Spiritual Thoughts

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied, "Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!" from "The Gate of the Year," a poem written in 1908 by Minnie Louise Haskins He who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. Proverbs 29:25

Don't Quit When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won if he'd stuck it out. Don't give up, though the pace seems slow - You may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than It seems to a faint and faltering man; Often the struggler has given up When he might have captured the victor's cup, And he learned too late, when the night slipped down, How close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside out - The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are - It may be near when it seems afar; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit ...

A day will never be anymore than what you make of it. Practice being a "doer"! Josh S. Hinds For just as the body without breath is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 2:26

"Worry is negative goal setting." - Brian Tracy Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God. ~Eleanor Powell ….God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life…. 1 John 5:11-12

The best things to give – at Christmas and every day of the year! 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." ~ Oren Arnold So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. ~Kahlil Gibran This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9, 11

Right is right, even if everyone is against it; and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. William Penn (1644-1718) But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19-20

He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful. Lao-Tzu (BC 600) Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

A Friend is a treasure, more precious than Gold. For love shared is priceless, and never grows old. Author Unknown A friend loves at all times… Proverbs 17:17

A day you waste is one you can never make up. George Allen Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Unknown Give thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. Colossians 1:12

The rainbow of God's promises is always above the trials and storms of life. Charles Shepson 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

There never has been, and cannot be, a good life without self-control. Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." Hebrews 12:5-6 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. Proverbs 25:28

The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. Benjamin Mays Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining 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

The sun is always shinning. Even though clouds may come along and obscure the sun for a while, the sun is always shining. The sun never stops shining. And even though the earth turns, and the sun appears to go down, it really never stops shining. Louise L. Hay Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79

After winter comes the summer. After night comes the dawn. And after every storm, there comes clear, open skies. Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) Therefore we also…..let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

I'm not afraid of storms for I'm learning how to sail my ship. Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) For You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Isaiah 25:4

Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them. Unknown And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Mark 1:17-18

Nothing lowers the level of conversation more than raising the voice. - Stanley Horowitz Your improvement must not be merely external - but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:3-4

We don't change the message, the message changes us. Unknown So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:11

The Kingdom is a cheap purchase, Whatever the cost. Unknown "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46

"The secret to Momentum in life can be found in the word Momentum... you create it Moment by Moment..." - Doug Firebaugh But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

Faith in action – "Faith alone saves. Faith if it is alone never saves." Paul Wade For just as the body without breath is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 2:26

G ratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melody Beattie Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him, talk ye of all His wondrous works. Glory ye in His holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 1 Chronicles 16:8-11

Reflect upon your blessings, of which every man has plenty, not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. - Charles Dickens It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High: To show forth Thy loving kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night. Psalm 92:1-2

"Develop an ‘attitude of gratitude.’ Say thank you to everyone you meet for everything they do for you." - Brian Tracy O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for His mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for His mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:1-3

Paraphrase of Hebrews 11:1 – "Faith is what makes things hoped for seem real. It convinces us of things unseen." Paul Wade Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

"A man's life is interesting primarily when he had failed – for it's a sign that he tried to surpass himself." – Georges Clemenceau And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test…. 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 13:6-8

"The seasons do not push one another; neither do clouds race the wind across the sky. All things happen in their own good time." - Dan Millman There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11

He who reigns within himself and rules his passions, desires, and fears, is more than a king. -John Milton Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls. Proverbs 25:28

Man is either in life or death. He must be the subject of one or the other; for there is, if we coin a phrase for the occasion, no betweenity. -John Thomas He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death. The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, But the blameless in their walk are His delight. Proverbs 11:19-20 Maritta Terrell Thoughts are also posted at: http://thoughtsaday.blogspot.com/ If you know of others wishing to receive these, please send me an email with their address and I'll add them. Or, if you wish to be removed, let me know and I will. Your email address will not be shared with anyone.

A house without love may be a castle, or a palace, but it is not a home; love is the life of a true home. John Lubbock Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. John 14:23

Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion? [Psalm 77:9] Psalm 77, written by Asaph, begins with a profound expression of anguish. The psalmist has found himself in a terribly difficult and painful situation. He has cried out to God, even shouting and praying all night. When he thinks of God, he moans with unfulfilled longing (77:1-3). Then Asaph begins to ask questions that are stunning in their honesty:  • “Has the Lord rejected me forever? • Will he never again be kind to me? • Is his unfailing love gone forever? • Have his promises permanently failed? • Has God forgotten to be gracious? • Has he slammed the door on his compassion?” (77:7-9). These six questions all can be answered by the simple word “No.” No, God has not rejected Asaph forever. No, God will not “never be kind” to him again. And so forth and so on. After all, when God revealed his essential nature and hallowed name to Israel, he made it clear that he is “The God of c...

