Spiritual Thoughts

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us." - Hal Borland The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10

PURPOSE "Your purpose explains what you are doing with your life. Your vision explains how you are living your purpose. Your goals enable you to realize your vision." - Bob Proctor I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he could only do a little. Edmund Burke (1729-1797) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! Revelation 3:15

Where we love is home – home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts. - Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. John 14:23

When Christ entered our world, he didn't come to brighten our Decembers, but to transform our lives. -Rich Miller And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. To God, everything. Oren Arnold Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Psalm 106:47

God asks no man whether he will accept life. That is not the choice. One must take it. The only choice is how . - Henry Ward Beecher Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: …. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD . Joshua 24:14-15

It is better to deserve without receiving, than to receive without deserving. Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899) Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful , and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:28

To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice. - Confucius Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. James 4:17

Nodding the head does not row the boat. - Irish Proverb Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:11-12

GROWTH You will never be the person you can be if pressure, tension, and discipline are taken out of your life. James G. Bilkey No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

GROWTH begins when we start to accept our own weakness. Jean Vanier As a result, we are no longer to be children, ….. but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15

People are like grass in the field: some blossom, some wither. - Jewish Proverb … but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

"It's good to have money and the things money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things money can't buy." - George Horace Lormier Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! …. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. Isaiah 55:1-3

"The simplest and commonest truth seems new and wonderful when we experience it for the first time in our own life" Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to 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 4:22

"Watch your manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful." - Norman Vincent Peale And the peace of God , which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable , whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:7-8

"Good habits are hard to form and easy to live with. Bad habits are easy to form and hard to live with. Nothing is neutral. Everything counts." - Brian Tracy Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16

"The only way to live is to accept each minute as an unrepeatable miracle, which is exactly what it is - a miracle and unrepeatable." - Margaret Storm Jameson “Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again .'” John 3:7 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

[T]he biggest challenge that any of us will ever have: to really get up in the morning and say, "OK God, what can I do to help somebody else today, how can I be a blessing to somebody else?" -Joyce Meyer You shall not see your brother's donkey or his ox fall down along the road, and hide yourself from them; you shall surely help him lift them up again. Deuteronomy 22:4 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Philippians 4:3

Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. -- Carrie Fisher Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. Job 5:2

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." The man who believes this has calm quiet confidence, but, because his confidence is based upon God's power and not his own power, there is never the slightest speck of egotism. Clinton Davidson Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13

"You have not lived a perfect day, even though you have earned your money, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you." -R. Smeltzer Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel. Author Unknown Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

Thanksgiving. . . is a glad and reverent lifting of the heart to God in honor and praise for His goodness. James R. Miller Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving , Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God And a great King above all gods. Psalm 95:2-3

It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than to complain about what is not given. One or the other becomes a habit of life. Elisabeth Elliot Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than to complain about what is not given. One or the other becomes a habit of life. Elisabeth Elliot Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

God gave you the gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say, "thank you?" William Arthur Ward Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13 Pray continuously; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

The income of God's Word is the outcome of a changed life . -Ed Cole Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them , I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house , who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built . Luke 6:47-48

"Most people are too busy living life to ever put life in their living..." - Doug Firebaugh This is eternal life , that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3

OVERCOMING FAILURE "What looks like a loss may be the very event which is subsequently responsible for helping to produce the major achievement of your life." - Srully D. Blotnick My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” - Helen Keller "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"Your life is the sum total of all your choices up to this present minute." - Brian Tracy "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; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them." Deuteronomy 30:19-20

The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm. -Swedish Proverb We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

"The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays." – Soren Kierkegaard As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. Psalm 42:1-5

Relax and let go. That’s the "Moment" for today, a message to simply rest and let go. …and LET God. Unknown Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool - arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. Psalm 132:7-8

