Spiritual Thoughts

One of the healthiest ways to gamble is with a spade and a package of garden seeds. Dan Bennett I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field , God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

We all learn by experience but some of us have to go to summer school. Peter de Vries (1910-1993) Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character ; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; And patience, experience ; and experience, hope: Romans 5:3-4 (KJV)

When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Franklin D. Roosevelt Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life… 1 Timothy 6:12

" Progress, however, of the best kind, is comparatively slow. Great results cannot be achieved at once; and we must be satisfied to advance in life as we walk, step by step." -- Samuel Smiles And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….. Romans 12:2

"To do list" I'll wash the floors, I'll paint the doors, and wash the windows too; I'll peel some apples and make dessert, and then an Irish Stew. I'll send those photos to my Aunt, and also send her a letter; Send a parcel to my sick friend, saying I hope she feels better. But heavenly Father where is the JOY from floors to Irish Stew, If in all I've hoped or strived to do, I've planned no time for You? While I live and have my health, there will always be 'things to do'; There will always be apples for dessert, and time to make Irish Stew, But my spiritual health will suffer much if I do not change my view, To focus more on my blessings Lord, and spend quiet times with You. Sue Smith "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10 "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength" Isaiah 30:15

"Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there." Josh Billings To those who by persistence in doing good, seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. Romans 2:7

"Life is the movie you see through your own eyes. It makes little difference what's happening out there. It's how you take it that counts." Denis Waitley Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called… 1 Timothy 6:12

“We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lost sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way.” Unknown All these people were still living by faith when they died.      They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.    And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. Instead, they were longing for a better country….. Hebrews 11:13, 16

"Right is right even if everyone is against it. Wrong is wrong even if everyone is for it." - William Penn But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God , you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19-20

It is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust. --Samuel Johnson For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 1 Peter 3:17

Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant. -Horace Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,     knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result,    so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

In the middle of a difficulty       lies opportunity. Albert Einstein (1879-1955) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while ,        if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith,           being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in     praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:6-7

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song. - Chinese Proverb He sends forth springs in the valleys; They flow between the mountains; Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; They lift up their voices among the branches. Psalms 104:10, 12 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face. Proverbs 15:13

Elbow grease is the best polish. - English Proverb No fine work can be done without concentration and self-sacrifice and toil and doubt. - Max Beerbohm Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8

If there was strife and contention in the home, very little else in life could compensate for it. -Lawana Blackwell Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. Proverbs 17:1

It's all right to have butterflies in your stomach. Just get them to fly in formation. Robert Gilbert Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. After they prayed, ……[they] spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:29, 31

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. William Arthur Ward Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly  as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

When making your choice in life, do not neglect to live. Samuel Johnson “….but only one thing is necessary,   for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42

Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. -- German Proverb And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

"You can turn off the sun but I'm still gonna shine." --Jason Mraz "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Change The life you have led doesn't need to be the only life you have. Anna Quindlien 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

Birds sing after a storm ; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them? Rose F. Kennedy (1890-1995) In this you greatly rejoice , even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, ….. even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:6-7