It is a great deal easier to do that which God gives us to do, no matter how hard it is, than to face the responsibilities of not doing it. James R. Miller Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish, and he said, "I called out of my distress to the LORD, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice. For You had cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas..." Jonah 2:1-3

All good work is done the way ants do things, little by little. Lafcadio Hearn Go to the ant....consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer, and gather its foot at harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8

The beginning of sin is sweet; its end is bitter. Japenese proverb Man is the only animals that blushes. or needs to. Mark Twain For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Before you taken anything away, you must have something better to put in its place Arthur Schopenhauer Do not be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

You are glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains. Psalm 76:4 Psalm 76 celebrates the justice and strength of God, who "breaks the pride of princes and the kings of the earth fear Him" (76:12). He is truly "glorious," "even more majestic than the everlasting mountains" (76:4). The word translated here as "glorious" means, literally, "lighted up" or "shining". God's glory glows even more stunningly than the mountains at sunset. The mountains are not there simply to impres us with their own glory. Rather they point to the One who made them, whose magnificence exceeds them beyond all measure. No doubt, God has given us the wonders of the natural world to delight us. Yet these gifts also serve to remind us of the even greater wonder of the Creator.

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. Ralph Waldo Emerson Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool..... For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist," says the LORD. "BUT on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word." Isaiah 66:1-2

The voice of conscience is so delicate that it is easy to stifle it; but it is also so clear that it is impossible to mistake it. Madame De Stail 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

We can often do more for other men by trying to correct our own faults, than by trying to correct theirs. -Francois Fenelon First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Matthew 7:3-5

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." -Charles A. Beard When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him. Psalm 8:3-4

The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is. C.S. Lewis Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off. Psalm 37:37-38

A word out of season may mar a whole lifetime. Greek Proverb 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

He who is slowest in making a promise is most faithful in its performance. - Jean Jacques Rousseau Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'. Matthew 5:37 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:23

There are only two options regarding commitment; you're either in or you're out. There's no such thing as life in-between. Pat Riley Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn… Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:5-7

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 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. Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. Psalm 119:71-73

Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped. African proverb But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:2-3, 26

The difference between whether you say, 'I wish I would have,' or 'I'm glad I did,' at the end of your life is whether or not you take decisive action during your life. Chris Widener 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

Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech. -Unknown Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:28

One may have good eyes and yet see nothing. - Italian Proverb The eyes are not responsible when the mind does the seeing. - Publilius Syrus Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

People are known as much by the quality of their failures as by the quality of their successes. Mark McCormack Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:7-8

You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence is not an event - it is a habit. Aristotle And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Titus 3:8

We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them. William Arthur Ward 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. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone," and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message…. 1 Peter 2:6-8

No pressure, no diamonds. Mary Case 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. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Hebrews 12:11-12

Ask yourself a question: Is my attitude worth catching? Zig Ziglar Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:16

I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I'm going to learn, I must do it by listening. Unknown Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance …. Proverbs 1:15

Smiling Is Infectious Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu, When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too. I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin. When he smiled I realized I'd passed it on to him. I thought about that smile, then I realized its worth. A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth. So, if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected. Let's start an epidemic quick, And get the world infected. Author Unknown My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. 1 Samuel 2:1

Life is like riding a bike. It is impossible to maintain your balance while standing still. Linda Brakeall Do not stand still! Remember the LORD afar off, and let Jerusalem come to your mind. Jeremiah 51:50

You can be as you choose to be. It's an act of discipline sometimes, but it can be done. Kevin Costner Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Holding anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. Unknown Surely the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood: so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife. Proverbs 30:33

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 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade… 1 Peter 1:3-4

Don't pray to escape trouble. Don't pray to be more comfortable in your emotions. Pray to do the will of God in every situation. Nothing else is worth praying for. Samuel M. Shoemaker We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God… Colossians 1:9-10

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. Anne Bradstreet He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Deuteronomy 8:3

Growing Through Life's Difficulties ==================================== Problems will either stop you or stretch you. Most of the times we want to use our faith to get rid of a problem with Divine delivering power, but we forget about Divine enabling power, to enable us to endure. You are not just going through, ...you are growing through. Unknown Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

A book holds a house of gold. - Chinese Proverb The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. Psalm 19:8-10

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one." - Maya Angelou As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured. James 5:10-11

