Spiritual Thoughts

  S peak softly and sweetly; later you may have to eat your words. ~ Unknown L et no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, BUT only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear . ~ Ephesians 4:29 (NASB)

  I t has been said that our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow,  BUT only empties today of its strength. ~ Charles H. Spurgeon B e on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life . . . BUT keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. ~ Luke 21:34, 36 (NASB)

  F ocus on fantastically forever, for forgetting and forgiving, following together. ~ Unknown   T herefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely and let us run with patience the race that is set before us . ~ Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

  W hat we believe about the future determines how we live in the present. ~ David Clubb  A nd being not weak in faith,.... he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; BUT was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being full persuaded that what He had promised, He was able also to perform . ~ Romans 4:19-21 (ESV)

  Friday Tale ~ Four Words A king called all of his wise men and counselors together for a meeting. He addressed them and said, "I want you to go and think, read, and research. Consult the wisest and most learned men in the land. Spare no expense. I want you to find the ONE statement that will get me through all situations in life. Whether I am on top of the world or in the pits, find that statement." "I don't want to learn long and complicated philosophies. I want one simple statement. Find it or write it; I don't care, just bring me the statement." The men left and consulted for months. They finally returned and handed the King a scroll. The King unrolled the scroll. On it was written four words. "THIS TOO SHALL PASS" That was it. The wise men explained: When you are on top of the world, that is but a fleeting moment, things change, always remember, this too shall pass.  When you are in the pits, all nights are followed by day, at your lowest mom...

  P ersistent prayer produces powerful perseverance. ~ Anonymous A nd he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lost heart. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving . ~ Luke 18:1; Colossians 4:2 (ESV)

  F aith shouts out its trust in God through the storms. ~ Unknown F or He commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress . ~ Psalm 107:25, 28 (ESV)

  I f everything I owned were taken away, what would remain that defines who I am? ~ Anonymous Y our conduct must be free from the love of money and y ou must be content with what you have, for He has said, "I will never leave you and I will never abandon you." ~ Hebrews 13:5

  D uring times of testing what we really value comes to light. ~ David Clubb M y brothers and sisters, consider it nothing BUT joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of  your faith produces endurance . ~ James 1:2-3 (NET)

  Friday Tale ~ Swim LIke a Duck A D uck appears calm on the surface while paddling like crazy underneath. What can we learn from this example?  First, we learn we cannot judge by appearances. The duck looks calm as he glides along the surface of the pond. Second,, we learn the effort in an achievement is often hidden, just as the busy paddling of a duck can only be seen if we look beneath the surface of the water. This principles can be true in our lives. We may look like we accomplish task effortlessly, when, in fact, hours of preparation and mental concentration are required to pull it off. Any performer, such as a piano player, ballet dancer or athlete will confirm the energy and focus needed to convey an appearance of ease in their tasks. Just throw some food into a pond of ducks and you will see that they move very fast to retrieve the food. It takes energy and movement to propel us along, just as a duck must paddle in order to move in the water. We need to know what we want...

  D on't just count your years, make your years count. ~ Ernest Meyers B e dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming  at an hour that you do not expect . ~ Luke 12:35, 41

  S tanding in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic  from both ways. ~ Margaret Thatcher N o one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. ~ Matthew 6:24

  E very path has some puddles. ~ George Herbert T he lazy person's way seems over grown by thorns, BUT the path of the upright is a level highway . ~ Proverbs 15:19 (Jerusalem Bible)