Thoughts for 01Aug2012 #2120 Listening is not easy !! We ask God to forgive us when we do not listen to His voice. We ask God to give us faith and obedience and help us to go willingly where He wants us to go and do willingly what He would have us do. Luke 5:4-7 When [Jesus] finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Push the boat out further in the deep water, and you and your partners let down your nets for a catch." "Master," Simon answered, "we worked hard all night and caught nothing. But if you say so, I will let down the nets." They let them down and caught such a large number of fish that the nets were about to break. So they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats so full of fish that the boats were about to sink. 2120

Thoughts for 31Jul2012 # 2120 Listening is not easy !! We ask God to forgive us when we do not listen to His voice. We ask God to give us faith and obedience and help us to go willingly where He wants us to go and do willingly what He would have us do. Luke 5:4-7 When [Jesus] finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Push the boat out further in the deep water, and you and your partners let down your nets for a catch." "Master," Simon answered, "we worked hard all night and caught nothing. But if you say so, I will let down the nets." They let them down and caught such a large number of fish that the nets were about to break. So they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats so full of fish that the boats were about to sink. 2120

Thoughts for 30Jul2012 # 2119 Draw close to Him God is the master creator, our comforter, provider, refuge and fortress yet it is so easy for us to lose sight of how wonderful and merciful He is. We ask God to draw us close to Him. Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. 2119

Thoughts for 29Jul2012 # 2118 Mind over matter We are engrossed with many things, many concerns, needs and worries. So often we lose sight of God. We ask God to strengthen us Jul2012, as we surrender our thoughts and minds to Him. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 2118

Thoughts for 28Jul2012 # 2117 Anger management We get angry often. We ask God to forgive us for saying and doing things that hurt each other. We ask God to help us to learn to control our anger and to show us how to be more gentle and loving. Ephesians 4:31-32 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tender-hearted and forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven you. 2117

Thoughts for 27Jul2012 # 2116 He is compassionate We are often broken and battered. We need help and healing. We ask God to be with us and among us so that we may live this day strengthened and empowered to seek wholeness in our lives Matthew 12:30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 2116

Thoughts for 26Jul2012 # 2115 Healing the hurt God exposes us to frightening truths and dangerous situations. God opens our hearts to victims of family violence and helps us to reach out to them in loving support. Psalm 62:8-10 Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each one of your concerns. God is our place of safety. We humans are only a breath; none of us are truly great. All of us together weigh less than a puff of air. Don't trust in violence or depend on dishonesty or rely on great wealth 2115

Thoughts for 25Jul2012 # 2114 The need to speak We ask God to deliver us from the urge to open our mouths when we should shut it. We ask God to give us the wisdom to keep silence when silence is wise. We ask God to teach us that not everything needs to be said, and that there are very few things that need for us to say. Proverbs 11:13 "He who goes abroad as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing hidden." Ecclesiastes 3 : 17 "For every activity under heaven its time...a time for silence and a time for speech" Proverbs 11 : 12 "A man of understanding remains silent" 2114

Thoughts for 24Jul2012 # 2113 Spread His love Everyday we find ourselves coming up against boundaries that have mysteriously been drawn between people. We ask God to help us to see the lines of His love which connect us to all whom He has created. Psalm 14 “Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God. They have all gone astray, they are all alike perverse; there is no one who does good, no, not one. Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon the LORD? There they shall be in great terror, for God is with the company of the righteous. You would confound the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge. O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad.” 2113

Thoughts for 23Jul2012 # 2112 HE helps us everytime God helps us to see beyond the veil of our prejudices and fears. He helps us to see ourselves present in places, among people, where we often are unprepared to look. He helps us to learn the lessons of our past, that we might more faithfully represent us in the world as people of love, justice and service. Psalm 139 : 1 – 10 “O LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O LORD, you know it completely. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.” 2112

Thoughts for 22Jul2012 # 2111 HE helps us to see We know we are blind and we know that we see. We have blind spots and have moments of clarity. We ask God to help us to look at other people in world, in our lives, and open us to accepting them as they are, to finding ways of sharing life peacefully, to discovering our common humanity. Mark 8 : 22 - 26 “They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Can you see anything?" And the man looked up and said, "I can see people, but they look like trees, walking." Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, "Do not even go into the village." 2111

Thoughts for 21Jul2012 # 2110 Fears When we are troubled and afraid, God helps us to turn to Him. He restores the peace that comes from knowing we are doing what He asks of us. Job 5:8-27 Romans 8 : 15 You did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. 2110

Thoughts for 20Jul2012 # 2109 A beautiful day We thank God for doing something beautiful in our mind, our heart and in our lives Jul2012. Isaiah 52 : 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one who brings good news, who proclaims peace,... and salvation. 2109

Thoughts for 19Jul2012 # 2108 Stay focused God provides us shelter from the heat of the day, the storms of life and the bustle of our busy lives. We ask God to help us to remember to focus on Him, to offer Him our love, praise and gratitude. Jeremiah 17:7-8 But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. 2108

