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Showing posts from 2006

Thought for the Day 12/29/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/28/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/25/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/26/2006

"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

Thought for the Day 12/27/2006

"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

Thought for the Day 12/22/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 12/21/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/20/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/19/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/18/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/15/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/14/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/13/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/12/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/11/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/8/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/7/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/6/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/5/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/4/2006

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

Thought for the Day 12/1/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/30/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/29/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/28/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/27/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/23/2006

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 ~

Thought for the Day 11/22/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/21/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/20/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/17.2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/16/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/15/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/14/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 11/13/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/10/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/9/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/8/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/7/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/6/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/3/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/2/2006

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

Thought for the Day 11/1/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/31/2006

"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

Thought for the Day 10/30/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/27/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/26/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/25/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/24/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/23/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/20/2006

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 ".

Thought for the Day 10/18/2006

"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

Thought for the Day 10/16/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/13/2006

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!

Thought for the Day 10/17/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/12/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/11/2006

“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

Thought for the Day 10/10/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/9/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/6/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/5/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/4/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/3/2006

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

Thought for the Day 10/2/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/29/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/28/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/27/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/27/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/26/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/25/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/22/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/21/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/20/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/19/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 9/15/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/14/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/13/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 9/12/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/11/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/8/2006

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?

Thought for the Day 9/7/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/6/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/5/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 9/4/2006

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

Thought for the Day 9/1/2006

"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

Thought for the Day 8/31/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/30/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/29/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/25/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/24/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/22/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/23/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/21/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/18/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/17/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/16/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/15/2006

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

Thought for the Day 8/14/2006

"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

Thought for the Day 8/11/2006

"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!

Thought for the Day 8/10/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 8/9/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 8/8/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 8/7/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 8/4/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 8/3/2006

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."

Thought for the Day 8/2/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 8/1/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 7/31/2006

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.

Thought for the Day 7/28/2006

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."

Thought for the Day 7/27/2006

Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things. Henry Ward Beecher In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Thought for the Day 7/26/2006

One way to get high blood pressure is to go mountain climbing over molehills. Earl Wilson Stop worrying and start living. Dale Carnegie 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.

Thought for the Day 7/25/2006

Reach Back With Gratitude If you are successful remember that somewhere, sometime, someone gave you a lift or an idea that started you in the right direction. Remember, also, to help some less fortunate person, just as you were helped. Napoleon Hill Hebrews 12:28 - 13:1 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Keep on loving each other as brothers.

Thought for the Day 7/24/2006

Peace is the deliberate adjustment of my life to the will of God. Anonymous 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Thought for the Day 7/21/2006

Courage is being scared to death--and saddling up anyway. -John Wayne Proverbs 3:25-26 Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.

Thought for the Day 7/20/2006

Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward with the life that God intended for you. Og Mandino Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Thought for the Day 7/19/2006

Most of my major disappointments have turned out to be blessings in disguise. So whenever anything bad does happen to me, I kind of sit back and feel, well, if I give this enough time, it'll turn out that this was good, so I shouldn't worry about it too much. William Gaines Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Thought for the Day 7/18/2006

"Knowledge is free, but you have to bring your own container." (unknown) Proverbs 3:13-14 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.

Thought for the Day 7/17/2006

People are like stained glass windows - the true beauty can be seen only when there is light from within. The darker the night, the brighter the windows. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Proverbs 4:18-19 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

Thought for the Day 7/14/2006

We should live our lives as though Christ was coming this afternoon. -Jimmy Carter Romans 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Philippians 4:5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

Thought for the Day 7/13/2006

One of the most important responsibilities in the Christian life is to care about others, smile at them, and be a friend to the friendless. -James Dobson James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Thought for the Day 7/12/2006

The smaller we are the more room God has. Anonymous Isaiah 66:2 " For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD. "But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word. "

Thought for the Day 7/11/2006

A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails. -- Unknown Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

Thought for the Day 7/10/2006

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all. -Sam Ewing Psalms 62:12 And loving-kindness is Yours, O Lord, For You recompense a man according to his work. Proverbs 18:9 He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys. Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.

