Spiritual Thoughts

Laughter is the most healthful exertion." -- Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland A joyful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22

Happiness is essentially a state of going somewhere, whole-heartedly, one-directionally, without regret or reservation." -- William H. Sheldon All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Hebrews 11:13

GET UP! I saw an expert skater once, performing on the ice, and wondered how she learned to glide so gracefully and nice. I asked her how she got her skill. She first began to frown, then smiled and said, “Why I got up whenever I fell down.” I knew a note financier, whose riches were untold. I marveled at his mighty nerve in taking chances bold.Once when we were alone, I asked the rich man of the townthe secret, and his answer was, “Get up when you fall down.” I heard a famous orator, whose ringing voice brought cheers,and then, in soft and touching tones, evoked a flood of tears.I asked this great man privately how I might win renown,and, like the rest, he told me to get up when I fall down. “He is a genius,” is a phrase you often read and hear.It means, a man who plugs along with nerve to persevere.You may be awkward at the stunt, and act just like a clown,but if you want to win life’s race, “Get up when you fall down!” Unknown Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses s...

"Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely." -Karen Kaiser Clark But speak the truth in love, as we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ. . . Ephesians 4:15

"Being miserable is a habit; being happy is a habit; and the choice is yours." -- Tom Hopkins 'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Revelation 3:17-18

A quiet time with God is worth a life time with men. Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? Got any mountains you can't tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible. And He can do what no other can do. Unknown Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

Patience is accepting a difficult situation without giving God a deadline to remove it. Unknown The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7:8

He knows the burden of each heart, He sees each falling tear; He can the true peace impart In place of doubt and fear. Unknown And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." Luke 24:38-39

When it comes to helping others, some people stop at nothing. Anonymous The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:9-10

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself. -Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief Through Jesus, then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

To me faith means not worrying. John Dewey (1859-1952) And without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

HAVE FAITH I don't know how one navigates this thing called life without having abiding faith in something. Tavis Smiley Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen; for by it the men of old received divine approval. Hebrews 11:1-2

It is better to wear out one's shoes than one's sheets. -- Genoese Proverb Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, Officer or ruler,prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in the harvest. How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?"A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest" - Your poverty will come in like a vagabond And your need like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6-11

The best gifts to give: To your friend, loyalty; To your enemy, forgiveness; To your boss, service; To a child, a good example; To your parents, gratitude and devotion; To your mate, love and faithfulness; To all men and women, charity. -Oren Arnold And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

For me, goals are my road map to the life I want. They have helped me accomplish things I once thought were impossible. Catherine Pulsifer I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Hatred is an acid that corrodes its container. Tonya Baker He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. Proverbs 10:18

Being defeated is often only a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. - Marilyn vos Savant Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble. -Frank Tyger He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. Proverbs 15:31-32

He who created us without our help, will not save us without our consent. ~Augustine As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me. Psalm 55:16

EXCUSES, EXCUSESThe streets of the City of Failure are paved with alibis--some of which are absolutely perfect. Harry A. Earnshaw No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Psalm 25:3

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.Find a way to be thankful for your troublesand they can become your blessings. ~ Author Unknown Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

Notice, we never pray for folks we gossip about, and we never gossip about the folk for whom we pray! For prayer is a great deterrent. - Leonard Ravenhill A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. Proverbs 11:13 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. Proverbs 26:20

If you plant for a year, plant grain. If you plant for ten years, plant trees. If you plant for a 100 years, plant men. If you plant for eternity, plant the word. -Unknown Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and u...

Goals are incredible important…or impotent. You decide." - Doug Firebaugh I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Be Thankful Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something For it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations Because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge Because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary Because it means you've made a difference. It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. ~ Author Unknown ~

Thou hast given so much to me. Give me one thing more — a grateful heart. -George Herbert Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28

You’ll become closer to God not by presenting God with your troubles, but by thanking God for your blessings. Unknown Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His loving-kindness is everlasting. Who can speak of the mighty deeds of the LORD, Or can show forth all His praise? Psalm 106:1-2

Constant complaint is the poorest sort of pay for all the comforts we enjoy. -Benjamin Franklin Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins? Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD. Lamentations 3:39-40 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

Some day, you will be wrestling with the great temptation, or trembling under the great sorrow of your life. But the real struggle is here, now, in these quiet weeks. Character cannot be made except by a steady, long continued process. -- Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts... Romans 5:3-5

Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it. M. Scott Peck By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11

Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13

You can not see the sun when you are crying. American proverb Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5 Count your blessings, they are there.