Living Perhaps it would be a good idea, fantastic as it sounds, to muffle every telephone, stop every motor and halt all activity for one hour some day just to give people a chance to ponder for a few minutes on what it is all about, why they are living and what they really want. James Truslow Adams (1878-1949) …but truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Numbers 14:21 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14

Jesus Christ didn't commit the gospel to an advertising agency; He commissioned disciples. And He didn't command them to put up sings and pass out tracts; He said that they would be His witnesses. Joe Bayly ……. and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. Acts 1:8

All you have to do is look straight and see the road, and when you see it, don't sit looking at it -- walk. Ayn Rand But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4:18-19

Each day is a new life. Seize it. Live it. David Guy Powers We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4

Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once. Lillian Dickson Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? ……. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." James 4:13-15

Waste your money and you're only out of money, but waste your time and you've lost part of your life. -- Michael Leboeuf Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Colossians 4:5, NIV Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Colossians 4:5, NASB

"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. " - Ben Franklin He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23

BELIEVE WHILE OTHERS ... Believe while others are doubting. Plan while others are playing. Study while others are sleeping. Decide while others are delaying. Prepare while others are daydreaming. Begin while others are procrastinating. Work while others are wishing. Save while others are wasting. Listen while others are talking. Smile while others are frowning. Commend while others are criticizing. Persist while others are quitting. by William Arthur Ward AsAManThinketh.net @mydailyinsights.com Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 Your email address will not be shared with anyone.

"The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision." - Helen Keller 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

HOPE Hope is something that brings sunshine into the shadows of our lives. It is our link to a better tomorrow. Yitta Halberstam and Judith Leventhal ….. we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast… Hebrews 6:18-19

A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers . Robert Quillen (1887-1948) Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them. William Arthur Ward As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house …… For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. 1 Peter 2:4-7

He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful. Lao Tzu A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11

"Ours is a WALK in Christ, not a sitting down" Unknown As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so WALK in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Triumph is just " umph " added to try. - God's Little Instruction Book for Students But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ …. 2 Corinthians 2:14

Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will. - Ben Stein Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Don't worry about bad times because sometimes the most beautiful things we have in life are changes and mistakes. Live with no regrets because everything happens for a reason. - Jacks Kuhn And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

A Word on Words: "Lord's Prayer: 66 Words Gettysburg Address: 286 Words 10 Commandments: 179 Words Declaration of Independence: 1,300 Words Pythagorean Theorem: 24 Words Archimedes' Principle: 67 Words US Government Regulations on the Sale of Cabbage: 26,911 Words" Unknown Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2

It might help us to remember that the ones who sigh and whose hearts melt and who faint at the thought of the coming events are those who do not have God . So when we ourselves find our own lives hit this level of depression, we need to pull ourselves up in the knowledge that God loves us and has a desire that we might share in eternity. It is those who have forgotten this that sigh and faint. Isa.13:7, Nah.2:10 Peter Cresswell And when they ask you, 'Why are you groaning?' you shall say, 'Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt and every hand go limp; every spirit will become faint and every knee become as weak as water.' It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign LORD." Ezekiel 21:7 NIV "And when they say to you, 'Why do you groan?' you shall say, 'Because of the news that is coming; and every heart will melt, all hands will be feeble, every spirit will faint and all knees will be weak as water. Behold, ...

A man who governs his passions is master of the world. We must either command them, or be enslaved by them. It is better to be a hammer than an anvil. -Dominic He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

"Problems are only opportunities in work clothes." - Henry J. Kaiser Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." - Arnold Schwarzenegger 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

The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over. -Aesop Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25

"Worry looks around, sorry looks back, Faith looks up ." Unknown Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God….. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that God is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:1-3, 6

Just for today I will be happy. Just for today I will try to live through this day only, not to tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for twelve hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime. Just for today… - Sybyl F. Partridge But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow , for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34

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 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

Love is the greatest thing that God can give us, and it is the greatest we can give God. Jeremy Taylor Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, i s not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Cor...

