Spiritual Thoughts

We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it. -Abraham Lincoln He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

If you don't run your own life, someone else will. -John Atkinson A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11

Pray that you will never have to bear all that you are able to endure. - Jewish saying No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape , that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

No pressure, no diamonds. -Mary Case Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship. -Louisa May Alcott My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:2-3

There are two big forces at work, external and internal. We have very little control over external forces such as tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, disasters, illness and pain. What really matters is the internal force. How do I respond to those disasters? Over that I have complete control. ~Leo F. Buscaglia~ Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:25-26

Whatever you are, be a good one. Abraham Lincoln Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

A king may move a man. A father may claim a son. But remember that even when those who move you be kings or men of power... your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God, you cannot say, "But I was told by others to do thus, or that virtue was not convenient at the time." This will not suffice. Remember that. ~Spoken by the king in the movie, "Kingdom of Heaven" No man can by any means redeem his brother Or give to God a ransom for him Psalm 49:7 For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Matthew 16:26-27

Never argue with a fool. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. Unknown Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Proverbs 26:4

The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials. -Chinese Proverb Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. -Dorothy Nevill Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again. -Og Mandino So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

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

In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently. - Anthony Robbins 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. Hebrews 13:15

When we'd rather complain about something than do something about it, we're in big trouble. Unknown 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

Make one person happy each day and in 40 years you will have made 14,600 human beings happy for a little time at least. Charley Willey A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30

"Do not have your concert first, then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all in harmony with Him." - J. Hudson Taylor It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your loving kindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound. Psalm 92:1-3

Worldliness conceals the light of Christ in your life. Unknown Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

"Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness, and is power of endurance; the cheerful man will do more in the same time, will do it better, will persevere in it longer, than the sad or the sullen." Thomas Carlyle A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Proverbs 15:13

Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. -- Harold B. Melchart …. so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12

If being a believer in Christ was a crime - would there be enough evidence to convict me? Unknown I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

The doors of wisdom are never shut. -Benjamin Franklin Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

RULES FOR A PERFECT DAY Just for today... I will try to live and delight in the reality of being alive. My past is forever gone, my future an uncertainty, so I will be happy and thankful for each moment. I will not allow negative input into my mind...happiness is a choice and I choose to be happy. I will be thankful to God for my health, my loved ones, my business, and my country. I will also be thankful for any pain in crisis that helps me grow because God has said, be thankful in all things. I will take care of my body, realizing the importance of the words moderation and balance, knowing that as I bring my flesh under control, how much easier it will be to control my will and my actions. I will treat everyone I meet today the way I would like to be treated. I will strive to have them like themselves better when they’re with me. I will avoid gossip, jealousy, and negative thinking. Most people don’t think about what they think about. Today, I will make a conscious effort to hold lovi...