31 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3304

31 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3304

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

3304

30 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3303

30 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3303

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.

3303

29 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3302

29 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3302

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. …

3302

28 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3301

28 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3301

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.

3301

27 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3300

27 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3300

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

3300

26 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3299

26 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3299

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.

3299

25 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3298

25 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3298

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.

3298

24 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3297

24 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3297

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.

3297

23 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3296

23 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3296

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.

3296

22 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3295

22 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3295

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?

3295

21 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3294

21 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3294

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.

3294

20 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3293

20 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3293

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.

3293

19 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3292

19 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3292

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.

3292

18 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3291

18 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3291

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.

3291

17 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3290

17 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3290

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart

Jeremiah 17:9-10a 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our hearts. He searches our hearts. Let's show God by our actions that we are speaking the truth. That is what He wants.

3290

16 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3289

16 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3289

Jesus promised: If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 

Matthew 18:19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Pray that we learn not to do things for people we are trying to help, but to work alongside them, rejoicing in the strength and hope they bring.

3289

15 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3288

15 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3288

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We are chosen with a purpose. We are brought out of the darkness of sin and given the wonderful light of salvation so we can help others.

3288

14 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3287

14 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3287

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.

John 3:20-21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

To have a remarkable sense of freedom we must confess our sins and ask God to search us and reveal anything spiritually unhealthy and unholy in us.

3287

13 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3286

13 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3286

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This verse is a powerful reminder that when we make life-long partnerships with those who do not share our deepest values, we are endangering our spiritual health.

3286

12 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3285

12 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3285

In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:4-5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus gives us life that gives us light that darkness cannot take away.

3285

11 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3284

11 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3284

When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your

God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 24:19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God has always set aside a provision for the poor.

3284

10 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3283

10 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3283

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.

3283

09 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3282

09 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3282

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs. The poor will see and be glad -- you who seek God, may your hearts live!

Psalm 69:30-32

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our praise should not only please God but also stir our generosity which in turn blesses others and leads them to praise God.

3282

08 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3281

08 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3281

He had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 2:17

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus had to be one of us. He did this so He could be like us in every way. He did this so He could be the perfect and faithful high priest who not only make atonement for our sins, but also the atoning sacrifice for those sins.

3281

07 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3280

07 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3280

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 2:18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus was tempted like we are! He suffered like we do! Jesus knew suffering and mortality and that he now lives to redeem, to bless, and to ultimately help us

3280

06 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3279

06 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3279

You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you. May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel.

Psalm 69:5-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We are all weak and sinful. We still have Jesus to atone for our sins and to intercede before the Father on our behalf. We still have problems with our sin.

This verse reminds us not to make our sin to be an embarrassment to God or his people. Let's avoid sin because that is what God wants us to do. Let's avoid sin so it won't reflect badly on God's people.

3279

05 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3278

05 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3278

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God's Message of salvation was with him at creation. John wants us to know that Jesus, God's Word and ultimate Message, was with God from the very beginning.. He is God with us, as Matthew puts it (Matthew 1:23). He is God come to visit us as Luke tells us (Luke 7:16). He is the Son of God as Mark reminds (Mark 1:1). He is God's ultimate and final Word (Hebrews 1:1-2)!

3278

04 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3277

04 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3277

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God wants us to have real life that lasts forever. That's why he sent Jesus, so we could have life. That is why Jesus left Him and came to earth, endured the Cross and its humiliation, and rose from the dead.

3277

03 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3276

03 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3276

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God's message wasn't confined to a book, a prophecy, or a scroll. God’s message, this Word, took on flesh and blood and bones and  didn't remain far off, distantly holy and unapproachable. It came to us in human flesh, bringing us love, hope, redemption, mercy, salvation, joy...

3276

02 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3275

02 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3275

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3:17

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God sent Jesus to save people of all nations and races and cultures from sin and death !

3275

01 Aug 2014 Thoughts#3274

01 Aug 2014

Thoughts#3274

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

2 Corinthians 9:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God has blessed us so much in Jesus. Yet God wants to bless us even more.

God does this because He is a generous. He doess this because that is his nature ... and He wants us to be like him! God blesses us to be a blessing to others!

                    

3274