonders, beyond man's conception, And only in God can we find true perfection... God's gift to mankind- His compassionate love... Love is enduring, and patient and kind, It judges all things with the heart not the mind, And love can transform the most commonplace Into beauty and splendor and sweetness and grace... For love is unselfish, giving more than it takes, And no matter what happens Love never forsakes, It's faithful and trusting and always believing, Guileless and honest and never deceiving... Yes, love is beyond what man can define, For love is Immortal and God's Gift is divine! Helen Steiner Rice 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures a...

Rainbows are a beautiful reminder that God always keeps His promises. Anonymous Genesis 9:16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.

The "Thought" person is on vacation for 3 weeks, and will resume these Thoughts on October 10th, 2005. Have a blessed and joyful day, every day!

"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. " - Ben Franklin Psalms 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

To know Christ is the way to grow in holiness. Ask yourself, in the moment of perplexity or temptation, what would He do if He were here? Nothing else will so surely lead us into the way of holy living. George Hodges Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men...

Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner! -Max Lucado Mark 11:25 "Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions."

All you have to do is look straight and see the road, and when you see it, don't sit looking at it -- walk. Ayn Rand Ephesians 5:15-16 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear. Maya Angelou -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We have two ears, but only one mouth, so that we may listen more and talk less. Zeno (c. 334-262 B.C.) Psalms 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." -- Arnold Schwarzenegger "Prosperity discovers vice, adversity discovers virtue." -- Francis Bacon 2 Peter 1:5-8 For this very reason, 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, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr. "Problems are only opportunities in work clothes." -- Henry J. Kaiser James 1:3-4 Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

"Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones tend to take care of themselves." -- Dale Carnegie "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." -- Helen Keller Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do , work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...

We can let circumstances rule us, or we can take charge and rule our lives from within. Earl Nightingale (1921-1989) Paddle your own canoe, but make sure you know how to steer it, too. Anonymous

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 ******************** An act of goodness, the least act of true goodness, is indeed the best proof of the existence of God. Jacques Maritain Mark 10:18 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.

Good thoughts are the threads With which we weave the web of life, The threads which build The strong and fibrous cloth We know as character. And, like the patterns That looms of modern science weave, Our lives can be no lovelier, No stronger, than the threads From which our lives are made. Katherine Maurine Haaff Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace.

It is not what you do once in a while, it is what you do day in and day out that makes a difference. Jenny Craig Hebrews 13:1 Let love of the brethren continue.

Psalm 57:6-7 They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. Selah. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! This is one of many psalms that talks of praising God in the midst of adversity. In the midst of his oncoming trouble, David stands strong and he proclaims that his "heart is fixed". "It is Well With My Soul" was written by Horatio Gates Spafford during a cross-Atlantic voyage in 1873. Spafford had been a wealthy businessman, but lost his entire fortune in the great Chicago fire of 1871. Shortly after, Spafford lost his only four daughters in a ship accident. While crossing the Atlantic, near the location where his daughters where said to have drowned, he was staring out at the waves and wrote the following words : W hen peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou ...

Following Christ has nothing to do with success as the world sees success. It has to do with love. -Madeleine L'Engle, "Walking on Water" 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ controls us .

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." -- Mother Teresa "It is with words as with sunbeams, the more they are condensed, the deeper they burn." -- Robert Southey "Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs." -- Pearl Strachan

And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long. Psalm 35:28 It may be easier to keep our tongues from saying the wrong things, by keeping it otherwise occupied praising the Lord! ******************** It has been said that dignity is the ability to hold back from the tongue that which never should have been on the mind in the first place. Anonymous

Patience strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper, stifles anger, subdues pride, and bridles the tongue. Anonymous Proverbs 21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles . A wonderful prayer is in Psalm 141:3, " Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips ." May the Lord grant me patience to strengthen me, calm my temper and pride, and curb my tongue!

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me so love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console. To be understood as to understand. To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night. Leo Aikman Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. A man ninety years old was asked to what he attributed his longevity. "I reckon," he said, with a twinkle in his eye, "it's because most nights I went to bed and slept, when I should have sat up and worried." Let's be able to say the same thing!

Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Do it now! There are only so many tomorrows. -Michael Landon (died from Cancer at age 55) 2 Corinthians 4:10 Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time." Author unknown Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us....

If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fear. - Glenn Clark James 3:16-17 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

Psalms 118:18-19 The LORD has disciplined me severely, But He has not given me over to death. Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to the LORD. David had obviously been through some very difficult times. In verse 18, he says that the Lord had "chastened me sore [NASB "disciplined me severely], but he hath not given me over to death". What Faith! Even though he had major difficulties, he praised God that he was alive. There are days when it seems that there is no end to the problems and difficulties, but if I take a moment to step back and look at the big picture I find that those problems are petty and they are nothing compared to the "big picture" of God's plan. If God was finished with me then I would have already fallen asleep in Christ. Obviously, He has something planned for me. I'm alive and well. Praise God! Take a moment to step back from all of your problems and difficulties and praise God and...

Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow. - Theodore Epp Hebrews 12:1 - 2 ....... let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

A kind word never broke anyone's mouth. -- Irish Proverb Soft words are hard arguments. -- Thomas Fuller Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. (NASB) Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (KJV)

Being defeated is often only a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. -- Marilyn vos Savant 1946 Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Psalm 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever . Proverbs 4:18-19 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble. Each of us are on a journey. A journey through life. This life is a wilderness, through which we all must travel. Are you willing to face this wilderness alone? Are you willing to take a chance on your own knowledge at each crossroad? At some point, each of us will reach the other side of the wilderness. These verses promises us that we can trust God to guide us down this path of life. While we are on that path, we are promised fullness of joy. At the end of the path, when we reach the Kingdom of God, we are promised eternal happiness. Ask Him for His guidance along the right path to His side.