Thought for the Day 7/7/2006

You cannot see faith, but you can see the footprints of the faithful. We must leave behind "faithful footprints" for others to follow. -Dr. Dennis Anderson Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. Hebrews 11:39-40 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

Thought for the Day 7/6/2006

Conduct is more convincing than language. -John Woolman Matthew 12:50 "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother."

Thought for the Day 7/5/2006

The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention. -Duguet Matthew 21:28-31 But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go work today in the vineyard.' And he answered, 'I will not'; but afterward he regretted it and went. The man came to the second and said the same thing; and he answered, 'I will, sir'; but he did not go. "Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you.

Thought for the Day 7/4/2006

The Bumblebee by Anthony N. Wade Did you know that according to a theory of aerodynamics that the bumblebee should be unable to fly? The bumblebee's size, weight, and shape of its body, in relationship to its total wingspan, flying is technically impossible. The bumblebee, being ignorant of the technical theory, goes on and flies anyway and makes honey everyday. You and I need to take a few lessons from the bumblebee. First of all, if the bumblebee were to look at its size, it would say "My body is too big for my wings, for that reason I am not able to fly." If it looked at its weight, it would say, "I'm too heavy, it is impossible for my wings to create enough lift for me to do the job I was created to do." If it looked at the contour of its body it would say "Forget it, it is scientifically impossible for me to do this." My friend, the bumblebee is totally unaware of the impossibilities that say it can't do what it does, day after day. It

Thought for the Day 7/3/2006

"There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still." -Franklin D. Roosevelt Joshua 1:6-7 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

Thought for the Day 6/30/2006

"How much should you earn? It doesn't matter whether you earn $10,000 a year or $100,000 a year as long as you've done the best you can." Jim Rohn Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Thought for the Day 6/29/2006

Slaying the dragon of delay is no sport for the short-winded. Sandra Day O'Connor Romans 13:11-12 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Thought for the Day 6/28/2006

Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable. Sidney J. Harris Ephesians 5:15 - 16 Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Thought for the Day 6/27/2006

Wasting time, is wasting ourselves away. (anonymous) Psalms 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Thought for the Day 6/26/2006

Psalm 34:11-14 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. We find, in this Psalm, that David has a lesson for us. It's about life and about living. He asks the simple question, "Who wants to live a good life?". Most people desire to live a happy life. Yet, as we look around us, there is so much unhappiness in the world. Is it because we have lost the true meaning of "living"? Living is much more than just a mere existence. A true and joyful life has it's foundation in a relationship with God. David gives us some basics to begin our road of a happy life. Respect, Love and Honor the Lord. Watch your tongue. Stay away from evil things. Do good. Seek Peace. It's not that com

Thought for the Day 6/23/2006

People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them. --George Bernard Shaw 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Thought for the Day 6/22/2006

Failure is not fatal. Failure should be our teacher, nor our undertaker. It should challenge us to new heights of accomplishments, not pull us to new depths of despair. From honest failure can come valuable experience. William Arthur Ward Psalms 119:67-68 Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. You are good and do good; Teach me Your statutes.

Thought for the Day 6/21/2006

Here is a test to find whether your mission in your life is finished: If you're alive, it isn't. (unknown) Deuteronomy 30:19-20 "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him..."

Thought for the Day 6/20/2006

Pain and Suffering is inevitable but Misery is optional. (anonymous) 1 Peter 2:20-21 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 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.

Thought for the Day 6/19/2006

God takes us into deep waters, not to drown us but to cleanse us. -Unknown 1 Peter 1:6-7 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.

Thought for the Day 6/16/2006

Before you begin a thing remind yourself that difficulties and delays quite impossible to foresee are ahead. ... You can only see one thing clearly, and that is your goal. Form a mental vision of that and cling to it through thick and thin. Kathleen Norris 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Thought for the Day 6/15/2006

Don't dare to be different, Dare to be yourself - if that does not make you different then something is wrong. Laura Baker Numbers 14:24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.

thought for the Day 6/14/2006

My life is in the hands of any fool who I lose my temper over. -- Anonymous Proverbs 29:11 A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.

Thought for the Day 6/13/2006

A tongue doesn't weigh much, but many people still have trouble holding it. Unknown James 3:5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. v.8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.

