Thoughts for 31Aug2012 #2150 Selfish lifestyle Self-centeredness is the basic cause of much of our distress in life. Our loves, our interests and our energies are too often focused upon ourselves. Many of us live selfishly. Matthew 19 : 21 If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. Here in this verse, Jesus wants us to be released from selfishness and its destructive effect on our personality and life. John 3 : 30 He must become greater; I must become less. 2150

Thoughts for 30Aug2012 #2149 How to be rich There are two ways of being rich – have a lot or want very little The latter way is the easiest for most of us. Many people make themselves miserable by wanting more than they can ever have. They can never get enough of the insatiable desire for more, better and newer things. We need not learn how to get more but how to get along with what we have got, and get on with the business of really living. Luke 12 : 15 Then he said to them, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions 2149

Thoughts for 29Aug2012 #2148 Be truthful The purity of our conduct comes from truthfulness. We should be truthful in our representation of ourselves. We should avoid hypocrisy. We should be truthful in speaking of our past achievements. A lie is anything that opposes the naked truth !! Psalm 51 : 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 2148

Thoughts for 28Aug2012 #2147 Lonely Loneliness is no respecter of persons It invades the palace as well as the humble hut. Loneliness causes many to turn to drinking to lose their sanity to commit suicide Moses was not alone in the Midian Desert when God came to comfort him and call him to a wider ministry Elijah was not alone at the cave when God came near and spoke to him Paul and Silas were not alone in the Philippian jail Deuteronomy 3 : 16 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." 2147

Thoughts for 27Aug2012 #2146 Victory over our tongues The tongue - this instrument of speech can be used destructively or employed constructively Tongues are used to slander, to gripe, to scold, to nag, to quarrel Tongues are used to bless and to praise Most of our problems could be solved if men could get victory over their tongues. Suppose there were no anger, no vulgarity, no lying, no grumbling, no complaining no dirty stories, no unjust criticism It would have been a different world !!!! Before we speak, we should ask ourselves Is it true ? Is it kind ? James 1 : 26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 4 : 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you 2146

Thoughts for 26Aug2012 #2145 What is peace ? Peace is - To be able to sleep in the storm. Peace is - The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest Peace is - To be relaxed, and at peace in the midst of the confusions, bewilderments and perplexities of life. Psalm 39 : 7 But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. 2145

Thoughts for 25Aug2012 #2144 Lying Lying can be so easy. It often seems like the best way to avoid a sticky problem or to protect ourselves from the results of other bad choices. Lying always backfires. Proverbs 13 : 5 The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace 2144

Thoughts for 24Aug2012 #2143 My daily life A Christian life is a lifestyle that builds on past lessons and decisions, but it also depends on our dedication day by day. It is a life of daily commitment. We cannot live off yesterday’s successes, last week’s prayers, or the Bible stories we heard when we were young. Each new day is both a challenge and an opportunity. Our faith will be challenged, and we can use that challenge as an opportunity to grow in our relationship with God.. As each day unfolds, we must pause and remind ourselves that this is a day dedicated to God, that it is to be used for His glory, and that it is beast lived with a continual recollection of what Jesus did for us on the cross. 2143

Thoughts for 23Aug2012 #2142 Angry - good or bad ??? To be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way, is not easy !!!! If anger is mingled with malice, it becomes sinful. If it is associated with a holy disposition, it is safe and good. Becoming angry with someone because of personal resentment or envy is sinful. Anger, aroused by injustice or evil, and accompanied by a sincere desire to see God’s will performed, is both healthy and effective. Ephesians 4 : 26-27 In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. 2142

Thoughts for 22Aug2012 #2141 Getting into trouble When our tongue is out of work – not being used for constructive and useful purposes – we are more likely to get in trouble with it. We find it so easy to say the kinds of things that are disrespectful, slanderous, cruel, or immoral. Proverbs 21 : 23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. 2141