Hard work means nothing to a hen. Regardless of what business forecasters say about the price of eggs … regardless of what others expect of her … regardless of fluctuations in the commodities market … she keeps on digging worms and laying eggs. If the ground is hard, she scratches harder. If it’s dry, she digs deeper. If it’s wet, she digs where it is dry. If she strikes a rock, she digs around it. If she gets a few more hours of daylight in the barnyard, she digs a few more hours. Have you ever seen a pessimistic hen? Have you ever seen a hen cackle in disgust at the prospect of her job? Did you ever hear one cluck because the work was hard, the conditions were poor, and some of here eggs were taken from her before they hatched?? NO. Hens save their breath for digging. They save their cackles for the eggs that are laid. Unknown You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain , brethren, against ...

"Let a person rejoice when he is confronted with obstacles, for it means that he has reached the end of some particular line of indifference or folly, and is now called upon to summon up all his energy and intelligence in order to extricate himself, and to find a better way; that the powers within him are crying out for greater freedom, for enlarged exercise and scope." -- James Allen Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 1 Peter 4:12-13

"Minutes are worth more than money. Spend them wisely." -- Thomas P. Murphy So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

“No matter how much time you've wasted in the past, you still have an entire today." -- Denis Waitley Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Psalm 39:4, 7

DO IT NOW!"It's a strange thing, you have said it thousands of times I am sure... you will never know what you can do until you try. However the sad truth is that most people never try anything until they know they can do it." -- Bob Proctor Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15

The best portion of a good man's life: his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love . -William Wordsworth Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Our Father allows U turns. Unknown Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38

The heart is our garden, and along with each action there is an intention that is planted like a seed. We can use a sharp knife to cut someone, and if our intention is to do harm, we will be a murderer. We can perform an almost identical action, but if we are a surgeon, the intention is to heal and save a life. The action is the same, yet depending on its purpose or intention, it can be either a terrible act or a compassionate act. Jack Kornfield "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 se...

God's love for us is not a love that always exempts us from trials, but rather, a love that sees us through trials. Anonymous 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… Romans 5:3-5

Don't be so busy adding up your troubles that you forget to count your blessings . Unknown This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him , And saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. Psalm 34:6-7

Be persuaded, timid soul, that He has loved you too much to cease loving you. Francois de la Fenelon For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

We fear man so much because we fear God so little. Author unknown In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? Psalm 56:4

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. Oscar Wilde "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." Luke 21:28

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. John Enoch Powell It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. Psalms 119:71

How to Let Your Light Shine Work with joy Pray with love Dream from your heart Share what you have Live simply, Love deeply Unknown Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

"Give your worries to God before you sleep, 'cause He's going to be awake anyhow" 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 think you're too small to be effective , you've never been to bed with a mosquito. Anita Roddick The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 Now Jesus was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. "There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' "For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'" And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? "I tell you that He will bring about justice ...

"A Bible Falling Apart Belongs to Someone who Isn't". Unknown …that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-16-17

He who reigns within himself and rules his passions, desires, and fears is more than a king. -- John Milton He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage isthe quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow'." Mary Anne Radmacher-Hershey But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, IF we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. Hebrews 3:6

The Ripple Effect Each choice we make causes a ripple effect in our lives. When things happen to us, it is the reaction we choose that can create the difference between the sorrows of our past and the joy in our future. Inspirationline.com Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

Melt the icy fingers of fear with the sunshine of hope . Unknown 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. Psalm 43:5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day…. Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your habitation. Psalm 91:5, 9

When you feel dog tired at night, it may be because you've growled all day long. Unknown Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! James 5:9

Let us act on what we have, since we have not what we wish. John Henry Newman (1801-1890) Do the best with what you have, where you are. Bob Lloyd The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any that act wisely, that seek after God. Psalm 14:2

No steam or gas ever drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows until it is focused, dedicated and disciplined . Harry Emerson It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline ? Hebrews 12:7