Thought for the Day 6/12/2006

The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm. - Swedish Proverb Hebrews 6:10-12 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Thought for the Day 6/9/2006

He who lies in the mud will rise dirty. --Gaelic Proverb You can't slide uphill. --Roadside Church Sign Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life. Luke 12:35 "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning."

Thought for the Day 6/8/2006

"In football, if you stand still you go backwards." - Peter Reid The same happens in life. Which way are you going? Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path. Psalm 27:11

Thought for the Day 6/7/2006

God does not work by only one method, paint in only one color, play in only one key, nor does He make only one star shine onto the earth. -Eberhard Arnold 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 18 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.

Thought for the Day 06/06/06

I don't get "preachy" in these Thoughts often, but on this day when rumor abounds on 06/06/06 today, I send this second Thought with love to you all, something a fellow believer wrote to warn us of the nearing of the end - May our Lord Jesus come soon! The description of the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Bible is spoken of in terms which make the combined effects of 9/11, tsunamis, Katrina and the severe recent earthquakes sound like child’s play. The warnings we are given are astounding. " For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been shortened, no human being would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened ." (Matt. 24:21 RSV) In light of these descriptions, it begs the question – "Why do so many fail to heed the warning?" People continue to live in sin as if this will not come to pass. Not surp

Thought for the Day 6/5/2006

Beautiful hands are the hands that do The tasks that the Lord gave them to. The homely tasks that, day by day, Make life easier along the way For other people; that wash and cook And make of a house a comfortable nook That folks like to come to; that scrub and scour; That soothe and heal no matter what the hour. Floors, clothes, and dishes, across our lands, Are made clean again by beautiful hands. Jessie Canon Eldridge Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Thought for the Day 6/2/2006

One of the first things a physician says is, "Let me see your tongue." A spiritual advisor might often do the same. Nehemiah Adams Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out. Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut) This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble. (Anonymous) Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world who has deprived himself of the Bible. Woodrow Wilson 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Thought for the Day 5/30/2006

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you'll never walk alone. God is always there. -- Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993) Proverbs 31:28-31 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.

Thought for the Day 5/29/2006

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 keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. This psalm was written by Solomon 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 "house" then all that we do is done in vain. It does not benefit us to worr

Thought for the Day 5/26/2006

God gave you the gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say, "thank you?" William Arthur Ward Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Thought for the Day 5/25/2006

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings. - Eric Hoffer Ephesians 1:3 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.

Thought for the Day 5/24/2006

I discovered that sorrow was not to be feared but rather endured with hope and expectancy that God would use it to bless my life. -Jill Briscoe 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.

Thought for the Day 5/23/2006

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Thought for the Day 5/22/2006

May there always be work for your hands to do; May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. Proverbs 10:22 It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it.
Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death. Unknown Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Thought for the Day 5/18/2006

With faith, there are no questions; without faith , there are no answers. Yisroel Meir Hakohen (1838-1933) Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Thought for the day 5/17/2006

TWO WOLVES... One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, selfishness, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith." The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed." In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Romans 6:11-12

Thoguht for the Day 5/16/2006

Christ said we could move mountains if we had faith. But He didn't say we wouldn't need a shovel. -Joyce Vollmer Brown Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; your faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. She had to ACT on her faith, and come to Jesus, in order to be healed.

Thought for the Day 5/15/2006

Fear knocked at the door. Faith opened it, and lo, there was no one there. Romans 4:20-21 Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Thought for the Day 5/12/2006

T.G.I.F. Thank God it's Friday. We've all felt that way at one time or another; thankful that the weekend is here. We know T.G.I.F., but what about the OTHER six days? Have we thanked God for the OTHER six days? Psalms 95:2-3 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

Thought for the Day 5/11/2006

"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are." -- Bernice Johnson Reagon 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.