Thoughts for 21Aug2012 #2140 Character building The people of ancient China built a massive wall to protect themselves from the barbaric hordes that swept down from the north The wall was too high for the enemy to climb, too thick to tear down and too long to go around. Yet during the first 100 years of the wall’s existence, China was invaded three times. The enemies simply bribed a gatekeeper and then marched easily through a gate. The fatal flaw in this defense system lay in spending its wealth to build a wall but paying much less to build the character of the gatekeepers. Proverbs 14 : 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people 2140

Thoughts for 20Aug2012 #2139 Good virtues Character is measured by the love and faithfulness we genuinely show in our daily lives. These are not simple virtues that we can fake. We show merciful love when we have power over another but choose to treat them with kindness and genuine concern. Faithfulness is being a person of truth -- genuine and trustworthy in word and deed. These virtues need to be a part of our everyday lives and permeate our very identity. When they do, others will notice and God will be pleased. Proverbs 3 : 3-4 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 2139

Thoughts for 19Aug2012 #2138 Trust No matter how terrifying things around you seem to get, trust God. He will always be faithful never be out doing something else when you need help be right there to deliver you from any problem be right there to deliver you from any catastrophe be right there to deliver you from any kind of devastation No other can deliver like Him! Psalm 91:7-10 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 2138

Thoughts for 18Aug2012 #2137 Fear Could you live without fear? Fear is not just a reaction to external circumstances. It's a spiritual force. It begins inside a person. And it is totally destructive. In fact, fear is Satan's primary weapon. He moves in response to fear, the way God moves in response to faith. He challenges the promises of God with it. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Use it to fight Satan every time he comes against you. Hold up your shield of faith and quench all of his fiery darts. Speak words of faith and fear will depart. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2137

Thoughts for 17Aug2012 #2136 Undecided ??? What happens when you hesitate to do something God has told you to do? If you want to live by faith, hesitation is one of the most hazardous habits you could ever have. A person who is hesitant is "unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything he thinks, feels, and decides". When God speaks, do not waste a moment. Step right out in faith. By doing this, you can always keep the devil a step behind you! James 1:6-8 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. 2136

Thoughts for 16Aug2012 #2135 I am in debt We should feel an obligation to pass along to others the kindness shown to us. We are indebted to God for everything. And the least we can do is to show our appreciation by telling others about Him. Whether it is a smile to a stranger, an unexpected gift of money to the poor, a helping hand, a word of encouragement or witness, do it for Jesus’ sake. Galatians 6 : 10 Do not hesitate to do good to all 2135

Thoughts for 15Aug2012 #2134 Do not worry "Take one day at a time" "Don't worry about tomorrow". It is also about obedience. It is about trust. Do I trust God to look after my future, or do I need to look after myself? Matthew 6:34, Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you Remember when God promised to send manna to the Israelites in the desert, so that they would always have bread to eat? (Exodus 16:1 - 36) Some people didn't believe God would send manna again the next day; they weren't sure they could trust Him, so they gathered extra just in case. The next morning the manna they had collected was crawling with maggots. Listen to what God said to Moses about the situation. "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions" (Exodus 16:4.) The people's obedience to God was a measure of their faith in Him. If they followed His instructions, it was proof that they trusted Him. When Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow was a good command. He knew we would be overwhelmed by the weight of the future (remember the Israelites were in the desert for forty years.) Therefore He instructed us to obey Him Aug2012 #and trust Him for tomorrow. 2134

Thoughts for 14Aug2012 #2133 When do we need help ? There are times when we need help . It's not a weakness or a fault; it's simply part of life. *Sometimes it will be physical needs money, a job, a car or toys for the kids. * It may be a need to be left alone. * You may need emotional stability where there is challenge or change. * You may need wisdom and insight when you face confusion or question marks in life. * You may need patience when you face some circumstance in your life. God gives us a simple tool to use in times of need in our own lives. He says we are simply to praise His name. It's important to intentionally bring our focus to Him. Praising His name helps us focus on what His name means to us. It is the source of life to our hearts in the midst of trying times. Philippians 4 : 19 My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus 2133

