Spiritual Thoughts

Be assured that you’ll always have time for things you put first. Liane Steele But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Some things have to be believed to be seen Ralph Hodgsen These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13

Faith is a journey Not a guilt trip Unknown For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1:17

Storm warning Stop telling God how big your storm is; instead, tell the storm how big your God is! Unknown The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

If you hope, you cope. If you don't, you mope. -Genevieve Kunkel We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:20,22

Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind. Robert Green Ingersoll Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go,lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul. Proverbs 22:24-25

We have two ears, but only one mouth, so that we may listen more and talk less. Zeno (c. 334-262 B.C.) My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:19-20, 22

Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby. -Ruth E. Renkel When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

I held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess. Corrie ten Boom You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. Psalm 30:11-12

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD. Difficult moments, SEEK GOD. Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD. Painful moments, TRUST GOD. Every moment, THANK GOD. Rick Warren Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." Psalm 50:14-15

Statistically, the probability of any one of us being here is so small that you'd think the mere fact of existing would keep us all in a contented dazzlement of surprise. Lewis Thomas (1913-1993) Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created. He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away. Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; Both young men and virgins; Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, Praise for all His godly ones; . Praise the LORD! Psalm 148

Oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weight thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful friend will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away. - George Elliot ...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

God never promises to remove us from our struggles. He does promise, however, to change the way we look at them. -Max Lucado For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:12-13

Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living, the other helps you make a life. -Sandra Carey So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:14

To carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one bee. William H. Walton Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

Kindness is for all times in all situations - not just when it suits you. Audray Landrum Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

"How Long, Lord!? Have you forgotten about me?" This is a question that I've asked many times. It's such a foolish question. How could God forget about one of his children? He can't. We find David in distress in Psalm 13 (see below) and he's wondering how long he must endure his trials. Yet, in verse 5, David finds the strength to carry on. His faith in the protection of God gives him strength and security and, in verse 6, he has quickly had his sadness turned to joy has he realizes what God has done for him. My Daily Psalm How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:1-2, 5

The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear. Maya Angelou My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalms 5:2-3

"The heart is the rudder of the soul, and till the Lord take it in hand we steer in a false and foul way." -- C.H. Spurgeon Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

We can not become what we need to be, by remaining what we are. Oprah Winfrey And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3-4

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 ...

EXCUSES, EXCUSES The 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

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