God will take you through the twists and turns, if you stay on the straight and narrow. -unknown 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. Matthew 7:13-14

When I want to speak let me think first. Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If not let it be unsaid. Maltbie D. Babcock Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith. Henry Ward Beecher But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Luke 12:28-31

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. -Winston Churchill 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. 1 Peter 3:8-9

You should not suffer the past. You should be able to wear it like a loose garment, take it off and let it drop. -Eva Jessye Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. Isaiah 43:18-21

The best of all things is to learn. Money can be lost or stolen, health and strength may fail, but what you have committed to your mind is yours forever. Louis L'Amour Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

Pain insists on being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. C.S. Lewis Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. Psalm 25:16-18

In the long run, men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, they had better aim at something high. -Henry David Thoreau But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5

There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still. -Franklin D. Roosevelt Let me hear Your loving-kindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8

"The more you recognize and express gratitude for the things you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude for." - Zig Ziglar "All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God: Blessed shall you be . . ." Deuteronomy 28:2-14

If you must speak badly of someone, don't speak it, but write it ... in the sand, at the water's edge, near the waves. -Anonymous Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. James 4:11 . . . to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. Titus 3:2

Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use. -Charles M. Schultz Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Matthew 22:37-39

Man can live for about forty days without food, and about three days without water, about eight minutes without air ... but only for one second without hope. Unknown Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... 1 Peter 1:3 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

Right is right, even if everyone is against it; and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. -William Penn The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes. -Hugh Downs Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

To go with the autumn season (and a requested repeat from previous years): 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 beco...

I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him. -Booker T. Washington Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions. Proverbs 10:12

As for me, I said in my alarm, "I am cut off from before Your eyes"; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications When I cried to You. O love the LORD, all you His godly ones! The LORD preserves the faithful And fully recompenses the proud doer. Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:22-24 D o you ever fear that God doesn't hear your prayers? D avid has to account for his impatience in these verses. He hastily assumed that God wasn't paying attention to his cries for help. He soon realized that God had heard his prayers and answered them in due time. T oday, don't become discouraged because a prayer has yet to be answered. Trust in God. This psalms tells us that the "Lord preserves the faithful". David ends this psalm with encouragement for anyone who is waiting for a prayer to be answered: " Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD ".

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." -Helen Keller Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? James 2:5

From your hope and faith, decide on a definite major goal . Write it down. Commit it to memory. Make it the fixed star on which you chart your course to success. Then take action to make it come true. Every success story with a happy ending starts with the words: “Once upon a time there was a man who hoped that some day …” Yours must start out the same way. - Napoleon Hill The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5

Calm Down Psalm 107:29-31 He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

When Yesterday Can Say Goodbye When yesterday can say goodbye And carry away her worn-out bags Filled with broken promises Broken dreams And broken hearts When tomorrow can wait outside the door And keep her gifts ready But politely wrapped So as not to spoil the surprise Then today can come And sit And hold you in her strong embrace While she opens her own box of blessings Unseen before Lying buried in the shadows Beneath yesterdays clutter. Tim Wright This is the day which the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

What ought one to say then as each hardship comes? I was practicing for this, I was training for this. - Epictetus (55-135 AD) But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all. 1 Peter 3:14, 17, 18

“The principle is competing against yourself. It’s about self-improvement, about being better than the day before.” - Steve Young Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge , self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance , and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness , and in your brotherly kindness, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

Hope is the raw material with which you build success. Hope crystallizes into faith, faith into determination and determination into action. - Napoleon Hill 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. Isaiah 40:31

You find what you look for in life. If you look for the good, you will find it. If you look for bad, you'll find that too. Choose to see the good! - James B. Richards A faithful man will abound with blessings. Proverbs 28:20

I bought a self-help tape called, "How to Handle Disappointment." I got it home and the box was empty. ~Jonathan Droll And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts. Romans 5:5

Diamonds are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs. Malcolm Forbes See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port where God is, we must sail sometimes with wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor. — Oliver Wendell Holmes Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming. Jim Rohn We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were. Cherie Carter-Scott A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don't give up. -Anne Lamott Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 42:11

Psalm 42:8 The LORD will command His loving-kindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life. God to enfold me, God to surround me, God in my speaking, God in my thinking, God in my sleeping, God in my waking, God in my watching, God in my hoping. -Traditional Celtic Prayer

I am always content with what happens; for I know that what God chooses is better than what I chooses. Epicetus Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Philippians 4:11

I am always content with what happens; for I know that what God chooses is better than what I chooses. Epicetus Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Philippians 4:11

Hating people is like burning down your own house to try to get rid of a rat. Harry Emerson Fosdick But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28

I have had more trouble with myself than with any other man I have ever met. Dwight L. Moody Give us help from trouble, For vain is the help of man. Through God we will do valiantly. Psalm 60:11-12

Have the dogged determination to follow through to achieve your goal ; regardless of circumstances or whatever other people say, think, or do. -Paul Meyer I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Our greatest weapon is prayer. Our greatest enemy is self. Unknown Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:36

Only when we have knelt before God, can we stand before men. Unknown O Lord, I beseech You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and make Your servant successful today and grant him compassion before this man." Now I was the cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah 1:11

Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one's self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another. ~Thomas Hughes I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world. ~Thomas Edison A friend is truthful, even if it sometimes hurts. Proverbs 27:17

There is only one real way to attain success , and that is to be in the will of God. Unknown Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success . Joshua 1:7-8 The only times Success is mentioned in the Bible is intertwined with following God and His Word.