Good habits are as easy to form as bad ones. -Tim McCarver 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. Matthew 7:24

My mind is a garden. My thoughts are the seeds. My harvest will be either flower or weeds. -Mel Weldon Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24

"In football, if you stand still you go backwards. " - Peter Reid The same happens in life. Which way are you going? 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. Jeremiah 6:16

Snowflakes are a fragile thing individually, but look at what they can do when they stick together . Fernando Bonaventura If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:10-12

Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them. W. Clement Stone Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33 (RSV) Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

The future is something, which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is. C. S. Lewis Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Colossians 4:5

If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self. Napoleon Hill Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

It doesn't matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes. What matters most is getting off. You cannot make progress without making decisions. Jim Rohn I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16

Clean up your own backyard. Change by example. Just be the way you want others to be and hope they pay attention. Larry Winget Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. Titus 2:7 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

"Show me a man who cannot bother to do little things and I'll show you a man who cannot be trusted to do big things." - Lawrence Bell "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.' Matthew 25:21

We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope. Martin Luther King 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

OUR TIME is only once - and never returns. So let us make the best of it while we have it. How to make the best of it- that is the question on which so many make shipwreck. -Robert Roberts Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. …. understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

If I have any possessions I refuse to part with, I don't own them; they own me. Keith Jesperson After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, "Follow Me." And he left everything behind, and got up and began to follow Him. Luke 5:27-28

If there is bitterness in the heart, sugar in the mouth won't make life sweeter. But God’s love makes the heart sweet, And the mouth full of praise. - Yiddish Proverb I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:19-23

Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. God's Word should be a daily part of our lives. This Psalm is a wonderful explanation of the true meaning and power of God's Word. Five characteristics of God's word are defined along with their effects upon our lives. God's word: Converts our soul, Provides us wisdom, Rejoices our heart, Enlightens our eyes, Endures Forever. We will find a great reward for keeping God's Word in our heart. Thank you for taking the time to en...

Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong… Unknown For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:9-10

"Winners are losers that got up and gave it one more try." Unknown "The righteous falls seven times but rises again ..." Proverbs 24:16

Life is 10 percent what you make it and 90 percent how you take it. Irving Berlin Therefore now, O LORD, take my life from me, I beseech thee, for it is better for me to die than to live." And the LORD said, "Do you do well to be angry?" Jonah 4:3-4

No one can make us angry. People can say and do things to us but it is still up to us as individuals to do what we want with our emotions in response to those things. Source Unknown Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:6

Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday. Don Marquis When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. Ecclesiastes 5:4

If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else. Yogi Berra Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:10 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16

Do one thing at a time and do that one thing as if your life depended upon it. Eugene Grace "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:8-10

Living in the past is a dull and lonely business; looking back strains the neck muscles, causes you to bump into people not going your way. Edna Ferber And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62

Do every act of your life as if it were your last. Marcus Aurelius 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

“The world gets out of the way for the person who knows where he is going” Unknown 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. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. Hebrews 11:13-14, 39-40

Be Patient. Whatever people may say or do, the Bible remains the same. God, who existed before the world was made, changes not. Let your eyes be up to heaven, not on earth. Things on earth are more stable for you if your affections are set on heaven. The Christadelphian, 1886 Therefore be patient , brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. James 5:7-8

Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone. Pablo Picasso Then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, "Come, let us meet together …..." But they were planning to harm me. So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?" Nehemiah 6:2-3

Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting. Author Unknown Now one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well." Luke 17:15-19

Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting. Author Unknown Now one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well." Luke 17:15-19

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schwietzer Nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 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 5:15-16

Fear less, hope more , eat less, chew more, whine less, breath more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more, and life will be more. - Swedish Proverb And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

LSGBS - Let Something Good Be Said. Eric Butterworth Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20

A perfect wife is one who doesn't expect a perfect husband, And a perfect husband doesn’t expect a perfect wife. - Anonymous Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:21, 33

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Unknown May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:11-12

D on't put a question mark where God put a period. Unknown Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of an adversary to torment me - to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:7

Fear not tomorrow. God is already there. Author unknown Be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6

Be the first to the field and the last to the couch. - Chinese Proverb But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him. - Epictetus (55-135 AD) Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9

Laughter is the best medicine for a long and happy life. He who laughs--lasts! Wilfred A. Peterson Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us; We are glad. Psalm 126:2-3

God knows no distance. Chaleszetta Waddles So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (Parable of Prodigal Son)

Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can To all the people you can, As long as ever you can. John Wesley And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn't permanent. Jean Kerr 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. O my God, my soul is in despair within me; Therefore I remember You. Psalm 42:5-6