How we think shows through in how we act. Attitudes are mirrors of the mind. They reflect thinking. - David J. Schwartz You were taught… to put off your old self…. to 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 4:22-24

A Smile A smile costs nothing but gives much It takes but a moment, but the memory of it usually lasts forever. None are so rich that can get along without it And none are so poor but that can be made rich by it. It enriches those who receive Without making poor those who give. It creates sunshine in the home, Fosters good will in business And is the best antidote for trouble- And yet it cannot be begged, borrowed, stolen, for it is of no value Unless it is freely given away. Some people are too busy to give you a smile- Give them one of yours- For the good Lord knows that no one needs a smile so badly As he or she who has no more smiles left to give. (Author Unknown) "A merry heart does good like a medicine." Proverbs 17:22

If your difficulties are longstanding, try kneeling. Unknown Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

The winds of God are always blowing, but you must set the sails. -Unknown He makes the winds His messengers , Flaming fire His ministers. Psalm 104:4 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14

Words must be weighed, not counted. Polish proverb A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:23-24 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:27-28

"It has been my philosophy of life that difficulties vanish when faced boldly." - Isaac Asimov Praying always with all prayer and supplication …….. that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:18-20

The original WWJD saying? To know Christ is the way to grow in holiness. Ask yourself, in the moment of perplexity or temptation, what would He do if He were here? Nothing else will so surely lead us into the way of holy living. George Hodges And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skill to do difficult things easily. Johann Friedrich von Schiller "He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. "The first one came and said, 'Sir, your ten minas has earned ten more.' "'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.' Luke 19:15-17

Always set a place in your life for the unexpected guest. Unknown Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:1-2

You may juggle human laws, you may fool with human courts, but there is a judgment to come , and from it there is no appeal. Orin Philip Gifford "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." Acts 17:30-31

Worldview If we view the whole world through a lens that is bright, Then the world appears rosy and cheery; Or if viewing the world through a lens that is dark, The whole world will seem weary and dreary. But the world hasn’t changed, for it’s only the lens That’s distorting whatever we see. So abandon the lens and seek truth, pure and free, For God lives in both truth and reality! —Peggy Ferrell, Poems and Prayers Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:23-25

When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is any thing you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. Edgar Watson Howe A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

It is better to wear out one's shoes than one's sheets. -- Genoese Proverb The way of the slothful man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 15:19 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:11-12

Sandwich every bit of criticism between two layers of praise. Mary Kay Ash Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2

"I never failed once. It just happened to be a 2000-step process." - Thomas A. Edison Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:7-8

"When faithfulness is most difficult, it is most necessary." - Anonymous Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. Hebrews 10:23-24

I find that it is not the circumstances in which we are placed, but the spirit in which we face them, that constitutes our comfort . -- Elizabeth T. King Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will 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 anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Psalm 23:4-5

CHALLENGES "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr. If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with attitude, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2

Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God. —George Washington Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a standard [=banner] for the peoples! Indeed the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the world: "Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Surely your salvation is coming; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.' " Isaiah 62:10

People should know what you stand for. They should also know what you won’t stand for. Author unknown How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

A joy that is shared is a joy made double. —John Ray Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength ." And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them . Nehemiah 8:10, 12

Anyone can dodge responsibility, but it takes real talent to dodge the consequences of dodging responsibility. —Author unknown You will suffer the penalty for your bad plans and bear the consequences of your sins of idolatry. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD." Ezekiel 23:49 BUT as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Hebrews 9:27-28

'The Eagle and the Wolf’ There is a great battle That rages inside me. One side is a soaring eagle. Everything the eagle stands for Is good and true and beautiful. It soars above the clouds. Even though it dips down into the valleys, It lays its eggs on the mountaintops. The other side of me is a howling wolf. And that raging, howling wolf Represents the worst that is in me. He feasts upon my downfalls And justifies himself by his presence in the pack. Who wins this great battle? The one I feed. Unknown Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him [Christ], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:6