The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places. Author Unknown Matthew 7:13-14 " Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. "

Don’t go through life, grow through life. ~Eric Butterworth~ Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Without the Way there is no going; without the Truth there is no knowing; without the Life there is no living . --Thomas a Kempis John 14:16 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Poor eyes limit your sight; poor vision limits your deeds. - - Franklin Field 2 Corinthians 4:17- 18 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Trials, temptations, disappointments -- all these are helps instead of hindrances, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the fiber of a character, but strengthen it. Every conquered temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before. -- James Buckham Blessed is the man that endures temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which (the Lord) promised to them that love him. James 1:12

A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22 If Christians spent more time with a merry heart, I wonder if their doctor's bills would decrease? ******************** Laughter is the best medicine for a long and happy life. He who laughs--lasts! Wilfred A. Peterson

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 As believers and followers of God, we will never be alone or without a friend, because we have Jesus as our Friend. Nevertheless, it is good to have friends, also, in the body of Christ. Just remember, Proverbs says, " A man who has friends must himself be friendly." (Prov 18:24) ******************** Friends are God's way of taking care of us. Anonymous

James 1:4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. When you’re sick and you think, What’s the use? And you’re tired, discouraged, afraid; And you keep asking why they don’t remember how hard you try And forget the mistakes that you have made; When you’re chuck full of pain and you’re tired of the game, And you want to get out of it all – That’s the time to begin to stick out your chin And fight with your back to the wall! When you’ve done all you can to carryout your plan But you can’t keep your head up much more; And the end of the bout leaves you all down and out, Bleeding, and reeling and sore; When you’ve prayed all along for the sound of the gong To ring for the fight to stop – Just keep on your feet and smile at defeat; That’s the real way to come up on top! When you’re tired of hard knocks and you’re right on the rocks, And nobody lends you a hand; When none of your schemes, the best of your dreams, Turn out in the ...

There is only one real failure in life that is possible, and that is, not to be true to the best one knows. John Farrar (1945-) Acts 24:15-16 I have a hope in God . . .that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.

People who are always making allowances for themselves soon go bankrupt. Mary Pettibone Poole Instead, cast away excuses for ourselves, and let us have patience and tolerance for others instead: Ephesians 4:1-3 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. - Mark Twain 1 Peter 3:8-9 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted , and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

It takes strength to be certain, It takes courage to have doubts. It takes strength to fit in, It takes courage to stand out. It takes strength to share a friend's pain, It takes courage to feel your own pain. It takes strength to hide your own pain, It takes courage to show it and deal with it. It takes strength to stand guard, It takes courage to let down your guard. It takes strength to conquer, It takes courage to surrender. It takes strength to endure abuse, It takes courage to stop it. It takes strength to stand alone, It takes courage to lean on a friend. It takes strength to love, It takes courage to be loved. It takes strength to survive, It takes courage to live. Printed in Travel Agents Inspirational Corner Psalm 31:24 Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.

Psalms 71:14-14 But as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and of Your salvation all day long; for I do not know the sum of them. David was not content with his worship. He declared that he would praise God "more and more". We should never be content with our worship. We should strive each and every day to do just a little more for our God and Creator. We can never praise Him enough for what He has done for us.

If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten. Anthony Robbins It takes 21 days of doing something to make a habit - start creating a good one today!

Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation. It is better be alone than in bad company. George Washington (1732-1799) 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

If you do nothing unexpected, nothing unexpected happens. Fay Weldon Romans 2:6-8 God "will give to each person according to what he has done." To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

Psalms 22:1-4 My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; And by night, but I have no rest. Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You delivered them. This psalm is meant to show us that there are many times in our life when we feel that God has completely forgotten us. In the middle of our suffering, we sometimes cannot see the "big picture" of God's plan. We may not understand why we must deal with the pain and distress but He does not forget us. He never turns his back to us. If we love and follow the Creator, all in our life that happens is according to God's plan. The 4th verse of this scripture confirms that "Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them". Romans 8:28 tells us that "all things work together for good to them that love God". Prai...

It is better to wear out one's shoes than one's sheets. -- Genoese Proverb Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Keep God’s word in this way. Let it enter into your very being, let it take possession of your desires and your whole way of life. Feed on goodness, and your soul will delight in its richness. Bernard of Clarivaux Psalms 73:25-26 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart fails: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalms 30:8-12 To You, O LORD, I called, And to the Lord I made supplication: "What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your faithfulness? Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me; O LORD, be my helper." You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, that my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever. In David's time of trouble, he cried to God and asked himself these two simple questions in verse 9. What good is done when I am miserable? or even dead? What benefit to God's glory and honor is there when I'm moping around feeling sorry for my situation? Dead to everything? God promises to uplift my life if I only ask him. In this psalm, David had his life transformed from mourning into dancing. God took away his sackcloth and clothed him with gladness. If a situation has you down today, then take t...

Do not grumble or criticize; it takes neither heart nor brains to do that. Dwight L. Moody James 5:9 Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Hope is patience with the lamp lit. Tertullian Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts.

"The last of the human freedoms is to choose one's attitudes." -- Victor Frankl Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Our freedom is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind.