31 May 2014 Thoughts#3212

31 May 2014

Thoughts#3212

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Psalm 139:11-12 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

In dark and gloomy moments, when our lives are overshadowed with sorrow, worry, and grief, it is comforting and reassuring to know that Christ is our light, and that the darkness is not dark to Him. He beautifies our lives with His own everlasting peace and powerful light.

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30 May 2014 Thoughts#3211

30 May 2014

Thoughts#3211

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised

Hebrews 6:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Keeping the faith requires a lot of hard work

Through the virtues of faith and patience, we experience God's promises being fulfilled.

Faith seems much stronger in simpler times.

People in the past also had their share of pressure, stress, and burdens. They just put God at the centre and worked their lives around Him. We should better start to do the same.

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29 May 2014 Thoughts#3210

29 May 2014

Thoughts#3210

And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive.

Matthew 21:22 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Prayer

is taking action.

shows that we acknowledge our need of the Lord's loving, powerful work.

changes every situation,

changes us

changes those involved in the situation.

God listens and answers our prayers according to His purposes.

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28 May 2014 Thoughts#3209

28 May 2014

Thoughts#3209

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we accept the person of Jesus and His teaching into our daily lives, we become new in the attitude of our minds. We become more and more like God. His righteousness and His holiness permeate our very beings. Our old sinful natures give way to the power of the Lord, and our lives become enriched by the mosaic of Christ's love.

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27 May 2014 Thoughts#3208

27 May 2014

Thoughts#3208

Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord. 

Lamentations 3:40 

Thus it was beautiful in greatness and in the length of its branches, because its roots reached to abundant waters.

Ezekiel 31:7 

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving

Colossians 2:6-7 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our roots in the Lord can be shallow and short, or we can become deeply rooted in Him. At times, we need to have weeds removed from our lives, and when we do, as with the plants, we need to have all the root removed or that area will continue to have a hold in our lives.

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26 May 2014 Thoughts#3207

26 May 2014

Thoughts#3207

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Psalm 36:9 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

At times, we can feel weary, alone, and forsaken. Our spirits can be tired, depressed, and isolated. During those dry times, we need to turn to Jesus, our fountain of life and bright light of hope. Through Him and with Him, we can be replenished, re-strengthened, and restored. All we need to do is ask Him

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25 May 2014 Thoughts#3206

25 May 2014

Thoughts#3206

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:12-14 

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Matthew 10:16 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The dove has been a symbol of Christianity since its early stages, and has several representations. It depicts the presence of the Holy Spirit, who descended upon Jesus, as described in the Gospels. But the dove is also a symbol of peace and forgiveness, as it relates to the story of Noah near the end of the flood: "When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf!" (Genesis 8:11 )

This peaceful dove, the Holy Spirit, gentle but no less powerful, is able to produce the qualities mentioned in today's Scripture, if we will yield our lives to Him. Through the Spirit's power, we may be wise yet harmless.

We are to be clothed not only with the garment of salvation but also with the garments of love and Christian service, as Jesus commands us: "Be dressed ready for service."(Luke 12:35) Then, we may be a light sent forth to shine in this lost and dark world.

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24 May 2014 Thoughts#3205

24 May 2014

Thoughts#3205

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Habakkuk 2:3 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Waiting is an important part of serving God. It's His will that matters, not our own. We may be living in unsettling times, but God will decide when He wants finally to intervene. There is nothing that we can do but hope and pray, stand and wait.

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23 May 2014 Thoughts#3204

23 May 2014

Thoughts#3204

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Psalm 119:130 

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 1:5 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We sometimes experience times of adversity: neglect, disharmony, deep grief, or a myriad of things that thrust us into a dimming situation. It is not always easy to keep the light on in our darkest hours. In such times, it is not unusual to question His presence, threatening our ability to stay strong in our faith while working through our problems.

But just like that little light in the dim doorway, we need to keep God's light shining in our hearts and minds. We need to keep the hope that one day, too, our door to better times will be opened.

Whether in good or troubled times, by keeping His light shining within us, we then are shining examples for others.

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22 May 2014 Thoughts#3203

22 May 2014

Thoughts#3203

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.

Hebrews 3:12-14 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When life becomes wearisome, it is for a good reason.  It may be pride, anger, sorrow, disillusionment, something negative that we watch or read, or maybe stress caused by differences with those we love, work with, or maybe even worship.

Whatever the cause,  God knows our frailties of mind, body, and soul. He can see when we are out of alignment with Him and His way. If we recognize the need ourselves, when we are rubbing up against the brakes in some manner, and seek Him to be realigned, Jesus will fix us up and put us straight.

Then, even if our circumstances stay the same, Jesus in us will change our perspective, our resolve, our willingness, and our ability to overcome, so that we can continue on the Way, safe in Him, wherever that leads, up hill or down dale.

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21 May 2014 Thoughts#3202

21 May 2014

Thoughts#3202

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Matthew 5:45b 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God has no favourites and that through His mercy, He showers blessings upon people whether or not they deserve them. We tend to be more judgmental and critical, but Christ is telling us that for grace to be grace, it has to be applied where it is least expected. In other words, God gives every opportunity for souls and spirits to grow under His care.

Therefore, let's try to find opportunities of applying God's grace with the people we meet today. Let's do it where it's least expected and totally undeserved. In doing so, we may rediscover the joy of God's grace that we also don't deserve.

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20 May 2014 Thoughts#3201

20 May 2014

Thoughts#3201

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 

Romans 5:3-5 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Most of us do not like suffering. When our life takes a turn from the normal, we often end up acting out. We may yowl and holler in frustration as we rail against the situation. When this doesn't bring the desired change, bad temper and pity parties may make their entrance, followed by a stage of plea bargaining with God to open the doors of whatever suffering has us confined within such an intolerable situation.

We read our Bible more. We pray continually. We do every good act of mercy we can manage, yet still, the constraint of suffering is not lifted.

Perhaps, it's because the journey is not yet over, a journey which God has allowed us to embark upon that we might become larger -- more mature people -- spiritually.

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19 May 2014 Thoughts#3200

19 May 2014

Thoughts#3200

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted 

Matthew 5:4 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The emphasis on the Scripture verse, those who mourn are said to be "blessed", and at the end, they are "comforted". So it is, as we journey through all of our various mourning and grieving. Our tears may be sweet or bitter, but God blesses them all. So, let us feel free to mourn and grieve, and shed our tears in repentance for sin, or for the loss of a beloved one, or in pity, shame, or hurt.

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18 May 2014 Thoughts#3199

18 May 2014

Thoughts#3199

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Most of us bear the scars of those who have hurt us in one way or another. Some of these wounds can be fairly superficial, while others can be deep and long-lasting. Such wounds can rob us of healthy relationships with others, as well as our own inner peace, confidence, and joy. When we choose to believe and embrace the words of Scripture, however, it is amazing the comfort and direction which is available to each and every one of us -- no matter how much we have suffered or struggled with.

God is our comfort. He is able, amidst it all, to guide and lead and direct, to touch and heal, and to restore that which has been stolen. With restoration also comes ministry, as in Christ we become vessels of comfort and healing to others.

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17 May 2014 Thoughts#3198

17 May 2014

Thoughts#3198

Didn't we say to you in Egypt, "Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians"? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert! 

Exodus 14:12 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Perhaps some of us are struggling with an issue from the past or are deeply troubled about our present circumstances. Maybe we're pining for the good old days or fearful of what lies ahead. Whatever we are experiencing, it's time to surrender it all to Christ and place it in His hands. Being depressed about the past or anxious about the future just saps our energy, well-being, and health. When we put ourselves in Christ's arms, He embraces us and all our baggage. He promises to help us through the emotional wilderness and to lead each of us to a better life, a more hopeful time, and a brighter day. I know this to be true.

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16 May 2014 Thoughts#3197

16 May 2014

Thoughts#3197

This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

John 15:8 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The fruit of the Spirit produced in our lives become more noticeable as they are improved.

To improve our fruit of the Spirit, we need to partner with God in the various acts of ministry. As we work in partnership with Him, there will be indicators in our lives that we are becoming more Christlike. As we grow, we also rejoice in the spiritual fruit in the lives of those with whom we share life's journey.

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15 May 2014 Thoughts#3196

15 May 2014

Thoughts#3196

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God's ways often seem foolish to the wise of this world, but only God's ways lead to life and godliness.

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14 May 2014 Thoughts#3195

14 May 2014

Thoughts#3195

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers.

Philippians 4:6 

Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord.

2 Kings 19:14 

Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. 

Matthew 7:7 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Very often when we have a problem, we worry about it until we are at our wit's end. Then when all else fails, we pray.

Hezekiah gives us a good example to follow. In 2 Kings chapter 19, he received a letter from a messenger of the King of Assyria, challenging him to surrender Jerusalem or be destroyed. When Hezekiah read it, he went to the house of the Lord and prayed, asking the Lord to save Jerusalem. Through the prophet Isaiah, God had already promised deliverance. Hezekiah followed instructions. His prayer was answered. Instead of worrying, Hezekiah saved his energy by turning to God first.

Like Hezekiah, we, too, can turn to God first and ask, rather than wasting all our time and energy in worrying about the situation

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13 May 2014 Thoughts#3194

13 May 2014

Thoughts#3194

And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

Isaiah 41:10 

God can do anything, you know -- far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! 

Ephesians 3:20 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Draw near to God with trusting and believing hearts in full assurance of faith that He hears us and will help us with our needs and the needs of others.

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12 May 2014 Thoughts#3193

12 May 2014

Thoughts#3193

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 

Isaiah 1:18 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Often in our spiritual lives, we question God when we don't understand what is happening.

God invites us to ask Him questions and to reason life's issues out with Him.

Let's respond to His invitation to communicate with Him, to ask Him the hard questions in life. …

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11 May 2014 Thoughts#3192

11 May 2014

Thoughts#3192

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. 

Micah 5:4-5a 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Some of us may be going through hard times and be stressed out and weary. We may feel frightened or confused about the issues we are facing. We may be angry or distressed at being hurt or disappointed.

Jesus knows the issues; He understands our worries.

If we quietly take time out, we will hear His voice. If we turn towards Him now, He will gently speak to us.

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10 May 2014 Thoughts#3191

10 May 2014

Thoughts#3191

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Despite the occurrence of disease and epidemics that have taken the lives of untold millions, human beings continue to survive.

Let us marvel at the foresight of God who prepared our bodies to interact with the physical world

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09 May 2014 Thoughts#3190

09 May 2014

Thoughts#3190

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? 

Psalm 27:1 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When we let go and let God, we find His protection and guidance sufficient for our daily lives. Through faith, we know that He is in charge of life.

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08 May 2014 Thoughts#3189

08 May 2014

Thoughts#3189

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We need to keep telling the story of God's love for us, and how, every day, we should keep on talking about this story and passing it along.

Think of it as a legacy to enjoy, and keep on telling God's stories handed down through our Bibles to this generation and to generations yet to come, carrying on with our Christian beliefs and traditions.

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07 May 2014 Thoughts#3188

07 May 2014

Thoughts#3188

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 -

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

It is wonderful to know that even though we are tempted over and over, God will never leave us or forsake us, and He rescues us again and again. He can enable us to recognize such traps and resist their allure.

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06 May 2014 Thoughts#3187

06 May 2014

Thoughts#3187

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit

Galatians 5:25 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We go through our life's journeys from beginning to end, usually at our own pace. In the best of times and the worst of times, we still journey on, until we come to a dead stop.

Here we know that there is a better way to get through life -- a life that is lived in step with the Holy Spirit -- a life designed so that the fruits of the Spirit can be ours for the taking.

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05 May 2014 Thoughts#3186

05 May 2014

Thoughts#3186

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

2 Corinthians 9:11,15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God graces us with many things of beauty in so very many ways, including a plant in bloom or the friendly smile of a stranger passing us on a street. Do we remember to "burst into thanks" when we are given these unexpected gifts?

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04 May 2014 Thoughts#3185

04 May 2014

Thoughts#3185

The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need

Psalm 23:1 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God meets our every need. Through this wonderful relationship with our Lord, we receive rest, refreshment, healing, guidance, and so on.

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03 May 2014 Thoughts#3184

03 May 2014

Thoughts#3184

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

Psalm 23:4 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God uses a rod and staff, much like a shepherd does, to correct and comfort us. How does a shepherd use a rod? The rod could be thrown great distances to take down a predator. The rod was also used for discipline, correcting a wayward sheep. The staff must be strong with a hook at the end, suitable for removing a sheep from thorny or dangerous situations. In the hands of the Good Shepherd, we can rely on protection, salvation, and yes, discipline. God is there for us in the shadows, but we may well face a huge learning curve.

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02 May 2014 Thoughts#3183

02 May 2014

Thoughts#3183

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Hebrews 4:16 

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you

1 Peter 5:7 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God who created the entire universe loves us all so much that He wants us to talk to Him in prayer on a daily basis. Not only that, He wants us to take all of our needs and problems to Him and give them to Him to look after.

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01 May 2014 Thoughts#3182

01 May 2014

Thoughts#3182

Give us today our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We depend upon God each day to guide and lead us, comfort and sustain us. God is our daily bread and the bread of eternal life.

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