Thought for the Day 5/10/2006

Trials to Triumph Suffering, trials and tribulations Are only working for our salvation. If we had no trials in life, And never had to deal with strife, Then we would be self-content, Forgetting from Whom all this good was sent. Through our tribulations we learn There is only One to whom we can turn, Who lifts us up out of trouble, Who guides us out of worldly rubble. On our heavenly Father we must rely, Give out thanks to Him on high, That through our suffering we can have salvation, If we live our lives for His glorification. Then our trials become our joyfulness, Our tribulations over come with thankfulness. (ivg)

Thought for the Day 5/9/2006

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. --Hannah More 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Thought for the Day 5/8/2006

The thing that matters is not what you bear, but how you bear it. -Seneca 1 Peter 2:20-21 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Thought for the Day 5/5/2006

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher. Oprah Winfrey 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Thought for the Day 5/4/2006

Commandments for Anti-Worry! 1. Thou shall not worry, for worrying is the most unproductive of all human activities. 2. Thou shall not be afraid, for most things we fear never come to pass. 3. Thou shall not cross bridges before thou comest to them. 4. Thou shall not handle but one problem at a time, leaving the others to The Lord until their proper time. 5. Thou shall not take troubles to bed, for they make poor bedfellows. 6. Thou shall not try to carry the problems of the world on your shoulders, for only One hath a back that strong. 7. Thou shall be a good listener, for God often speaks through the mouths of others. 8. Thou shall not try to relive yesterday, for good or ill, it is gone forever. Live and rejoice in today. 9. Thou shall dismiss feelings of frustration, for they are rooted in self-pity and interfere with positive action. 10. Thou shall count thy blessings, never overlooking the smallest, for our biggest blessings are often composed of our smaller ones.

Thought for the Day 5/3/2006

"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." -- Carlos Castaneda Psalms 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Thought for the Day 5/2/2006

Attitude depends on the way you look at things. View every problem you encounter as an opportunity. There is always a good side to every situation. The optimist sees an opportunity in every misfortune. The pessimist sees misfortune in every opportunity. The optimist sees the doughnut, the pessimist sees the hole. You can develop success from every failure. Discouragement and failure are two stepping stones to success. No other elements can do so much for you if you're willing to study them and make them work for you. When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. --Unknown Author 1 Peter 1:6-7 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.
Do you remember the things you were worrying about a year ago? How did they work out? Didn't you waste a lot of fruitless energy on account of most of them? Didn't most of them turn out all right after all? - Dale Carnegie Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Thought for the Day 5/1/2006

Do you remember the things you were worrying about a year ago? How did they work out? Didn't you waste a lot of fruitless energy on account of most of them? Didn't most of them turn out all right after all? - Dale Carnegie Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow. -Charlotte Bronte Psalm 43:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. What will make you happy? Will that new car make you happy? Will that new home make you happy? How about a new job? What about a new spouse, will that make you happy? It seems that there is always "something else" that will make us happy. Then, after we have obtained that new object of our affection, we find that the happiness was temporary and we must find something else to sustain our happiness. The psalmist reminds us in this scripture that everlasting happiness is found only with God. God has promised us a joy that can never fade if we will only follow the path that He has made for us. Today, don't strive too much for temporary happiness. Strive to obtain the eternal happiness that can only be found through Him.

Thought for the Day 4/26/2006

Happiness doesn't depend on what we have, but it does depend on how we feel toward what we have. We can be happy with little and miserable with much. William Dempster Hoard Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Thought for the Day 4/25/2006

Prayer has the power to change mountains into highways. -Wesley L. Duewel Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Thought for the Day 4/24/2006

You don't have to blow out the other fellow's light to let your own shine. -Bernard M. Baruch I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light. -John Keith Falconer Psalm 18:28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Thought for the Day 4/24/2006

You don't have to blow out the other fellow's light to let your own shine. -Bernard M. Baruch I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light. -John Keith Falconer Psalm 18:28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Thought for the Day 4/24/2006

You don't have to blow out the other fellow's light to let your own shine. -Bernard M. Baruch I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light. -John Keith Falconer Psalm 18:28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Thought for the Day 4/24/2006

You don't have to blow out the other fellow's light to let your own shine. -Bernard M. Baruch I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light. -John Keith Falconer Psalm 18:28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Thought for the Day 4/24/2006

You don't have to blow out the other fellow's light to let your own shine. -Bernard M. Baruch I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light. -John Keith Falconer Psalm 18:28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Thought for the Day 4/24/2006

You don't have to blow out the other fellow's light to let your own shine. -Bernard M. Baruch I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light. -John Keith Falconer Psalm 18:28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Thought for the Day 4/24/2006

You don't have to blow out the other fellow's light to let your own shine. -Bernard M. Baruch I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light. -John Keith Falconer Psalm 18:28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Thought for the Day 4/21/2006

We can't do everything for everyone everywhere, but we can do something for someone somewhere. --Richard L. Evans James 2:15-17 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Thought for the Day 4/20/2006

When I worship, I would rather my heart be without words, than my words be without heart. -Lamar Boschman Psalm 61:1-3 Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, And a strong tower from the enemy.