The remarkable thing is, we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. -Charles Swindoll I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8:17

Inside the will of God there is no failure. Outside the will of God there is no success. -Bernard Edinger Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul. I cried out to You, O LORD: I said, "You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living. Psalm 142:4-5

When you blame others, you give up your power to change. Dr. Robert Anthony No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him - the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough - that he should live on forever and not see decay. Psalm 49:7-9 It is each of our own responsibility to believe and follow God in our life - we can't blame others for our own attitude.

Ask yourself a question: Is my attitude worth catching? Zig Ziglar 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 ... be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:23-24

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. Charles Dickens Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you. - James Allen Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 Where are your thoughts taking YOU today?

It is worse to be sick in the soul than in body. Polish Proverb But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

There's no thief like a bad book. Italian Proverb Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33 Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding. Proverbs 9:6

Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways. H. Jackson Brown, Jr. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple . Luke 14:27 Being a disciple, takes discipl ine.

Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later. Og Mandino And He was saying, "The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows - how, he himself does not know. The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come. Mark 4:26-29

"Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will." -Zig Ziglar Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. -Hebrews 3:1, 14

Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. --Lou Holtz Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:2-3

Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call on Him who is our courage and strength. -- Anonymous I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14

A friend will joyfully sing with you when you are one the mountain top, and silently walk beside you in the valley. -Anonymous Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:4-6

To get your ideas across use small words, big ideas, and short sentences. - John Henry Patterson My favorite: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16

Service is nothing but love in work clothes. Author Unknown "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you." John 15:13-14

Unless we form the habit of going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolations, because we lack equilibrium between light and darkness. Helen Keller You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity. Edwin Hubbel Chapin However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" - but God has revealed it to us by his word. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

If you don't have a plan for yourself, you'll be a part of someone else's. --American Proverb In the long run men hit only what they aim at. --Henry David Thoreau 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. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

A benchmark of emotional management and responsibility is the realization that our past can no longer be blamed for our actions in the present. The HearthMath Solution, Doc Childre & Howard Martin, 1999 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

He who knows no hardships will know no hardihood. He who faces no calamity will need no courage. Mysterious though it is, the characteristics in human nature which we love best grow in a soil with a strong mixture of troubles. Harry Emerson Fosdick The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him. Nahum 1:7 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Courage doesn’t roar… Sometimes Courage is the quiet voice At the end of the day, saying “I WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW” Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 24:17

People who fight fire with fire, usually end up with ashes. Abigail Van Buren A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are like scorching fire. A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends. He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 16:27-28, 32

My conviction is that failure of some kind is common to us all. And since God had people like us in mind when Christ died, God's grace is adequate to make the best of any situation. Successful people are those who apply God's remedy for failure. Erwin W. Luzer Psalms 143:7-8 Answer me quickly, O LORD, my spirit fails; Do not hide Your face from me, Or I will become like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear Your loving-kindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul. 1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails

"The game of life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity." Lewis Grizzard Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 2 Timothy 2:3-5

"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." -Peter Marshall Zechariah 9:16-17 The LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of his people. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How attractive and beautiful they will be!

Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. -- Unknown 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. ~Theodore Roosevelt Fall seven times, stand up eight. ~Japanese proverb Psalm 37:23-24 If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

So you have failed? You cannot fail. You have not failed; you have gained experience. Forward! -Josemaría Escrivá Psalms 119:71-72 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

The optimist says the cup is half full. The pessimist says the cup is half empty. The child of God says, "My cup runneth over." -Unknown Psalm 23:5-6 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

God gave you the gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say, "thank you?" William Arthur Ward Psalm 100:4-5 Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His loving-kindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.

The beaten path is the safest, but the traffic's terrible. Jeff Taylor Jeremiah 6:16 Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."

God doesn't always smooth the path, but sometimes He puts springs in the wagon. Marshall Lucas Psalm 27:11, 13 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

f you think you're too small to be effective, you've never been to bed with a mosquito. Anita Roddick James 5:16 The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. One person can do much.

Courage is fear that has said its prayers. Dorothy Bernard Psalms 86:6-7 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And give heed to the voice of my supplications! In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, For You will answer me.

Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don't have any problems, you don't get any seeds. Norman Vincent Peale Matthew 13:31-32 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."