Thoughts for 18Jul2012 # 2107 HE knows us too well God knows us like no other. He sees our faults and yet He loves us. He sees our strengths and gives us opportunities to use them. Let us glorify God in all that we do Psalm 139:6 Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding. Psalm 139:13 You created every part of me. 2107

Thoughts for 17Jul2012 # 2106 Be obedient We ask God to help us always to follow the route He has planned for us. There are times we got lost when we find detours along the way. We ask God to give us the strength and the grace to stay focused on the path set before us to follow Him along the route to life everlasting. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Isaiah 40:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for God." Isaiah 49:11 I will make each of My mountains a road, and My highways shall be elevated. 2106

Thoughts for 16Jul2012 # 2105 Checks and balances We ask God to check on us and help us in the areas that need improving. We ask God to teach us to use our gifts to the fullest where they are needed and lead us to the peak of perfection Leviticus 25:3 For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. John 15:2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 2105

Thoughts for 15Jul2012 # 2104 Think before we speak We ask God to teach us to truly love as Jesus loves us. We know that an unruly tongue can hurt a lot of people and we ask God to help us to refrain from unkind and malicious talk. James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 2104

Thoughts for 14Jul2012 # 2103 Doing our part God has given us gifts, sufficient for the day, accompanied by the skills and wisdom to fulfill what we have been called to do. We ask God to forgive us for our failures to do as He asked. We ask God to open our eyes to see and to renew our aspirations for His power to work within us Jul2012. Exodus 36:1 Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded. Ephesians 4:4-7 There is one body and one Spirit -- just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 2103

Thoughts for 13Jul2012 # 2102 His flourishing love for us God makes us aware of His abounding love for us, certain that while we go through the storms of life, we can rest assured of His hand upon us. We ask God to help us as we pass His message on to others. Hebrews 6:19 This confidence is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain of heaven into God's inner sanctuary. 2102

Thoughts for 12Jul2012 # 2101 Perseverance We ask God to grant us perseverance in winning others for His kingdom. We ask God to keep us persistent in following His instructions for our lives, as recorded in the Scriptures. Romans 2:7 To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life. Romans 15:4-5 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. Luke 21:19 Staying with it -- that's what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won't be sorry; you'll be saved. 2101

Thoughts for 11Jul2012 # 2100 Fulfilling His will God is our strength in times of weakness; He gives us the vision to see that it is okay to be ourselves; and He grants us discernment, where His will is concerned, as we strive to be ourselves! Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 2100

Thoughts for 10Jul2012 # 2099 Be prepared We thank God for telling us Jul2012 # of the importance of putting on His whole armour, in order to be protected against Satan's attacks. Ephesians 6:13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 2099

Thoughts for 09Jul2012 # 2098 Be attentive We ask God to be present with us in times when we tend to loose our focus on Him. We ask God to help us to be more attentive to His words. We ask God to help us to do His will in our lives and to bring glory and honour to Him Psalm 54:2 Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. 2098

Thoughts for 08Jul2012 # 2097 Trust We place our trust in God and let the resilience of His love support us as we commit trust in Him to hold us up. Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 31:14 But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." 2097

Thoughts for 07Jul2012 # 2096 To be good vessels for His purpose When we become stained, tarnished and dirtied by the world and by our failures, we ask God to grant us his forgiveness and purify us, to make us good vessels for His awesome presence within us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2096

Thoughts for 06Jul2012 # 2095 Strength in our weakness We ask God to use us as He has need, to reach out to others and to bring about His purposes in His world. We ask God to keep our hearts open and attuned to His leading. 2 Corinthians 12:9a,10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2095

Thoughts for 05Jul2012 # 2094 Do not judge others We ask God to forgive us for being harsh and unthinking. We ask God to forgive us for not taking the time to know the people around us. We ask God to forgive us for thinking our way is always right. We thank God for really understanding who we are. Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you. 2094

Thoughts for 04Jul2012 # 2093 HE knows all our needs God loves us and He knows our needs before we do and always has a solution to our dilemma ready when we need it. Philippians 4:12,19 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 2093

Thoughts for 03Jul2012 # 2092 Our preoccupations We tend to fill our lives with so many things that we see as necessary. We busy our lives to the point of exhaustion. We ask God to help us to pick out the necessity of a right relationship with Him and each other. We ask God to help us to slow down and spend more time with Him and reading His Word. 1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 2092

Thoughts for 02Jul2012 # 2091 Study His Word We thank God for His Word that teaches us the way we should live our lives. We ask God to help us to read His Word every day, and to pay attention when He speaks to us, so that our lives will be pleasing to Him, and so that He will be glorified in all that we say and do. We ask God to transform our minds and hearts so that we can faithfully follow Him all the days of our lives. Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped for every good work. James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 2091

Thoughts for 01Jul2012 # 2090 How safe can we be ?? We look to God as one to lead us in making wise choices, and one to turn to when we fail, or fall. Genesis 6:16 You shall make a window for the ark, and shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Job 9:4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength. 2090