Thoughts for 13Aug2012 #2132 Discipline Discipline is considered troublesome, exasperating, and unnecessary. We want freedom and no direction because it might conflict with what we want to do. God disciplines out of love to bless us. It is a sign of his delight. Why? He is not content to leave us unchanged, unmotivated, and disinterested. He wants to move us closer to Him! Proverbs 3 : 11-12 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. 2132

Thoughts for 12Aug2012 #2131 Words and Actions Words We can tell people that we love them. We can explain how precious they are to us. Actions When we sacrifice our preferences for another, we show our respect and affection. When we sacrifice ourselves, our wishes, and our preferences for a friend, we give the greatest of all gifts and prove our love beyond any doubt. John 15 : 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends 2131

Thoughts for 11Aug2012 #2130 Be truthful Love has its delights. One of those delights is in what is authentic and genuine -- TRUTH! Let us not be deceitful, manipulative, or coercive in our relationships. Instead, we must be transparent, intimate, and honest. Why? Because true love delights in truth. 1 Corinthians 13 : 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth 2130

Thoughts for 10Aug2012 #2129 What is the source of our strengths ? There are times in each of our spiritual lives when we face challenges far too big for our own resources and strengths. The real question that each of us must face is very simple: Where do we place our trust? What is the source of our confidence? Is it our abilities ? our skills ? our insight our strength ? Or is it God's? Zechariah 4:5-6 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." Zerubbabbel faced such a challenge. God sent a prophet to remind him, and us through him, that our greatest victories will not be won by our power and might. Greatest victories will occur when we trust that God's power is greater than our weakness and God's might is greater than our insufficiencies. 2129

Thoughts for 09Aug2012 #2128 Meaning and purpose of life It is difficult for men to even attempt to explain the meaning and purpose of life and other serious spiritual questions. If they do try, they cannot prove their views are right or wrong, and they often contradict one another. People cannot provide spiritual guidance Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Isaiah 55 : 8-9 Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land. The LORD Almighty has declared in my hearing: Surely the great houses will become desolate, the fine mansions left without occupants. 2128

Thoughts for 08Aug2012 #2127 Love is patient! God reveals His love and patience to us. We ask God to give us patience inn all our relationships 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 2127

Thoughts for 07Aug2012 #2126 Be part of the plan We wonder about the suffering we have to go through, and why so much of it is necessary. We ask God to give us some insight into His perfect plan for us, so that we can be more patient while waiting for His answer. Isaiah 48:10 See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. 2126

Thoughts for 06Aug2012 #2125 Accept Him God uses us daily and gives us opportunities when He speaks to us through His Word. We ask God to help us to be fully open to the shaping and moulding He wants to do in our lives Jeremiah 18:3 So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 2125

Thoughts for 05Aug2012 #2124 Nothing wasted God gives us strength so that in what we do for Him, we do not become discouraged and weary. We ask God to give us a hint of His plans in which we can have a part. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. 2124

Thoughts for 04Aug2012 #2123 Bloom where we are planted? We ask God to grant us the confidence to accept things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. 1 Corinthians 12:17-18 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 2123

Thoughts for 03Aug2012 #2122 Worries and problems God encourages us and gives us the strength to face Jul2012’s problems Aug2012 #and leave tomorrow’s worries to tomorrow. Matthew 6:34 Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 2122

Thoughts for 02Aug2012 #2121 Be grounded in His truth We thank God for all the faithful witnesses who have gone before us. We ask God to make us hungry and thirsty for the knowledge of His Word. We ask God to help us to turn away from worthless things and let our lives be grounded in His truth. Psalm 119:15,16 I will meditate on thy precepts, and fix my eyes on thy ways. I will delight in thy statutes; I will not forget thy word. 2121