Spiritual Thoughts

“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."