Thought for the Day 4/19/2006

No conflict is so severe as his who labors to subdue himself. Thomas a Kempis Proverbs 16:32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

Thought for the Day 4/18/2006

God will keep you. Remember Psalm 27:14: Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! God takes hold when we break down. We go as far as we can and then God takes hold when we can't go any farther. A.P. Gouthey

Thought for the Day 4/17/2006

Rise heart; thy Lord is risen. Sing his praise, Without delays… -George Herbert Luke 24:5-6 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!
Psalm 22:1-5 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. To You they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and were not disappointed. Psalms 22 is about Jesus on the cross. I encourage you to read Psalms 22 in its entirety to fully understand why this reference is made. This psalm is meant to show us that there are many times in our life when we feel that God has completely forgotten us - even though He has not. Sometimes because of our suffering, we cannot see the "big picture" of God's plan. God has a plan for all of our lives. We may not understand why we must deal with the pain and distress but He has never forgotten us. He has never turned his back to us. Everything that happens is bec

Thoguht for the Day 4/13/2006

"Good humor is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society." - William Makepeace Thackeray Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face .

Thought for the Day 4/12/2006

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 Romans 11:22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness.

Thought for the Day 4/11/2006

"There are those of us who are always about to live. We are waiting until things change, until there is more time, until we are less tired, until we get a promotion, until we settle down -- until, until, until. It always seems as if there is some major event that must occur in our lives before we begin living ." --George Sheehan 1 Peter 1:13 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.

Thought for the Day 4/10/2006

Laying down your arms, surrendering, saying you are sorry, realizing that you have been on the wrong track and getting ready to start life over again from the ground floor - that is the only way out of a hole. -C.S. Lewis Matthew 5:23-24 "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering."

Thought for the Day 4/7/2006

Jesus Christ is not a security from storms. He is the perfect security in storms. -Kathy Troccoli Psalm 107:28-29 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Luke 8:23-24 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.

Thought for the Day 4/6/2006

Adversity is the stuff that shows whether you are what you thought you were. --American Proverb Always a valley before a hill. --American Proverb Psalms 94:12-13 Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, And teach out of Your law, that You may give him rest from the days of adversity.

Thought for the Day 4/5/2006

May I know Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, and follow Thee more nearly, day by day. -Richard of Chichester 1 Peter 1:7 -8 . . . .Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible . . .

Thought for the Day 4/4/2006

Grant that I may not pray alone with the mouth; help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart. -Martin Luther Psalm 39:12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears.

Thought for the Day 4/3/2006

Direction? If we do not change our direction we are likely to end up where we are headed. Where are you headed? John 14:6 Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Thought for the Day 4/1/2006

A fool in April is likely one year round. MountainWings Matthew 7:26-27 And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it." Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Thought for the Day 3/31/2006

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. -Martin Luther King, Jr. Mark 4:30-32 And He said, "How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? "It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade."

Thought for the Day 3/30/2006

"You will regret many things in life but you will never regret being too kind or too fair." --Brian Tracy Colossians 3:12-13 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Thought for the Day 3/29/2006

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." --Dr. Leo Buscaglia Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Thought for the Day 3/28/2006

A "NO" uttered from deepest conviction is better and greater than a "YES" merely uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble." --Mahatma Gandhi 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Thought for the Day 3/27/2006

When you face the perils of weariness, carelessness, and confusion, don't pray for an easier life. Pray instead to be a stronger man or woman of God. -Luis Palau Psalms 119:28 My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word. Psalms 10:17 O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear.

Thought for the Day 3/24/2006

Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself. Before you can move their tears, your own must flow. To convince them, you must yourself believe. Winston Churchill 2 Corinthians 1:3 - 4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Thought for the Day 3/23/2006

" Hope is necessary in every condition. The miseries of poverty, sickness and captivity would, without this comfort, be insupportable." --Samuel Johnson Psalm 62:5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.